The PB Tails Steel Crush Defender TMR is definitely a quirky-looking controller with its daring design nevertheless it feels each inch its price at it is premium worth level. The addition of TMR expertise makes stick actions buttery easy and whereas it does lack another options I would count on at this worth vary it is a trendy alternative for controller collectors and an absolute pleasure to make use of.
PB Tails is a comparatively area of interest firm specializing in quirky and distinctive gaming controllers, utilizing uncommon supplies and finishes like aluminum alloy, having controllers impressed by automobiles and different unusual shapes like their pixelated CHOC controller, I’ve at all times been intrigued by their designs however surious as to their precise performance in each day use. Amongst their lineup, the PB Tails Crush vary options TMR sticks (tunneling magnetoresistance), a cutting-edge expertise thought of much more superior than Corridor Impact sticks and adopted by just a few manufacturers up to now, I needed to strive it for myself. Total I used to be pleasantly shocked by this bonkers wanting controller which manages to look rugged however really feel premium in a means many third-party controllers lack proper now out facet of Xbox and PlayStations personal choices.
Jennifer Younger
Jen has been a part of the Home windows Central staff for 2 years and has been enjoying video video games because the 90s and is simply as adept at Darkish Souls and Diablo as she is at Petz 4. Taking part in primarily on Steam Deck, Xbox and PC, Jen prefers to gather controllers over sneakers and purses. Nevertheless, solely a handful make it into the every day rotation whereas others are doomed to storage, and she or he’ll fortunately inform you why in quite a few opinions submitted to this web site.
This evaluation was made doable because of a evaluation pattern offered by PB Tails. PB Tails had no enter nor noticed the contents of this evaluation previous to publication.
PB Tails Steel Crush controller evaluation: Pricing and specs
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- The PB Tails Steel Crush Defender TMR controller prices $109.99.
- There are some cheaper alternate options in plastic, from $45.99 if you’re solely within the TMR sticks.
Steel Crush Defender controller specs
• Value: $109.99 at PB Tails
• Connectivity: USB-A to USB-C cable, Bluetooth or 2.4Ghz wi-fi dongle
• Compatibility: Home windows PC, SteamOS, Android, Apple, Nintendo Change
• Further controls: 6-axis gyro sensor
• Options: Anti-drift TMR joysticks, Corridor Impact triggers, interchangeable joystick caps and magazine case, customizable RGB lighting
• Battery life: 10 hours
• Dimensions: 155 mm × 101 mm × 66 mm (6.1 x 4 x 2.6 inches)
• Weight: 346 grams (0.76lbs)
The value of the Crush vary varies relying on the controllers shell, so you possibly can seize the plastic ‘China White’ Crush TMR for $64.99, with some cheaper $45.99 variations for Nintendo Change structure. The Crush 550 TMR with Porsche impressed particulars retails for $79.99, whereas the Metal Crush Ghost Silver is available for $99.99.
I’ve been testing the Steel Crush Defender TMR, priced at $109.99, which encompasses a yellow-worn metallic design paying homage to Fallout’s post-apocalyptic model. PB Tails controllers usually are not broadly obtainable and are primarily offered via their official web site, although some fashions may be discovered on Ali Express.
Within the field, you get a tough leather-based impact case with a cushioned innard to maintain your controller, a slot for the included 2.4Ghz dongle, and the USB wire for charging and wired use suits into netting throughout the case.
PB Tails Steel Crush controller evaluation: The nice
- The TMR sticks really feel extremely easy and exact, providing a extra noticeable enchancment over Corridor Impact sticks than I anticipated.
- The controller is extremely well-built and seems like a luxurious product.
- Wi-fi connectivity with the USB receiver is a doddle, however there’s additionally Bluetooth functionality too and it is simple to change between modes.
Firstly, the aesthetics of this controller are a ten/10. Wanting like I picked it up from a scrapyard in Fallout, it is yellow metallic casing and mirrored joysticks give it for need of a greater phrase, a scrapyard stylish vibe. Each inch of the design is filled with intricate particulars, from the wear and tear and tear etched across the seams to the distressed marks close to the joysticks. Regardless of its tough and prepared look, it feels remarkably luxurious, thanks partially to its weighty construct. Holding it jogged my memory of my first time with the Xbox Elite Collection 2 controller—it exudes high quality.
At $109.99, this controller is undoubtedly a premium product, nevertheless it really feels such as you’re holding one thing distinctive. The included leatherette carrying case provides to the posh expertise. Nevertheless, it wasn’t simply the visuals that caught my consideration—the Tunneling Magnetoresistance (TMR) expertise within the sticks instantly piqued my curiosity.
What’s TMR (Tunneling Magnetoresistance)?
“Wait!” My inner dialogue puzzled, “I’ve simply began utilizing Corridor Impact. What the heck is TMR?” I needed to do my analysis and now I can clue you in too.
Most controllers available on the market use customary analog potentiometer joysticks, which depend on bodily contact between elements to measure pressure and distance. Over time, put on and misalignment in these elements result in the notorious stick drift. Hall Effect sensors bypass this concern through the use of magnets to measure actions, eliminating bodily contact and considerably lowering the prospect of stick drift whereas bettering precision. Whereas manufacturers like Xbox haven’t adopted Corridor Impact but, third-party corporations have already embraced it with gusto, see the GameSir G7 SE, Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra and Razer Wolverine V3 Pro for just some examples.
So, the place does TMR are available in? Like Corridor Impact, TMR makes use of magnetic expertise, nevertheless it measures resistance adjustments slightly than voltage. TMR is taken into account extra exact, with the power to detect a lot smaller actions. It is also much less heavy on battery consumption, and is costlier to implement, which is why it is nonetheless comparatively uncommon available on the market.
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I used to be skeptical about whether or not I’d discover a lot distinction between TMR sticks and the Corridor Impact sticks on my GameSir G7 SE, however the Steel Crush controller blew me away. The sticks really feel unbelievable, shifting as easily as a sizzling knife via butter. Whereas I usually favor grippy or concave joystick surfaces, the Steel Crush’s easy, convex sticks didn’t hassle me as a lot as I anticipated. That stated, a textured floor would nonetheless have been a welcome addition—it’s a minor gripe within the grand scheme of issues.
The triggers and bumpers really feel strong and comfy, including to the general impression of sturdiness. The marketed 10-hour battery life held true throughout my testing. Whereas it doesn’t match the Xbox Elite Collection 2’s 40-hour runtime, 10 hours is ample in the event you cost it after each few classes.
Connecting the controller to completely different gadgets was easy, because of the included 2.4GHz wi-fi dongle. I used it primarily with my JSAUX Steam Deck dock for docked gaming and plugged it into my laptop computer for Xbox cloud gaming. Whereas the controller doesn’t formally help Xbox, this workaround made it appropriate. I didn’t check it with the Nintendo Change, however there’s a devoted button on the high to change between Change and PC modes.
The controller features a Turbo button, permitting you to assign fast presses to any face button. This cheat mode makes it simpler to spam assaults with out sporting out your thumbs. Whereas related performance is usually obtainable in in-game accessibility settings, having it constructed into the {hardware} is a superb fallback when the choice isn’t there.
PB Tails Steel Crush controller evaluation: The dangerous
- The graceful, mirrored joysticks are distinctive however might pose points for sweaty palms.
- Regardless of its premium worth, the controller lacks set off stops and remappable rear buttons, that are customary options in lots of high-end opponents.
I’ve already type of touched on what I assumed can be a problem with the sticks. The selection of a easy, mirrored texture is definitely distinctive, and whereas it didn’t hassle me as a lot as I assumed it could, it might be a problem for players liable to sweaty palms. A concave design would have offered higher grip with out compromising the aesthetics. The truth is, given the controller’s car-inspired supplies, PB Tails might have applied engraved or textured metallic sticks to get higher performance with out compromising on the model factors.
The value of the Steel Crush TMR is one other consideration. At this premium tier, I might count on extra customary options generally present in high-end controllers. Whereas the TMR sticks and Corridor Impact triggers are glorious, the controller lacks set off stops for FPS video games and remappable rear buttons, that are customary on equally priced opponents. For a luxurious controller, these omissions are disappointing and price noting.
Lastly, the magnetic faceplate system is a implausible function—it’s so well-integrated I didn’t even understand it was detachable at first. Nevertheless, the shortage of selection in alternative faceplates is a letdown. The obtainable choices on the PB Tails web site are restricted to basic Red, White and Blue designs, regardless of promotional pictures showcasing lovely clear shells that aren’t at present on the market. It’s a missed alternative to completely capitalize on this revolutionary function and I completely can be shopping for a pair if there have been extra choices.
PB Tails Steel Crush controller evaluation: Additionally take into account
Whereas the PB Tails Steel Crush is really distinctive, if you’re serious about attempting out TMR stick expertise particularly there are a few choices available on the market that additionally use some cheaper construct supplies that you need to take into account. First up is the principle competitor from GameSir, the GameSir Tarantula Professional which not solely has the TMR sticks however has a rotating face button function so while you change between PC and Nintendo Change, the ABXY buttons can transfer too. Nifty proper? It is also cheaper than PB Tails Steel Crush at $69.99, however you’re compromising on the premium really feel of the PB Tails possibility.
Secondly, coming in cheaper with out the breadth of customization choices, there may be the GameSir Cyclone 2 Professional wi-fi.
PB Tails Steel Crush controller evaluation: evaluation: Closing ideas
You should purchase this if …
✅You need a distinctive and premium controller
The PB Tails Steel Crush Defender has standout aesthetics and a rugged metallic design
✅You are in search of next-level precision in your joysticks
The TMR expertise affords easy and correct motion
You shouldn’t purchase this if …
❌You want different sensible gaming options
There are not any set off stops or remappable buttons, or any customization software program.
❌You have got excessively sweaty palms
The mirrored and convex joysticks might be a problem for you if that is so.
Total, whereas not excellent, the PB Tails Steel Crush Defender was a pleasure to check and supplied one thing really completely different from what I’m used to. It has been some time since I’ve skilled a luxurious controller that holds its personal alongside the Xbox Elite Collection 2 within the model and craftsmanship stakes, and this one definitely competes in that division. The daring design, precision-focused sticks, and premium supplies make it extremely fascinating for controller collectors trying to step exterior the field. Nevertheless, it is not with out its shortcomings. At this worth, the addition of rear buttons, set off stops, and extra considerate textured particulars might have made it excellent. That stated, I’ll be utilizing this controller for my Steam Deck classes for fairly a while—it’s been a pleasure to make use of.
PB Tails Steel Crush Defender controller
The PB Tails Steel Crush TMR is a premium, high-performance controller for PC and Change players who crave a novel, luxurious really feel. Crafted with a mix of polycarbonate and zinc alloy, it encompasses a detachable magnetic faceplate for personalisation. Supporting Bluetooth 5.0, wi-fi 2.4GHz, and USB connectivity, it additionally features a 6-axis gyro for seamless use with the Nintendo Change. Whereas it’s kind of dear, you are getting cutting-edge TMR sticks, which supply a noticeable enchancment over even Corridor Impact expertise, alongside really spectacular craftsmanship that makes this controller a standout.
