PC Game Controllers
Ready to take your gaming experience to the next level? If you don’t have it, then you need a good PC game controller. Take it from us, it makes all the difference, whether you’re a casual or a hardcore pro gamer. In this article, we’ll explore the best PC game controllers on the market in 2024 and see which of these will level up your gaming experience.
1 – GameSir T4 Kaleid
Best Budget PC Game Controller
★★★★★
PROS CONS
There are several ways in which the GameSir T4 Kaleid outperforms other competing budget controllers. It boasts many pro-level features, including mechanical face buttons, and programmable back buttons (to name a few).
While the T4 Kaleid’s exposed PCB gives the controller a high-end appearance, the RGB lights is a pleasant touch that can be turned off on your discretion. The braided USB cable that comes with it is not very long, making you wish for a wireless version.
If you can overlook the fact that it is a wired controller, it’s a fantastic option for anyone searching for a budget PC controller that also functions on the Nintendo Switch. Overall, the GameSir T4 Kaleid is a fantastic multi-platform controller that offers good features at an affordable price.
2 – GameSir Tarantula Pro
Best All-round PC Game Controller
★★★★★
PROS CONS
The Tarantula Pro offers similar performance to the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller, but at a lesser price. With the incredible performance of ‘TMR’ and ‘Hall Effect’ technology for the thumb sticks and triggers, it provides an even greater degree of customization.
Available in both wired and wireless version, it’s well-design, yet looks and feels like a cheap gamepad. The wireless version comes with a 1200mAh battery that delivers an impressive battery life. Connect the Tarantula Pro to the Nintendo Switch and enjoy a console experience.
One thing to note, is that it becomes a pain when you have memorize the configuration sequences or shortcuts during connection setup, but later becomes minor once your figure it out.
All things considered, the Tarantula Pro is just another superb illustration of how TMR technology can significantly improve your console, and PC gaming experience. It’s reasonable to say that the Tarantula Pro functions just like a professional gaming controller ought to be, that you won’t grow weary anytime soon.
3 – Sony PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller
Best for Immersion PC Game Controller
★★★★★
PROS CONS
Believe us when we claim that the DualSense wireless controller is a breakthrough that must be experienced in order to be believed. The haptic and adaptive triggers feel sweet. It’s comfortable to hold. It’s bigger than the previous PlayStation controllers, and comes in various colors and designs. This goes without saying, but the DualSense is the most dependable and reasonably priced alternative.
While the PS5 DualSense controller has a rechargeable battery, don’t count on it to last longer than ten hours. Luckily a USB-C cable should do the job to keep it charged. It’s compatible with the PlayStation 5 console, and PC.
Overall, if you want one of the best console controllers for next gen with great features and don’t mind the short battery life, then the DualSense PS5 controller is for you.
4 – HyperX Clutch Gladiate
Another Budget Wired PC Game Controller
★★★★★
PROS CONS
For those who would rather use a cheaper wired controller, the HyperX Clutch Gladiate is a great alternative. It’s an impressive game controller with certain ‘Pro’ level capabilities that aren’t available on the Xbox Wireless Controller, even though the build quality isn’t as good as the competition.
When it comes to sensation, the HyperX Clutch Gladiate excels. Its analog sticks and face buttons are nearly identical to those of Microsoft’s approved pad. If you don’t mind the wired only connection, you’ll get a controller that feels great and is worth keeping as a spare. It also has a pair of tactile, mappable back buttons, which are uncommon on affordable game controllers.
Given the pricing, certain flaws can be expected. It’s the unpredictable hair trigger locks, which after testing, don’t function well on a variety of Xbox Series X games. Yet strangely, when testing the identical game on PC, we had no trouble using the trigger locks.
All we can say is that, the HyperX Clutch Gladiate is an affordable option. It comes with great premium features at a better price. If you can utilize the controller for PC Games and can’t afford the top-range, then the this one is for you.
5 – Xbox Elite Series 2
Premium High-Priced PC Game Controller
★★★★★
PROS CONS
As long as you plan to utilize the customizing options it offers, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is well worth the price. With Microsoft’s peripheral compatible with the Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC, this high-end game controller feels and looks like the best Xbox controller right now. It can charge wirelessly. It has an impressive battery life. It comfortable to hold… what more can you ask for.
Aside from that, a lot of gamers will not feel happy about the high price on offer. There are other things to note but are very minor compared to the positive features of the controller.
In the end, the the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 will provide you the ideal PC and Xbox gaming experience once you figure out just how you prefer to play. It’s one of the best Xbox controllers to get right now. If you can afford it, you will not be disappointed.
6 – Thrustmaster eSwap X2
Best Wired PC Game Controller
★★★★☆
PROS CONS
The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 has a flexible modular design that lets you to mix and change parts as you like. By merely removing the modules from their magnetic sockets, it’s easy to modify it to either an asymmetrical or symmetrical layout.
The controller has a sophisticated black and gold look and is loaded with appropriately high-end parts, such as a sensitive D-pad and a really pleasing set of tactile buttons.
In addition to the four rear buttons, there are trigger locks. These rear circular buttons made them occasionally difficult to push, however your experience may differ. Other than that, the game controller works with any game that supports a standard Xbox controller and connects to your PC using the USB-C cable included.
Overall, the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 is one of the best wired PC game controllers. It offers a large selection of modules for customization, good build and design, and good input speed. If you can handle the extra costs from other budget wired controllers, then this one is for you.
7 – Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller
All-round Best PC Game Controller
★★★★☆
PROS CONS
The Xbox Wireless Controller works with Android, Xbox One, and Windows 10 PCs. It comes with many features such as impulse triggers, a Share button to take screen shots and share with other players, and feels comfortable to hold.
With the premium top-range product, the Xbox Elite being more expensive, Microsoft is making the Xbox controller more affordable for casual players, and is the most dependable and reasonably priced alternative to add for Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X.
It’s powered by standard or rechargeable AA batteries. It can also be connected to the console via USB-C, which prevents wireless operation. Investing in a ‘Play and Charge kit’, which must be purchased separately, will save you the trouble of regularly changing or charging your batteries.
Overall, the Xbox Wireless Controller is a reliable game controller with unique features, and regarded as one of the best PC game controllers.
8 – Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra
Premium PC Game Controller
★★★★☆
PROS CONS
The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra comes with a unique feature, a colorful LED display, that makes it look unique very different from other game controllers available on the market. It’s also really useful addition because it makes it easier than ever to change your controller settings.
This is a fantastic option if you have the extra money to spend and is willing to pay a bit more for the vast amount of additional capabilities.
Nothing compares to the satisfaction of pressing a tactile, ‘clicky’ switch, and the Stealth Ultra’s face buttons are some of the greatest. If you’re on a limited budget, there are alternative options. Proper swappable thumb sticks are a better option than the provided thumbstick caps. Instead, get an Xbox Elite Series 2 if this feature is important to you.
Overall, the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra stands out above the rest thanks to its buttons, thumb sticks, and the colorful display. But the frustrating and buggy software is a letdown from it becoming the best.
9 – Razer Kitsune
Best PC Game Controller for Tournaments
★★★★☆
PROS CONS
Do yourself a favor and get an arcade stick if you enjoy playing fighting or arcade games on console. But for PC gamers, get the Razer Kitsune game controller.
With its “stickless” D-pad design, the controller features buttons that move in all directions. There are benefits, such as a faster input speed (milliseconds count in fighting games), improved precision, and simpler execution of certain maneuvers, but it could take some getting accustomed to. This PlayStation-licensed device has all the extra buttons you need to knock-out opponents in addition to the directional controls.
It’s lightweight and portable enough to move around to tournaments and competitions. It’s the perfect size to allows for both hands to rest comfortably on it too. You can even customize the look of the controller by adding a ‘Razer skin‘ to give it personality.
Despite this, the controller still feels solid and long-lasting, and the optical switches on the buttons are surprisingly quiet and responsive. You may hot-swap those buttons to get a different sensation. In order to keep you from unintentionally losing, Razer also adds a tournament lock and a dazzling light strip across the controller’s edge. Just to add to the design flair.
Overall, the Kitsune is a perfect game controller for PC gamers that love playing fighting games. It’s fast, unique, portable, comes with great features, and looks great as well. Once you get used to it, you’ll never need another gaming arcade stick for PC.
Choose Your Controller
Choosing one of the best PC game controllers will not only make you a better gamer, but can significantly enhance your overall gaming experience. If you consider one of these factors such as comfort, performance, and compatibility, you can find the perfect controller to suit all your gaming needs. It doesn’t really matter whether you like wired or wireless PC game controllers, I’m sure these at least one controller on this list that will elevate your gaming sessions.
After all that, it’s time to have your say. Which one of theses PC game controller on the list catchers your eye? Are you encouraged to buy one? What are you preferences to getting a controller? Leave us a comment here below. And if you want to find out more tech and gadgets, check the rest of the Wild Break Tech website and see what else grabs you eye. That’s all from us. Keep safe until next time 😀
