SCUF Instinct Pro Performance Series Wireless Xbox Controller (Red)

I bought this product because I didn't like my elite series 2 controller's sticks (ability to change tightness of a stick apparently just messes it up) and bumpers (button released before the bumper actually clicks on its way up), and I wanted them to be from stock controller, which exactly what scuf offers. But it's not ideal.Detailed review:- Sticks. Sticks are very good, responsive and smooth, with added ability to swap handles (I ordered one tall and one short stick), which is also good. Drawback of this is that the front panel is also swappable and sits on magnets, and sometimes if your grip is weird because you are pressing several different buttons you can feel the panel becoming loose, which is distracting.- Front panel buttons and dpad. Buttons are ... MoreI bought this product because I didn't like my elite series 2 controller's sticks (ability to change tightness of a stick apparently just messes it up) and bumpers (button released before the bumper actually clicks on its way up), and I wanted them to be from stock controller, which exactly what scuf offers. But it's not ideal.Detailed review:- Sticks. Sticks are very good, responsive and smooth, with added ability to swap handles (I ordered one tall and one short stick), which is also good. Drawback of this is that the front panel is also swappable and sits on magnets, and sometimes if your grip is weird because you are pressing several different buttons you can feel the panel becoming loose, which is distracting.- Front panel buttons and dpad. Buttons are stock, not much to say, not much to improve. Elite series 2 round d-pad may be more convenient, but it's not important for me.- Bumpers are also stock and to my liking, perfect.- Triggers. Mouse-like click is a killer feature, you won't be able to go back to regular triggers. It's better than elite series' short trigger, the button stays in place just like a mouse button.- Paddles are a miss. They limit the number of different grips you may handle the controller with, and they are not very pleasant to press. The outward ones even have sharp edges. They are slippery and in general I try to avoid using them. You can sometimes press them by accident. The only advantage they have, and it would have been a big one, is the reaction time. Button press is registered way faster than on the elite. Remapping and profiles are there, but I swapped the rows once and forgot about it. Maybe because remapping is not as elaborate as on elite (notably no shift option).- Materials. Materials are providing a very good grip, but for the price of a not very pleasant sensation on the skin. They are also accumulating warmth which leads to my hands sweating (which exacerbates the problem with slippery paddles). I could live with the plastic of a stock controller.- Mute button. I have a mute button on my headphones and I know where the mute button is in my discord. Never used this one.- Price. It's one of the most expensive controllers out there, and may be it's a bit unjustified per se, but I am not expecting scuf to be able to compete with microsoft on this.- Customization is a rip-off. 12 euro for sticks of different color? +80 for a nice look? That's +30% of the starting price.I hoped that I would settle with this one, but unfortunately it's not the case. Maybe series 3 will be perfect for me.

A Very Expensive Option, But Worth It.

I have been using the Microsoft Elite Series 2 for a little over a year. It's an excellent controller and I definitely recommend it. I mention it because that's what made me hesitant to try the Scuf Instinct Pro.Some things I prefer on the Scuf:1. Precise, smooth analog sticks.2. fantastic grip for your palms.3. Fantastic triggers.4. Trigger stops turns the impulse triggers in to mouse click, mechanical triggers.I have some nitpicks.1. To change out the sticks, you have to take the magnetic faceplate off and pull the sticks off the mechanism. Compared to the Elite's magnetic solution, it's just not as intuitive.2. While buttons can be remapped to the back buttons on the fly, it's not as intuitive as the Elite's software solution built in to the Xbox.I ... MoreI have been using the Microsoft Elite Series 2 for a little over a year. It's an excellent controller and I definitely recommend it. I mention it because that's what made me hesitant to try the Scuf Instinct Pro.Some things I prefer on the Scuf:1. Precise, smooth analog sticks.2. fantastic grip for your palms.3. Fantastic triggers.4. Trigger stops turns the impulse triggers in to mouse click, mechanical triggers.I have some nitpicks.1. To change out the sticks, you have to take the magnetic faceplate off and pull the sticks off the mechanism. Compared to the Elite's magnetic solution, it's just not as intuitive.2. While buttons can be remapped to the back buttons on the fly, it's not as intuitive as the Elite's software solution built in to the Xbox.I think based on a pure money/value comparison, I would point people toward the Elite Series 2. The software customization is too good and it's a very nice controller.That being said, I keep finding myself picking up the Scuf controller for my play sessions now.

An interesting alternative to the Elite controller

It’s a good controller, just a bit difficult to get used to. Once you do, its possibilities seem a bit more endless than comparable controllers like the Elite.To my fat fingered gamers: be wary, the paddles are a bit funky. For some reason, they decided for an inward/outward paddle set up, which can lead to some accidental clicks. It’s definitely toned down quite a bit as I’ve gotten used to using the controller, but it happens occasionally still and it can be extremely frustrating to accidentally hit a button that’s tied to an input that can throw an entire game (for those who play comp or FPS like me, such as Apex). Just be cautious if you do choose to bind these paddles to an important function.My last complaint: longevity. I bought this controller and within ... MoreIt’s a good controller, just a bit difficult to get used to. Once you do, its possibilities seem a bit more endless than comparable controllers like the Elite.To my fat fingered gamers: be wary, the paddles are a bit funky. For some reason, they decided for an inward/outward paddle set up, which can lead to some accidental clicks. It’s definitely toned down quite a bit as I’ve gotten used to using the controller, but it happens occasionally still and it can be extremely frustrating to accidentally hit a button that’s tied to an input that can throw an entire game (for those who play comp or FPS like me, such as Apex). Just be cautious if you do choose to bind these paddles to an important function.My last complaint: longevity. I bought this controller and within 2-3 weeks of gaming the right stick had MASSIVE stick drift. After messing with the dead zone settings, removing the faceplate to clean/airdust, and even switching out the analog sticks, it was deemed a controller issue and I had to have it returned/replaced. So take my advice: IF YOU END UP LIKING THE CONTROLLER, BUY THE WARRANTY AND SAVE YOURSELF THE HEADACHE.I personally am going to stick with the Instinct Pro for the time being because of its usefulness as a paddled controller. It’s lighter and more comfortable than the Elite, but it does not appear to be as durable. Unless it becomes more of a hassle to own than it already has been, I’ll stick with it.This review is NOT meant to come off as negative, but pre-cautionary. I do thoroughly enjoy the controller, it just has its flaws…

Best controller I’ve used. Offensively overpriced

Yes it’s expensive. If your money is tight, there are many other options a lot cheaper and you shouldn’t consider spending almost double or in some cases more than double the price of an elite 2. Is the scuf a better controller, yes. Is it THAT much better, no it’s not. This controller is overpriced, it doesn’t even have Hall effect sticks, and should not even be considered by anyone who has a budget. Now, ignoring the price, this controller is my favorite controller. The back buttons are awkwardly designed, I’m unsure why they went the direction they went with that aspect, but just like every controller you will get used to them and so that isn’t really a dealbreaker for me. Out of the box this controller has effectively zero drift, after a full month of gaming ... MoreYes it’s expensive. If your money is tight, there are many other options a lot cheaper and you shouldn’t consider spending almost double or in some cases more than double the price of an elite 2. Is the scuf a better controller, yes. Is it THAT much better, no it’s not. This controller is overpriced, it doesn’t even have Hall effect sticks, and should not even be considered by anyone who has a budget. Now, ignoring the price, this controller is my favorite controller. The back buttons are awkwardly designed, I’m unsure why they went the direction they went with that aspect, but just like every controller you will get used to them and so that isn’t really a dealbreaker for me. Out of the box this controller has effectively zero drift, after a full month of gaming multiple hours a day every day, still effectively zero. I have dropped this controller multiple times, it’s extremely durable. And the grips are superior to any other option out there right now. If price isn’t a factor, you will not regret this purchase.

Great feeling controller with some pro features

The Scuf Instinct Pro happens to be the first controller from the brand that I picked up, I've been a fan of the Elite Series controllers from Microsoft, however mine has worn significantly and doesn't always register bumper inputs. Scuf has been a name that has been around for some time and was curious to try their controller out.The Scuf Instinct Pro has four rear paddles that are remappable, it took me a moment to adjust my grip to not accidently press them, however with a slight adjustment they are designed in a place that I prefer over others I have tried. There is also three profiles you can configure which can be useful if the controller is shared, however I find it useful if the button layout is different in games to easily crouch, melee, jump or reload ... MoreThe Scuf Instinct Pro happens to be the first controller from the brand that I picked up, I've been a fan of the Elite Series controllers from Microsoft, however mine has worn significantly and doesn't always register bumper inputs. Scuf has been a name that has been around for some time and was curious to try their controller out.The Scuf Instinct Pro has four rear paddles that are remappable, it took me a moment to adjust my grip to not accidently press them, however with a slight adjustment they are designed in a place that I prefer over others I have tried. There is also three profiles you can configure which can be useful if the controller is shared, however I find it useful if the button layout is different in games to easily crouch, melee, jump or reload without ever having to take your thumbs off of the sticks to continue to aim or move. The thumb sticks are also interchangeable, you have the concaved top, or a rounded top depending on your preference. The faceplate and D-Pad hold on magnetically in key points that they feel sturdy. There is other faceplates and friction rings to change the look of your controller I also think this is great if you needed to clean your controller by chance, the buttons are fairly exposed without having to tear the controller down.The white controller I got has gray accents with white and gray buttons, all of the others have black buttons with matching anti fraction rings, outside of the steel gray. The Instinct Pro comes with a USB-C cable to plug in for wired connection, however there is a battery compartment for wireless use, designed for Xbox it does work wirelessly with their consoles. There is a dedicated mute button on the controller right above the headset ports, which offers both the 3.5mm jack or the various headset adapters.Overall the Instinct Pro gives the feel of the Standard Xbox Controller, with a little extra weight and added features. The triggers do have a couple settings you have your traditional pull, with the flip of a switch, their "Instant Triggers" which is an immediate click which they describer as a "short mouse-click action" which I agree with.I am really curious to see how this controller lasts over time, build quality feels solid, their is a nice texturized grip with added comfort, my palms don't get too clammy when using the controller in long sessions, and although it's a different material from the rest of the controller in blends in well with no lifted edges on the grip, it blends in well. Other than adjusting my grip slightly for the rear paddles, the only thing that I had to adjust to was the switches to activate the instant trigger, they stick up a little and have a little point to them. If you by chance need to change the pull quickly on the triger you can easily find them, but it took me a moment to adjust to.Outsite of those couple little quirks that I notice, this is a great controller. If you're a fan of the Official Xbox Controller, this will have a natural feel, but with a couple added feature that take it one step further if you are looking for a Pro Controller. Interchangeable sticks and plates, it will be great for anyone to customize the look or the feel for those looking to get a little creative.

Im hard on controllers,But 1month and $100 to fix?

SCUF/Corsair does NOT appreciate your business, and will NOT work with you regarding warranty claims. Please, just read my book below.I hope that other's may see this review and make the decision that I wish I had. This controller was used for 1 month, through regular use and was not dropped 1 time. Granted I have been known to play games like a spaz and squeeze harder than most, but for a $230 this was so far below my expectations it's hard for me to comprehend.I want to preface by saying I have been through a few elite and elite core controller's due to bumpers/controllers wearing out over a few months, so I was recommended this controller as a more durable replacement. Granted, I do feel like Microsoft has been accommodating when it comes to warranties. I ... MoreSCUF/Corsair does NOT appreciate your business, and will NOT work with you regarding warranty claims. Please, just read my book below.I hope that other's may see this review and make the decision that I wish I had. This controller was used for 1 month, through regular use and was not dropped 1 time. Granted I have been known to play games like a spaz and squeeze harder than most, but for a $230 this was so far below my expectations it's hard for me to comprehend.I want to preface by saying I have been through a few elite and elite core controller's due to bumpers/controllers wearing out over a few months, so I was recommended this controller as a more durable replacement. Granted, I do feel like Microsoft has been accommodating when it comes to warranties. I have always gotten 1 controller free of charge when submitting warranty claims. I'm ok with that considering the price point I guess, but now I really am.I only use the back right paddle (rocket league) and within a month it snapped from where it was locked in place. That is the only thing wrong currently, just a physical back button. I sent it in for warranty, they didn't get back to me until a week after the day it was delivered, and then sent me a $100 invoice to fix this. There is no working number I've found, their website regading warranty is horrible and hard to follow, and customer service has spent no time even attempting to work with me other than sending me a bill for for half the price of the overpriced controller to fix it.I wish I had trusted reddit when I saw people talk about the problems with durability and their customer service AFTER issues arise. I will not purchase another corsair or scuf product, which I wish actually meant something.

My favorite Xbox controller

This is my second scuff controller for my Xbox series X. I know they’re a bit expensive but i believe they are completely worth it. The build quality is excellent, the buttons have never gotten sticky or stuck for me. The triggers also have never gotten sticky the way oem controllers do. The joysticks are just loose enough to feel smooth. The customizable faceplates are a nice bonus. I never really use the back paddles or the trigger stop switch but they are very nice to have. I prefer the design of these back paddles because they stay out of the way until I need to use them. I rarely accidentally hit the back paddle buttons with my fingers. I honestly have no complaints about this controller. The only reason I bought another is because I gave my other scuff ... MoreThis is my second scuff controller for my Xbox series X. I know they’re a bit expensive but i believe they are completely worth it. The build quality is excellent, the buttons have never gotten sticky or stuck for me. The triggers also have never gotten sticky the way oem controllers do. The joysticks are just loose enough to feel smooth. The customizable faceplates are a nice bonus. I never really use the back paddles or the trigger stop switch but they are very nice to have. I prefer the design of these back paddles because they stay out of the way until I need to use them. I rarely accidentally hit the back paddle buttons with my fingers. I honestly have no complaints about this controller. The only reason I bought another is because I gave my other scuff controller to my nephew.

Not worth the price

I purchased this from the recent best buy drop and i was severely underwhelmed. The DPad is extremely loud and loose. The build quality feels like a cheap aftermarket hollow plastic controller with good rubber rear grips. As a designer myself the faceplate did not meet the expectations of the product images. In person it resembled a low quality screen print. The customizable analogs were great to include however i had an unreasonable deadzone that was not accounted for with the longer stick. This made aiming less precise and more push and pull. I hate to rag on a product but its just not up to par for the price in my opinion. The mouse triggers were cool and seemed to work well. It makes the trigger throw significantly shorter. So short that its shorter than my ... MoreI purchased this from the recent best buy drop and i was severely underwhelmed. The DPad is extremely loud and loose. The build quality feels like a cheap aftermarket hollow plastic controller with good rubber rear grips. As a designer myself the faceplate did not meet the expectations of the product images. In person it resembled a low quality screen print. The customizable analogs were great to include however i had an unreasonable deadzone that was not accounted for with the longer stick. This made aiming less precise and more push and pull. I hate to rag on a product but its just not up to par for the price in my opinion. The mouse triggers were cool and seemed to work well. It makes the trigger throw significantly shorter. So short that its shorter than my actual mouse. There is a fair bit of resistance to prevent acdidental pulls, however. I didn't believe the other reviews were reasonable but I do now understand the complaints. At the end of the day it is your average controller. The controller comes in a fairly standard no frills box with PE wrapped under the rubber which truly gives you that pulling the controller out of a trash bag unboxing experience. The USB C cable was a fairly long maybe 10' braided cable. Lastly i wish the rear buttons were modifiable rather than emulating face buttons. Additional buttons makes more sense than duplicate buttons.

RUN - DO NOT BUY

SCUF Instinct Pro - $230 Nightmare ExperienceOrdered an Instinct Pro for my Xbox as a Happy Birthday to me present in September.Mid October, the right bumper could no longer be pressed down. I submitted a ticket, but ended up being able to resolve the problem on my own. I noticed a small magnet located under the bumper has worked its way out of its housing and was blocking the bumper. Pushed it back into place with tweezers and was good to go. Disappointing for such an expensive controller, but whatever.I replied to support and told them they can cancel the ticket. The very next day, the left stick started to drift severely. 40%+ up and down. I replied again and reopened the ticket. In that email, I explained to Sharon that I had a TERRIBLE experience with ... MoreSCUF Instinct Pro - $230 Nightmare ExperienceOrdered an Instinct Pro for my Xbox as a Happy Birthday to me present in September.Mid October, the right bumper could no longer be pressed down. I submitted a ticket, but ended up being able to resolve the problem on my own. I noticed a small magnet located under the bumper has worked its way out of its housing and was blocking the bumper. Pushed it back into place with tweezers and was good to go. Disappointing for such an expensive controller, but whatever.I replied to support and told them they can cancel the ticket. The very next day, the left stick started to drift severely. 40%+ up and down. I replied again and reopened the ticket. In that email, I explained to Sharon that I had a TERRIBLE experience with Microsoft where I had similar issues with an Elite Series 2 and ended up having to send it in 3 times for repair. The first time due to drift, the second time because the repair technician made an error and the controller would randomly power off, the third time because the drift returned. All within a month. I basically begged her to help me not go through the same mess again. She was professional and ASSURED me I would be well taken care of. Confident, I mailed the controller to them.Two weeks later I received the controller back. Excited, I unpack it, plug it in and….what the heck….the same exact problem….I don’t even have to leave the main menu to notice it. Controller scrolls up or down on its own. Open the controller tester app and sure enough, drifting up and down 40%+. here we go again…I email back and one of the things I pointed out and asked was “Your email stated "We've diagnosed, repaired, and thoroughly tested your SCUF". I want to know what the diagnosis was, what the repair was, and how exactly the controller was tested. As you can see in the video I have attached, the problem still exists, is blatant, and very easy to replicate.”I received no answer to either of those questions and was given the generic, send it back and will fix it again spiel. I was told to write ATTN: GABY on the label and box so an RMA Lead could handle the repair. I do so and ship the controller back.I waited another 10 days and received the controller back. Again excited, opened the box and immediately noticed something weird. Something golden was peaking out of the controller housing at the bottom of the controller. I then realized it was a ribbon cable. They had pinched the ribbon cable in the housing while putting it back together…..this caused light from the led to leak out the bottom of the controller, prevented the controller housing from closing all the way making it feel weird in the hand, and caused the faceplate to flop around. And this was supposedly a product of the RMA Lead…I email Sharon again and am told the same thing as before. Send it back in for repair and she’ll ask that I get a new controller instead of a repair but can’t guarantee it and to again write ATTN: GABY. Frustrated, I told her that I would not go without the controller any longer and will not be sending it back. The controller is usable, even if the experience is extremely sub par, especially for the price paid. THE VERY NEXT DAY, the right rear bumper button breaks and falls off during a Rocket League tournament……the controller is less than 3 months old and I baby it. No beating or banging, goes into a controller base after each use, etc.I have since emailed Sharon back and now have no choice but to send the controller back and go without, a third time.I’m extremely disappointed because after researching and dealing with other crappy controllers thought I had found a company that is geared towards gamers, is top of the line, and has great customer service. I was wrong.