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CNET
28-07-2025
- CNET
The Gamesir G7 Pro Is Almost the Perfect Pro Controller... Almost
GameSir G7 Pro Controller $80 at Amazon Pros Sleek design Great ergonomics Solid hardware Good accessories included Cons Basic software Limited design customizations No wireless Xbox support GameSir G7 Pro Controller $80 at Amazon The term "pro" gets thrown around a lot, especially with tech gear, and it typically refers to a version of something with more features or more power than a stripped-down base model. When it comes to controllers, it's generally used to describe one with features such as extra remappable buttons, the ability to connect to multiple platforms and, of course, Hall Effect joysticks. Well, kind of. More on that later. GameSir has been making controllers for several years now. Unfortunately, they've been a bit hit-or-miss in terms of quality. Some, like the Super Nova, knock it out of the park, while others, like the Cyclone 2, just aren't impressive. However, I'm happy to say its new G7 Pro controller has rightfully earned the "pro" in its name. Design CNET/Jason Cockerham The G7 Pro has a nearly identical design to the original G7, which in turn was similar to Xbox's own controller. That's a good thing, as the Xbox controller has been one of the best ergonomically designed controllers for many years. The grips are one of the most noticeable upgrades from the G7. They made the top and bottom out of different materials for the Pro, which is genius. The plastic top makes it smoother to slide my palms around and less sweaty as I reach for different buttons. The rubberized bottom grips give me a firm hold on the controller. They aren't the first ones to do this, but that attention to detail is welcome. Another neat detail is that all the included accessories, including a docking station, wireless dongle, USB-C cable and cable retainer, all match the color of the controller. Not many companies do that, and I appreciate it. CNET/Jason Cockerham The controller also looks clean. As nice as the Panda motif is on the original Xbox controller, the dual-tone gray and white of the G7 Pro is just cool. There's also a black version with a red gradient faceplate if you want to go that route. The tops of the grips and the middle faceplate all magnetically detach from the controller, giving you a cool look at the innards. One big miss in my opinion is the lack of RGB lighting, especially since the entire top under the faceplate, as well as the triggers, buttons and extra mini bumpers, are all transparent. That could have been an awesome extra addition, but there's no additional lighting other than a ring around the Xbox button. Hardware CNET/Jason Cockerham The G7 Pro comes equipped with a lot of great hardware, including GameSir's TMR, or Tunneling Magnetoresistance, joysticks. TMR is essentially an upgraded version of the Hall Effect, which supposedly offers greater durability and responsiveness. TMR thumbsticks are still fairly new, but so far I'm enjoying them. While the thumbsticks use TMR, the triggers use Hall Effect, and there are even physical trigger stops to switch from analog Hall Effect triggers to micro switch triggers for faster response times. Ever since I first used a controller with physical trigger stops, I can't play without them. Speaking of micro switches, the "ABXY" buttons are optical micro switches, and the four-way D-pad has mechanical micro switches. The D-pad is the weakest part of the controller for me. It feels a bit too mushy, and even though GameSir includes three different caps, including a smooth circle hoping to mimic an eight-way D-pad, it's just not great. It's also insanely responsive, and I occasionally accidentally pressed one of the directions while gaming. It's not a deal breaker, but something to note. Rounding out the hardware are two mappable back buttons (which can be locked if you don't want to use them) and two mini bumpers up top, much like the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, which is more than twice the price of the G7 Pro. At the bottom is a 3.5mm headphone jack, a mute button for the mic and a pairing button for the wireless connections. Connectivity CNET/Jason Cockerham The G7 Pro supports PC gaming via 2.4GHz wireless, Android over Bluetooth and Xbox over wired USB-C. It's nice to see support for more than one platform, but GameSir could have done better here. The lack of Xbox Wireless support is likely a licensing issue, and not paying for it helps keep costs down, but I certainly would pay a few dollars more to have it. The lack of iOS and Switch support is a big miss here as well. Again, I'm sure it's partially a licensing thing and partially to encourage folks to buy another controller for different platforms, but it's still not optimal. GameSir is absolutely targeting the Xbox gamers here, so it's not a huge surprise that those other platforms miss out. Software It's not the prettiest, but it works Jason Cockerham/CNET Any controller attempting to call itself "pro" these days needs to have, at the very least, remappable buttons and trigger and joystick dead zones. Most, including the G7 Pro, give you quite a few more options than that in their accompanying software apps. GameSir's Nexus app is available for Android, PC and Xbox and gives you granular controls over almost every aspect of the controller. You can even store up to four different profiles for custom setups for your favorite games. The software is basic in terms of UI, but to GameSir's credit, I've never had any issues with the app. Sure, it doesn't look flashy, but it works better than some others I've used, and I'd rather function over form any day. Easy to recommend In the end, I have no problems recommending the G7 Pro to anyone looking for an upgraded Xbox or PC controller. The hardware is great, and while it's not as colorful as some other options, the design is clean. It's got all the features you could ever want, including TMR thumbsticks, Hall Effect triggers and extra remappable buttons. All that's missing is wireless Xbox support. The included 10-foot USB-C cable was plenty long for me, however, so I didn't mind. Plus: No recharging. The best part is you get all of this for $80. While that's still a lot of money, I haven't come across many other controllers that give you such a complete package at that price. Sure, you can pay more for a couple of extra buttons, an eight-way D-pad or wireless Xbox support, but at the end of the day, the G7 Pro is a fantastic controller for anyone looking to explore the world of pro controllers.
CNET
27-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
For Switch or PC Gamers, This Is the Best Affordable Pro Controller You Can Get
If you haven't upgraded your controller to a more pro-level button-masher like the Xbox Elite Wireless Series 2 or the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, odds are it's because they're so expensive. That's a perfectly valid reason, especially if you consider yourself a more casual gamer. As a reviewer, I'm privileged to get to test many of them, which is the only way I ever would've been able to use one myself. But what if I told you that you could get quite nearly everything one of those $150-$200 controllers offers for $70? Say hello to the Gulikit KK3 Max. Design and hardware Jason Cockerham/CNET The KK3 Max feels great to hold. At 662 grams, it's nearly twice the weight of the Xbox Elite Wireless Series 2 controller, but it doesn't feel heavy or get tiresome during longer play sessions. The comfortable grips help with that, and you can leave the back paddles off to shave some more grams off if you need to. The weight is pretty evenly distributed, so it feels well balanced. It comes in black, white and a sort of retro color that gives me Super Nintendo vibes. The Hall Effect joysticks and triggers are a welcome feature, as are the two-stage trigger stops that toggle between the Hall Effect analog and digital microswitch triggers. I almost always used the microswitch triggers, and I really like them. Jason Cockerham/CNET Much like on the Elite Wireless, there are four spots for paddles on the back. Gulikit gives you two different style paddles. There are four standard flat paddles and two half-moon-shaped paddles for the top two spots. At first, installing the paddles might feel tough, but the setup is by design. Once you've done it a couple of times, you'll get used to it. The controller doesn't fit into the included plastic carrying case with the paddles on, but the company assured me that taking the paddles off every time you put it in the case won't be a problem. They also offer free replacement paddles within the first year. On the front, the face buttons are all nice and clicky, and I prefer them over the (still great) microswitches on the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro. Gulikit designed the KK3 Max primarily as a Switch controller, so the face buttons are laid out in Nintendo's "backward" configuration. Thankfully, the company also includes extra button caps with the correct layout so you can flip them around for use with other consoles. This also means you get the "+," "–," home, and capture buttons as well. Jason Cockerham/CNET Beneath the Gulikit logo, there's a settings button and an APG button for macros that hardcore gamers might find quite useful. The D-pad is surprisingly nice, but some folks might be disappointed that it's not an 8-way configuration. I personally don't mind, and you can technically enable 8-way directions in the software, but I switched back after the first few minutes and never looked back. Next to the USB-C charging port up top, there's a button to switch connection modes and one to switch between players. The KK3 Max works with Android, iOS, PC and Switch, so if you don't also need Xbox or PlayStation, you're pretty well covered. The 2.4GHz dongle delivers up to 1,000Hz polling rates, which is a pro-level wireless connection. There are also two vibration motors in the grips, but though Gulikit says the intensity and vibration modes are adjustable, I couldn't tell a difference between the settings. Jason Cockerham/CNET Battery life isn't the best, topping out at just under 30 hours with the lights and additional features off and 15 hours with everything on. That's not the worst battery life I've seen, but it's definitely on the lower end. The only real frustration I have with the hardware is the RGB lighting. There's a light ring around each stick, which is customizable, and you can turn them off. However, you can't turn off or even dim the light behind the logo. In a dark room with only the beautiful glow of your monitor, this is extremely distracting. I actually put a piece of black electrical tape over it because it bugged me so much. Software Jason Cockerham/CNET As great as the KK3 Max's hardware is, the software is where things get messy. For starters, there's no dedicated app for PC or mobile. For firmware updates, you have to download the update package from Gulikit's very bare-bones website and copy the upgrade file directly to the wireless receiver on your PC. The company provides instructions on how to do this, but it's a bit tedious and really shouldn't be the case for a controller like this. Jason Cockerham/CNET It's the same situation for remapping the buttons. The only way to do it via software is with Gulikit's web app, which is also bare-bones. In all fairness, I never had any issues with it, but less technically minded folks might find it all a bit intimidating. It's also possible to remap all the buttons and enable the extra features on the controller itself, but much like on the CRKD Neo S, this is a tedious process that'll test your patience. You either have to memorize or look up all the necessary button combinations every time you need to change something. The price makes it all worth it Jason Cockerham/CNET With all the great features and performance of the KK3 Max, I was shocked to find it's typically only about $70 on Amazon, and you can often find it cheaper. Even the full retail price of $80 is still fantastic. The lack of Xbox and PlayStation support might be a deal-breaker for some, but there are plenty of other great pro controller options for those. For everyone else, there's no better pro controller for the money than the KK3 Max. There are even cheaper versions, like the KK3 Pro that ditches some software features and the four flat paddles for around $50, and the base KK3 that just gives you the great basics for around $40.
CNET
24-07-2025
- CNET
This Nearly Perfect Gaming Keyboard Is Held Back by a Few Big Compromises
Finding the perfect keyboard can often feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. There's no shortage of mechanical keyboards offering a whole range of features and hardware options. While the "perfect keyboard" likely doesn't exist, there are certainly some good ones to be found. Finding a solid balance between hardware, features and price can be daunting. While Cherry's MX 8.2 TKL keyboard delivers fantastic hardware, there are compromises as well. I spent several weeks typing and gaming on it to see if it's worth it. What I like about the Cherry MX 8.2 keyboard CNET/Jason Cockerham There's not much to make this TKL (or "tenkeyless" aka no number pad) keyboard stand out, but that's a good thing here. The design is understated but well-built. It's not a full-metal build, but the plastic doesn't feel cheap and the metal base board allows for a very solid typing surface. In order to keep it compact, Cherry put the power switch and connection indicators on the back, which might get a bit confusing if you change inputs frequently. It's also pretty compact, even for a TKL keyboard. There's not much space around the sides or even between the keys and rows. I like it, but some might prefer things a bit more spread out, especially if you have larger hands. The MX 8.2 comes in white or black with ABS keycaps, which are actually nicer than I thought they'd be. I normally prefer PBT keycaps, but these don't feel as thin as other ABS keycaps I've used so they didn't bother me as much. And, of course, the keycaps are swappable. So if you have a preference or want to try a different type, they're easy to change. CNET/Jason Cockerham No gaming keyboard would be complete without RGB lighting, and that's one place the MX 8.2 shines (pun intended). You can customize the backlight for every key and there are several different lighting effects to choose from. In the Cherry software you can create up to 10 profiles so you can have one for each game (or, you know, for work stuff). Not every gaming keyboard supports wireless connectivity, but thankfully, the MX 8.2 offers both Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless dongle connectivity. If you're worried about latency, stick with the dongle, but in truth, Bluetooth was plenty fine for me during my usage. Great performance CNET / Jason Cockerham As expected from a keyboard sporting Cherry's MX switches, the typing experience on the MX 8.2 is wonderful. I've used dozens of other keyboards in my time, and every time I come back to Cherry switches I remember why I love them so much. They are clicky, tactile and responsive and give just the right amount of audible "thwack" as I type. I felt right at home on these switches as shown by my 100 wpm on MonkeyType, which is my typical speed. It helps that the version of the keyboard I reviewed came with Cherry's Brown switches, which I prefer, but you can get the linear Reds if you prefer. Sadly, they aren't hot-swappable, so you'll have to dance with the one who brung ya. The MX 8.2 is built for gamers and as such, has a few gaming-focused features that are helpful. For starters, if you get the Brown switches you already have a shorter actuation distance. This means you don't have to press as far down to trigger a command as compared to Red switches. This can help when speed and timing in a game really matters. It also supports full n-key rollover, which means every keypress is registered even when pressing multiple keys at once. It also has anti-ghosting to help avoid weird typos and such. In my time with the MX 8.2 it was extremely responsive while gaming. There were never any missed keystrokes, and most importantly, I didn't experience any hand strain during extended gaming sessions. that's not something I can say of every gaming keyboard I've used. What I don't like about the Cherry MX 8.2 keyboard CNET/Jason Cockerham There are a couple of hardware things that are annoying about the MX 8.2, the first being the lack of storage for the wireless dongle. This may not seem like a big deal, but with how small dongles are they're incredibly easy to lose and annoyingly expensive to replace, and that's if you can even find them anywhere. Additionally, you can't connect to more than one device via Bluetooth, so unless you re-pair it every time you switch devices, you'll want to use the dongle more. The other hardware annoyance has to do with the RGB lighting, specifically with the white key version. The LEDs are placed at the top of each switch housing, so the bottom two-thirds of the keys are shadowed by the switches. This means the lighting isn't uniform across the keys. But then again, I don't know how much time you spend looking at your keyboard so this may not bother you. Also, the white keycaps sort of make the lighting look a bit muted and washed out, but that's certainly quite subjective. I ended up leaving the lighting off during the day and turning it on at night and I was gaming. Frustrating software If you've read any of my (or most any other) reviews of Cherry keyboards, you might have seen that the software is one of the biggest frustrations with Cherry keyboards. Not only does Cherry have multiple apps for performing different – and even some of the same – customizations, not every product they have is supported by the software. It's mostly hit or miss as to which products get software support. On top of that, the apps the company does have are just bad. The UI looks like it's from 10 years ago, and the functionality is quite limited and confusing. There's no real guide, so generally you just have to figure it out by messing around with it. The only redeeming qualities about it are that you can customize the lighting effects pretty granularly, and you can program different functions for each key. But again, this process is tedious and frustrating, so I would avoid it if you can. Luckily, most of the basic functionality you should need is bound to a secondary layer behind the function keys, so you shouldn't have to mess with the software too much if you don't want to. Should you buy the Cherry MX 8.2 keyboard? The MX 8.2 has been out for a while now, and Cherry is asking $210 for it, although I've seen it for around $180 on Amazon. While it's certainly not the most expensive gaming keyboard around, that's still quite a lot for a keyboard, no matter how good it is. Especially considering how crowded the field is these days. There are quite a few really solid keyboards that can be had for around $150 or even less and Cherry doesn't really offer much to make it stand out. That being said, Cherry offers superb craftsmanship and a wonderful typing experience with the MX 8.2. The compact layout means it doesn't take up a lot of room on your desk while the per-key RGB lighting offers a lot of customization, as long as you're prepared for an annoying software experience. If you need a dedicated gaming keyboard that goes all-in on features and performance, there are better options. The same is true if you just need a good budget gaming keyboard. But if you're looking for a high-quality keyboard that works hard and plays hard, the MX 8.2 is worth considering.
CNET
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
There's No Way a Controller This Good Should Be So Affordable
CNET's expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. GameSir Super Nova Multiplatform Controller $50 at Amazon Pros Solid hardware Lots of customization Plenty of pro features Mappable buttons Affordable Cons Mobile app is limited PC app UI needs work No Xbox support GameSir Super Nova Multiplatform Controller $50 at Amazon I've used a lot of GameSir products over the years, and it's gotten to the point where I'm never sure what to expect when they send a new product. It's always hit or miss. The Super Nova is one of the company's hits, and quite likely one of the best controllers it has ever made -- especially in a gaming landscape that's become increasingly competitive. The Super Nova has all the features you'd expect from a solid controller, including many you typically only find on pro-level controllers, plus some fun customization options, all at a price that's much lower than you might expect. What I like about the GameSir Super Nova Jason Cockerham/CNET From a design standpoint, the Super Nova looks and feels a bit like a Nintendo Switch Pro controller, which isn't a bad thing, especially for those of us with smaller hands. I really like the way it feels. I find it more comfortable than most Xbox and other popular controllers. The buttons are nicely tactile, which is surprising for membrane ABXY buttons. Typically, membrane buttons feel mushy and soft, but these are crisp and satisfying. You can even switch the buttons around for playing on Switch or PC, which is a useful feature. At $50, you might not expect the Super Nova to come with many "pro-level" features, but surprisingly it does. For starters, it has Hall Effect joysticks. These are becoming more popular but it's still rare to find them on controllers priced far below $100. There are also two-stage, Hall Effect triggers, so you can mechanically lock the trigger pull for much faster response times. You can even set a digital hair trigger for high-speed games. If you've never used multi-stage triggers on a controller before, they're a game-changer (pun intended). Jason Cockerham/CNET On the back, there are two programmable buttons that you can remap to almost any keypress. You can also get up to a 1000Hz polling rate via the wireless dongle or the included USB-C cable. There's also support for macros and, of course, there's RGB lighting. Compatibility The Super Nova is compatible with PC, Switch, iOS and Android, but switching between them quickly can be annoying. If you're switching Bluetooth inputs, just be prepared that it might take a couple of minutes before everything's ready to go. My favorite feature of the Super Nova is auto-play. Once paired to a device, you can just pick up the Super Nova from the charging station and it will instantly reconnect, waking your device in the process. I can grab the Super Nova and by the time I've sat down in my chair, my Switch is awake, the TV is on and I'm ready to play. You'll quickly get spoiled by not having to manually turn on your console like a Neanderthal. Customization options Jason Cockerham/CNET The entire faceplate is attached magnetically, and GameSir has made several different color options for the Super Nova, allowing you to add your own dash of flair. If you want the white controller and charging stand, however, you'll have to order the "whipped pink" color, but again, you can swap the faceplate out if you prefer. Aside from the magnetic faceplates, there are plenty of other customization options available in GameSir Connect app for Windows. There are also iOS and Android apps, but they don't offer quite as much customization. You'll need to use your PC to fully fine-tune it. GameSir Connect is pretty comprehensive, letting you adjust the trigger stops, joystick dead zones and even the motion control settings if you like using the gyroscope for Switch games. The UI is a little stale, and you can't store multiple profiles for the controller, but overall it works well. The only issue I've seen is that sometimes connecting to the controller wirelessly can be tricky; just use a cable and you'll be fine. Should you buy the GameSir Super Nova? To be honest, there really isn't anything I don't like about the Super Nova. A nitpick might be that the D-Pad is not the best, but it's certainly not bad. I do wish you could store multiple profiles on the controller, and some people might be turned off by the lack of Xbox support, but none of those are deal-breakers for me. CNET Especially when it only costs $50. I personally don't know of another controller on the market that is this good and gives you this many features for so little money. If you want to upgrade your Switch controller with one that also works great for PC and mobile, or if you want a great, inexpensive extra controller for your partner or kiddos, you really can't go wrong with the Super Nova.
CNET
23-07-2025
- CNET
This Compact Gaming Keyboard Gets a Lot Right, but a Few Things Wrong Too
One of the best things about mechanical keyboards, at least for me, is that there are a ton of choices and options so you can find the one that perfectly fits your preferences. Whether you're a hardcore gamer who needs the biggest, best and fastest one around or you're a more causal gamer who needs something great at work and occasional play, there's something for everyone. Cherry has long been one of the best keyboard makers and continues to have a huge presence and influence on the industry. The newest version of it's popular compact gaming keyboard, the XTRFY K5V2, offers a lot for both hardcore and enthusiast gamers to love. What I like about the Cherry K5V2 keyboard Jason Cockerham/CNET I sometimes forget how much I enjoy smaller keyboards. They take up less space on my desk while still giving me all the essential functions I need. The K5V2 is a 65% keyboard which keeps things nice and compact with the only extra keys being Delete, Page Up and Page Down, all of which are tucked in on the right edge. There's a tiny Cherry magnet on that side too which I found to be an odd inclusion but at least you can take it off. Cherry switches have long been synonymous with build quality, and thankfully its keyboards are just as well built. The K5V2 has a metal plate, two layers of sound-dampening and pre-lubed PCB stabilizers, all adding up to a very solid keyboard. No part of the K5V2 feels cheap. Glorious Cherry keys There's a reason Cherry has been such a dominant player in the mechanical keyboard space: it makes beautifully tactile switches. The K5V2 I reviewed has Cherry's new MX2A Red switches. They don't have quite as much audible clack as I'd like, but they still feel great. They're smooth and responsive with enough tactile feedback to remind me why I fell in love with Cherry switches in the first place. This keyboard is part of Cherry's XTRFY lineup which is all about gaming, so the company has included its "super-scan technology" which increases the polling rate of the keys. The company claims the keyboard is scanning keypresses every half millisecond for an incredibly fast response rate, and while I wasn't able to directly test that claim, I can say it responded incredibly fast for me. Detailed customization Jason Cockerham/CNET If you don't like the MX2A reds (or really any other part of the keyboard), Cherry lets you customize almost every aspect of the K5V2. From the base to the keycaps, the cable, even add-ons, you can pick and choose from an impressive array of colors and materials for your K5. The standard model comes in all black, with non-PBT keycaps and the aforementioned MX2A Red switches. I personally prefer PBT keycaps, but the ones on the base version at least allow the RGB light through. Even though there's not much in the way of software customization for remapping keys, Cherry did hide secondary functions behind almost every single key on the keyboard. Using key combos, you can change the lighting effects, access media controls, program macros and even control your mouse all without having to move your hands. I've not used a keyboard with this much pre-programmed mapping before, and I have to say I like it. It's helpful too for using the K5V2 for things other than gaming. It took me a while to memorize some of the shortcuts, but it's actually made me a bit faster at my day job of review writing and research. What I don't like about the Cherry K5V2 keyboard Jason Cockerham/CNET As great as the switches and keys are on the K5V2, I've noticed the feeling doesn't appear to be universal across the keyboard. This likely has to do with the pre-lubed PCB stabilizers. While they certainly add to the smooth quality of the typing experience, the feel and sound of the stabilized keys (space bar, backspace, etc.) are noticeably different from the rest of the keyboard. I wouldn't say it's bad, but at the very least, I found it distracting. No software support This seems to be one of Cherry's biggest opportunities for improvement. I've tested several of their keyboards, and it's always hit or miss as to which are supported by the Cherry Utility software. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason behind it, and while the physical keys on the K5V2 have an extra layer of functionality and can be somewhat customized via the hardware itself, there's no way to modify anything with Cherry's software. Jason Cockerham/CNET No wireless connectivity Being such a compact keyboard, the K5V2 is almost begging for wireless connectivity, but there's none here. I realize space is precious on a 65% keyboard, but I've seen companies include wireless support on keyboards smaller and thinner than this one, so it's definitely possible. At least you can choose a really nice coiled cable if you want, so that's something. Should you buy the Cherry K5V2 keyboard? There's a lot to love about the K5V2, especially if you prefer compact keyboards like I do. It's very well built, great for gaming and more customizable than most other keyboards I've tested. Plus, it's backed by the Cherry reputation. However, it's certainly not the cheapest you can find. It's $140 for the base model, but I've seen it on sale for as low as $70. Of course, adding customization options other than the standard white or black will start to add up. The highest-end configurations can push $300. But if you're looking for a solid, compact gaming keyboard that's great for both work and play and you don't need much software support, the K5V2 is easy to recommend.
