This review takes a unique approach by comparing three gaming controllers side-by-side, covering their features and specifications comprehensively. The format allows for a clearer understanding of what each controller offers and whether any model falls short.
Recently, I evaluated the PB Tail Crush Defender, recognized as the first TMR stick controller available on the market. TMR technology builds on existing magnetic sensor technology found in hall effect sensors, providing considerable enhancements in resolution, latency, and energy efficiency.
PB Tails has demonstrated responsiveness to user feedback, leading to significant iterative updates for the Defender. The most notable recent update includes a 1000Hz polling rate over a 2.4GHz dongle, which I can attest performs effectively. However, one contender in this comparison boasts support for an impressive 2000Hz polling rate when used wirelessly. It’s encouraging to witness various brands adopting high polling rates, with many now presenting a standard 1000Hz for both wired and wireless options.
Controllers Under Review
The three controllers featured in this comparison are:
This review aims to determine if higher polling rates genuinely enhance the gaming experience or simply improve benchmark metrics. Initial observations revealed some surprises, such as the BEITONG being the first controller I’ve encountered capable of a 2000Hz polling rate. Despite the varying price points and specifications of these controllers, they all promote themselves as high-end gaming devices; their titles, including “Pro”and “Master,”make that abundantly clear.
Factors Influencing Controller Choice
Price alone doesn’t dictate the decision-making process when it comes to these controllers. Features, performance, and user comfort are critical as well. Surprisingly, while each controller varies in features to cater to diverse preferences, they remain closely priced, making them viable candidates for gamers wishing to bridge both Nintendo and PC platforms. For instance, the Tarantula Pro is priced at £60 while the NYXI P1 retails for £50, although the latter lacks some of the convenient features provided by GameSir.
For those interested in participating, details on how to enter are included at the conclusion of this review. While GameSir is graciously covering the shipping for the lucky winner, all assessments made herein reflect my genuine and unbiased findings!
Specifications Overview
GameSir Tarantula Pro | BEITONG Asura 2Pro+ NearLink | NYXI Master P1 | |
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Polling rate | 1000Hz (wired + 2.4GHz dongle) | 2000Hz (overclock mode) (wired + 2.4GHz dongle) | ~185Hz (2.4GHz dongle), 500Hz (wired) |
Sticks | TMR by K-Silver, 12-bit resolution | Hall effect | Hall effect |
Stick caps | Swappable, thick Sony style with metal necks, anti-friction rings | Thin silicone, plastic neck, no anti-friction rings | Thin silicone, plastic neck, no anti-friction rings |
Deadzones | Customisable (app + on-board) | Customisable (app) | Fixed factory deadzones only |
Raw sensor | Supported (app) | Supported (app) | Fixed filtered circles only |
Triggers | Hall effect | Hall effect | Hall effect |
Hair triggers | Mechanical lock-out (Kailh switches) + Software lock-out | Software lock-out only | Mechanical lock-out (Kailh switches) |
Calibration | Supported (on-board) | Supported (app + on-board) | Not supported |
D-Pad | Large size, micro switches (fully fenced) | Tactile clicky membrane (not fenced) | Micro switch (partially fenced) |
Accessory buttons | Mechanical micro switches | Spongy membrane | Clicky micro switches |
ABXY buttons | Narrow layout tactile membrane, medium throw | Wide layout mechanical switches, short throw | Semi-wide layout tactile membrane, medium throw |
Back buttons | 2x back buttons, fully remappable | 2x back buttons, partially remappable | 2x back buttons, partially remappable clicky membrane |
Motion control | 6-axis gyro (Switch mode + manual activation) | 6-axis gyro (Switch mode only) | 6-axis gyro (Switch mode only) |
Connections | USB, 2.4GHz dongle, Bluetooth | USB, 2.4GHz dongle, Bluetooth | USB, 2.4GHz dongle, Bluetooth |
Macro/Turbo | Supported | Supported | Supported |
Platforms | Android, iOS, PC, Nintendo Switch | Android, iOS, PC, Nintendo Switch | Android, iOS, PC, Nintendo Switch |
Vibration | HD Rumble | Standard rumble | Standard rumble |
RGB | Customisable (app + on-board) | Customisable (app) | Customisable (on-board) |
Construction | Plastic | Plastic | Plastic |
Battery | 1200mAh, 8 hours minimum play with lighting enabled | 600mAh | 600mAh, 8 hours play |
Special features | NFC panel for compatible platforms, 9 remappable buttons, one-press Switch wakeup, acrylic charging stand with dongle pass-through | Dongle storage compartment | Smartphone holder mount, rubberised laser texture palm grips |
Dimensions | 158x100x61mm | 160x110x50mm | 152.3×105.5×61.6mm |
Weight | 325g | 250g | 230g |
Manual | Link | Link | Link |
Release date | October 2024 | July 2024 | October 2024 |
Price | From £60 / $64 | £66 / $90 | £40 / $50 |
Build Quality and Ergonomics
Constructed entirely from plastic, all three controllers feature a subtle texture to enhance grip. The NYXI P1 is distinguished by its rubberized grip surfaces, which provide an appealing tactile experience.
The BEITONG Asura’s pearl white finish catches the eye, reflecting light elegantly, a refreshing change from the commonplace black finishes prevalent in the market.
One aspect worth noting is the clear ABXY face buttons. Though non-removable, they present a pleasing aesthetic; however, the wider spacing compared to competitors may feel unconventional during intense gameplay.
While the buttons are short-throw mechanical switches, the sensitivity can be excessive, sometimes resulting in unintended acts during frantic gaming sessions. I personally lean towards a medium-throw button that provides solid tactile feedback, regardless of whether it employs a membrane or mechanical design.
The NYXI excels in providing a balanced tactile response with its medium-throw buttons, although the audible feedback can’t match the BEITONG’s satisfying clicks.
In contrast, the Tarantula Pro stands out as the most premium design, reminiscent of a PlayStation 4 DualShock controller but tailored for contemporary gaming expectations. The custom tactile ABXY buttons contribute to a pleasant user experience, with a slight increase in actuation force compared to other models.
Beyond the face buttons, the Tarantula Pro’s additional buttons are mechanical micro-switches complemented by tactile shoulder buttons featuring hair-trigger mechanisms and Kailh microswitches.
Notably, the BEITONG offers a clever stowaway compartment for the USB dongle, a first in my experience. Though functional, removing the dongle requires a bit of finesse.
Customizability and Software
Each controller includes back buttons that can be remapped, however, only the Tarantula Pro provides comprehensive customizations through the GameSir Connect software, available on Microsoft and Google Play stores.
Conversely, the NYXI lacks any software support, relying purely on button combinations for changes, while BEITONG offers a downloadable zip file for their software, which raised some security concerns during testing.
This caught my attention as several flags were raised by security checks. While BEITONG assured me that their software is safe, the nature of the file leaves room for caution, especially since the 2.4GHz Nearlink connection performance cannot be utilized at its 2000Hz potential without this specific software.
The Tarantula Pro uniquely features a motorized switching system adjusting ABXY buttons to mirror the Nintendo layout, enhancing user experience without necessitating remapping.
Despite the cost advantages of the NYXI Master P1, it falls short in customizability and overall material quality, impacting perceived value.
D-Pad Preferences
The D-pad is a contentious topic among gamers. The oversized mechanical D-pad on the Tarantula Pro garners mixed reviews; however, I appreciate its design as it mitigates accidental activations during gameplay.
Testing various D-pad sizes and mechanisms, I currently prefer the Tarantula Pro, mainly due to its fenced-off design which prevents inadvertent presses in unintended directions while gaming.
In direct comparison, the Asura’s D-pad struggles with accuracy, while the Master P1 presents a more pleasant tactile response, albeit slightly less optimal than the Tarantula Pro.
Performance Testing
Modern advancements mean that the latest gaming controllers, especially those featuring TMR technology, provide minimal noticeable differences in gameplay responsiveness, although variations still exist primarily concerning stick performance.
Controller makers may apply filtering, overly complicating response times in fast-paced gameplay. My recent tests illustrated that TMR technology yields more precise feedback and less latency than traditional hall effect sticks.
Stick Circularity
Enabling raw mode for joystick configurations can significantly enhance control precision. However, the necessity for software to adjust settings presents a limitation in some cases like with the Asura, which requires installation to access advanced features.
Conclusion
All three controllers bring unique features to the table, though the reliance of BEITONG on software customization hinders its versatility. While it holds potential, it fails to keep pace with more established competitors.
The GameSir Tarantula Pro impressively combines familiarity and innovation, making it my top recommendation for gamers seeking a reliable and versatile controller. Despite its price point, it delivers significant value through its extensive customization options and superior build quality.
In closing, while the NYXI Master P1 is a commendable alternative, it lacks depth in customization. The Cyclone 2 will provide another competitive option shortly that should be watched closely.
For those wishing to enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment below. A winner will be chosen randomly and notified a week after the review’s publication, with GameSir handling the shipping of the Tarantula Pro directly.
Summary Table
Controller | GameSir Tarantula Pro: | BEITONG Asura 2Pro+ NearLink | NYXI Master P1 |
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Verdict | 9 – Superb | 5 – Average | 6 – Good |
Release | October 2024 | July 2024 | October 2024 |
Pros |
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Cons |
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Price | From £60 / $64 | £66 / $90 | £40 / $50 |
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