Number of buttons
The total number of buttons provided in the design of the manipulator.
The more buttons — the more additional features you can "tie" to the manipulator, the lower the likelihood that during the game you will have to turn to other controls (for example, a PC keyboard). However, many game consoles (see "Platform Compatibility") provide a certain minimum number of buttons for a compatible gamepad — a smaller number simply would not allow full use of all the functions of the console. For example, the original PlayStation 4 controller has 11 buttons.
Note that the D-Pad (see below) is not included in this calculation: it is considered a specific control, although it is based on buttons.
Steering material
The material from which the steering wheel itself is made in manipulators of the corresponding type (see "Device type").
Note that the basis of the steering wheel is traditionally plastic. Therefore, this parameter is indicated by the material of the outer surface of the steering wheel: it is with this surface that the user's hands are in contact, it is she who is primarily responsible for the appearance of the device and the general impression of its use.
— Rubber. Rubber coating is relatively inexpensive, while it is quite convenient and practical. So, due to its softness and elasticity, such a surface is pleasant to the touch, at the same time it looks quite authentic — similar materials are often used in steering wheels of real cars. Therefore, it is this option that is most popular nowadays. Of the disadvantages of rubber, one can note only poor scratch resistance, but this is a common feature of many fairly advanced steering wheel materials.
— Plastic. Steering wheel made entirely of plastic; the outer coating may differ somewhat from the base, however, both belong to the same class of materials. The key advantage of this option is low cost; in addition, plastic can be made sufficiently resistant to scratches, scuffs and other damage. On the other hand, the plastic surface is somewhat less comfortable than the same rubber, and it does not always look solid and reliable enough. In addition, smooth plastic tends to slip in the hands...(although embossed protrusions or other similar solutions may be provided to compensate for this disadvantage). Therefore, this material is used less often, mainly in relatively inexpensive steering wheels (although there may be exceptions using high-quality plastic grades).
— Leather. The cover is made of artificial, occasionally — genuine leather. These materials belong to the premium class: they have a stylish appearance, are pleasant to the touch, but they also cost accordingly. However a leather substitute can be both high-class and relatively inexpensive — however, in the latter case, there is no need to talk about durability and durability; natural leather, in turn, is by definition quite expensive. On the other hand, such coatings provide maximum authenticity — to the point that the controller "smells like a real steering wheel, and not like a plastic toy."
— Alcantara. A material also known as "faux suede". In fact, it is a variety of the leather (imitation leather) described above, however, it stands out in a separate category, as it has specific features — primarily a characteristic velvety surface. Thanks to this, this material is pleasant to the touch, while it looks great and at the same time is quite durable and practical; It is worth saying that Alcantara is widely used in the decoration and external tuning of real cars, including luxury cars. At the same time, the cost of such a finish, including for game steering wheels, turns out to be considerable; therefore, only some high-end models are made from Alcantara.
Material
The main material(s) used in the design of the manipulator.
Usually, both the body of the device and the control elements — buttons, levers, joystick handle, etc. are made from the material specified in this paragraph. steering wheel ”(see above), the type of coverage is often specified.
Here are the main materials relevant for today:
— Plastic. It is used in the vast majority of modern game controllers — from low-cost to high-end; at the same time, even in inexpensive devices, sufficiently high-quality grades of plastic can be used. In general, this material combines low cost, practicality and ease of design: plastic elements can easily be given complex shapes, as well as any shades and patterns. Of the shortcomings of this option, one can only note a certain tendency to scratches; however, this is a purely aesthetic moment, having almost no practical significance.
— Rubber cover. An additional coating commonly used on plastic devices. Rubber is soft and flexible, and less slippery than a smooth plastic surface. This provides a more comfortable and secure hold in the hands. In addition, scratches are less noticeable on such material. The reverse side of these advantages is a slight increase in the cost and dimensions of the controller (the latter, however, can be compensated by reducing the size of the plastic base).
— Soft touch. A special kind of plastic, a kind of transitional option between traditional smooth pl...astic and rubber. The surface of this material has a special texture, due to which it feels soft to the touch (hence the name), besides, it practically does not slip in the hands. However for a number of reasons, such material has not received much popularity in game controllers.
— Rubberized plastic, rubberized coating. These terms may mean different materials in different models: in some cases it is plastic with a full-fledged rubber coating, in others it is a soft-touch surface. For more on both, see above; and what exactly is at stake — it is worth specifying separately.
— Rubber. The word "rubber" in this case, it is customary to denote individual elements made of this material — primarily buttons and additional inserts. Such elements are usually combined with a body base made of plastic (see above). And rubber is used for additional convenience: fingers do not slip off such buttons as much as with plastic ones, while inserts prevent the controller itself from slipping in your hand.
— Metal. In the case of game controllers, metal is a premium material: it is durable, looks solid, but it is not cheap. And in some types of manipulators — for example, gamepads (see "Device type") — the use of this material is not justified from a practical point of view. As a result, metal is mainly used for individual high-end rudders, joysticks / helms and aircraft instruments, designed both for functionality and for realism in appearance and user experience. At the same time, even if only metal is indicated in the characteristics, the design, usually, still includes individual elements from other materials: for example, the pad on the joystick lever can be made of rubber or plastic, for additional comfort and reliability.
— Aluminium. One of the types of metal described above — with all the characteristic features. Aluminium is often perceived as an advanced and expensive material (in particular, it is widely used in aviation); therefore, sometimes in the characteristics this name is specified for advertising purposes.
Power source
The power source used by the gamepad.
This parameter directly depends on the type of connection (see "Connection"). So, power from a
USB port or
network (power supply) is provided mainly in wired models, and devices with wireless connectivity (both purely wireless and combined) are almost guaranteed to use a
battery or
batteries. Here is a more detailed description of each of these options:
— USB port. Powered by a USB port — usually the same one through which the controller directly interacts with the console, PC or other gaming device. This method of connection allows you to do without unnecessary wires. On the other hand, USB power is relatively low, which makes this option poorly suited for controllers with powerful feedback systems (in particular, advanced steering wheels) — you have to use separate PSUs with such accessories (see below).
Also note that this power supply method is also found in separate wireless models — usually controllers for mobile devices that interact with the gadget via Bluetooth, and are powered from the USB port of the same gadget. This format of operation allows you to do without batteries in the controller itself, however, it additionally consumes the charge of the main device.
— Network. Powered from a conventional outlet using a separate power supply unit (PSU). Mainly used
...in high-end wired wheels (see Device Type) that require high power for feedback systems to work effectively. Theoretically, this option is not very convenient, as it requires the search for an additional outlet; however, in fact, this usually does not cause any particular difficulties (in extreme cases, you can use an extension cord).
— Accumulator. Powered by a built-in battery that does not belong to standard sizes (unlike batteries), and often also non-removable. This is the most popular way of powering wireless manipulators nowadays. Its main advantage over batteries is that this option does not require extra money and effort: the battery is initially included in the package, you do not need to buy it separately, and when the charge is exhausted, it is enough to charge the controller. However this procedure requires a certain time; however, the time for a full charge rarely exceeds a couple of hours, while the operating time can be measured for days (although there are also more modest figures). In addition, many controllers can be used without unplugging the charger; this somewhat limits mobility, but this moment is usually not critical.
— Batteries (AA, AAA). Powered by replaceable cells of a standard size — usually "finger" AA or "little" AAA. The number of elements used can be different; however, the general features of such a power supply are the same in all controllers. On the one hand, the batteries allow quick replacement, which allows you to play with a minimum of interruptions: when the charge is exhausted, it is enough to simply install fresh batteries instead of dead ones. At the same time, the user has a choice: either regularly buy disposable batteries, or invest in rechargeable batteries with an external charger. And if you purchase two sets of such batteries, you can keep one set on charge while the second is in use. On the other hand, the use of batteries is inevitably associated with additional costs: batteries are usually not included in the kit, and they must be purchased separately before the first use. As a result, this type of power is used much less frequently than batteries, although it can also be found in fairly advanced and well-known devices — in particular, regular gamepads for Xbox 360, Xbox One and even Xbox Series X|S.
