Opinions on Xbox Elite Controller Series 2? (And alternatives?)

[Mivo]

I've been looking for a quality controller that is going to last a few years and can alternatively be used wired or wirelessly.

The controllers I'm familiar with are the Nintendo Pro controller, the Xbox 360 controller and the standard Xbox One controller. Of those, the Nintendo Pro controller feels best in my hands, but the d-pad isn't spectacular and I'd prefer the Xbox button layout for PC gaming (though I'm still tempted to just get a second Pro controller because overall it is a good controller).

The Xbox One controller feels a little "flimsy". Not the best word, but it's a bit cheap feeling and the d-pad isn't great, either. It fundamentally works, though, not the worst controller I've used. I'd really like a nice d-pad.

I had an eye of the first Elite controller, but there were so many complaints about the quality that I decided to wait for version 2. That one has been out for a while now, costs even more, and glancing over some customer reviews in various places the durability and longevity seem to be questionable with that model too. Are the claims that it is likely to develop issues within a few months exaggerated? How is the d-pad? Should I just wait for another revision down the road?

I'm also open for other suggestions. I'd have considered the Steam Controller, but it has been discontinued. I'd prefer to stay away from Sony controllers as my brain can't handle a third button layout and the DualSense controllers are apparently prone to drifting too.

[Electric Cupcake]

8bitdo and Steelseries and Logitch DualAction are best controllers.

Xbox pads are all trash.

[_I_]

the x360 dpads are trash, the xbone dpad is much better, nearly as good as sony dualshock to dualsense

[His Majesty's strawberry cart]

had a microsoft (xbox) controller from 2005 to 2020, had massive drift witch I fixed with steam dead-spots overlay. But none of the buttons wore out. switched to the xbox controller witch wore out at a button in 3 months. Both these controllers have a membrane return configuration so I don't know what to think about that. lose the membrane's is game over i guess.

[XD_Grimlock]

Currently have the version 2 and even though I do love it, there is an annoying problem with the triggers. Essentially there is a glued pad or something within the controller and these can become undone and will cause your triggers to slightly grab or stick when this happens. More or less, the more you use the controller, the less it will be noticeable.

But yeah can highly recommend still even with that annoyance.