Scuf Envision Pro Controller Review

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As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I must say that the Scuf Envision Pro has truly stolen my heart (and hands). Coming from someone who’s been through countless controllers, this one stands out as a game-changer. The symmetrical joysticks are a breath of fresh air, offering a level of comfort and precision that I haven’t experienced before.

I’m constantly seeking out a reliable PC gamepad that doesn’t necessarily need to have fancy features or be from a popular brand. Most designs offer something intriguing, but the way the controller feels is what truly matters – if it’s good enough, it earns a place in my regular rotation. The Scuf Envision Pro has definitely earned its spot among my PC gamepads and has become one of my preferred choices.

For this review, I took a look at the Black Ops 6-branded Scuf Envision Pro, but you can also purchase the base version as well. As with any Scuf controller, there are customization options available on their website, but for this Black Ops 6 version, the game’s orange logo is splashed across a black faceplate with some graphical elements scattered about. It’s a stark design and even if you aren’t a big Call of Duty fan, the logo doesn’t scream Black Ops 6.

Scuf Envision Pro Design and Ergonomics

The Scuf Envision Pro controller offers a comfortable grip due to its textured underside and well-balanced weight, similar to that of an Xbox controller. What sets it apart is its symmetrical joysticks, reminiscent of those found on PlayStation controllers, instead of the offset sticks commonly seen in PC gaming controllers.

The unique appeal of the controller immediately caught my interest. Apart from the DualSense and the DualSense Edge, which may encounter compatibility problems with certain PC games, the Scuf Envision Pro offers a PC gaming experience that feels similar to a PlayStation controller.

Obviously, personal preference plays in a huge part in what type of joystick orientation appeals to you, but this is a great option for those who prefer symmetrical. The Scuf Envision Pro Black Ops 6 version comes with rounded joysticks that you can swap in, but its default option is concave sticks with texture around the rim. The spacing and the responsiveness of the sticks is great, but they are a little on the small size if you have larger thumbs. It was nothing I found to be too difficult to manage with average-sized thumbs However, the one big knock on the Envision Pro’s joysticks compared to most other premium options is they are not hall effect, meaning stick drift can become a factor.

The Scuf Envision Pro sports Onomron instant-actuation face buttons and d-pad, which I’ve grown quite fond of. These are more clicky buttons that ensure precise presses and they offer a better overall feel. To put it simply, these mechanical buttons mimic the sensation of a mouse click, in a positive manner.

In my opinion, as a movie reviewer, I must commend the robustness of the shoulder buttons and triggers on the Scuf Envision Pro. Compared to standard triggers, these are noticeably longer, which makes them effortless to press – an advantage for gamers who often find themselves in shoot-outs like those seen in “Call of Duty”. Interestingly, if you wish to engage in rapid-fire sequences, there’s a small toggle conveniently located on the underside of each trigger.

Similar to many Scuf controllers, including those that popularized the idea, the Envision Pro features back buttons positioned beneath it. Unlike paddles found on other Scuf models and premium controllers, these are more like regular buttons. Two sit under your fingertips while two others are near your knuckles. I discovered that these back buttons were generally easy to press. However, those closer to the knuckles require a bit of planning ahead. Interestingly, they’re mechanical too, making it less likely for an unintentional press when gripping the controller tightly.

Located on the outer side of the Scuf Envision Pro are two extra buttons, which Scuf refers to as “side action buttons”. However, I personally found these buttons challenging to press without adjusting my grip. In a conventional grip, they are positioned where your pointer finger meets the base of your hand, making it difficult to press them without altering the natural curve of your finger. This often leads to your finger lifting off the trigger or shoulder button. While you can certainly adapt to using these buttons, I never found them particularly useful in my gaming experience.

As a movie buff immersed in gaming, I appreciate having back buttons on my controller. They allow me to execute actions like jumping, reloading, or dodging without needing to move my thumbs from the joysticks, making gameplay smoother and more intuitive. While it’s not an essential feature for every game, it definitely enhances the experience in many games.

Bringing Customization to the Scuf Envision Pro

In Corsair’s software, there’s plenty of room to personalize your experience. You can create various profiles, use pre-set options or design your own settings entirely. For instance, you can adjust the joystick curve response for each thumbstick or choose from presets such as Shooters or Racing. Additionally, you can customize the response curve and vibration intensity of the triggers, on both the right and left sides. Plus, to give it a personal touch, you can set the appearance of the RGB light bar at the controller’s bottom.

Notably, the Scuf Envision Pro features a row of 5 customizable G-keys within its RGB illuminated segment. These keys can be tailored to perform various PC tasks such as muting audio, adjusting volume, launching applications, or even typing out phrases like “GG” at game’s end. I found it convenient to assign an Alt-Tab macro onto one of the keys for easy access to Discord during calls with friends. Although similar functions can be achieved using a wheel on a headset or keyboard, having these dedicated buttons offers added convenience.

It’s worth calling out that even though I reviewed the Black Ops 6 model of the Scuf Envision Pro, I’m not locked into that branding. You can pop off the faceplate on any of the Envision Pros and swap them out for a new color scheme or a branded design. I like the look of the Black Ops 6 design, but it’s nice to have that option.

Scuf Envision Pro Review: Final Thoughts

As the best PC controller with symmetrical joysticks, the Scuf Envision Pro has become a personal favorite. It feels great in the hands, isn’t too heavy, and the instantaneous actuation face buttons are satisfying to press. Customization is key for Scuf and there are plenty of ways you can dial in your personal preference, be it with the back and side buttons, the G-keys, the triggers, or the thumbsticks. The lack of hall effect joysticks is disappointing, but outside of that, this is an excellent controller. It now sits at the top of my rotation when it comes to PC gaming.

Currently, the Scuf Envision Pro gaming controller is up for grabs! For this critique, we were fortunate enough to receive the Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Edition model.

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2024-12-19 01:35