The marketplace for Xbox controllers is fierce, with big selection at each worth level. From official Xbox choices to licensed equipment from third social gathering producers. I’ve examined loads, so I am at all times in search of what makes a controller actually stand out in its respective worth bracket towards its opponents. The HyperX Clutch Gladiate RGB pits itself towards controllers from GameSir and PowerA to call a couple of, and sadly it does nothing to blow my thoughts and make me need to decide it up over these different manufacturers.
The additional options like set off locks and remappable buttons are good to have, however not sufficient to maintain me utilizing a controller that simply does not really feel satisfying to make use of. It isn’t unhealthy, however it’s not nice and sadly for HyperX there are simply different manufacturers doing it higher proper now.
Disclaimer: This evaluation was made doable by a evaluation unit offered by HyperX. The corporate didn’t see the contents of the evaluation earlier than publishing.
Hyper X Clutch Gladiate RGB: Value, availability and specs
The HyperX Clutch Gladiate RGB is priced $10 greater than its non-RGB counterpart, and retails at $44.99. Availability is at present simply restricted to HyperX’s personal web site, however like its different equipment will little question arrive at Amazon in some unspecified time in the future. Within the field, you get the HyperX Clutch Gladiate controller and the 3m USB Kind-C to Kind-A cable.
Hyper X Clutch Gladiate RGB: What’s good
The HyperX Clutch Gladiate RGB is undeniably placing straight out of the field, whether or not the lights are ablaze or switched off. As somebody who has a weak point for clear equipment—going to the extent of disassembling official Xbox controllers for a clear contact with shells from ExtremeRate—I am undoubtedly the audience for this retro-inspired design.
That does imply that I’ve explored varied contenders in the identical ring, just like the GameSir T4 Kaleid, so anticipate frequent comparisons all through this text.
RGB provides a splash of enjoyable that I recognize in my equipment when finished effectively. When turning on the controller, I used to be genuinely impressed by the brilliance of the RGB lighting, though it may be dialed all the way down to go well with private preferences. In actual fact, controlling the RGB is extraordinarily simple. The convenience of dealing with the RGB is commendable. A easy double-click of the rear P1 button grants entry to paint, sample, and lightweight settings, contrasting the marginally extra complicated setup within the PowerA Benefit with Lumectra. HyperX deserves applause for simplifying the customization facet of its controller, making it intuitive and user-friendly. I solely wanted to take a look at the directions as soon as, versus the a number of occasions I puzzled over PowerA’s model.
By way of design, the controller adheres to custom, mirroring the usual Xbox controller’s ergonomic excellence. The well-placed rear mappable buttons improve the comfy really feel throughout prolonged use — a function sorely missed when reverting to my OG Xbox Sequence S controller. I am hopeful that Xbox will incorporate such design parts into future generations of its controllers. The joysticks, paying homage to the unique Xbox controller, supply a free circularity. Whereas some customers may want extra stress or adjustable sticks, these nuances aren’t common expectations for a sub-$50 controller, making these sticks completely passable for me.
The USB-C wire clicks into the controller comfortable with a pleasant lip across the prime of the port, which takes away some stress from the wire, I recognize small particulars like this because it reduces the prospect you’ll injury the port on the controller over time.
Hyper X Clutch Gladiate RGB: What’s not so good
Whereas the HyperX Clutch Gladiate RGB excels in ergonomic consolation, the choice to prioritize the clear design comes at a value — the elimination of the grip texture from the rear. In my opinion, it is a misstep, and it is difficult for me to revert to controllers missing this customary function now prevalent available in the market. Notably, the GameSir T4 Kaleid, boasting a clear design as effectively, retains this texture by using frosted rear handles.
A big stumbling block for the HyperX Clutch Gladiate RGB lies in its fundamental controls, arguably probably the most essential facet of any controller. The ABXY buttons lack the satisfying click on I crave, feeling mushy when pressed. The triggers and bumpers, exhibit a spongy really feel and even go so far as to squeak with repetitive use. Testing the controller extensively in video games like Diablo 4, the place repeated button urgent is the norm, highlighted these subpar controls. Even the twin rumble motors felt like they could not be bothered. The construct high quality shortcomings grow to be obvious at this stage, and if a controller fails to ship a satisfying really feel, it inevitably means it is misplaced to the again of the accent drawer over different choices.
Whereas I do not usually play video games requiring set off locks, I subjected them to a check in a couple of rounds of Overwatch 2. The bodily switches on the again can alter the triggers for a shorter press time, a function helpful for first-person shooters. Nevertheless, echoing Zachary Boddy’s issues within the evaluation of the unique HyperX Clutch Gladiate, I discovered the set off locks on the RGB version to be unreliable. The inconsistency of their fundamental performance makes me surprise why they have been included. Whereas set off locks may not be an anticipated function in a lower-priced controller, their inclusion warrants reliability when marketed.
My last criticism facilities across the RGB execution, a function I usually recognize in equipment. Nevertheless, on the HyperX Clutch Gladiate RGB controller, it falls quick. Even with the lights dimmed to the bottom setting, they continue to be obtrusive and distracting. This situation, in my view, stems from the location and measurement of the lights. In distinction, controllers just like the GameSir T4 Kaleid and the PowerA Lumectra undertake a line design, making a extra visually pleasing impact that does not resemble fairy lights inside a controller. The colours mixing in an ombre design is simpler on my eyes and mind, contrasting with the considerably overwhelming singular lights of the HyperX controller. I do settle for that this choice is subjective, and others might discover HyperX’s method extra interesting.
Hyper X Clutch Gladiate RGB: The Competitors
After I was provided the HyperX Clutch Gladiate RGB to evaluation, I believed to myself, “Lastly, I will have a GameSir T4 Kaleid that works with my Xbox.” Sadly, the GameSir T4 Kaleid’s lack of compatibility with Xbox stays its sole downside. Priced at $41.99, simply barely cheaper than the HyperX, it has secured its place as my favourite controller of the yr. HyperX’s providing falls quick in difficult my allegiance to the GameSir T4 Kaleid, particularly for PC gaming fanatics searching for a clear RGB model—the GameSir T4 Kaleid stands out because the superior selection.
The place does it go so proper although and the HyperX Clutch Gladiate RGB go fallacious? Nicely, it is not simply the extra pleasing association of lighting; the important thing distinction lies within the controls. GameSir understands that avid gamers prioritize a controller that feels distinctive to make use of, therefore the inclusion of mechanical ABXY buttons and hall-effect sticks, all for the enticing worth of $41.99. Whereas I might go on singing praises for this controller, these factors grow to be moot should you’re particularly available in the market for an Xbox-compatible controller.
For Xbox customers, there’s nonetheless a greater choice out there. Quite a few third-party Xbox controllers supply wonderful controls, with the GameSir G7 SE being a noteworthy point out. Nevertheless, if RGB lighting is a non-negotiable, my testing of the PowerA Benefit with Lumectra, priced on the identical $44.99 because the HyperX, reveals an exquisite controller with useful rear mappable buttons and set off locks that really work. For a further $10, you possibly can even throw in a bundled LED strip. Whereas it lacks transparency, the PowerA Benefit with Lumectra supplies a considerably extra pleasurable expertise than the HyperX, with buttons that, whereas not mechanical, ship a satisfying really feel.
Different RGB controllers just like the Razer Wolverine V2 could also be available on the market, however their significantly increased worth locations them exterior the truthful comparability bracket. In essence, there are options out there on the identical or cheaper price level than the HyperX Clutch Gladiate RGB that provide a extra pleasurable expertise.
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Hyper X Clutch Gladiate RGB: Do you have to purchase?
You can purchase this if …
You actually need the retro clear design on an Xbox-compatible controller.Customizable RGB lighting is a big enchantment, and also you benefit from the choice to regulate colours, patterns, and lightweight settings simply.
You should not purchase this if …
Clicky, satisfying buttons and triggers are necessary to you.You discover RGB lights distracting and overstimulating.You rely closely on set off locks for aggressive gaming.
Regardless of my anticipation for the HyperX Clutch Gladiate RGB, my love for RGB and clear designs could not overshadow its shortcomings. With a ranking of three, it falls wanting greatness in a market flooded with compelling options. Whereas HyperX excels in funds headset choices, they’ve quite a lot of room to enhance within the aggressive controller panorama.
HyperX Clutch Gladiate Wired Gaming RGB Controller for Xbox
Whereas this newest providing from HyperX lands squarely within the common spectrum throughout varied classes, it faces stiff competitors from gamers like GameSir and PowerA. Sadly, the HyperX Clutch Gladiate RGB, regardless of its retro-inspired design and customizable RGB lighting, struggles to face out towards a backdrop of rising innovation within the gaming peripheral market.