Verdict
The EasySMX X05 is easily one of the best budget wireless controllers available. It offers a great overall design and set of features for an incredibly low price, all while including Hall Effect thumbsticks and triggers for anti-stick drift.
- Incredibly cheap
- Great overall design
- Rechargeable battery
- Odd color choices
- No audio connections
- Not Xbox compatible
The EasySMX X05 is one of the cheapest wireless controllers you can buy, yet it still somehow manages to include Hall Effect thumbsticks and triggers, as well as a rechargeable battery. It’s this simple core combination of features and value that means it’s one of the highest-selling and well-reviewed controllers on Amazon. We put it to the test to see if it can live up to expectations.
With a spot on our best PC controller guide at stake, this wireless controller doesn’t need to do too much more than just work to still be a contender, given its incredibly low price. Thankfully, though, EasySMX has done more than just the bare minimum.
how we test.
Specs
| EasySMX X05 specs | |
| Connections | 2.4GHz wireless and wired (USB-C) |
| Power | 750mAh battery and USB |
| Platforms | PC, Android, Nintendo Switch |
| Layout | Xbox |
| Dimensions | 174 x 137 × 67mm / 6.8 x 5.4 x 2.6 inches |
| Weight | 218g / 0.48lbs |
Scuf Valor Pro, for instance, but this is a feature reserved mostly for much more expensive controllers.
The triggers, meanwhile, feel remarkably smooth and well sprung/weighted, with them even having a longer range and firmer resistance than some premium controllers I’ve tested.
The main area of concern I had when using the controller in general was the central portion of the thumbsticks, with the combination of the default dead zone and the slightly higher resistance of these sticks making it feel like a fair portion of the center of the stick was quite unresponsive. However, by switching the dead zone to zero, this gave back a little extra central response, greatly improving the overall feel for me.
Another factor for me is the design of the top of the thumbsticks. They have a fairly standard dimpled top, rather than domed, but I prefer a more domed-style top. Even then, some dimpled tops are more comfortable, such as on the Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot. It’s far from a deal breaker, but it’s one area where the appeal of a premium controller with swappable parts is really highlighted. That said, you can also just buy thumbstick grips to experiment with tweaking the feel of these sticks.
Xbox Wireless Controller review for more information.
8BitDo Ultimate 2C
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2C offers a very similar feature set to the EasySMX X05 in the same price bracket. It also adds extra bumper buttons and has arguably a nicer selection of designs, but its shape isn’t as comfortable to hold as the X05.
gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck too – and it doesn’t support any audio features, but for PC gaming these are minor concerns.
We can’t actually say whether the use of Hall Effect thumbsticks and triggers results in a long-lasting controller, as we’ve only used this one for a month or so, but in theory, this tech should ensure this cheap controller doesn’t ever develop stick drift or unresponsive triggers. Ultimately, if you’re on a budget and want a wireless controller, just go and buy this one.
If you’re looking for more ways to control your PC games, check out our best gaming mouse and best gaming keyboard guides for our top KBM options.
Leave a Reply