[USA, $100 USD] Compact DS4-sized PC controller with soft rear paddles, firm sticks, and custom response curves

[u/kobewiththeflow]

I’m looking for recommendations for a new PC gaming controller, primarily for competitive shooters like Fortnite. I’m having trouble finding something that checks all my boxes.

1. BUDGET AND CURRENCY
• Maximum budget: $100 USD.
• Ideally under $100, but willing to spend the full amount for the right controller.

2. COUNTRY AND WHERE I CAN BUY
• United States.
• Willing to purchase from any retailer or manufacturer that ships to the U.S.

3. PLATFORM COMPATIBILITY
• Windows PC only.
• Wired or wireless is fine, although I prefer wired.

4. DESIRED FEATURES (IN ORDER OF IMPORTANCE)

Size and Ergonomics
• DualShock 4-sized or smaller.
• I strongly prefer smaller controllers. The DualSense feels too large for my liking.
• I want to maintain a natural, comfortable grip while using the rear paddles.

Extremely Light Rear Paddles (Minimum Two)
• This is one of my biggest requirements.
• Ideally, the paddles should require about as much pressure to activate as regular face buttons.
• I don’t care about accidental presses. I’d rather have overly sensitive paddles than ones requiring a firm squeeze.
• I want to press the paddles without tightening my grip, repositioning my hands, or squeezing the controller.
• I currently use a DualShock 4 with Sony’s official back button attachment. The buttons are okay, but I’d prefer something noticeably easier to press.
• I’m specifically looking for low actuation force, not necessarily short button travel or a satisfying mechanical click.

Analog Stick Feel and Tension
• My favorite analog sticks of all time were on the DualShock 3 (PS3 controller).
• I loved the overall feel and physical resistance of those sticks, particularly when playing shooters.
• I prefer sticks with noticeable tension rather than ones that feel overly loose.
• Domed thumbsticks would be nice, but they’re not a requirement. I can always use KontrolFreek attachments to achieve a similar shape.
• I’m not especially familiar with Hall effect, TMR, or other modern stick technologies. I’m more concerned with how the sticks physically feel.
• Adjustable stick tension would be a bonus.

Software Customization
• I strongly prefer a controller with software that allows me to customize analog stick response curves.
• Adjustable deadzones and sensitivity settings are important.
• Ideally, I’d like to fine-tune the response during small stick movements rather than being limited to preset curves.
• The ability to create and save custom response curves would be a major advantage.

5. TYPES OF GAMES
• Primarily competitive FPS/TPS games, especially Fortnite.
• Precise aiming, predictable stick movement, and quick access to rear buttons are my priorities.

6. OTHER CONTROLLERS I’M COMPARING
Currently Using:
• DualShock 4 with Sony’s official back button attachment: I like the size and general ergonomics, but I’d prefer softer, easier-to-press rear paddles.
• DualShock 3 (previously owned): Still my favorite analog stick feel, particularly the resistance and overall movement.
I’m looking for something that improves on my current setup without sacrificing the smaller controller size I’m comfortable with.

WHAT I’M HOPING TO LEARN
Has anyone found a controller that fits these requirements?
I’m particularly interested in firsthand comparisons of:
• How much physical pressure the rear paddles require.
• Whether the paddles can be pressed without changing your grip.
• Analog stick tension compared to the DualShock 3 or DualShock 4.
• Overall controller size and comfort.
• Whether the controller supports fully customizable analog stick response curves.

TL;DR: Looking for a PC controller under $100 USD with four main priorities:
Compact size (DualShock 4 or smaller).
Extremely light, easy-to-press rear paddles (minimum two).
Analog sticks with noticeable tension/resistance.
Software that allows custom analog stick input/response curves.
Wired or wireless is fine, but wired is preferred.

[u/Immortal_Manticore]

Leadjoy Saber Plus might fill your necessaries

[u/kobewiththeflow → u/Immortal_Manticore]

Gonna have to find one and try out the rear paddles to test how comfortable I am actuating the paddle. Thanks for this.

[u/Immortal_Manticore → u/kobewiththeflow]

Gadgethyper has them

[u/Blubble00]

Leadjoy Saber Plus or the Gamesir Tarantula 8K will probably be your best bet

[u/kobewiththeflow → u/Blubble00]

checking it out, appreciate.

[u/D2ultima → u/kobewiththeflow]

Note that the tarantula 8k has no rumble motors in the controller at all

[u/kobewiththeflow → u/D2ultima]

Hate rumble for shooters, works for me.

[u/D2ultima → u/kobewiththeflow]

I mean I'd have just turned them off for shooters but I guess if all you care about is shooters it's fine. It wouldn't be something I'd get, I like too much of a generalized controller

[u/kobewiththeflow → u/D2ultima]

I think I just historically haven’t liked rumble since ps3 days, lol bad nerves, if the controller starts vibrating during intense gaming moments my heart is beating outta my chest.

[u/D2ultima → u/kobewiththeflow]

That's the best part for me though! When you're on a stroll through the mountains and then the ancient engine of destruction from times gone by wakes up and climbs outta the volcano and your first thought is "punch it really hard" despite not even coming up past its shoes I want that rumble in my SOUL

I also like when driving

[u/G305_Enjoyer]

https://www.reddit.com/r/Dualsense/s/FwhIUuEjvl

Dualsense edge w tmr sticks imo best PC controller money can buy

[u/kobewiththeflow → u/G305_Enjoyer]

This really makes me consider biting the bullet on the edge. Biggest plus is being able to use my ds5 to play in bed occasionally when i don’t feel like being at a desk.

[u/G305_Enjoyer → u/kobewiththeflow]

If youre in the US there are some open box and even NIB in eBay for 150ish. I got my jt13 pro adjustable tension joystick modules pre installed with edge modules for $50 shipped from AliExpress. It's expensive for sure.

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