Razer's New PS5 Controller: Six Paddles, Big Promises?

Summary

The new Razer Raiju V3 Pro controller for PS5 and PC boasts six programmable paddles, tactile PBT action buttons, and TMR magnetic thumbsticks designed to prevent stick drift while maintaining precision. Priced at $220, it features a larger form factor and a full-grip rubberized texture. While the controller offers extensive customization, including digital trigger input for faster response and PC-based mapping of controller buttons to keyboard and mouse functions, practical use revealed limitations. The touchpad on PC defaults to a laptop-style input, which can disrupt gameplay by switching to keyboard and mouse mode unexpectedly. Furthermore, some back paddles experienced inconsistent registration, feeling mushy rather than clicky, hindering fast edits. The controller also lacks scroll wheel macros, a key feature on competing controllers like the Scuf Envision Pro, which is considered superior for PC gaming due to its more reliable macro implementation and better paddle feel. For PS5, the Scuf Reflex FPS is still preferred for its superior paddle feel and TMR thumbsticks, despite fewer paddles and lacking PBT buttons. Ultimately, the Razer Raiju V3 Pro received a 3.5 out of 5 rating, praised for its features but criticized for its clunky feel, paddle performance, and certain PC-specific software issues.