is the steam controller better than other pc controllers?

[Powellinho.72]

i feel like getting a new controller but not sure with what to go with. ive owned a logitech controller in the past which was alright. should i go with logitech or another company over the steam controller?

[CyberDown]

steam controller is better for some situations that a standard xbox controller or similair set up...however its also worse in other situations.

the right track pad subsitutes a second thumb joystick vs the standard xbox (traditional) controller setup. this will make games that utilize twin stick functions more difficult to play, as youll have to program the track pad to function similairly...which ive found is extremely rare that it will preform the same or better than a joystick in that application...in fact ive never seen a case where its even functional as a second stick replacement.

However, using that track pad as a mouse is far superior than a second joystick.

Typically i use the steam controller for games that utilize the right buttons/trigger and left joystick and not much else, and in that case what you are getting with the steam controller is steamlink functionality...which imo is worth it.

I still feel the controller has a long way to go before its better than any controller that utilizes two joysticks...again in most situations...some turn based games are very enjoyable with the track pad mouse function...


Its up to you on what you plan to use the controller for....

Just be aware, any game that utilizes a right joystick for aiming is going to be hit or miss...and from what ive seen its a miss...get the controller if you like simple controller games through steamlink and maybe some turn based games....and have a back up xbox controller.


I will say its super annoying to float through my game list through steamlink trying to figure out which games work acceptably with the steam controller...some games marked controller ready play horribly with it, while other games marked kb/m only work fantastic...and a lot of it is up to community controller set ups...so lesser played games tend to be really random on whether they work acceptably or not...vs an xbox controller which pretty much functions perfectly if the game is marked controller ready.

[Aquillion]

Messaggio originale di Cerebrum123:

I didn't notice that. No, a 360 pad is not better. Only a keyboard and mouse is better than the SC for FPS and TPS games.

steam controller is better for some situations that a standard xbox controller or similair set up...however its also worse in other situations.

I think that part of my objection to it is that it's better than an X-Box controller at replacing a keyboard + mouse... however, a keyboard + mouse is still better at playing games designed for that than either.

The X-Box controller is better at stuff designed for a controller, because 99% of the time those will have been designed for an X-Box controller anyway (and that remaining 1% is mostly designed for a Playstation controller, which is still closer to an X-Box controller.)

If you want a controller that can serve as a magical universal box capable of substituting for everything, the Steam controller is great. If you want a controller for games that are designed to work best with a controller already, then you want an X-Box controller.

[Cerebrum123]

Messaggio originale di Aquillion:

Messaggio originale di Cerebrum123:

I didn't notice that. No, a 360 pad is not better. Only a keyboard and mouse is better than the SC for FPS and TPS games.

steam controller is better for some situations that a standard xbox controller or similair set up...however its also worse in other situations.

I think that part of my objection to it is that it's better than an X-Box controller at replacing a keyboard + mouse... however, a keyboard + mouse is still better at playing games designed for that than either.

The X-Box controller is better at stuff designed for a controller, because 99% of the time those will have been designed for an X-Box controller anyway (and that remaining 1% is mostly designed for a Playstation controller, which is still closer to an X-Box controller.)

If you want a controller that can serve as a magical universal box capable of substituting for everything, the Steam controller is great. If you want a controller for games that are designed to work best with a controller already, then you want an X-Box controller.

Outside of the one single game I own that simply doesn't work with the SC, I haven't found a single one that doesn't work better with SC as opposed to a 360 pad. I can't use mouse and keyboard for gaming, so any of those games I have to play with either a 360 pad with something like Xpadder, or the SC. Out of the two the SC is infinitely better.

[Boreout [Aut]]

Messaggio originale di hulkenstrong:

Messaggio originale di GuRu Asaki:

Here are the problems...

FPS Games are probably best with 360 Controller or Mouse & Keyboard...

I just don't get how any one can/have played a FPS game with a "old" controller.

Consolegamers had no other choice up until now, M+KB were pc "exclusive", now mouse and keyboards are beeing used even on consoles.

I read some articles where "overwatch" consoleplayers see the use of KB+M hardware or adapters as "cheating".
Nope , not cheating , stickaiming is simply slower and less precise than a mouse.


Those players are used to the comfort of sitting in a couch and slowly moving their crosshair with some "aimassist" working in the background giving the illusion of precision and speed.

In contrast using a twinstickcontroller on PC for FPS is suboptimal to say the least.

The steam controller closes the gap and sits between a twinstickcontroller for comfort/couchplay and the speed and precision of KB+M.

You should also keep in mind that long time use of a mouse is rather harmfull and can lead to some medical issues (Carpal tunnel syndrome).
So if you don't really need to be competitive there is not really a reason to punish your fingers with a mouse now that we a third option.

Here is the hierarchy of precision and speed starting from the optimal aiming device that is currently available:

1.Mouseaim (right arm + right hand+fingers)
2.Trackpad+Gyro (two arms +thumb)
3.Trackpad (thumb only)
4.Thumbstick (thumb fights against return to zero device )

I didn't include flightsticks in the list but you can see where they would fit (hint: return to zero device + muscleinvolvement).

[Shallex]

Messaggio originale di Boreout Aut:

I read some articles where "overwatch" consoleplayers see the use of KB+M hardware or adapters as "cheating".
Nope , not cheating , stickaiming is simply slower and less precise than a mouse.

I don't think they are saying that using a mouse and keyboard is inherently cheating, but that using it on a console in which the majority of players use a controller because that is the default peripheral of the system and (to my knowledge), Microsoft/Sony don't make official KB/M controllers for their consoles.

[Cerebrum123]

Messaggio originale di Shallex:

Messaggio originale di Boreout Aut:

I read some articles where "overwatch" consoleplayers see the use of KB+M hardware or adapters as "cheating".
Nope , not cheating , stickaiming is simply slower and less precise than a mouse.

I don't think they are saying that using a mouse and keyboard is inherently cheating, but that using it on a console in which the majority of players use a controller because that is the default peripheral of the system and (to my knowledge), Microsoft/Sony don't make official KB/M controllers for their consoles.

I do believe there are some official mouses and keyboards for the systems, they just aren't supported in all games. Which is why the adapters exist. They are like the opposite of Xpadder, they use the hardware of a mouse and keyboard, but emulate Xinput devices.

[Shallex]

Messaggio originale di Cerebrum123:

Messaggio originale di Shallex:

I don't think they are saying that using a mouse and keyboard is inherently cheating, but that using it on a console in which the majority of players use a controller because that is the default peripheral of the system and (to my knowledge), Microsoft/Sony don't make official KB/M controllers for their consoles.

I do believe there are some official mouses and keyboards for the systems, they just aren't supported in all games. Which is why the adapters exist. They are like the opposite of Xpadder, they use the hardware of a mouse and keyboard, but emulate Xinput devices.

There may be some official peripherals, I've never heard of them. There might also be official keyboards/mice, but not necessarily meant for gaming, but for interacting with media apps and such. I don't know if you had a Dreamcast, but that thing had officially supported keyboard and mouse peripherals that particularly suited games like Quake/Unreal Tournament, it was quite cool. I never got to play the Dreamcast online, though.

[Inside Out Ink Demon]

Messaggio originale di Boreout Aut:

You should also keep in mind that long time use of a mouse is rather harmfull and can lead to some medical issues (Carpal tunnel syndrome).

Sorry to break it to you, but Carpal tunnel is a risk with controllers too.

[Boreout [Aut]]

Messaggio originale di Inside Out Ink Demon:

Messaggio originale di Boreout Aut:

You should also keep in mind that long time use of a mouse is rather harmfull and can lead to some medical issues (Carpal tunnel syndrome).

Sorry to break it to you, but Carpal tunnel is a risk with controllers too.

Well , but changing inputmethods could lower the risk?
Like a rotation between games/inputmethods:
Mouse->Hotas -> Gamepad.

[cammelspit]

Messaggio originale di Inside Out Ink Demon:

Messaggio originale di Boreout Aut:

You should also keep in mind that long time use of a mouse is rather harmfull and can lead to some medical issues (Carpal tunnel syndrome).

Sorry to break it to you, but Carpal tunnel is a risk with controllers too.

Yeah, it's an issue for a lot of people but it is substantially lessened with a controller, much more so with the SC. Mainly because it requires a lighter touch rather than a death grip on a more traditional controller. For mice, really, the only close to not genuinely damaging mouse would have to be a good trackball, of which there are only two I would use. The big thing that makes controllers not half as bad as KBs or mice is the fact that your hands are in a vertical arrangement, which is how they are supposed to be when holding them in front of you without rotation at all, KB/M simply is not like this and so can be really bad for people who are susceptible to RSI.

I speak from experience here seeing as I have nerve damage in both arms AND the carpel tunnel, the tunnel where the nerve travels from your hand through your wrist to the rest of your arm, is too small causing repetitive tasks to be painful. Commonly referred to as carpal tunnel syndrome. Though, for me, it has been crushed before so it makes me have issues almost instantly. The only relief I ever get is when I use my SC. The thing feels so good, it is like it was explicitly designed to be ergonomic and to cause as little stress on your hands, arms, and wrists as they could manage. Oh wait, that is EXACTLY what they did.

Sure, everyone is different and any repetitive task can cause issues for some but controllers in general, the SC more specifically, are much better at doing what they do without aggravating those issues. The fact they all can cause problems at all aside. My point is, even though Boreout's comment may not have been exactingly precise from a pedantically technical standpoint, the point is still perfectly accurate and, more importantly, meaningful in terms of the conversation.

[•]

Messaggio originale di cammelspit:

Messaggio originale di Inside Out Ink Demon:

Sorry to break it to you, but Carpal tunnel is a risk with controllers too.

I speak from experience here seeing as I have nerve damage in both arms AND the carpel tunnel, the tunnel where the nerve travels from your hand through your wrist to the rest of your arm, is too small causing repetitive tasks to be painful. Commonly referred to as carpal tunnel syndrome. Though, for me, it has been crushed before so it makes me have issues almost instantly. The only relief I ever get is when I use my SC. The thing feels so good, it is like it was explicitly designed to be ergonomic and to cause as little stress on your hands, arms, and wrists as they could manage. Oh wait, that is EXACTLY what they did.

So true. I agree. I had ligament and nerve damage in my hands, then I've started to exp carpal tunnel syndrome using PC (I had to use KB and Mouse for my job, it was a hell for about a year). And then I happen to buy a new mouse in different shape and size and suddenly my pain stopped because of that lucky occasion. Unbelievable. I probably should have consult a doc back then or something. Stupid.
My hands haven't a chance to heal all that time because of that "evil" mice at home and work...
Form factor is definitely a factor if any of you having similar trouble, guys.

Ask a doctor or have a trial.

[Inside Out Ink Demon]

Messaggio originale di Boreout Aut:

Messaggio originale di Inside Out Ink Demon:

Sorry to break it to you, but Carpal tunnel is a risk with controllers too.

Well , but changing inputmethods could lower the risk?
Like a rotation between games/inputmethods:
Mouse->Hotas -> Gamepad.

I'll ask the muscular skeletal specialist I'm seeing on Wednesday.

For me, KB&M are causing me less pain than the SC

[CobraA1]

I've got both a Logitech Gamepad F310 and the SC, and my Logitech controller is collecting dust. The SC is simply a better controller. The touchpads do a great job of emulating a trackball, which is as close to a mouse as you can get without actually using a mouse. For couch gaming, it works great.

It actually makes me wonder why laptops continue to insist on crappy touchpads rather than a trackball (or simulated trackball like the SC), even for gaming laptops.

My biggest issue with it is that it's kinda terrible outside the Steam ecosystem. Apparently Logitech can get a gaming mouse with a zillion features working with apps that require administrative access, but Valve can't. Also, I dislike how the controller doesn't have a memory, not even to store the Desktop profile. You have to have Steam open, otherwise it falls back to a "lizard" mode that has no customization whatsoever.

Maybe Valve needs to use custom drivers, and maybe they need to refresh their hardware so that it can retain a memory of its advanced features even without Steam open.

Logitech and other gaming hardware manufacturers got it right: Be able to store a few basic profiles on the hardware itself, even if the most advanced stuff needs the specialized software.

My experience hasn't been as bad as Aquillion's, but maybe that's because I use Steam for virtually all of my gaming.

[Aquillion]

I suspect Valve views the fact that it sucks without Steam open as a feature and not a bug.

[retro_Ed]

Hardware needs a software/drivers to work properly (...Steam Client).

As an Linux user I have set Steam to boot silent mode so what is left is only Hardware/Controller with my own customized desktop mode(s).

With silent boot mode Steam is nicely running (...drivers, remember !!!) background and not interrupting me in any way. This is when I am using SC in living room with desktop mode.