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Do you know the difference between a pro and a standard gamer on PS4? Of course, skills count, but it does come down to the PS4 controller.
The best custom PS4 controller should improve your accuracy, reload time, and comfort level. Does the standard Sony DualShock4 fulfill the criteria? Probably not! Therefore, you need to have a look at all the excellent custom options available today.
Whether your old controller’s thumbsticks are wearing off, or the triggers are getting finicky; it is a great idea to switch to a custom PS4 controller. You will have to pay extra, but the benefits far outweigh the initial monetary outlay.
The official DualShock4 is a probable option, especially if you have a limited initial budget. However, once you get your hands on a custom controller, we doubt you’d go back.
The DualShock 4 provides color choices while a custom controller opens a whole new world of options. Button remapping, for example, is a feature that can make your gaming sessions much more comfortable.
Customized trigger control is another one. Before we break down the best custom PS4 controllers for you, here is why it’s time you shift to one.
Why Buy A Custom PS4 Controller?
Have you ever faced a player who’s just too fast and accurate every single time? Yeah, we feel you. A custom controller might be the difference.
A custom PS4 controller can give you access to higher skill levels in the best FPS games like Call Of Duty or Apex Legends.
Button remapping, advanced direction pad, and exclusive shortcut buttons solely created for PlayStation 4 controllers open a whole extra dimension of customized controls you can personalize to game better.
While a hobby gamer can make do with a standard joystick, a seasoned pro will likely own one of the best custom PS4 controllers, helping them notch up high response times, quick kills, and excellent APM.
Try investing in a custom PS4 controller and see your gaming levels upgrade, if not to top-notch players, then at least among them. The best PS4 games demand the same level of efficiency, features, and capabilities that come with customized controllers.
The custom PS4 controllers never miss on flexible customization. This alone makes them worth the extra bucks you pay. With the added swiftness and improved aim, there is no reason why you should not get a custom controller.
There are two types of custom-made PS4 controllers. PS4 3rd party controllers are completely original and are built from the ground up by a non-Sony entity.
Others take a stock PS4 controller and modify it.
Both approaches have their merits, so you can find examples of both below.
Best PS4 Controllers You Can Buy Today
1. HexGaming Esports Edge
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good choice of skins | Only good for FPS |
| Uses original Shell | |
| Remappable buttons rear buttons | |
| Interchangeable thumbsticks |
We’re starting with what may be the Rolls-Royce of PS4 custom controllers.
Most of the custom PlayStation 4 controllers on this list are built from the ground up by third-party manufacturers. Whilst Sony approves some of them. The sad fact is you may not be getting Sony’s famous build quality.
HexGaming does things a little differently. They take the already outstanding PS4 Dualshock controller and modify it. This means you get all the usual Sony quality with a few added extras thrown in.
First, there’s a range of exciting custom skins to choose from if you find the stock controller’s color options a little plain. This is nothing to be sniffed at when so many other custom controllers only come in boring black.
Second, the controller comes with completely programmable back paddles. These are ideal for first-person shooters when you need to keep your thumbs on the sticks whilst also using face buttons to jump, duck and reload.
If that’s not enough customization for you. How about swappable thumbsticks? The controller comes with 6-in-1 interchangeable thumbsticks with varying choices of heights and head shape.
Finally, the bumpers and trigger travel times have been dramatically reduced. This means it takes less time for you to depress the trigger, which means faster response times and quicker fire.
This is all great, but only for FPS games. The rear paddles make little of a difference to other types of games, ditto with the thumbsticks.
Even worse, the new bumper and triggers on the other hand can flat out ruin other types of games. Especially racing games which can be almost unplayable.
This makes this PS4 custom controller the best for pro FPS play but not much else.
Customizable Features
- Interchangeable thumbsticks
- Mappable rear paddles
- Choice of controller skin
2. NACON Revolution Unlimited Pro Controller
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Customizable rear buttons | Complicated software |
| 8-way D-pad | |
| Robust build |
NACON always had the upper hand when it comes to high-quality controllers. However, with Revolution Unlimited Pro, it has exceeded all its previous records.
This is undoubtedly one of the best custom PS4 controllers with an 8-way directional pad and 4 shortcut buttons.
If you are well acquainted with the conventional Xbox One controller, you will have no problem settling down with this beauty. Furthermore, you can tweak its specs for your feasibility with the bundled-in functionalities.
Revolution Unlimited Pro Controller by NACON offers the perfect blend of progressive specs and practicality.
The best part is that you will be upgrading to a better version of the DualShock 4 without paying a hefty amount. You can tinker with the analog stick placement as well as the stick heads to optimize maximum hold and support.
Customizable Features
- Rear buttons
- Sensitivity
- Response curve of analog sticks
3. Razer Raiju Tournament Edition Controller
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hair-trigger mode | Latent wireless mode |
| Cushioned, tactile buttons | |
| Razer Synapse |
Razer Raiju Tournament Edition Controller is truly a console gamer’s dream come true. Specially designed for eSport enthusiasts, Raiju is an ergonomic controller with a top-notch premium feel and amazing customizable options.
Razer Synapse helps you sync with the controller, providing an endless list of choices, from remapping the buttons and triggers to tuning the rumbling intensity, a vibration that is.
The central touchpad bordered with impressive RGB lighting gives it the final push to the supreme list.
The custom Razer Mecha-Tactile Action buttons provide the perfect blend of soft cushioning along with outstanding tactile feedback. That said, the cushion may give a false notion of squishy buttons, but the response times of the touchpad will never make you regret it.
If you are an experienced, skilled gamer who cannot figure out what is lacking; take our word for this custom PS4 controller. The hair-trigger mode allows you to get that millisecond advantage you need to win through.
Customizable Features
- Vibration
- Thumbstick
4. Astro Gaming C40 Tr
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Feels premium | Expensive/ hard to find |
| Swappable components | |
| Great for all games |
The Astro gaming C40 Tr may be a mouthful. And it may have a face only a mother could love.
But it’s about as custom as PlayStation 4 controllers get.
The best thing about the controller is probably the amount of versatility it has to offer. This is a controller for every type of gamer and every type of game.
Prefer the Xbox configuration? No problem. You can quickly, and easily, swap analog and d-pad modules to swap between the traditional PlayStation config and the Xbox.
The controller also has two re-mappable rear buttons, giving you extra options in a firefight. Compared to some custom controllers, these are placed in an ideal position ergonomically.
Finally, the C40 features trigger stops which change the throw of your triggers. This means you can choose short activation for competitive shooters or long activation for better braking and acceleration control in racers.
Most custom controllers just have short-throw triggers. So having the ability to quickly and easily adjust the trigger throw is a great touch. When you’re paying this much, it is nice to be able to play more than one type of game.
This leads us to the only downside: the price. Unfortunately, the C40 Tr is one of the most expensive options out there.
However, it might be worth it if you’re looking for a custom controller for more than just FPS games.
Customizable Features
- D-pad and stick configuration
- Trigger throw
5. Thrustmaster eSwap Pro
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lets you swap modules | Rear button positions are not ideal |
| Responsive, tactile switches | Wired PS4 controller |
| Remappable rear buttons |
No one could have expected racing wheels and paddles brand to produce one of the best custom PS4 controllers. However, Thrustmaster did it with their eSwap Pro. This magnificent controller lets you change the whole layout of taking customization to a new level.
It uses an exclusive T-Mod technology letting you swap between modules. Switch between an Xbox layout and a PS4 layout whenever you want to. The directional controls and analog sticks can be molded and tweaked as per your ease, increasing your potential.
The re-mappable rear buttons and ultra-responsive, tactile switches ensure that you do not miss any of your opponent’s movement. The trigger activation range is an exemplary feature giving you an edge in FPS games.
If the controller has a downside it is probably the fact that it is not a PS4 wireless controller. Wired controllers may offer better reaction times, but really the difference is minimal. A wireless controller is just more convenient.
Customizable Features
- Button modules
- Rear buttons
6. SCUF Gaming Impact Controller
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great customization | Expensive |
| EMR technology | |
| User-friendly |
When it comes to value for money, no joystick comes close to SCUF controllers for PS4, especially the SCUF Gaming Impact.
If you are a fan of DualShock 4, you will definitely love this alternative. Almost the same structure was altered only by replacing the face buttons with paddles; SCUF Impact makes a wonderful, user-friendly companion.
With the EMR technology (Electro-magnetic remapping), you can remap the rear paddles, giving you the ease of use.
SCUF gives cut-throat competition to all other models in the market with its super customizable controllers. You can swap between standard and extended triggers as well as tweak the thumbsticks.
This is one of the best custom PS4 controllers for FPS games, giving you maximum leverage on the analog sticks, making your game smoother and swifter.
There is not much difference between a DualShock 4 and SCUF Impact if you rule out the remapping and customized design.
Hence, if you are not big on controllers, stick to the good old DualShock saving yourself extra bucks. However, for an initial upgrade, SCUF Gaming Impact makes an amazing controller to have.
This is probably as close as you can get to having a pro PS4 controller and probably the best 3rd party PS4 controller out there.
Customizable Features
- Color scheme
- Gripping
- Triggers
7. Aim Custom Built Controller
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Customize every part of the controller | Can become very expensive |
| Programmable rear paddles | |
| Excellent cosmetic range |
The controllers so far have been customizable, but there are always limits to how much customization you get when buying a ready-made controller.
This is where the last two controllers on this list come in.
Aim sells ready-made controllers. And they’re great.
However, if you have the money to spend and know what you want, they’ll build you a controller from the ground up.
They have an outstanding range of cosmetic options. You can change the appearance of each individual part of your controller to create something completely unique.
When you are finished with the visual, you can then move on to your controller’s innards.
Firstly, you can choose to add Aim paddles. Aim is perhaps most famous for being the ps4 controller with paddles.
These act as re-programmable buttons attached to the rear of your controller. Ideal for competitive FPS play.
You can then experiment with your bumpers and triggers. Aim will remove the stock and replace them with smart bumpers and triggers.
These features reduced travel, making it much easier to fire off quick pop shots, and should improve reaction times. Just note these options make the controller unsuitable for games that are not FPS.
Finally, if you find rumble distracting in a firefight, you can have the motors removed completely.
This all comes at a steep price, however. Whilst an Aim controller with a handful of mods costs about as much as the above options, a fully modified controller will set you back almost as much as a brand new PS4 Pro.
Whether it’s worth the price or not depends on how much you value having a true one-of-a-kind controller.
You can read more in our full Aim Controllers review.
Customizable Features
- Completely customizable shell
- Re-mappable rear paddles
- Triggers and bumpers.
8. Controller Chaos Custom Controller
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Range of visual customization | Morally dubious |
| Great build quality | |
| Hardware upgrades |
The last entry on this list certainly isn’t for everyone, but we’re here to give you options, not make judgments.
The unique selling point specified with the Controller Chaos controller review is that it features custom hardware upgrades. These take the form of a rapid-fire chip.
Essentially, when building your controller, if you add this chip, you unlock a whole range of hacks that are baked right into the controller. You can choose as many hacks as you want, but you pay for each one separately.
These hacks range from quick scoping to auto-sprint and rapid reloads.
These hacks may sound a lot like cheating, but Controller Chaos guarantees that their product is undetectable by anti-cheating software.
On the other hand, there is also an accessibility argument to be made here. These hacks may well help gamers with special needs. Especially gamers who find fine motor control difficult.
Besides the hardware upgrades, Controller Chaos features a wide range of cosmetic customizations. This means, much like the Aim controller, you can build a true one-of-a-kind controller.
Unfortunately, much like the Aim controller, this comes at a price.
However, if you’re looking for a custom controller and you wish to win no matter the cost. The Controller Chaos controller is probably the controller for you.
Customizable Features
- Full cosmetics
- Sticks
- Hardware mods
If you’d like to upgrade, read our custom ps5 controller guide here.
Conclusion
Is it worth spending extra on the best custom PS4 controllers today? If it significantly improves your gaming capabilities, including accuracy, response, APM, then definitely.
Top drawer customized PS4 controllers should help you game better with the right add-ons and personalization options. It’s time that you upgrade to a custom controller to upgrade your gaming experience and simply be better at it!
FAQs
Although all third-party controllers provide the best service, the SCUF controller for PS4 gets the most hype. It comes with a highly user-friendly interface, allowing you to customize it per your needs.
It is used by pro gamers, too, given the range of features and the value for money. The back paddles, EMR technology, and modified triggers make it one of the best custom controllers, even for first-timers.
You certainly can. Custom PS4 controllers can increase your efficiency compared to the standard DualShock 4. From surface customization to advanced addons, you can customize almost everything to best suit your style and games.
There are several sites where you can build your own fully customized controller. The most popular are Scufgaming, AimControllers, Hexgaming, and ControllerChaos. The Scuf controller for Ps4 is the most renowned custom controller.
The SCUF Impact is the best SCUF controller for PS4 with its extensive range of features. Impact’s flexible customization is the most significant advantage, and a user-friendly design further complements it. For someone looking for an immediate upgrade from the DualShock, SCUF Impact has to be the first choice.
