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As a controller reviewer, I very seldom get to use the gaming peripherals I actually would choose to. I know, boohoo, what a hard life I live. Truth be told, there are too many gamepads out there for any one person to test, but I certainly try my hardest. That means that from week to week, I'm often testing one I haven't used before, enjoying a new contender for our best PC controller list, but never really settling down with one because I know that in a few days, I'll be making a start on next week's review.
For the first time in ages, I've finally cleared my testing pile, and it's looking like, for a change, I'll actually have a week or two where I can enjoy whichever gamepad I want to while I play my games. Thanks to a really jam-packed year of controller releases, I have some awesome TMR controllers to choose from, but I think the one I'll be reaching for is the FlyDigi Apex 5 (which, by the way, is currently seeing a rare discount in the Amazon Spring Sale).
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You may be wondering why I'm looking forward to a few weeks of playing with the FlyDigi Apex 5 and not the Victrix Pro BFG, since it's the one I recommend as the best overall in our best PC, best PS5 controller, and best Xbox Series X controller guides. Besides the fact that I'm playing on PC, I'd argue there's a difference between what I'm subjectively enjoying using at the moment and the one I think is the best investment, the safest brand to trust, and strongest value for money recommendation for all of you.
The Victrix Pro BFG is a controller I've been using for years, and I think its modular design gives it some spectacular versatility and value for money that are unique to this day. Its parent brands are tried and tested. If you experience a fault, it'd be easy enough to get in touch with customer service, and, especially if you're a competitive player, it can be tailored to exactly what you need from it.
The FlyDigi Apex 5 is not as secure a recommendation for me overall because (thanks to the FlyDigi Vader 4 Pro), I don't have as much faith in its maker. In fact, the only reason I was able to have such a good time with the Apex 5 is that it has an onboard display and menu system, so I didn't almost brick it by downloading this brand's very questionable software (read the review linked above for the full story).
The BFG is still the better overall choice for most players when it comes to platform compatibility, value for money, multiplayer potential, and more. As I've said, I've been using it for years; it's the definition of my old faithful recommendation. But it'd be downright irresponsible of me to only ever use one controller in my spare time, right? So I'm allowed to recreate the jealous girlfriend meme with the others I have.
The Apex 5 feels super premium, and is pretty alluring for the singleplayer games I'm enjoying at the moment, which aren't necessarily demanding Esports-level sweatlord gameplay from me.
Case in point, the Apex 5 uses a hybrid setup of back buttons and back paddles. That makes them a joy to use - you get the satisfying press from the paddles, but a snappy, quick actuation from the buttons. There are also two additional shoulder buttons, which means I rarely need to take my hands off the thumbsticks. The premium feel of the Apex 5 is bolstered by its slightly heftier weight than most controllers. It just never fails to feel great in the hands, which isn't even true of some of the $200 Xbox controllers that land on my desk.
More than that, the Apex 5 does have a lot of potential for competitive play, but it's more comfortable and satisfying to hold than the BFG if you aren't shooting purely for competitive gaming sessions where you want the last word in customization and usability.
When I do switch to a multiplayer game though, the Apex 5's Hall sensor sticks have a really intuitive design that I haven't seen before on any other controller. They have these more pronounced horizontal and vertical axes that mean slightly different feels in vertical and horizontal movements. Flicking them for a quick camera spin feels distinct and again, satisfying. I always think controllers should be usable and practical in their designs for gaming, but it helps if they double as a fidget toy because great button presses and premium parts only add to the feeling you get from playing a video game.
Controller enthusiasts might also want to check out the best Switch 2 controllers, the best joysticks, and the best PC racing wheels.
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