5 Reviews of Third-Party PC Controllers that Work on Steam

Do you play games on your PC?
This time I would like to talk about controllers that can be used on PCs.
We have narrowed it down to controllers that can be used on Steam, so it is also recommended for those who want to play games on Steam!

PC controllers are a mixed bag, ranging from cheap but high-quality products to ones that are worth the price.
Before you get your hands on a controller that's difficult to use, let's learn a little bit about it here first!
*The prices listed are the prices at the time of purchase.

What are Xinput and Directinput? Input formats for PC controllers

There is one thing you should check before purchasing a controller.
That's the "controller input method."
You may be wondering, "What is an input method anyway?" So let me give you a quick explanation.
▲ XBOX-compliant button and stick layout sends input signalsxinput"method
▲ Sending input signals with button and stick layouts other than XBOX compliantDirect input"method
There are three types:
Generally, it will be written in the product description or on the controller box, so you should be able to find it easily.

If you're wondering which input method is better, you're in luck!

as a matter of fact"It doesn't matter which input method you choose.".
However, we would recommend the Xinput method as it does not require any complicated settings and can be used simply by connecting it to a PC without any complicated settings.

And the good news is that Steam supports all input methods and official controllers for major consumer consoles currently on the market.
Simply plug it into your PC and Steam will recognize the controller and automatically make it available for use.
You can freely set buttons, so you don't have to be too picky about the input method.

Which one is recommended? PC controller review

Here's a review of the PC controller!
What is an easy-to-use controller? How easy is a cheap controller to use?
↓For information on genuine controllers, please refer to the article below.

https://akihabara-bc.jp/controller_osusume/

Logitech F310 (2,069 yen) - Affordable controller available anywhere.

This "Logicool F310" is the cheapest controller we prepared this time.

The packaging was a blister pack, which was quite difficult to open.
The plastic is quite sharp so be careful not to injure yourself when opening it.

The contents are only the controller itself and an instruction manual; there is no installer; the controller can be used simply by connecting it to a PC.

There is a switch on the back of the unit to switch between Xinput and Directinput, with the X side being Xinput and the D side being Directinput.
When you look at the settings on Steam, if you connect it to the X side it will be recognized as an "XBOX360 controller," and if you connect it to the D side it will be recognized as a "general controller."

The layout of the D-pad and stick is PlayStation-compatible, the button layout is XBOX-compatible, and the center button on the main unit can be used as a guide button (PS button/XBOX button).

The buttons corresponding to LBRB have a clicky input feel when pressed, and make a small but noticeable clicking sound.
This may be a bit of a bother for those who are used to the original PS4 controller, but it doesn't seem to be loud enough to be picked up by the microphone.
The buttons corresponding to L2 and R2 are trigger-type buttons, and perhaps because of the strong spring, they feel heavy when pressed.
The stroke distance was neither too long nor too short.

You can play games of almost any genre fairly well.
However, I felt that the trigger was a little stiff and that my fingers didn't fit comfortably into the main body, so I don't think it's suitable for people with large hands.
It seems like a product aimed at people who just want a cheap PC controller.
[amazonjs asin=”B00CDG799E” locale=”JP” title=”Logicool G Gamepad Controller F310r PC Gaming Wired USB Compatible FF14 Windows Version Recommended Domestic Genuine Product”]

Trust GXT540 [2,838 yen] - For those who like stiff buttons -

Looking at the box, it says "PC LAPTOP" and "PS3"A controller specifically for the PS3 that can also be used on a PC via DirectInputI wondered what it was and looked at the device...
It was possible to switch between Xinput and Directinput properly.

The contents are only the controller itself and the instruction manual.

The main body is made of a matte material, which is smooth and comfortable to the touch.
The buttons, D-pad, and sticks are generally stiff, which prevents accidental operation, but you may need a bit of force to operate them.
The LBRB feels a little wobbly, but the sound it makes when pressed is small and not noticeable.
The triggers feel similar to those of an XBOX controller, but are also a little stiff.

Although it is small overall, it fits comfortably and is very easy to hold.
However, there are some straight and angular parts, which makes me a little concerned about the parts that touch my fingers.
I think you'll get used to it as you play, so once the initial feeling of discomfort goes away, there shouldn't be any problems playing.
[amazonjs asin="B0151GJSSM" locale="JP" title="Trust Gaming GXT 540 Wired Game Pad 20712"]

ELECOM JC-U3912TBK [3,114 yen] - Retro game-friendly button layout

This is the only wireless controller introduced here.
The only input method is Directinput, it is quite small, and the button layout is unusual.
The stick part is an octagonal guide type,Wii Classic ControllerIt is a product that is reminiscent of the

Contents include the main unit, instruction manual, and two AA batteries.

The main body is small and thin, and therefore light in weight.
The radio receiver is embedded on the back.

The left and right buttons and triggers are mounted in a straight line, which doesn't seem to be suitable for modern gaming.
It may be usable for software from the SFC era or software with few buttons, but it may be a bit difficult.
To be honest, the moment I took it out of the box, I felt that it was a bit of a waste to choose this over a wireless controller.
Additionally, the outer left and right buttons sink in a large distance and feel squishy, ​​which made me feel very uncomfortable.

By the way, this controller didn't even respond on my PC!
This may just be my problem, but it may be best not to try this unless you can identify the cause yourself and use it.
I think it's great for playing SFC games, so I'd like to use it somehow.
[amazonjs asin=”B01NCIYC3F” locale=”JP” title=”ELECOM Wireless Gamepad, Compact and Lightweight, 12 Buttons, Rapid Fire, High-Durability Buttons (Made in Japan), 300 Million Cycle Durability Test Passed, Black JC-U3912TBK”]

ELECOM JC-U3613MBK [1,880 yen] - A recommended purchase during sales -

The item, which had a regular price of 4,290 yen, was discounted to 1,880 yen.
The list price itself is a little higher than the other controllers we have prepared this time, but it is generally under 2,000 yen no matter which store you go to, so it is a recommended controller in the sense that you can buy a reasonably priced controller at a low price.

The contents include the controller itself, an instruction manual, and a driver disc.

This controller also allows you to switch between Xinput and Directinput using the switch on the back of the unit.

This is also recognized as an XBOX360 or general controller.
If you are using Windows 10, you do not need to install the driver yourself.

The button layout is XBOX compliant.
The D-pad and stick layout is also XBOX compliant.
Personally, I find this one easier to use.

The left and right triggers have a short, soft stroke, and there is a feeling of play when you press them down.
However, there is no difference in the rebound when you start pushing and when the switch is turned on, and it sinks in with a constant force.
When using it by half-pressing the trigger to wait, you may be confused by the lack of sensory feedback.

This controller was the easiest to use out of the three mentioned above.
Action, FPS, RPG, and more...
I feel that the higher the price, the easier it is for more people to play.

HORIPAS Pro for Xbox Series X (¥5,418) - The peace of mind of an officially licensed controller

At this price range, quality is no longer a concern.

The stick is easy to operate and has good stiffness, and I don't think there are any problems with the feel of the buttons when you press them.
In addition, the device even has a jack for plugging in a headset, so I feel it's well-made for the price.

However, the LR trigger has a strong rebound, which some people may find a little awkward.
I think the spring is set to be stiffer because the stroke is short, but it is much heavier than other controllers.

This is the only officially licensed controller among the third-party controllers introduced here, so it is equipped with a guide button.
You may not use it much for PC games, but just knowing it's an official controller gives you peace of mind.

The end of the cable is detachable, so if the USB terminal breaks, it can be replaced.
I think this exchange function is revolutionary, but I've never used it before, so I'm not sure if it's a good idea...

Genuine or cheap controller?

To be honest, the original consumer controllers are so good that there's probably no need to go out of your way to buy a third-party controller.
However, the price of the original controller is quite high, so if there is an easy-to-use controller that costs less than that, it would be worth considering.
There are various types of controllers available, including expensive controllers commonly known as pro controllers and functional controllers with back paddles, so it's a good idea to choose one that suits your purpose.

Among the ones introduced this time,ELECOM JC-U3613MBK (1,880 yen)" is a recommended controller that is easy to use regardless of genre, both in terms of cost performance and operability.
I hope this article has been helpful to anyone considering purchasing a PC controller.

Personally, I would like to try using a controller that costs 3 or 4 yen.