With more console ports and emulators coming to PC, controllers are a entertaining peripheral. With that being said I’ve tested every controller Xbox and PlayStation have to offer (Including PSone/OG Xbox). All work fantastic with the games I’ve mapped. I can’t say much about third party PC controllers, well because there are thousands and I’ve always had a console controller laying around. I like to find the best of both worlds, game mapping is a plus, but what about controlling the PC while just surfing the internet?

Microsoft’s Xbox 360 controller

Despite the fact that the controller automatically maps itself to most Windows games, I’ve had horrible experiences with this one. They’re ergonomic and fit your hand like a glove, but the analogs are sub par quality. Within 2 months of normal use (No first person shooters) I noticed the analogs would “surf” for a lack of a better word. Without any input from me my characters would be walking, and in the heat of online sessions this is unacceptable. So I thought maybe this was a fluke, I purchased another controller only to suffer from the same issue a few months down the road. Another problem was the atrocious D-PAD, it made playing fighting games harder as unintentional input was present. I also wanted to break away from the USB cable without paying for a expensive dongle. However the wireless dongle didn’t support Chatpads (at the time), this led me to alternate options.

Sony PlayStation’s DS3

Sony’s DS3 Controller with Chatpad

Putting aside the slightly uncomfortable grip, this controller is fantastic. I’ve used one for an entire year, and it still sits on my shelf today as a backup. The analogs have never moved without my input, and the D-PAD is great for fighting games. I purchased a TRENDnet Bluetooth adapter for $15, and my controller synced instantly. Setting up DS3 Tool was more of a challenge than expected, but it’s nice to have most of your compatible Xbox 360 controller games already mapped. Every DS3 Chatpad is Bluetooth compatible and connects to the TRENDnet dongle like a charm. Note: this setup feels awkward while using the Chatpad, if you don’t have long thumbs this may also be a issue.

Microsoft’s Xbox One controller

Microsoft’s Xbox One Controller with Chatpad

I will admit I have not spent much time with this controller. Left with a sour taste in my mouth over my Xbox 360 Controller experience, I was ready to boycott this controller at all costs. When the controller launched there was no competition with the DS4, there was no wireless option at the time. The Chatpad would not work over USB, and I just didn’t feel like waiting for Microsoft’s expensive dongle and drivers to release. I’m glad too, because the dongle is massive and wouldn’t fit into the USB port next to my keyboard. Controlling your PC, while not in game requires the mapping of a analog to your mouse. You would also need to map left click, and right click respectively.

Sony PlayStation’s DS4

Sony’s DS4 Controller with Chatpad

The king of PC controllers! It is fully compatible with the TRENDnet dongle I purchased for the DS3, making the upgrade super cheap for me.  The integrated touch-pad is a fully functional mouse, and can be paired with any Chatpad. One of my favorite things to do with this setup is surfing YouTube. Typing in search results on the DS4 really makes for a cool experience. Paired with AutoHotKey you can also create volume control hot-keys, and other functions that suit your needs. I also use this setup to play GTA Online, it’s pretty convenient when you don’t have to use your keyboard to type, or key up your mic. You can download InputMapper, and get all the benefits of DS3 Tool, with some extra features. The light bar on the controller cycles from Green while charged, to Red when dead. The touch-pad is automatically mapped to the mouse, a light tap is mapped to left click, and a hard press is mapped to right click. This controller isn’t without fault however, the stock analog rubber has a tendency to wear down and degrade. I haven’t experienced this though, I bought silicone analog covers when I purchased the controller because of this issue.

This boils down to opinion, but for the price/life of the DS4 how could you go wrong? Do you agree? What do you think the best controller for PC is? Inb4 PC Master Race guys, yes Keyboard and mouse is the best “Controller”. This is for those looking for a relaxing alternative.

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