Verdict
The Razer Raiju Ultimate shall be full overkill for many . But for hardcore gamers that need full management the Raiju Ultimate’s characteristic set is superb and simply matches key rivals, just like the Xbox Elite and Astro C40 on efficiency. The solely critical downside is that it’s excruciatingly costly.
Pros
Solid construct high quality
Excellent customisability
Strong wired performace
Cons
Latency on Bluetooth
Seriously costly
Key Specifications
Review Price: £200
Customisable D-Pad and thumbsticks
Wired/Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
Additional M1, M2, M3, M4 customisable shoulder and set off inputs
PC/PS4 assist
Chroma lighting
iOS/Android/Windows suitable button mapping apps
The Razer Raiju Ultimate Edition is the highest canine gamepad within the PC gaming heavyweight’s present portfolio.
It targets the identical hardcore market because the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 and Astro C40 and is being marketed as the final word weapon for budding esports athletes and hardcore PS4 aggressive players.
The Ultimate actually lives as much as its identify on paper, that includes a wealth of thumbstick and D-Pad customisation choices and extra customized switches and extra buttons than you possibly can shake a stick at. This plus its programmable software program, which makes it fast and straightforward to make game-by-game profiles, make it a wonderful choice for very, very, very hardcore players.
But it’s hefty upfront value and barely flaky wi-fi performance makes the Raiju Ultimate full overkill for everybody else. Most individuals shall be higher off saving their cash and choosing the common DualShock 4, or Razer’s cheaper, stripped-down Raiju Tournament.
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Design – A mixture of the Xbox One controller and the DualShock 4
The Raiju Ultimate has an atypical, distinctly Razer design. It appears to be like like what would occur if the Xbox One controller and PS4 DualShock had a child.
The form of the controller is distinctly Xbox-like, whereas the button, D-Pad and thumbsticks are firmly organized like a DualShock. This in my thoughts is not any unhealthy factor because it means the controller is noticeably extra comfy to carry than a daily DualShock.
Outside of this, it ticks all of the bins anticipated of knowledgeable sport controller that includes a wide range of customisation choices and further inputs.
Out of the field you possibly can select from a wide range of totally different thumbstick and D-pad choices. The sticks embrace differing heights and convex and concave tip choices. Picking the appropriate one for you is important because the added consolation the appropriate configuration it brings is palpable. Experimentation can be fast and straightforward because the components are locked utilizing a magnetic docking system, so it solely takes seconds to swap out elements.
I personally want the added stability of a screw system, just like the one seen on the Astro C40, in consequence. I’m additionally just a little unhappy that, once more just like the Astro, you possibly can’t swap the location of the left thumbstick and D-pad to offer the controller an Xbox-like format, however this can be a very small quibble. Build high quality is in any other case glorious. The Ultimate simply survived the fad throws of an irate teenager struggling an ongoing CoD shedding streak.
The additional programmable keys are one other esports centered addition. Up high and across the again you’ll additionally discover extra M1, M2, M3 and M4 keys. M1 and M2 are high dealing with extra shoulder buttons. M3 and M4 are paddle inputs that sit subsequent to the common triggers.
The paddles’ giant dimension is a minor annoyance because it’s all too straightforward to press them by accident throughout heated on-line periods. But for probably the most half, the additional inputs are helpful, particularly in genres like ARPGs, MOBAs and shooters. The inclusion of switches to decrease the common triggers actuation level is especially nice for the latter.
Rounding off the additional inputs, there are fundamental RGB, profile settings and media keys lining the Ultimate’s backside. I’m not tremendous fussed about RGB lighting, however on the Raiju it’s helpful, because it permits you to match profiles to particular colors, so you already know which one you’re utilizing at anybody time.
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Software – Simple, intuitive and works on iOS, Android and Windows
Customising the pad’s inputs and lighting can be splendidly easy because of its cellular app and Chroma assist. The software program works on iOS, Android and Windows and allows you to management all the pieces from what color the sunshine shows to the depth of the controller’s haptic suggestions, in addition to the button’s settings.
The system is about as intuitive as you’ll discover. My solely minor quibble is that you would be able to solely remap the M-buttons, not the common controls. Though that is pretty widespread on most esports controllers. The solely different controller I’ve seen do that effectively is Valve’s Steam controller, which comes with its personal set of points.
Connectivity and efficiency – Wired efficiency is superb, however latency creeps in on Bluetooth
Wired efficiency is superb. The customized thumbsticks and controller’s rubberised again make it fast and straightforward to get a strong maintain on the Raiju, even throughout heated, sweaty on-line matches. The buttons even have a way more tactile, responsive change mechanism and shorter actuation level than the common DualShock and Xbox pads.
There are some points utilizing the Raiju wirelessly, nevertheless. The Raiju Ultimate options Bluetooth 5.0 wi-fi connectivity. This must be okay, albeit not so good as proprietary or 2.4GHz connection like those seen on the Xbox Elite and Astro C4. But with extended gaming periods, I usually noticed latency creep in.
For a controller being marketed at esports professionals and hardcore players, that’s an enormous challenge. Thankfully, the 2 markets usually will all the time favour a safer wired connection because of this, so it’s not an entire deal-breaker. It shall be an enormous annoyance for informal consumers, particularly contemplating the controller’s hefty price, nevertheless.
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Should you purchase the Razer Raiju Ultimate Edition?
If you’re a budding e-Sports participant or hardcore gamer pleased utilizing a wired connection, then the Raiju Ultimate is a strong choice. It options a straightforward to make use of magnetic customisation system, tremendous intuitive button mapping software program and is likely one of the sturdiest constructed pads I’ve examined. Its hefty upfront price and barely patchy wi-fi efficiency make it a poor alternative for extra informal lounge players, nevertheless.