SCUF creates custom controllers for the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One consoles designed for competitive play. SCUF markets its controllers with the claim that its patented rear bumpers technology gives gamers a competitive edge.
But do SCUF controllers actually make you a better gamer? Let’s find out.
What Is a SCUF Controller?
A SCUF controller is a third party, custom-designed, easily modifiable controller that offers additional buttons that are useful in PlayStation 4 and Xbox One games. At first glance, SCUF controllers might not look that different from a standard PlayStation or Xbox controller. Unless you get a custom design, the faceplates are essentially the same.
The little changes that SCUF makes are where the visual differences start. For instance, instead of locating the standard PlayStation or Xbox logo in the center of each controller, SCUF includes its own custom logo on certain models.
On some of SCUF’s PlayStation 4 controllers, like the SCUF Impact, instead of the typical PlayStation button symbols, it leaves the buttons blank.
The rear of the controller is where you’ll see the most differences from a standard controller. SCUF equips all of its controllers with rear paddles that take on the actions typically assigned to the face buttons like jump or crouch. SCUF also allows for custom paint jobs to personalize each controller.
What Can SCUF Controllers Do?
The thing that sets SCUF controllers apart is customization. Unlike conventional offerings, SCUF controllers are fully customizable out of the box.
SCUF builds its controllers with comfort in mind. SCUF controllers allow you to change out the analog sticks, the shape of the D-Pad, and the triggers on the back of the controller. The only official controller that allows this level of customization is the Xbox Elite controller.
Customizable analog sticks give gamers enhanced comfort during long play sessions. Instead of finding your thumbs slipping from the controller during a heated gunfight, a textured grip makes precise control much easier. A swappable D-pad makes selecting through menu options faster and more comfortable, especially with the optional circular design.
Customization doesn’t stop with the face of the controller. Every SCUF controller comes with paddles on its back. Paddles are essentially programmable buttons that expand your gameplay options.
The paddle system takes advantage of the fingers on the back of your controller that aren’t doing anything. Instead of taking your thumbs off the analog sticks, you’re able to use the rear paddles for in-game actions.
A common paddle layout will assign paddle one to crouch, paddle two assigned to swapping weapons, paddle three assigned to reload, and paddle four assigned to jump.
The paddle system can give you an advantage in shooters or fighting games where split-second decision making leads to life or death. Instead of having to let go of your thumbstick and try to crouch and take cover in a firefight, you can use a paddle on the back of your controller.
The trigger system also deserves special attention. SCUF designed its triggers to have modifiable sensitivities suited to the game you’re playing.
SCUF’s Adjustable Hair Triggers allow you to use an attachment that comes with the controller to adjust the trigger pull. You can even set up a digital trigger system that will mimic a mouse click for instant reactions. SCUF also includes trigger extenders for people with large hands.
SCUF Controller Remapping
As with remapping an official Xbox controller, remapping your SCUF controller’s button layout is simple with the SCUF customization app.
To use it, plug your SCUF controller into your PC using a micro USB cable and run the app. Once the app detects your controller, it will give you full access to its software suite.
You can completely customize the paddles and assign them to any in-game action you want. The analog sticks can have their dead zones customized to change how much or how little movement of the stick is necessary before the game detects your actions.
Vibration settings are customizable, allowing gamers to heighten or lessen the amount of vibration felt as well. SCUF also provides an option to save profiles, with fifteen slots that allow you to create custom layouts for each game you play.
Downsides To SCUF Controllers
While SCUF controllers do work and have benefits, they also have drawbacks. You can’t turn your console on with a SCUF controller, you turn your console on using its power button. While not the end of the world, when you’re paying a premium, certain features should be standard.
Unfortunately, while the features on the SCUF are great and can work well, they don’t always function as intended. Bluetooth connectivity isn’t always effective. When the Bluetooth doesn’t work, you connect the controller through a micro-USB cable.
Button layouts don’t always properly save in their profile setting, so you may have to re-setup your layout after games. Stick drift can also cause issues in activities that require precise movement.
Durability is also a concern because the rear paddles can randomly break or stop working. If SCUF feels the issue falls under its warranty, you’ll get a replacement. But if SCUF feels the issue falls under general wear and tear, you must buy a new controller.
Taken on their own, these issues may sound minuscule or like something fixable with a software update. But when you’re paying $150 or more for a controller which is at least double the price of a regular PlayStation or Xbox controller, these issues are worth mentioning.
Will SCUF Controllers Make Me a Better Gamer?
SCUF controllers and feature sets can be extremely useful, but it’s important to know that extra buttons don’t make you a better gamer. Being able to slide without taking your finger off the trigger is a wonderful addition in a shooting game. But having rear bumpers or adjustable triggers doesn’t improve the quality of your aiming or your knowledge of the maps you’re playing on.
SCUF controllers are optional accessories that give you the ability to do things you couldn’t do on a standard controller. SCUF controllers don’t make you a better gamer, they just remove some annoying gameplay limitations.
Are SCUF Controllers Worth The Investment?
SCUF controllers offer a gaming experience that’s unmatched by other third-party competitors and official controllers. Long-term durability is an issue, but while the paddles are in working order, they’re absolutely game-changing.
SCUF makes the best custom controllers on the market. SCUF controllers may not be for everyone because of the high price, and they definitely can’t fix poor aim, but the paddles are useful enough to be worth the price of admission.
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