I’m in love with Scuf’s first Hall Effect controller — here’s why

The new Scuf Valor Pro ($99) is a pro controller that won’t break the bank. It packs many premium features you’d expect from Scuf and some new additions to help you get the most from the best PC games and Xbox Series X games.

This controller has the same basic design as a standard Xbox controller, but you’ll realize its premium nature once you pick it up. The lightweight and ergonomic design—with its rubber padding and soft contour grips—makes it comfortable to hold, so much so that it feels like an extension of your hands.

The most notable feature is Scuf's first ever Hall Effect thumbsticks. Not only do they glide smoothly, but you can rest assured of zero stick drift. The grippy concave sticks are fantastic out of the box, but there’s a pair of included convex sticks if you prefer to use those instead.

I’m a fan of the bouncy face buttons, super clicky bumper buttons and responsive triggers. Trigger stops for the latter shorten the actuation point for better accuracy in first-person shooters. And as expected from a Scuf controller, it has four programmable back paddles that are as responsive as the other buttons.

The Scuf Valor Pro is a wired-only controller. While a wired connection ensures less input lag, a wireless dongle or Bluetooth connectivity would’ve been appreciated, especially if you’re not into wired controllers. And while you’re able to remap the controller’s buttons, you can only do so on the device, as there is no desktop app for customization or firmware updates.

Though I have some issues with the Scuf Valor Pro, its comfortable design and excellent gaming performance won me over. The fact that it packs so many pro-grade features for $99 is also something I applaud. It’s certainly one of the best PC game controllers out there, as you’ll find out in my full review.

Scuf Valor Pro review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? The Scuf Valor Pro is a pro controller for Xbox and PC.
• Who is it for? For those who want pro controller features without paying pro controller prices.
• What does it cost? The Scuf Valor Pro costs $99 on Scuf’s website.
• What do we like? The ergonomic design, Hall Effect sticks and overall smooth performance.
• What don’t we like? No wireless connectivity options or desktop app customization.

Scuf Valor Pro review: Specs

Scuf Valor Pro review: The ups

The Scuf Valor Pro features almost everything you’d expect from one of the company’s controllers. It’s arguably the best pro controller at this price range.

Lightweight, ergonomic design

The Valor Pro has the same basic shape as an Xbox controller. So if you’re used to that peripheral, you’ll feel right at home here. It features asymmetrical thumbsticks, four face buttons, a D-pad, four shoulder buttons, three menu buttons, and the Xbox Home button. But since this is a pro controller, it has other features.

The headphone jack rests between the handgrips like on an Xbox controller, but it’s flanked by two volume control rockers — a nice addition that lets you quickly lower the chat or game volume. You can also remove the magnetically attachable faceplate to swap out the joysticks or the faceplate itself.

I like the rubber grips, with their recognizable Scuf hexagonal pattern. This isn’t just for show, as the rubber and texture keep the controller firmly in hand. Combine that with the soft faceplate and overall light design, and you have a controller that’s a dream to hold.

Clicky & responsive buttons

The four face buttons have the same XYAB labeling as on an Xbox controller, though they lack color. The buttons are bouncier than normal, which makes them easier to use with a more tactile press. They’re not overly loud either.

The left and right bumper buttons come down lower on the sides. Because of that, you can press them with the middle part of your index finger in addition to your fingertip. The bumpers sound and feel like pressing mouse buttons, which helps this controller feel more appropriate for a PC.

Then there’s the trigger buttons behind the bumpers. Each has a slightly textured surface that prevents your finger from slipping. Trigger lock switches beneath the triggers shorten the buttons’ actuation for faster inputs—something you’d want in a fast-paced first-person shooter.

The triggers also produce a clicky sound with the locks on. But if you’re playing a racing game, then you’d want to unlock the triggers to fully press them down.

This wouldn’t be a Scuf controller without back paddles. The two main paddles contour with the controller and are located where your middle fingers naturally rest. These paddles produce a muted sound when clicked.

This contrasts with the louder, smaller back paddles, which are more like buttons instead of paddles. These buttons never got in my way, but if you don’t like them, you can easily pull them out and close the subsequent opening with small plastic covers included with the controller.

Hall Effect sticks

I want to single out the thumbsticks since this is the first Scuf controller featuring Hall Effect technology. For the uninitiated, Hall Effect sticks are not only smoother than traditional sticks, but they’re also more resistant to stick drift — an issue that can affect standard controllers that come with consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X.

Out of the box, the controller has a pair of concave thumbsticks. Their sides have slightly rough edges meant to help keep your thumbs from sliding. Using them feels effortless since they don’t require a lot of force to move. It’s also easy to press them down.

I prefer concave sticks, but if you prefer convex, or sticks that protrude in the middle, you get a pair of those in the box. One of these is longer than the others and is meant to help you be more precise in first-person shooting games.

I didn’t notice a difference between my aiming when using this longer stick, but I’m also not a professional gamer who might feel a change.

Smooth performance

Thanks to all the features outlined above, the Valor Pro delivers a fast and smooth gaming experience.

Whether I was racing down a muddy slope in DiRT 5, solving ancient puzzles in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, or trying to rank up in Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O., every game I played controlled wonderfully thanks to the responsive buttons and comfortable grips. The fluid thumbsticks make moving around seamless, while the buttons let you perform actions almost as effortlessly.

On PC, the Valor Pro can hit a 1,000Hz polling rate after you install an update. This is mostly beneficial for professional players who need ultimate responsiveness in games. But if you’re a normal gamer like me, you likely won’t notice a major difference. Regardless, you’ll have an overall smooth experience while playing games using this controller.

Scuf Valor Pro review: The downs

While the Valor Pro has many fantastic features, some drawbacks prevent it from being a perfect controller for everyone.

Wired-only

Since this is a more wallet-friendly pro controller, the biggest concession made is the lack of wireless connectivity. Because of that, the Valor Pro being a wired-only peripheral could be a major turn-off. Though I don’t mind wired-only controllers, I don’t fully understand why this controller has no wireless option other than a cost-cutting measure.

Sure, professional gamers prefer using wired-only peripherals to reduce latency, but those same players would also rather play on the best gaming keyboards and best gaming mice, which are much more accurate than a controller.

This controller is arguably for folks who aren’t professional gamers but want a more premium controller for everyday gaming. These same people would probably want wireless options since they’re not necessarily seeking the same level of accuracy professionals demand.

All that said, I appreciate that the included cable is 10 feet long and is braided. You get more than enough room if you want to play on your couch, and the braided design means the cable won't easily get tangled.

No software support

The Valor Pro has three controller profiles out of the box. You can cycle through them by pressing the profile button located above the back paddles, which is pretty handy. You can also remap buttons to your liking by holding the profile button and then pressing the button whose actions you want replicated to a button or back paddle.

Remapping button functions right on the device works as intended. However, I wish I could configure the controller on Corsair’s iCue program on PC. The fact that I can’t is strange considering how the Scuf Envision Pro controller works with iCue. Perhaps this was another concession made to keep the cost down.

If you’re an Xbox player, then this likely won’t be an issue. But if you’re like me and want greater customization, then being locked to on-device remapping feels like a hindrance.

Scuf Valor Pro review: Verdict

Though I wish the Scuf Valor Pro supported wireless connectivity and let me remap its buttons via a PC app, it’s hard to knock this controller too much.

The Hall Effect thumbsticks are fantastic, and I love how good the Valor Pro feels to hold. Toss in its super responsive buttons, controller profiles and swappable thumbsticks, and you have an excellent entry-point into the world of pro controllers.