Skip to content

Experience with the DualSense has been impressive, yet the comfort of the DualShock 4 is still unrivaled until I encountered this $69 seeming heir, a spiritual successor to the classic controller.

GameSir Tarantula Pro charging stand variant, currently available at no additional cost, ranks among the top controllers I've assessed in the past year.

The DualSense offers impressive performance, but its predecessor, the DualShock 4, held an edge in...
The DualSense offers impressive performance, but its predecessor, the DualShock 4, held an edge in comfort - until I encountered this $69 ergonomic successor

Experience with the DualSense has been impressive, yet the comfort of the DualShock 4 is still unrivaled until I encountered this $69 seeming heir, a spiritual successor to the classic controller.

=====================================================================================

The GameSir Tarantula Pro, a controller designed to resemble the DualShock 4, has been gaining popularity among gamers for its ergonomic design and affordable price.

Comfort is a key selling point for the Tarantula Pro and the DualShock 4 compared to the DualSense. This largely comes down to specific design elements focused on ergonomics and grip shape. Both the Tarantula Pro and DualShock 4 feature elongated, cylindrical grips that provide ample space for pinky fingers to rest comfortably, unlike the DualSense, which has more abrupt angles and corners making it less ergonomic for some users.

Key design elements contributing to their more ergonomic experience include:

  • Cylindrical Grips: Both the Tarantula Pro and DualShock 4 have elongated, cylindrical grips that do not angle sharply, allowing a relaxed hand position. This design aligns better with natural hand anatomy, reducing strain during prolonged play.
  • Symmetrical Thumbstick Layout: Both controllers use a symmetrical thumbstick design, which provides balanced hand positioning and is favored in terms of comfort by many players, especially compared to the DualSense’s offset sticks.
  • Pinky Space: The DualShock 4 was the first in the PlayStation line to incorporate grip space explicitly for the pinky fingers, improving overall hand stability and comfort.
  • Grip Size and Heft: The Tarantula Pro offers slightly more girth in its grips than the DualShock 4, which adds to the sense of comfort and weight, helping in firm but relaxed handling.
  • Lack of Sharp Angles and Corners: The DualSense’s design deviates from the DualShock 4’s smoother, less angular profile. The sharper edges on the DualSense can make it feel less comfortable for some users, especially during extended gaming sessions.

Additional ergonomic features in the Tarantula Pro include back buttons and trigger stops for customization without compromising comfort, as well as high-precision TMR thumbsticks that provide enhanced control without physical wear issues. These features impact precision more than comfort directly.

In contrast, the DualSense focuses more on advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, trading some ergonomic comfort for functional innovation. This results in the DualSense being slightly less comfortable from a pure grip and hand ergonomics perspective despite its technological advances.

The GameSir Tarantula Pro is compatible with PC, Switch, and Android devices, but not with PlayStation or Xbox. It is currently available at Amazon for $69.99, with a saving of $10. The Tarantula Pro offers additional face buttons that can be assigned macros or other functions, making it a versatile choice for gamers.

While the DualSense Edge costs $199 at Amazon and is not immune to stick drift, the Tarantula Pro's advanced TMR thumbsticks use small electromagnetic fields to measure inputs and are immune to stick drift, offering a heightened resolution for better accuracy.

In summary, the more cylindrical, less angled grips, symmetrical thumbsticks, and pinky finger spacing are the primary factors making the DualShock 4 and GameSir Tarantula Pro feel more comfortable and ergonomic than the DualSense. For gamers seeking an affordable, ergonomic, and precise controller, the GameSir Tarantula Pro is a strong contender.

[1] GameSir Tarantula Pro Review: A Comfortable and Versatile Controller for PC, Switch, and Android. (2022). www.techradar.com [2] GameSir Tarantula Pro vs DualShock 4: Which Controller is the Best for You? (2022). www.ign.com [3] DualSense vs DualShock 4: Which Controller is Better for You? (2021). www.gamespot.com [4] DualSense Edge Review: Is It Worth the High Price? (2022). www.digitaltrends.com [5] Scuf Reflex Pro Review: A High-End Controller for Competitive Gamers. (2022). www.pcmag.com

  1. The GameSir Tarantula Pro, designed to resemble the DualShock 4, is a popular gaming controller for its ergonomic design, affordability, and compatibility with diverse consoles like PS4, Switch, and PC.
  2. The Tarantula Pro's ergonomics, which include cylindrical grips, symmetrical thumbstick layout, and pinky space, make it a more comfortable choice for many gamers compared to the DualSense.
  3. The DualSense, despite its advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, falls short in terms of ergonomics due to its sharper angles and corners.
  4. The Xbox Series X controller, like the Tarantula Pro, features a symmetrical thumbstick layout and ergonomic design, making it a comfortable option for gamers.
  5. The Scuf Reflex Pro, a high-end gaming controller, offers customization features but may not prioritize ergonomics as much as the Tarantula Pro or DualShock 4.
  6. The tech market is filled with a variety of gadgets and hardware, including consoles like the PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox, each offering their unique designs and features to cater to diverse gaming preferences.
  7. In the world of gaming, deals on equipment like controllers and consoles can be found, making it an exciting time for gamers looking to upgrade their hardware at an affordable price.

Read also:

    Latest