Flydigi Vader 3 Pro: My Review

When I first got my hands on the Flydigi Vader 3 Pro, I had my doubts. Controllers are a dime a dozen, each promising the moon but sometimes landing among the stars. But boy, was I in for a treat.

Price Point: A Sweet Spot

Before we dive deep, let’s talk cash. I snagged mine for about $50 on Aliexpress, which felt like finding a hidden gem at a yard sale. Sure, I’ve seen price tags around $80 on Amazon, but with a little patience, getting this controller on a budget is entirely doable.

A Rocky Start: Unboxing Blues

Cutting to the chase, the Vader 3 Pro’s box isn’t going to win any awards. It’s a stark black box, Chinese characters dancing across it, simple and mysterious. Inside, you’ll find the usual suspects: the controller itself, a blue USB-A to USB-C cable (which is more for show since it’s just USB 2.0), a tiny USB dongle for those 2.4 GHz fans, an English manual hiding behind a QR code, and a personal note from the CEO that felt a little lost in translation for non-Chinese readers.

I’m not gonna lie – the unboxing left me feeling a tad underwhelmed. It’s like unwrapping a dollar-store gift that you hope has something shiny inside.

Feeling It Out: Initial Impressions

But then things took a turn. Picking up the Vader 3 Pro was a revelation. It was like the first chill of winter – cold and a bit alien. Those four back buttons felt like extra toes you weren’t sure what to do with. Yet, there was a whisper of luxury to it. Plastic, yes, but we’re not talking dollar-store toy. This was more of a premium vibe, reminiscent of the sturdiness found in an Xbox One controller. That said, it lacked that cozy grip, offering up a texture that felt more for show than function.

Tough Cookie: Sturdy Build

As time passed, the Vader 3 Pro grew on me. Those thumbsticks, adorned with a hint of metal, sang of quality. Although the D-pad kind of let the choir down with its budget plastic feel, belied by its top-notch mechanical chops. The buttons on the face were a joy, tactile and satisfying, if a tad wiggly. As for the extra C&Z buttons, they were strictly average. But the main buttons – Select, Start, et al. – were dependable, familiar friends. Now, the bumpers might create trust issues, offering a click that screams economy, yet their functionality can’t be faulted. The triggers? Oh, the triggers deserve a standing ovation – precise, resisting just enough to feel engaging without tiring out your fingers.

Connectivity & Performance: A Strong Signal

What about making connections? This social butterfly plays well with PC, Xbox (though you’ll need an adapter), PlayStation 4 (and possibly the 5?), Switch, Android, iOS (14.0+), and your TV. Wired, wireless, dongle, or Bluetooth – this controller shakes hands with them all.

I sampled the Bluetooth, dongle, and tethered experiences, and they were all spot on. Astonishingly, the dongle outperformed a wired connection. How? Magic, witchcraft – call it what you will. Old reviews cite a shaky connection and whispers of low polling rates, but not for me. Flydigi seems to have upped their game; firmware updates likely weaving their digital spells. The result? Silky-smooth gameplay without a hint of lag or stutter no matter my chosen method, and connection so swift it was like the controller and my PC were finishing each other’s sentences.

Full of Energy: Long-Lasting Battery

Let’s not forget longevity. An 800 mAh battery promises up to 40 hours of play, which, while it won’t set any records, certainly won’t leave you hanging during a gaming binge. For me, turning everything on – which includes vibration and a light show – and I still only found myself recharging once a fortnight. Color me impressed.

Stick to the Game: Joy of Joysticks

Now, the sticks. Hall effect sensors are the name of the game, promising durability and precision. Yet, there’s a but; a bit more error than expected compared to its cousin, the Gamesir T4K. What gives, Flydigi? Cut from the same cloth, yet not quite as sharp. Still, they’re on point, with nigh-on zero deadzone and the resistance is just right. If they get their act together with a firmware update, we could be looking at stick royalty.

Extra, Extra: All About the Features

I’ve got to lay down some prose about the extra features:

• Triggers That Transform: A touch of a button flips them from your classic linear triggers to a mouse-click feel. Why this isn’t the norm is beyond me – it’s groundbreaking.
• Button Bliss: If tactile response had a poster child, the ABXY buttons would be it. They mimic Razer standards, perhaps even surpassing them, offering a click that feels like victory.
• D-Pad Woes and Wows: While it might feel like flimsy plastic, performative-wise, this D-pad is a step ahead – though it’s prone to embarrassing you with an accidental press if you get too spirited with the left stick.
• Back Buttons: Cozy they ain’t, but they’re smart and mappable.
• Gyro: Can’t say much – I’m more a hands-on-the-wheel gamer.
• Anti-Friction Rings: These make twirling those sticks around smoother than butter.
• Radiant RGB: A light show that could give Razer a run for their money.

To Sum It Up

So, what’s the final score on the Flydigi Vader 3 Pro? It’s chasing perfection, reaching for that 10 but snagging a firm 9.5 instead. It’s a controller that’s ahead of the curve, teeming with features that are sure to become benchmark standards. If they can tighten up the average error and grace the D-pad with a touch more luxury, Flydigi won’t just be knocking on the door of the controller hall of fame – they’ll be kicking it down.

There’s this digital symphony they’ve composed: a robust connection, sticks that aim to transcend the competition, innovative triggers, and a mech-spirit in those buttons. Yeah, there are niggles – the D-pad could take a cue from the sticks in terms of quality, and KontrolFreeks aficionados will have to get handsy with mods to get their fix. Yet, despite everything, this controller is a beacon in the night, guiding us to the future of gaming hardware. Flydigi Vader 3 Pro, I salute you.