Performance

Testing the Scuf Reflex is one of those rare situations where I get to tell myself (and my wife) that I’m working but the working is just playing games. My testing was completely focused on using the Reflex with the PC as I have been putting off the PS5 purchase now that they are easier to get. That does mean you have to get the reflex attached to your PC before gaming but this works just like a PS5 controller because at its core it is still a PS5 controller and this was also no different than attaching a PS4 controller because that is often what I use. I use DS4Windows which gives full control of the controller along with profiles but first you have to attach it to your PC with the included USB cable or by Bluetooth which you do by holding the home button and the left option button at the same time to put it into Bluetooth mode than look for the controller on your PC. You do have to have Bluetooth for this to work, if not you will need to pick up a dongle.

Once I got started I ran into two big issues almost immediately, one being my fault and the other was the Reflex’s fault. The problem I had was completely my fault, when configuring the Reflex I was excited and wanted to check out the instant on triggers. Well, I wasn’t really thinking about how I would use the controller. Instant-on triggers replace the analog triggers with mouse switch-like buttons. This is designed specifically for FPS games where this gets you two more quick buttons. But what do I use my controller on more than anything else? I like to play racing games, Microsoft Flight Sim, and even some silly games like Lawn Mower Simulator. All of those use the triggers for gas and brake or other analog controls. The other issue I ran into was the right bumper button on our sample didn’t work which was a huge bummer. Scuf/Corsair were extremely quick to offer up a replacement. But because this is a custom configuration not an off the shelf controller that did take some time. Lucky for me when doing this they offered to switch to the traditional triggers. On the plus side of things, I did get to try out both. For the FPS gamer, the instant triggers are awesome, but obviously, if you use your controller for other games keep that in mind.

With the fixed controller in hand, I went through a lot of the games that I enjoy playing with a controller. As someone who is used to a PS4 controler the shape of the PS5 controller that the Reflex shares is great. But for me, the pro grip that is optional on the Reflex that we have is its best feature. The front can have a nice soft/smooth finish and just having the grip on the ends of the controller on the back is enough to lock it in place even when my hands get sweaty. Having just finished testing the Cooler Master Storm Controller, the added weight of the Reflex was noticeable but not enough that I would be concerned about long-term use, especially with how I hold my controller which doesn’t have my hands floating in the air. The button layout is the same as the PS5 but with the Reflex the buttons themselves have been replaced. The standard Reflex has black buttons on the black controller, ours has white buttons on the orange controller but it's all the same. They look awesome, the white is at the back of the button so you have a crystal clear plastic between the top and the white at the back that gives it a nice effect. As someone who doesn’t use a controller every day it did take a little getting used to not having labels on the buttons. In most games it is second nature, the only reason this came up for me was with Microsoft Flight Simulator where you have a whole mess of controls. Then the default thumbsticks that I picked out for the Reflex had just the right amount of grip combined with the indent to work well. I did try the included optional joysticks as well and the tall was a little too tall for me but I love that you have the option to change them out. With some controllers in the past I have used grips on the thumbsticks, getting them right is important and options help with that, and being able to remove them makes it easier to clean them as well.

While the grip is my favorite part of the Reflex, it isn’t the biggest change that Scuf did compared to a stock PS5 controller. That would have to be the triggers on the back of the controller. This is Scuf’s signature feature and they have it patented and even Microsoft licensed the design for their Xbox Elite controller. I can see why, all four of the rear triggers are right up near your middle and ring fingers when you hold the controller. This gives you access to a few buttons without having to take your thumbs off of your thumbsticks which in fast passed games can mean the difference in life and death (in game). You can pick from three different profiles and I have included that breakdown below just like I did earlier. I will say that as a PC gamer, I would love to see a fourth option that using software gives us full access to program anything to these, not just controller functions. I say that because of Microsoft Flight Sim, but gaining four more buttons not just having two places to get the same function would be huge. But with the Reflex being designed for the PS5 first and foremost I don’t blame them for keeping it specific to that.