Steam Controller Face Buttons

[simoay]

I have seen a lot of reviews about the new steam controller but I never find anyone mention about the face buttons. If you have one can you tell me is the ABXY button is clicky noisy like XBOX or silent like Dualshock?

[Bad 💀 Motha]

The Steam Controller (2026) is widely considered to have very quiet, "soft" click buttons compared to most modern controllers, making it suitable for late-night gaming.


Key Noise Characteristics:

Face Buttons & D-Pad: These are reported as exceptionally quiet, often described as having a soft, rubber-membrane feel rather than a sharp, tactile click. They are noticeably quieter than Xbox or Steam Deck buttons.

Bumpers & Triggers: The shoulder bumpers are described as softer than the original 2015 Steam Controller. While some users found the triggers to be the loudest part, they are still not considered excessively loud.

Thumbsticks (L3/R3): The L3/R3 clicks are described as very quiet.Overall Impression: It is described as a "low decibel" controller, with some reporting it is quieter than a DualSense in side-by-side comparisons.


Button Feel vs. Sound:

Soft Clicks: The ABXY face buttons are described as having a "soft" feel that is "low resistance" to press.

No High-Pitched Click: Unlike the original 2015 controller, the 2026 version moves away from high-pitched clicks, aiming for a quieter, more premium feel.

Rear Buttons: The four rear paddle buttons are described as having a similar soft-click response to the face buttons.

[simoay]

Thank you for answering my question

[Bad 💀 Motha]

Overall the Steam Controller 2026 build quality is the best around. There is a big and realistic reason it's $99

However please keep in mind the Steam Client is barely ready for this new Controller and it will take some time on Valve’s part to address these issues over time.

While I love the Sony controllers they simply were never meant for PC and some of those features are not really utilized on PC property like how it all works on a PS4 / PS5.

Xbox stuff always disappointing ever since Xbox One stuff. The only good alternative was controllers made by 8bitDo

[Reptilligator]

I would say they're punchy - Not clicky but not "mushy" either. It's probably due to the membrane being brand new and not worn in, but it does feel very nice to mash down on the face buttons. The buttons are a touch more tactile than the switch pro controller 2.

The bumpers are also a lot like the pro controller this time around, if you were wondering! They're nicer to mash on than the clicky bumpers of the xbox pad / steam deck.

[Reptilligator]

Originally posted by Thermal Lance:

I know I could make a thread too but, since your answer is here and I dont want to clutter the forum for similar questions....


Anybody knows how the dpad feels? I play a lot of games in which I often favor the dpad... to the point where I'd consider it an even more important metric than the sticks. So, I'm kinda curious. I guess I could hit youtube maybe but I trust youtubers as far as I can throw them personally...

Does it feels rather smooth when switching from one position to another? Or it's like the modern XBOX controllers that should die in a mosh pit?

D-PAD is membrane, but the press is a lot more punchy than the Steam Deck OLED.
I haven't tried any fighting games but standard menu operations and overwatch menu wheel binds worked fine so far, from my experience. I'd check out nihongogamer's review when that comes out since they're also very particular about dpads.