Best PC Controller 2020: The Best PC Gaming Pads

Man playing computer game on custom made desktop with joypad, keyboard, mouse.

When the need an alternative to keyboard + mouse.

A gaming keyboard and gaming mouse are usually great buddies whenever it comes to PC gaming inputs, but it is not always going to be true. Not all games have gameplay that applies itself to the form of binary data that they get from a mouse, nor the eight separate ways that they can push through the WASD keys. And, if they don’t target a projectile weapon, it negates a lot of a mouse ‘s benefit. That is where a control system in the PC gaming space still can light up.

A controller’s analogue inputs will give the more precise power in several games, enabling them to travel slowly (maybe slip into a stealth game), or power the trajectory in more fine-tuned ways. In this scenario, the might drive a car in a seamless arc around a long curve, instead of jerkily veering little by pressing A or D on a keyboard a few times (if they’ve played GTA on a console, they know just what we’re referring about). And, one should not forget how rewarding it can be to mash away in fighting games or brawlers on controller buttons. But of course specialized controls like driving wheels and combat sticks go much further to offer the benefits over keyboard and mouse.

Controllers often get the advantage when there’s little desk space. If they ever set up the PC for some couch gaming next to a TV, users quickly realize how difficult it is to play without a lapboard with a keyboard and a mouse.

Yeah, there is no pride about grabbing a trusty joystick, race wheel, or combat stick for specific times and games where a keyboard and mouse just doesn’t cut it. The closest they can find is these. When they are shopping in the UK, please click here to find out where the right PC controls can be located.

  • TL;DR-The Top PC Controllers are:
  • Xbox One Controller
  • Logitech F310
  • Astro C40 TR
  • Sony DualShock 4
  • Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller
  • Steam Controller
  • Razer Wolverine Ultimate
  • SteelSeries Stratus Duo
  • 8Bitdo Sn30 Pro
  • Switch Pro Controller
  • PowerA Spectra Enhanced
  • Hori Real Arcade Pro V Kai
  • Thrustmaster TS-PC Racer

1. Xbox One Controller

Best PC Controller

The Xbox One Controller is also the device for de facto Windows play. Although it needs either a wired USB interface or Microsoft Xbox One Wireless Adapter for Windows, no other gamepad on this category is as completely compliant with a PC as the Xbox One Controller. They apparently can’t have to do any button mapping for games in 99 per cent of instances, because most know this device as though they’re interacting with a real Xbox One S or Xbox One X.

But apart from its ease of usage, the Xbox One is well balanced and has a decent button that which will make it an excellent choice for most consumers irrespective of the size of their hands. Even the triggers are unique, and it also has a nice D-Pad for playing retro sports.

2. Logitech F310

Best Budget PC Controller

If they’re a dedicated keyboard and mouse gamer can just occasionally consider using a gamepad, then the Logitech F310 is a perfect choice. It costs only $15, but it includes all the need including dual joysticks, bumpers and triggers, four standard face buttons, as well as an eight directional D-Pad.

Such thin, nubby handles don’t allow for perfect ergonomics, but it shouldn’t matter if the just pick up a controller to drive vehicles in games like Grand Theft Auto V or Battlefield V for brief bursts.

3. Astro C40 TR

Most Customizable PC Controller

The Astro C40 TR is the most customizable PC controller the can purchase (read our review). If the like longer joysticks, a triangular D-Pad, faster trigger throws, different features keyed to the extra pair of buttons on the underneath of this controller, the Astro C40 TR lets them do it all. However, it also allows them to swap the D-Pad and left joystick position, based on either the like the Xbox or PS4 lathet better. The right thumbstick also sits on a detachable module, meaning the can substitute the controller’s three main components if they wear out.

Customizing the Astro C40 TR extends even more as the have the app that lets the life on the device with a single click, change the strength of the joysticks and controls, modify the sound blend that passes through the 3.5 mm audio port, and even move the rumble balance on the controller’s left and right sides.

4. Sony DualShock 4

Best Bluetooth PC Controller

The Sony DualShock 4 works fantastically over Bluetooth with gaming PCs. While the possibly won’t need an extra dongle — and if they do, any Bluetooth Adapter will work — to attach this controller to the Computer, they’ll have to run an extra bit of DS4Windows software. When enabled and a little button mapping has been completed, the should be all set.

The advantage of using the PC with a DualShock 4 is that the not only have the normal gamepad functions, but they can still use the gyroscopes to incorporate acceleration adjustments. If the so like, they can also add the touchpad to the control system.

5. Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller

Best High-End PC Controller

Whether they’re seeking an Xbox controller that doesn’t hold back, then they’re going to want the controller Xbox Elite Series 2 (read our review). This platform updates from the initial Elite controller by incorporating wireless charging utilizing a pogo-pin docking frame. The adapter can easily fit into the carrying case of the controller, where it can also be powered in.

The Xbox Elite Series 2 controller is now updated with Bluetooth link assistance, allowing connecting with their laptop or even smartphones simpler than ever. This has decided to move away from Micro USB to use a USB-C connection instead. It also has swappable analogue sticks, several D-Pads, and tunable buttons to provide a gameplay environment that can be modified as per the individual requirements.

6. Steam Controller

Bringing the Touchpad to Controllers

The Steam Connection may have been another Valve hardware fault; however, the Steam Controller (see our review) is already superb. It is undoubtedly unique among the various Computer gamepads as it uses two touchpads rather than joysticks. As these two circular touch surfaces serve as thumbsticks when swiped, they can, however, function as a mouse that enables them to click and move a box over units in an RTS game, or position items in games like The Sims 4.

The unique control inputs of the Steam Controller provide a lot of additional features to allow them more flexibility on how they play Computer games. Furthermore, even the Steam community will access or exchange control mappings.

7. Razer Wolverine Ultimate

Best PC Controller for FPS Games

While so far all controllers have interested in bringing console controls to the PC, the Razer Wolverine Ultimate succeeds in bringing some PC control to game controllers. The Razer Wolverine Ultimate includes four buttons on the underside equipped for gaming mice to serve as a sniper button or DPI turn. The person controlling it, can increase or decrease the sensitivity of the joysticks for faster camera panning, or cautiously centre the aim, based on which of these bottom buttons are engaged.

The Wolverine Ultimate also provides an extra pair of bumpers for gamers, plus swappable thumbsticks and D-Pads. Maybe what I notice about the gamepad of Razer is that it includes some of the clickiest buttons I’ve seen on a device, making it look more like I’m playing with a computer mouse than a joystick.

8. SteelSeries Stratus Duo

Ready to Go Out of the Box

The Steel Series Stratus Duo (read our review) might sound like a controller designed exclusively for smartphones and VR devices, but for gaming, PCs are also a right choice. This wireless gamepad comes with its 2.4GHz dongle included for $60, and it also has a built-in battery which is rated 20 hours of gameplay time.

As well, Windows 10 knows the Stratus Pair immediately as an Xbox controller, so they shouldn’t need to hold any keys. Just one thing lacking from this controller is a rumble, but unless they don’t mind the missing haptic feedback, the can use the SteelSeries Stratus Duo as a great controller with a lot of other devices.

9. 8Bitdo Sn30 Pro

Best PC Controller for Retro Games

Playing retro games involves an old-school controller and 8Bitdo is one of the few businesses to produce it these days. The 8Bitdo Sn30 Pro is the best and most well-rounded controller in the industry, taking on both the classic SNES and the Wii Retro controller. The will feel right at home playing Secret of Mana or any retro game lawfully accessible on the Computer with the cross-shaped D-Pad and four conventional face keys. Whereas, the pair of joysticks and triggers for the 8Bitdo Sn30 Pro would still let the enjoy some games from the PlayStation-N64 period.

10. Switch Pro Controller

Let’s a Go with Nintendo’s Controller

One of it’s most significant controllers ever made is the Nintendo Pro Controller, and now the can add that magic to the Mac. Unlike the DualShock 4, a wired link makes it easier to have this device to operate with the Mac, but going wireless needs a few hoops to jump through.

The best part is that if they get it correctly connected over Bluetooth, Steam can instantly identify it as an Xbox One controller with all the mapping of the buttons completed for the. When they’re playing games outside of Windows, though, they’ll need an 8BitDo Wireless USB Adapter to allow the Switch Pro Controller behaves like a gamepad for Xbox One.

11. PowerA Spectra Enhanced

Best RGB Controller

With its budget controls, PowerA might be better accessible, however, that doesn’t imply the can write them off as inexpensive and unfortunate end. The PowerA Spectra Enhanced tested for a PC switch, all the correct buttons. It is a controller of the Xbox model, but it’s much better in several respects than the first Xbox One controller and continues to cost less than that.

It has a sturdy build with a soft-touch coating and provides RBG illumination along virtually all of the front buttons and around the bottom. There’s no unnecessary tech fussing about either because the LEDs can be controlled with a click at the end. Even still, the PowerA Spectra Enhanced provides a pro feature at the bottom in the form of two mappable buttons that offer their middle fingers everything to do while gripping the handle. This gives the controller an edge over the primary Xbox One controller, whereas the Xbox Elite controllers are offset by size.

The Spectra Enhanced has a wired link, meaning they have the lowest latency and never needing to think regarding charging the battery. The braided cable is thick, has a sturdy attachment to the controller as well as an inline release to guarantee that the just don’t inadvertently take their laptop or device off the desk or media centre.

12. Hori Real Arcade Pro V Kai

Best PC Fight Stick

When they’re determined to play a modern PC with combat sports, a standard game controller won’t do it. The will need a combat stick to pull off flawless combinations and knock just in time for the parries. Because there’s nothing more comfortable than the pro V Kai Hori Real Arcade.

The Real Arcade Pro V Kai, developed in partnership among Hori and Capcom offers elegant architecture and reliable construction quality, making it a top-rated pick. They should also enjoy Hayabusa’s top-notch buttons and joystick for an authentic arcade experience. The will touch a button on the right side of the arcade stick to move between control schemes like converting the joystick into a D-pad, or any of the standard thumbsticks of the Xbox.

13. Thrustmaster TS-PC Racer

Best PC Racing Wheel

PC is very much the spot to play driving games in simulation. This interface not only helps them to attach several screens and ultra-wide monitors for the maximum interactive experience, but PC is perhaps the place for some top-rated (and often very obscure) racing games.

They’ll want a driving wheel to complete the sim driving rig, of course, so look no beyond the Thrustmaster TS-PC Driver! It makes it feel like a real wheel attached to an actual race car, particularly when The 40-watt brushless motor on this peripheral is turning on. Push the input on this driving wheel because they can experience each turn’s tug but every bump’s shake with up to 6 nm of torque.

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