Razer Raiju Ultimate review | TechSwitch

Again in 2016, Razer launched the Raiju, a pro-oriented (and suitably costly) wired PS4 controller that aimed to satisfy the calls for of a quickly increasing esports market. Quick ahead a couple of years and we get the Raiju Final (£199/AU$349, round $250), an formally licensed premium peripheral that improves on its formidable predecessor’s intentions in nearly each approach. Most notably, it provides wi-fi Bluetooth performance, however surprisingly, it’s this informal new characteristic that finally stumbles, tripping up the in any other case flawless efficiency of this promising accent. DesignThe very first thing you’ll observe about Razer’s Raiju Final is how vital it feels compared to different PS4 choices, like Sony’s customary DualShock four, and even SCUF’s comparably high-end Vantage: it weighs in at a noticeably hefty 352 grams/zero.77 kilos, and it’s instantly obvious how dense and bodily stable this peripheral is. Sadly, you’ll be able to’t alter the mass of of the Raiju Final like, say, Nacon’s Revolution Professional 2 controller, so should you’re not a fan of heavier equipment, there aren’t any swappable weights to vary out. The excellent news is that, should you do get pleasure from a gamepad that seems like it could in all probability nonetheless perform after being dropped from a California Redwood cover, then the Final has you lined (NOTE: Don’t do that). Spin it round to the again and you will find a pleasant rubberized grip coating on the handles.With its conventional side-by-side analog sticks, the Raiju Final is decidedly extra DualShock four than Xbox One gamepad, a design alternative that honors conventional PS4 enter structure, however is certain to disappoint avid gamers preferring Microsoft’s off-kilter different (for these gamers, the cheaper Raiju Event Version is extremely really helpful). The metallic sticks really feel completely chic, although they might come throughout as a bit unfastened to some – it’s not that whipping again to heart is delayed or something, however they do reset in a barely relaxed method, particularly when in comparison with choices like SCUF’s Vantage and even Sony’s pack-in controller. Magnetized thumbstick tops can simply be pulled off and switched out for any of the included concave or convex rubberized choices, even one which provides some good peak to the combination. The identical goes for the 2 pack-in directional pads, although every possess a kind of low cost plastic rigidity, so neither really feel preferrred. Conversely, the Mecha-Tactile face buttons, in addition to the Chroma-outlined contact pad, are a pure pleasure to press. Actually, it’s tough to make use of the rest after experiencing the clicky goodness of the Final’s motion inputs.Much like the unique Raiju, there are 4 further multi-function buttons on the Final that may be rapidly programmed with both the bespoke app or on-the-fly with button mixtures and vibration affirmation: M1 and M2 sit between the L2 and R2 triggers (which could be adjusted with switches to be hair triggers) whereas M3 and M4 have been well flattened and now conveniently relaxation towards the again of the Raiju’s handles, although throughout heated gaming classes, it’s nonetheless approach too straightforward to unintentionally press them. The settings buttons alongside the underside of the controller have been reworked from an outcropped panel right into a slick, extra built-in membrane unfold. Right here you’ll discover a Profile button for switching button layouts in real-time, a Configure button for connecting to the app, a Chroma enter for altering the superior built-in lighting and a handy Lock button that disables a big portion of menu inputs like Choices, the PlayStation button and all the Raiju management panel. This can be a enormous enchancment over the unique Raiju’s slightly clunky ledge panel design, and the membraned bumps really feel nice to push.It’s vital to notice that, as of this writing, Razer doesn’t possess the license to promote this controller within the US, so till additional discover, this peripheral is a PAL-exclusive. The excellent news is that the Final will join—each wired and wi-fi—with North American PS4 consoles, so it’s import-friendly. Sadly, it doesn’t matter what area you employ the Final in, Bluetooth play leaves lots to be desired, however we’ll get to that in a bit.SetupThe free cell app, which you’ll be able to obtain on both iOS or Android, permits you to join wirelessly to the Final and customise its performance, although you don’t essentially want it to remap Multi-Fuction buttons should you’d slightly simply try this by the controller itself. Choices, which could be individually utilized to 4 separate color-coded gameplay profiles (Shooter, Preventing, Sports activities or Racing) embrace options like analog stick sensitivity, vibration motor energy and Chroma lighting choice. When you program a profile to your liking, it may be rapidly toggled whereas gaming by the Profile management panel button straight on the Raiju.Sadly, you’ll be able to’t remap inputs just like the face buttons or shoulder triggers, solely the Multi-Capabilities, at the very least at this second. Moreover, you’ll be able to see which firmware model your Raiju is working on the app, however you’ll be able to’t replace it (that requires PC entry), which seems like a foolish oversight. However apart from these tiny complaints, the app is stable, tremendous easy to make use of and makes for quick and handy tweaking.PerformanceOn the again of the Raiju Final is an easy-to-toggle swap that strikes performance between PS4 Bluetooth, wired USB and PC Bluetooth. USB mode, for probably the most half, works flawlessly on every platform and concurrently prices the Final whereas linked. Bluetooth mode, alternatively, is a very completely different story. Whereas quite simple to pair (it solely must be finished as soon as), really enjoying video games, particularly on-line or aggressive titles, over Bluetooth could be an train in frustration. There’s a noticeable quantity of lag, in all probability few milliseconds, when utilizing the Raiju Final in wi-fi mode, and this happens on each PS4 and PC. That is particularly obvious when switching between the wired and wi-fi modes, or swapping in a DualShock four, which illuminates the issue with stark distinction. This was the case over two separate evaluation items, and that was after updating every Ultimates’ inside firmware to the most recent construct, a repair that supposedly addressed a nagging right-stick drifting problem that a number of gamers have been reporting. Sadly, it did little (or nothing) to vary present latency issues, which, by the best way, often leak into the in any other case glorious wired mode. It’s not on a regular basis, however when it occurs, it’s tough to look previous.To be truthful, evidently Razer’s software program engineers are conscious of the problem they usually’re allegedly engaged on a repair. Hopefully, that is all firmware-related and could be patched out in upcoming revisions. That apart, wired play is basically the one option to go together with the Raiju Final, even though even tethered mode nonetheless faces some bizarre, floating lag hiccups. An extremely irritating disadvantage to an incredible peripheral that virtually checks each different need-it field.Ultimate verdictTo nonetheless be impressed with a controller regardless of wi-fi lag points is an actual testomony to its general construct high quality, nevertheless it’s arduous to excuse beginner issues like this in such an costly gadget. As a wired controller, the Raiju Final is comparatively robust to beat, and if shoddy Bluetooth connectivity isn’t a deal-breaker for you, then the benefits this has over a regular DualShock four are apparent. Then once more, at that time, you may as properly simply avoid wasting cash and purchase the feature-lite Raiju TE, or maybe the extra wirelessly competent SCUF Vantage.If it have been doable to disregard the pesky wi-fi Bluetooth (and occasional wired) lag, the Raiju Final might have turn out to be among the best PS4 and PC controllers available on the market. Hopefully Razer can iron out its firmware points and understand the Final’s full potential, however till that time, you may wish to look elsewhere on your pro-quality PS4 controller wants.