For over a decade, Scuf has been the name on any gamer’s mind when thinking of third party, customizable controllers. With its signature paddles and customization, the controllers allow gamers to personalize the most important part of their gaming experience while also elevating it for more hardcore play.
For the PlayStation 5,Scuf has its new Reflex line of controllers, which started first with the baseline Reflex and that has now expanded to include the Scuf Reflex Pro and Scuf Reflex FPS. Game Rant was able to get our hands on the Scuf Reflex Pro starting at the very beginning, by designing our very own controller and then testing out how this DualSense alternative stacks up.
Creating a Reflex Pro controller is simple and intuitive thanks toScuf’s customization interface. Users can pick from several options for every detail on their controller, from the left and right circles of plastic surrounding the joysticks to the material adorning the back. There are several color options for the main parts of the controller as well, and they don’t need to match at all. If users want to make the most outlandish controller design possible, they can, or if they have a specific aesthetic in mind that is easily achieved as well.
Although it is incredibly fun getting to create a design, customizing the looks of the controller is only one part of the Scuf experience. Scuf controllers offer a lot of customization in terms of the functionality of the controller as well. For example, users can select the style of thumbstick they want - domed or concave - as well as whether those thumbsticks are long or short.
Most importantly, those thumbsticks can be customized independently of each other to fit a wider variety of play styles. And if gamers don’t like their thumbstick choice on their Scuf Reflex Pro, they can purchase replacement sticks and try out all the configurations.
For ourReflex Pro PS5 controller, we went with the short domed thumbsticks to keep the feel somewhat familiar, but swapping to the long thumbsticks highlighted their versatility as well. In most cases, users are going to want short thumbsticks for all-around gaming and long thumbsticks for shooters or anything that might require more precision.
Our Reflex Pro also included instant triggers instead of the traditional ones. While users will lose out on the functionality of the adaptive triggers, the instant triggers are great for shooters or any game where the trigger is treated more like a button.Elden Ring, for example, became a lot easier when we could execute heavy attacks a lot quicker. The one important thing to note is that games that have built in adaptive trigger functionality likeRatchet and Clank’s alternate fire modesfor weapons are basically unusable with the instant triggers.
The paddles on the back of the Reflex Pro are one of Scuf’s signature design elements, and they are easy to access and don’t feel bulky or cumbersome. Being able to dodge inElden Ringor revive a teammate inDestiny 2while still moving is a huge boon that the paddles provide. Any situation where users find themselves moving off the thumbsticks to press a face button or use the D-Pad can be avoided via the fully programmable paddles. Admittedly, they do take some getting used to, but eventually they become so essential to the controller experience that it’s hard to go back.
Beyond that, though, the Reflex Pro still functions as a PS5 controller (or a PC controller via Bluetooth or USB) through and through. The feel is different because of the paddles, but it is not uncomfortable or awkward. And getting the extra grip on the backside of the controller helps with those intense gaming sessions.
While the $219.99 price tag is rather steep, Scuf makes sure that users get their money’s worth with the Reflex Pro. There is also the $199 Reflex controller as well, which drops the textured grip on the back of the controller. Personally, the grip makes enough of a difference that it’s worth it to those that can afford it. And that’s really true for the Scuf as a whole. For those that can afford it, the Reflex Pro PS5 controller offers a completely customizable look, a customizable feel, and bells and whistles that become essential parts of the console gaming experience. The Scuf Reflex Pro is the real deal for PS5 owners and a worthy addition to the controller lineup.
The Scuf Reflex Pro is available on theScuf Official Websitefor $219.99. Game Rant was provided a unit for this review.
