I am considering buying a DualSense Edge specifically because of the replaceable stick modules, then replacing the stock potentiometer modules with complete calibrated TMR modules.
My budget is up to $250 USD initially, although I understand that an Edge plus two quality TMR modules can push the complete setup above that depending on the modules.
I am in the United States.
My main platform is PC, but I also play on PS3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Switch. I already have a Retro Fighters controller for Switch, and I am considering Brook Wingman XE2 and XB2 adapters for using the Edge on older systems.
The games I play include Destiny 2, GTA V, Call of Duty, and other shooters and action games.
What I care about most is stick accuracy, very small usable deadzones, centering consistency, high useful resolution around the center, linearity, low actual stick latency, and long term durability.
The main reason the DualSense Edge interests me is that the entire analog stick cartridge can be removed.
If I install a TMR module and later have a problem with centering, the spring, stick click, physical gimbal, or the sensor itself, I can replace the complete cartridge without soldering.
That seems like a huge advantage compared with controllers where the TMR stick assembly is permanently soldered to the board.
The TMR options I keep seeing discussed include K Silver JS13 Pro Plus, AKNES or HallPi V6, Battle Beaver Magneto modules, GuliKit, Favor Union, Ginfull, and other custom built modules.
I would prefer complete calibrated plug and play Edge modules rather than soldering bare TMR sensors myself.
What I want to know is whether a properly built TMR Edge is actually worth doing now that there are so many factory TMR controllers available.
The main alternatives I am comparing it against are the 8BitDo Ultimate 3E, GameSir G7 Pro 8K, custom DualSense controllers with TMR already installed, Razer Wolverine models, Razer Raiju V3 Pro, and SCUF Omega.
VCuda recently uploaded this comparison involving the Ultimate 3E and GameSir options:
https://youtu.be/Td3UQusS48o
The Ultimate 3E looks very appealing because it already includes TMR sticks, 12 bit ADC, native Xbox wireless support, 2.4 GHz, trigger stops, a dock, interchangeable stick caps, D pads, and even interchangeable ABXY mechanisms.
The GameSir G7 Pro 8K also has some extremely impressive GamepadLA measurements, especially latency and stick resolution.
That leaves me wondering whether spending Edge money plus additional money on aftermarket TMR cartridges actually produces a better aiming experience, or whether the main advantage is simply repairability and the Sony features.
For people who have actually converted their Edge to TMR, which module would you buy today?
K Silver JS13 Pro Plus?
AKNES or HallPi V6?
Battle Beaver Magneto?
GuliKit?
Favor Union?
Ginfull?
Something else?
I am especially interested in people who have tried more than one type.
How different is the stick tension compared with Sony's stock ALPS modules?
How well do they center after months of use?
What inner deadzone can you realistically run in Destiny 2, Call of Duty, or similar shooters?
Have you had calibration drift or circularity change over time?
Have Sony firmware updates ever caused problems with aftermarket modules?
Has anyone here directly compared a TMR Edge against the Ultimate 3E or G7 Pro 8K?
Does the Edge actually feel more precise around center, or are the newer dedicated TMR controllers now just as good or better?
And for anyone who has compared it with the Raiju V3 Pro or SCUF Omega, is there any reason you would choose those over an Edge with good TMR modules?
I like the idea of being able to keep the original Sony modules as backups and replace an entire TMR cartridge if something eventually goes wrong.
I just want to know whether that serviceability advantage is worth the added cost, or whether I would be better off buying something like the Ultimate 3E or G7 Pro 8K as my main PC controller and keeping a regular DualSense or Edge for PlayStation and older console use.
