HyperX Clutch Review: A reliable wireless gaming controller for Android and PC

Earlier this yr at CES 2022, HyperX launched its first-ever gaming controller for Android, the HyperX Clutch. The controller is designed for use with an Android system and Home windows PC. On this evaluate, I’ll undergo all the data that you just want when contemplating this gadget for a greater gaming expertise.

HyperX Clutch comes with an Xbox fashion and structure which is completely advantageous by me. It feels very agency and comfy when grabbed in my fingers. Fairly positive the textured grips did the trick to make sure the agency grasp. The final Android controller I’ve tried was a Razer Kishi which prices a worth almost double the HyperX Clutch. Am I going to say it? Sure, the earlier one was horrible. Not one of the issues I’ve had with Kishi happens on HyperX Clutch primarily based on my expertise. There’s a superb first impression of HyperX Clutch. Buttons are crispy, not mushy; triggers are resilient, not scratchy; D-pad is responsive, not squishy.

On the backside of the controller, there’s a swap for 3 totally different connection modes – USB, wi-fi (by way of dongle) and Bluetooth. If you will use Clutch on PC, I might suggest going with the primary two choices to attain minimal latency. There’s a USB-C port on the Clutch for charging. A 3-metre USB cable is included within the field, which ought to be lengthy sufficient should you determine to go together with a wired connection. It’s value noting that the outer ring of the keycaps of the joysticks additionally has a textured design – my left thumb enjoys an extremely steady management on the joystick on a regular basis. This cellular controller is boosted by a 600mAh battery. In line with HyperX, gamers will be capable to take pleasure in 19 hours of ongoing gameplay with a full cost. Throughout my check, I’ve by no means been interrupted by a low-level battery. Moreover, there are 4 devoted LEDs within the centre of the entrance panel to point the present battery degree.

The construct high quality is strong. Normally, I might not be stunned to listen to a rattling sound in controllers, particularly when it’s made by a 3rd occasion. I’ve been utilizing this controller for roughly one to 2 hours day by day, principally with my Android cellular and pill. In line with my expertise, all of the buttons and triggers are accurately registered and by no means missed an enter. The sport that I play probably the most is Useless Cells. This sport can get unbelievably troublesome when taking part in at Nightmare or Knowledgeable degree, which additionally brings the controller a harsh check. I didn’t encounter any problem when taking part in Useless Cells utilizing Clutch. All of the strikes of the sport character carried out as anticipated with no misoperation brought on by the controller.

Android

HyperX Clutch works completely on Android, whether or not on a cell phone or pill system. For comfort, I’ve been utilizing a Bluetooth connection more often than not. I’ve examined with Kind-C cable and a pair of.4GHz simply to substantiate all connection modes work for Android, and the end result was satisfying. I’m not going to reiterate how a lot I like Useless Cells, however this controller actually works effectively with platformer video games. Blizzard lately (and eventually) made Diablo Immortal out there on Android, iOS and Home windows, creating an ideal alternative for the check of this controller.

On my Android system, I positioned the cellular on the clip-on telephone holder connected to the controller. I don’t use this add-on fairly often as a result of less-than-ideal comfortability brought on by the erratically distributed weight, particularly after lengthy use. Apparently, not like different manufacturers, HyperX added a tip of creativity to the telephone clip and you’ll detach the clip from the controller and use it similar to a traditional telephone holder. This small innovation impressed me as a result of it improves the general gaming expertise as a result of much less weight on fingers. The gameplay of Diablo Immortal with HyperX Clutch was satisfying and labored like a allure as you’d count on. The identical sport was examined with Clutch on Home windows, too. Unsurprisingly, I used to be in a position to benefit from the sport and not using a drawback.

Clip used as a telephone holder

Adjustable clip (default angle)

Wider angle

I’m a giant fan of retro gaming, all of the android gadgets I’ve ever owned have emulators put in. After hours of gaming on PPSSPP, DraStic, John NESS and Pizza Boy GBA, I can inform this controller ticks all of the packing containers on my checklist.

Enjoying emulator video games (PPSSPP)

Low latency in motion video games

Home windows

On Home windows, I’ve all the time stored it linked by way of the USB dongle, simply to tell apart the totally different use case eventualities and save time from pairing on Bluetooth. I’ve finished some intensive testing on video games together with Darkish Souls, Genshin Influence, Life is Unusual, Management, Diablo Immortal, and Rise of the Tomb Raider. HyperX Clutch is supported immediately by these video games with out the help of Steam. The setup stays the identical because the Xbox controller and doesn’t require any extra steps until you wish to change the button structure to fit your choice. Nevertheless, you could discover the controller to be unresponsive after switching the connection sort. For instance, the Clutch is linked to my cellular by way of Bluetooth, and I wish to apply it to Home windows. So I switched to dongle mode and the controller vibrated, indicating it efficiently detected the dongle on my PC. I can see Home windows recognise it in Bluetooth gadgets, nevertheless, there’s a probability it doesn’t work in any respect in video games. I’m not too positive if that is anticipated behaviour, however the fast workaround is to press down the ‘house’ button on the controller for a number of seconds to energy off and press it once more to show it again on. From there, every thing simply goes again to regular. I don’t suppose it’s going to trouble the person until one consistently switches between Android and Home windows.

HyperX Clutch paired with Home windows

HyperX Clutch Gaming Controller is priced at $79 in Australia. For my part, this can be a very aggressive worth and you’ll barely discover a related product that provides the identical vary of options as a good model. As I discussed earlier, I paid greater than $120 some time in the past for a Razer Kishi cellular controller for Android, and I don’t really feel that’s any higher than the Clutch controller, to not point out the latter is accessible at a extra pleasant worth. As well as, Clutch helps Home windows video games whereas it’s lacking from the opposite one. It feels such as you solely paid for a medium-sized popcorn however they gave you an extra-large combo as a substitute.

HyperX Clutch is general a superb wi-fi gaming controller. It is rather laborious for me to fault it, particularly for this worth level. It is a first rate controller that works flawlessly on Android gadgets with three strategies for the connection. It additionally helps video games on a Home windows PC and works precisely in the identical method as an Xbox controller.

There’s a removable clip-on telephone holder which can be utilized both with the controller as one unit or as a standalone telephone stand on a desktop individually. The workmanship of the controller exceeded my expectations. That is primarily as a result of I’ve by no means used a HyperX gamepad earlier than, and that is the corporate’s first try at a wi-fi controller on Android. So far as my evaluate goes, it is going to be very troublesome to be upset by this controller. If you’re on the lookout for a wi-fi controller that works effectively on each Android and PC, don’t miss HyperX Clutch!

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