Summary
Gamesir has quickly become one ofthe best budget controllermanufacturers around, offering numerous high-quality controllers for various platforms. With a wide variety of budget and mid-range-priced controllers, players can enjoy quality accessories on Switch, PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and mobile devices. Their newestwired RGB controller, the Kaleid, promises more of the same in a sleek yet comfortable package.
Game Rant was given the chance to test out the new Kaleid RGB controller, which is compatible with both Xbox and PC, including Steam games. The controller was tested over the course of a few weeks on titles such asFortnite, Jusant, Turbo Golf Racing,andCult of the Lamb. Despite its affordability and impressive (if unsurprising) features, the Kaleid offers an exceptional gaming experience.
Box Contents
The Kaleid controller arrives in a fairly bare-bones package, offering only the essentials:
Design & Comfort
The Kaleid’s style is immediately recognizable as a bit of a departure from other Gamesir controllers in the best possible ways. The semi-transparent faceplate is really cool, with the dark plastic showing off the controller circuit board, which looks better than ever thanks to little labels throughout. Even from a glance, the dark, glossy front is stunning, and degradation is of little concern thanks to the frosted handles that won’t easily pick up sweat and oils.
That frosted finish on the handles makes the controller feel extremely smooth on your palms, while a fine yet rough texture wraps around the back of each handle for a supremely comfortable grip. Once the super smooth controller is in your hands, you’ll notice that it’s a bit larger than standard controllers. The build is wider and taller than the core Xbox controller but still offers excellent contouring, making it ideal for players with larger hands or those who prefer a looser grip while gaming.
Despite the larger size, the Kaleid is incredibly lightweight, even for a wired controller. The braided fabric cord is one of the lightest around. It can be easily bent and shaped or coiled up with an attached velcro strip. Fans of wireless controllers will be absolutely shocked by the Kaleid’s lightness, as it’s easy to forget that it’s wired at all, especially since the long cord easily stretches from consoles to couches.
Although the back buttons could have some texture, it’s hard to overstate the comfort of the Kaleid. The programmable buttons on the backs of the handles are large and easy to hit but aren’t so sensitive that miskeys are an issue. Plus, the transparent faceplate pairs with the bordering RGB lights perfectly, with the dark buttons melting into the background while gaming.
Software & Customization
The simple lighting on the Kaleid controller isn’t meant to be as flashy as some other options, such as theGamesir Nova, which is good news for players who like RGB lighting but don’t want to start a rave in their room. This more muted approach is further enhanced by the customization options available on the controller itself and through Gamesir’s Nexus app. The brightness levels are very dynamic, especially with the smoky, semi-transparent shell. Even at 3% brightness, the controller looks pretty cool with its effervescent glow. Meanwhile, at max brightness, the controller gets bright enough to light up the faceplate, but won’t be a glaring beaconon your gaming desk.
Besides brightness, you can also change the way the lighting is displayed on the controller. There are four animations available, covering the standard options such as pulsing and cycling. There are also five preset modes, which offer the best combinations, according to Gamesir, right off the bat. These preset modes do actually cover the lighting setups players want, so most can simply select one and get to gaming.
Now, most of these changes can be made on the controller itself, though it’s not the easiest thing in the world. This is especially true because Gamesir’s app may be one of the easiest in the world to use. It’s so much faster to customize the controller on the app, which is available on mobile devices, PC, and Xbox, regardless of whether you’re looking to change the lighting, adjust dead zones, or remap the gamepad altogether.
Oddly, the app does have one shortcoming: it does not allow you to map L3 and R3 to the paddles. This is one of the most common customizations, and manually programming the controller worked perfectly fine withFortnite,Jusant, andTurbo Golf Racing. It’s unclear whether certain games are incompatible with this mapping, but as it stands, it seems that the app just has a Kaleid-specific bug that will likely be resolved soon.
Performance
Being a wired controller, the Kaleid is plug-and-play with extremely low latency. The comfort of Gamesir’s Kaleid controller is worth mentioning again when discussing the performance, too. The lightweight build pairs with the button layout and high responsiveness to create a seriously immersive experience. The joysticks, which are powered by magnetic Hall effect sensors that will last a lifetime, have somewhat concave tops with a rigid texture all around, and they are snappy and accurate.
Although the Kaleid gets a lot right about its controls, there is a distinct lack of haptic feedback on the ABXY and menu buttons, giving them a mushy feeling. Except for the Xbox button, these buttons are so physically unresponsive that it can be tough to tell whether they’ve been pushed or not. Mistakes are easy to make, with double-taps being fairly common during intense matches. Part of the reason for this is the controller’s high-precision design; the ABXY buttons have a very low actuation force threshold and just a 0.6mm actuation distance. They do offer some feedback and a click sound when pressed, but in the end, this isn’t enough to effectively mitigate the chance of not knowing when the buttons have been pressed.
On the other hand, the back buttons, triggers, and D-pad are all just as responsive but offer haptic feedback and much louder clicks. Plus, the triggers also sport Hall effect sensors, making the controller even more competitive. Additionally, the RGB lighting is just as accurate as the controls, meaning you’ll be able to game with precision and style with the Kaleid.
Overall Impression
The GameSir Kaleid works seamlessly with Xbox consoles and PCs, including Steam, delivering a smooth and lag-free gaming experience. Featuring Hall Effect sensor-based joysticks and triggers, the GameSir Kaleid provides exceptional anti-drift performance and durability. The precision-tuned controls make for ultra-responsive in-game actions. Enjoy hassle-free connectivity with a detachable USB-C cable and a lightweight build. Four rumble packs deliver realistic and subtle vibrations, providing precise feedback for impacts, gunshots, and driving over surface irregularities. The controller’s lighting effects can be adjusted to match different gaming environments and switch up the look to suit your mood and style. Finally, the laser-textured design on the grips and triggers ensures all-day comfort and keeps you in firm control.
GameSir Kaleid Wired Controller
Thus far, Gamesir has released controllers that look like they belong on the bargain shelf, but that streak ends with the Kaleid. This wired controller has a much more sophisticated lighting design that’s not unlike what Razer fans enjoy but for a fraction of the price. The extremely lightweight build makes it feel almost like a wireless controller, while the broad, contoured design makes it one of the most comfortable controllers in 2024.
Of course, Gamesir’s products have gained attention thanks to their precision hardware more so than their design choices, and the Kaleid packs in a ton of high-end specs. Hall effect sensors on both the triggers and joysticks combine to offer unparalleled precision and durability, completely avoiding stick drift for up to 5 million cycles.
While the buttons may not all live up to expectations, there’s no doubt that they all have incredibly low latency. Additionally, the textured triggers, clicky D-pad, and easily accessible back buttons make up for any inconveniences with the ABXY inputs.
Gamers who are on Xbox or PC and want a reliable, responsive RGB controller without breaking the bank should definitely consider Gamesir’s Kaleid. Particularly suited for competitive gameplay in a setup with more understated ambient lighting, the Kaleid may end up being the best wired controller of 2024 and players shouldn’t pass it up if they’re in the market for a new gamepad.
Similar Products
Not everyone wants understated lighting or a wired connection, meaning the Kaleid might not be for them. However, there are tons of controller options to choose from. Here are some similar controllers that might better suit your specific preferences:
$27
$80
$42
FAQ
Q: Is the Kaleid compatible with Nintendo Switch?
No, the standard Kaleid is not compatible with the Switch. However, theT4 Kaleidis nearly identical and is compatible with Switch and Android, along with PC.
Q: Do wired headphones work with the Kaleid?
Yes, the Kaleid has a 3.5mm port perfect for most wired headsets or headphones.
