Thrustmaster eSwap Pro Controller Review
Peter Donnell / 4 years ago
Performance
There are four face buttons, as you would expect. However, they have mechanical micro switches giving them a light click. Seriously, why isn’t this the default? These switches are amazing! They’re not even noisy, it’s more like a light mouse click, but the impact it has is pretty drastic.
![](https://www.eteknix.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20201221_120828.jpg)
Tired of the stick you’re using or simply need to move it? No problem, pull that sucker outta there!
![](https://www.eteknix.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20201221_120831.jpg)
That’s it, just lift it right out.
![](https://www.eteknix.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20201221_120838.jpg)
It uses a pin system so it is fully hot swappable, and a strong magnet will snap it back into place when dropped into the controller.
![](https://www.eteknix.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20201221_120843.jpg)
Of course, the sticks and the D-PAD all use the exact same mount, so you can simply remove and then move them around too.
![](https://www.eteknix.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20201221_120846.jpg)
You can pull the D-PAD out with your fingers, but it’s a bit tricky. Fortunately, the mini tool they included does the job in a second.
![](https://www.eteknix.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20201221_120912.jpg)
Stripped out and ready to customise!
![](https://www.eteknix.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20201221_120926.jpg)
Wait, you can do WHAT with it? I know it looks stupid, but this really does work. Pretty crazy!
![](https://www.eteknix.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20201221_120952.jpg)
The side grips are magnetic too, so give them a firm pull and they’ll pop off.
![](https://www.eteknix.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20201221_121035.jpg)
They’re pretty robust too, so I can’t see them wearing out any time soon, but you can also customise them.
![](https://www.eteknix.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20201221_121038.jpg)
Let’s hook up the cable and… no wait, WAIT!
![](https://www.eteknix.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20201221_121149.jpg)
Let’s play with this lot first. In the box, you’ll find new drop in modules for the analogue sticks and the D-PAD. There are new side grips, new triggers, and a set of dome heads.
![](https://www.eteknix.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20201221_121325.jpg)
It’s all magnetic too, so just pull out the old, drop in the new, and you’re good to go.
![](https://www.eteknix.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20201221_121659.jpg)
The trigger covers are fitted with a small screw on the bottom, but as you can see above, the multi-tool is included and will get the job done.
![](https://www.eteknix.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20201221_121726.jpg)
Doesn’t it look fantastic! Other colours and themes are available, so I’m sure you’ll find something you like.
![](https://www.eteknix.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20201221_121714.jpg)
Hook up the USB and the LED kit comes to life. It’s nice to see something that’s a fixed colour too. Everything is RGB these days, but somehow this just feels right. Of course, PlayStation and blue always go together well anyway.
![](https://www.eteknix.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20201221_123159.jpg)
This controller is aesthetically pleasing, but more importantly, it’s built to compete. Being able to change the stick layout is great, as you can have a more Xbox style configuration to suit your play style. It’s a shame that the face buttons aren’t on a similar module though, as moving them to make a lefty controller would have been fun. However, they are by far the nicest buttons I’ve used on a controller, and they’re exceptionally responsive with a good tactile feedback; perfect for fighting games!
![](https://www.eteknix.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20201221_123207.jpg)
The D-Pad has a similar clicky feet to it, albeit it’s still got a nice flowing rocking motion to it, rather than just being a four way switch. Again, it just feels better and more responsive than a stock one. It should be said, the LED kit and the one that came pre-installed in the controller all feel the same, it’s purely an aesthetics thing.
![](https://www.eteknix.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20201221_123213.jpg)
As for the sticks, they’re completely custom, and I can certainly feel the difference. The sticks are really smooth and feel a lot more linear than Sony’s effort. There’s certainly no issue with drift here! Plus, they’re utterly customizable via the software.
![](https://www.eteknix.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20201221_123219.jpg)