GameSir Kaleid Flux review
The GameSir Kaleid Flux wired Xbox Controller with paddles is tough, well-priced, and good-looking. The techy glass design is simple and clean, and the name 'Kaleid' is certainly fitting for this controller due to its kaleidoscope-type pattern weaving from one end of the controller to the other. The otherwise minimalist colorway of black and gold is a great fit for a minimalist setup—perhaps one with dark, dramatic decor—though it won't match with a pink or white setup.
The design inside the controller, the face buttons, and D-pad are gold. The joysticks, options, mute, share, and screenshot buttons are black. To be honest, all black everywhere on the buttons makes it hard to read. It also might make it tough to notice the extra button on the controller. It's the mute button, which is a bit insignificant for PC gamers, controlling as it does the 3.5 mm headphone jack. However, it doubles as a mapping button that turns on the hair trigger, cycles through the RGB lights and controls their brightness.
Back to the glassy design of this controller, and it doesn't mean the controller is slippery. The glass ends where the handles begin. Along the back of this controller are textured grips for nonslip play, while the front side of the handle is made of smooth matte material. By itself, the matte finish is slippery, but coupled with the texture grips it's the perfect combo.
At first glance, the Kaleid Flux looks sleek. It is worth a wee double take from the design alone. It's one of those controllers you hope lights up, as I had hoped for the Lexip Kakashi controller when I saw the Susano mask on it.
As a gaming society, there was a time we were impressed by RGB lighting effects, then we became sick of it. I believe the industry is finally responding to that because the RGB strips in the Kaleid can all be turned off. The RGB strips look like one long strip but are controlled separately in the GameSir software, where the lights are customizable by blinking speed, color, and brightness. Hair triggers, mappings, and vibrations.
The software is a good thing to have on hand, not only for customizations but for updates. Right out of the box, I noticed the controller would shut off quickly after turning on. A software update fixed the issue, however, my computer noted the update file as dangerous. My PC tells me to download this with caution—just for you guys, I took the risk.
Speaking of turning on and off, there's no need to worry about charging it because it's wired. More and more, I'm getting cozy with wired controllers. Most controllers are tailed by a PVC cover or thermoplastic rubber that gets torn during use and cable management. The cords made of nylon or polyester last longer. The Kaleid Flux Controller's USB-C to USB-A is a stiff gold and black braided cord.
The buttons are satisfying to push, it feels like a mechanical controller, though inevitably doesn't have the tactile feel of the excellent Razer Wolverine V3 Pro. For everyone with blue and green switches, though, this controller is for you. These Kaleid Flux buttons are loud. Can't forget about the two paddles, well, you can because they're barely noticeable. That's a good thing, though; the paddles don't feel bulky or out of place. And are still clicky, like a good mechanical keyboard.
Grounded is the main game I've used the Kaleid controller for. My Grounded sessions last a minimum of four hours and I don't feel the need to take a break from the controller. I tested out the two paddles on the back. The right paddle I used as an Action button; throw, chop, hammer, etc. The left paddle I used for LT, to block. Which is super crucial especially when venturing into anthills.
✅ You're looking for a snappy controller that has the ambiance of a pro controller: The Kaleid encompasses features like the Hall Effect, extra mappable paddles, and a sleek design. If you squint hard enough, it'll start looking like a pro controller, with a bit of spunk given to it by the RGB strips.
✅ You want something lightweight: This controller does a lot without the weight of an average Xbox controller. Let alone a pro controller weight.
❌ You don't want to mess around with peripheral software: Trying to get the controller to work out of the box could be an issue. The update software isn't easy to find, nor is the GameSir software.
❌ You're looking for something heavy: This isn't the controller for you. It's an artistic piece for sure and I am afraid to drop it with what seems to be tempered glass. It's like having the anxiety of a phone, without the high price point.
Star Wars Outlaws has the right stick as the action button, on the Kaleid Flux, that button is mapped to the right paddle, and it makes the game so much more enjoyable. Even if I didn't map it, pushing in the right stick isn't as laborious as other controllers, it goes in fairly quickly with little pressure.
With an MSRP of around $50 (€66), it's still a wired controller, with its software, plus Hall Effect triggers, six customizable RGB lights/buttons, and paddles, also customizable. This rubbery, tactile controller is lightweight and cool to the touch, and I really enjoy holding this controller, but I will say it dropped a bit for me on the likeability scale when the update software is portrayed like malware.
The Gamesir Kaleid Flux is a solid, good-looking wired, RGB, Xbox controller. Though the PowerA OPS v1 is the same price, with Hall Effect sticks, paddles, and a 2.4 GHz wireless connection. That does make the environment pretty hostile for a wired pad. Still, it feels unique when measured against other wired controllers. Most of the them are either painted beautifully and also set at an affordable price, while others are boring, wired, and have paddles. The Kaleid Flux is affordable with paddles, and a nice tech design, adorned with an LED RGB strip winding from one end of the controller to the other. Though, it must be said, the competition at this price point is growing ever more tough.