Searching for the One

[ThunderCat]

When testing controllers, by what criteria do you judge if a controller is good or not? What should I be looking for?

 

[necroTaxonomist]

Well, if you get an official one they're all pretty much the same except for the colors.
The new ones that came out with Sm4sh are a little bit heavier and have longer cords.

There's nothing objectively wrong with 3rd party controllers. They may be shaped a bit different, but they generally serve the same purpose.

So don't worry about it. Just get a controller that isn't broken.

 

[-ACE-]

When testing controllers, by what criteria do you judge if a controller is good or not? What should I be looking for?

Dash sensitivity is arguably most important. Test back dashes in chaingrab situations, back dashes out of crouch, and pivot jabs/tilts/smash attacks.

Test for the ability to shield drop via the Axe method. Controllers that tend to spot dodge have notch positions that are slightly too low. Try holding out and hugging the gate as you perform it and you'll see more success. Controllers that tend to stay in shield have notch positions that are slightly too high. For these, give the stick downward influence while you perform the tech. Also test running shield drops and get a feel for the exact motion and timing you need.

Test perfect wavedashing. Some controllers require a slightly different angle than others, and you'll find that some are flat out easier to perfect wd with, mostly due to your natural tendencies.

Test ledgedashing for down input sensitivity. Just like dashing, some controllers drop faster/sooner/easier than others. This is something you can get used to, but it helps to have a controller that suits your natural tendencies. Ease of moonwalking can also be a good indicator of this.

Test the triggers. I personally prefer used springs that are broken in and slightly less springy. Some triggers require much more force for the final press than others (notably sm4sh controllers) also. In addition, some sm4sh controllers have triggers capable of getting stuck when you press them in, especially if you have a habit of not pressing the trigger straight down. The best fix for this (aside from replacing the triggers with old ones) seems to be lightly lubricating the outside of the inner cylinder of the trigger's "piston" (not sure what to call it). I think with the sm4sh controllers there is a greater difference in clearance between the outer/inner cylinders which allows for the trigger to be pressed at slightly more of an angle and get stuck. A lot of people feel that this is due to the lack of a metal support arm that guides the trigger, but I don't feel this is true.

Test the stick itself. See if there is some play in the neutral position of the stick before you feel spring resistance. This can be a sign that your dash sensitivity could be lacking, but not necessarily. Some controllers also just have "springier" sticks than others. It just depends on what you prefer.

Make sure your buttons are all springy. Some older controllers have B buttons that don't want to spring back well and need a new contact patch. In many cases though, it's still acceptable (and just a matter of how it feels).

On older controllers, test the c-stick (and control stick) for dead zones. On rare occasion I have encountered one that will occasionally do nothing during an angled fsmash or other smash attack input. This is a deal breaker and must be fixed.

Test for snap-back. Some controllers will occasionally register an input opposite the one you last input if you let go of the stick. This is most easily seen if you approach with a laser and Falco/fox shoots it behind them, or if Marth accidentally does a backwards facing shield breaker while airborne. It can also be seen when you fastfall to ledge and immediately let go when you accidentally dj. You can overcome this by keeping your finger on the stick longer so it doesn't snap back as hard.

Make sure you play several matchups with any controller to make sure you have a good feel for it. Some just feel right and you can't place your finger on exactly why.

 

[ThunderCat]

Dash sensitivity is arguably most important. Test back dashes in chaingrab situations, back dashes out of crouch, and pivot jabs/tilts/smash attacks.

Test for the ability to shield drop via the Axe method. Controllers that tend to spot dodge have notch positions that are slightly too low. Try holding out and hugging the gate as you preform it and you'll see more success. Controllers that tend to stay in shield have notch positions that are slightly too high. For these, give the stick downward influence while you perform the tech. Also test running shield drops and get a feel for the exact motion and timing you need.

Test perfect wavedashing. Some controllers require a slightly different angle than others, and you'll find that some are flat out easier to perfect wd with, mostly due to your natural tendencies.

Test ledgedashing for down input sensitivity. Just like dashing, some controllers drop faster/sooner/easier than others. This is something you can get used to, but it helps to have a controller that suits your natural tendencies. Ease of moonwalking can also be a good indicator of this.

Test the triggers. I personally prefer used springs that are broken in and slightly less springy. Some triggers require much more force for the final press than others (notably sm4sh controllers) also. In addition, some sm4sh controllers have triggers capable of getting stuck when you press them in, especially if you have a habit of not pressing the trigger straight down. The best fix for this (aside from replacing the triggers with old ones) seems to be lightly lubricating the outside of the inner cylinder of the trigger's "piston" (not sure what to call it). I think with the sm4sh controllers there is a greater difference in clearance between the outer/inner cylinders which allows for the trigger to be pressed at slightly more of an angle and get stuck. A lot of people feel that this is due to the lack of a metal support arm that guides the trigger, but I don't feel this is true.

Test the stick itself. See if there is some play in the neutral position of the stick before you feel spring resistance. This can be a sign that your dash sensitivity could be lacking, but not necessarily. Some controllers also just have "springier" sticks than others. It just depends on what you prefer.

Make sure your buttons are all springy. Some older controllers have B buttons that don't want to spring back well and need a new contact patch. In many cases though, it's still acceptable (and just a matter of how it feels).

On older controllers, test the c-stick (and control stick) for dead zones. On rare occasion I have encountered one that will occasionally do nothing during an angled fsmash or other smash attack input. This is a deal breaker and must be fixed.

Test for snap-back. Some controllers will occasionally register an input opposite the one you last input if you let go of the stick. This is most easily seen if you approach with a laser and Falco/fox shoots it behind them, or if Marth accidentally does a backwards facing shield breaker while airborne. It can also be seen when you fastfall to ledge and immediately let go when you accidentally dj. You can overcome this by keeping your finger on the stick longer so it doesn't snap back as hard.

Make sure you play several matchups with any controller to make sure you have a good feel for it. Some just feel right and you can't place your finger on exactly why.

You the real mvp, ACE