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WyldeBlue Posted
I started investigating Hall Effect sticks and controllers when I got my ROG Ally X and have been very impressed with the technology and those beautiful, virtually error-free circularity results they produce on the Gamepad Tester website. Like Hall Effect, TMR sticks are purportedly immune from developing stick drift, and supposedly even improve accuracy (in some ways) and longevity over Hall Effects while drawing less power overall. I tried a wired Thrustmaster TMR controller earlier this year. I really appreciated the performance, but the sticks felt way too loose and the controller was SO light it wasn’t very reassuring in the hand. Triggers and shoulder button design and placement were also less than optimal. The Valor Pro gets SCUF into the TMR game with a reasonably priced (versus their wireless counterparts) controller that gives you just about everything you could want from a workhorse controller without some of the more over-the-top extras like tiny OLED screens or bright RGB effects. If you are looking for something REALLY flashy and showy with a veritable keyboard of extra buttons and functions, the Valor Pro probably isn’t going to be for you. Stylistically, the Valor Pro is actually a bit understated, almost “professional-looking”; though if you REALLY want to dress it up, the magnetic faceplate pops off easily to accommodate any of the seemingly thousands of other faceplates SCUF and other vendors have available. Despite not having batteries, the controller feels reassuringly solid and isn’t SO light that it comes off feeling cheap or fragile. The grip has a hard rubberized, hex-textured coating that makes it sublimely grippy and comfortable in the hand. The extra-long USB A-to-C cable is braided, but isn’t so stiff that the cable fights you during gameplay. At the bottom is a 3.5mm combo jack and two separate barrel dial buttons–one for game volume and one for chat volume. Press the left volume dial and game volume mutes. A small LED on the left side of the USB-C port flashes indicating the MUTE function is active. Depress the right dial and the microphone mutes instead. Here, the LED glows steady. Oddly, the LED for game & mic muting is orange rather than a standard red; which is strange because red is one of the three colors the other LED display cycles through to indicate profile selection. Face buttons feel like they might have just a hair more throw than the Elite controllers, but the SCUF’s TMR sticks really are impressive. The tension isn’t aggressive or sloppy; sticks snap back crisply to the center when released. Two concave short sticks are preinstalled with mushroom-topped short and long sticks included in the box for further customization. Other face buttons include Share, Menu, Options, and the circular XBox button. The back features a profile-select button, two large rear wing triggers, and two smaller, angular rear buttons between the wing switches. The smaller buttons can be covered with included drop-in blanks to effectively remove those buttons from play, leaving only the wing triggers to worry about on the back side. Although there is a clunky means of manually remapping controller buttons using a combination of key presses and the back profile button, it is much quicker and easier to set any of the three onboard profiles with the SCUF Valor Pro Companion App. I saw lots of complaints on the Windows store about the app not working or freezing up; but I used three different computers and the app never had a problem starting up and finding the connected controller on any of them. The app updated my controller’s firmware the first time around; after that, button assignment/reassignment was very straightforward. Oh, and once you set a profile, you don’t need the companion app active to use the alternate configurations. You can even take the controller to another computer that doesn’t have the companion app at all and the custom configuration will still load from the controller’s memory. The app gives you control to remap virtually every key on the controller. Trigger stops can be switched to allow full throw, or virtually zero throw for instant trigger response. Thankfully, the computer immediately registered the difference when I flipped the trigger stops, so I didn’t have to go back and specify a new deadzone/range of motion for each trigger stop setting. Thumbsticks can be set with a deadzone from 0 all the way to 100%. Preset thumbstick response curves include exponential, linear, aggressive, dynamic, and a 6-point custom curve for those who are dead serious about dialing in granular thumbstick behavior. Similarly, you can also set trigger deadzones from 0 to 100%, with the same four preset response curves and custom trigger curve of your own design. Vibration intensity can also be customized from 0 to 100% on both triggers and grips; response curves can even be set for the vibration motors both independently and sync’d between both grips and both triggers. I was VERY impressed to see that even with grip and trigger vibration at 100%, there were no irritatingly harsh vibration or buzzing sounds where the motors were vibrating directly against the motherboard or plastic enclosure. Hats off to SCUF for figuring out how to give gamers full vibration intensity without having the controller screaming at them in the process. There are only a few niggles and sore spots I noted during my time auditioning the Valor Pro. First, the companion app doesn’t give you an option to record a macro or add in any other non-controller functions or keystrokes for button/D-pad remapping (unless that option is hidden somewhere in the app that wasn’t otherwise obvious). I understand some SCUF controllers can map keystrokes and macros through Corsair’s iCUE client, but I don’t know if that’s the case for the Valor Pro. Despite being fairly “handsome” in the looks department, the labels on the face buttons (ABXY) have virtually no contrast with the inky black backgrounds of the buttons themselves. By this point in my gaming career, I pretty well have the XBox button layout memorized, but once in a blue moon I catch myself spacing out and having to look down for the right key because I was sure I pressed it and didn’t get the action onscreen I was expecting. When that happens, the poor contrast between the color of the lettering and the face buttons, especially when there is ambient lighting reflecting in the shiny plastic, makes it really hard to tell what button I’m reaching for. The onboard volume and mute controls near the bottom of the controller face are slick and, honestly, are placed absolutely PERFECTLY for comfortable, on-the-fly adjustments with your thumbs during gameplay. What would have been a real coup was if SCUF figured out how to allow those controls to affect global volume and mic settings, and not just those at the onboard 3.5mm jack. How cool would it be to sit at your seat and be able to change overall volume, chat mixer settings, mute the game, or mute the mic all from the same controller using two incredibly intuitive roller dials? However, none of these issues are particularly troublesome and probably won’t be for most people anyway. But one thing I was not expecting is that the TMR sticks used on the Valor pro are set to RAW mode rather than circular. I had no idea there was a [deliberately designed] difference in the way magnetic thumbsticks are built and therefore function. Apparently, magnetic thumbstick modules can have either stellar circularity (my MSI Claw 8 has Hall Effect sticks with nearly perfect circularity at only a 0.3% average error) or operate in “RAW mode,” producing analog response that looks more squarish because the distance traveled along the diagonals is longer than the straight vertical/horizontal movements. The TMR sticks on the Valor demonstrated an average circularity error of about 13.3%. I was aghast at first thinking something must be wrong, but when I measured my Elite, Elite Series 2, and SCUF Instinct Pro controllers, they also ran circularity errors between 12.2% to almost 14%. Some Google-fu suggests this is actually normal behavior for RAW-mode analog thumbsticks. The consensus amongst those who appear to be especially sensitive to thumbstick analog mapping is that RAW-mode is “better” for FPS and other twitch-type games because RAW-response thumbsticks yield what feels like faster, more sensitive movements across a wider range of analog movements, especially diagonals. But, because the positional signals are not mapped to a perfect circle, they can also (purportedly) feel somewhat inconsistent for tiny, micro-adjustments where precision and accuracy at all times are paramount. Circular mode is supposedly better suited to 3rd person adventure or racing gamings where smooth, accurate, and consistent granular movements in any direction are more critical, even if the diagonals tend to feel slightly slower. I don’t know Of course, you may already be aware of such technical details, but I certainly was not. Fortunately, I play mostly FPS games anyway, so the analog behavior of the Valor controller feels very similar to the already responsive, snappy movements I’m used to from my Elites and Instinct Pro controllers. But if you were coming to the Valor expecting or hoping for laser-perfect circularity, this also is likely not the controller for you as I have yet to see anyone claim success at improving circularity using various in-app deadzone adjustments. Whether any of this really matters to you comes down to what type of gamer you are, but at the very least, you will still enjoy the improved longevity and [supposedly] zero chance of stick drift that the Valor’s TMR thumbsticks provide. All in all, the Valor feels like a solid controller worthy of the SCUF name. It may be lacking some of the more advanced bells and whistles of its flashier competition, but for what it does do, it does it very, VERY well.
EnglishD Posted
4/5 Stars — Reliable upgrade from Best Buy. I recently received the new Scuf Valor Wired controller and it has performed very well. I have used standard Xbox controllers for years and frequently dealt with stick drift after several months of regular use. The Scuf Valor Wired (Steel Gray) from Best Buy for is $100, and it provides a noticeable improvement without the higher cost of more expensive custom models. The Hall Effect thumbsticks are a significant advantage. They have shown no signs of drift, feel smooth, and respond accurately from the first use. The textured grip on the handles is effective and comfortable, even during extended gaming sessions. The overall shape is more ergonomic than the standard Series X controller, which suits longer playtimes. The four rear paddles are straightforward to map and offer useful customization. The instant triggers provide a clear benefit in shooters by reducing response time. The bumpers have a larger surface area, making them easier to press quickly. I also appreciate the built-in audio controls for adjusting chat volume and muting without navigating system menus. Since it is a wired controller with a USB-C connection and a good-length cable included, it delivers consistent performance with no input lag. It connects directly to my Xbox Series X or PC and functions reliably every time. For my setup, the wired design is preferable as it eliminates concerns about battery life or wireless interference. The build quality feels solid and well-made for the price. It is lightweight yet durable, with the option to swap stick heights if needed. The faceplates have a clean appearance. Remapping is handled through onboard controls without requiring additional software. One small note: the thumbsticks felt slightly stiffer than my previous Elite controller initially, but I adapted to them within a day and now find the precision beneficial. Also the triggers don’t have the same click feel that others have but I think that more a personal preference If you are looking for a competitive Xbox or PC controller that addresses common issues like stick drift while adding professional features at a reasonable price, this is a strong option available at Best Buy. It has become my primary controller and delivers excellent value.
swemoney Posted
This SCUF Valor controller feels very solid. I'm usually sitting at my deck on my PC and have never really used controllers wirelessly since I'm so close and it's just more convenient to keep them plugged in. So wired controllers work well for me since I'm basically using all of my wireless controllers that way anyways when I'm playing on my PC. So this controller works really well for me and I'm a big fan of some of the features it has without bloating the simplicity of just being a controller. Setup is easy enough if you remember you need to turn it on. Plug it in and hold the Xbox button to turn it on and it's ready to go. I say "if you remember" because I was wondering why it wasn't working for my PC. I heard the windows connection charm and it being a wired controller just makes sense to always be on when it's plugged in. No biggie. I went looking for an app to update the firmware and see what kind of customization and it took me a minute to find the SCUF Valor app mentioned after doing a few searches. After installing it, firmware updated quickly and I found that there isn't a crazy amount of extra things you need the app for. Using the controller just feels like a nice controller. Buttons, the d-pad and bumpers all feel firm but easy to press. The sticks feel really nice to move and knowing it's TMR and I don't have to worry about drift is fantastic. The back paddles are easy to reach and press but not so loose as I had to worry about pressing them by accident. If you're not a fan of the inner paddles, you can replace the bulged out buttons with a flat replacement that basically eliminates the buttons for you. The volume spinners on the bottom of the controller also feel good to turn and click. Finally, there's switches by each trigger that lets you turn them into instant activated buttons instead of full analog triggers. Speaking of the back paddles. One of the things I really love is that you can reassign all of the paddles on the fly from the controller. No extra software required. It might take you a second to get used to the process but it's explained in the manual and it's pretty simple to do once you do it a few times. Then there's also 3 built in profiles signified by a different color led so you can customize for different games and then just switch profiles really quickly with a tap of the button on the back of the controller. There's not much I have to say negatively about this controller. It feels like a more premium controller compared to the stock controllers and it doesn't cost much more really. Being able to do everything from the controller instead of needing to use external software to configure everything is fantastic. If you're looking for a wired controller, this might be one you want to take a look at.
Dalton Posted
This is your excellent but common controller that matches others in its price range. Feel and Grip: The build quality is excellent with everything looking and feeling tight. It has rubber grips on the back which feel a little more grippy than other controllers, but still fine. I would say the weight is medium compared to other controllers. I do prefer heavier controllers but that is personal preference. Overall, I do like the feeling of it, although I wish it were a little less grippy. Buttons and Controls: The buttons and thumb sticks are basically the same as any other controller and include 4 back buttons. The thumb sticks are very easily moved. It does not have clicky buttons but quiet ones instead, which I prefer but again that’s personal taste. They are not too hard or too easy to press. The triggers can be set for standard or instant standard having the normal feel and instant having a small clicky feel and select based on the type of game you are playing. I guess you would pick standard for racing type games and instant for FPS, although I always just use the standard trigger. The bumper buttons feel as you would expect, however they wrap around the sides of the controller quite a bit, so I find myself always pressing them by accident. I don’t like controllers where the bumper buttons wrap around the sides. The rear buttons are in a horizontal row across the back making them hard to press, I guess. The location and stiffness also make it hard to press by accident which always seems to happen to me on other controllers. It has a connection for a wired headset and volume controls for ears and mic. Customization: There are a few things you can customize on it. The faceplate is removable and you can purchase other ones from their website, although be prepared to spend a lot on them. It comes with taller and shorter thumb sticks which are interchangeable. I found them very hard to get off to change them. The back buttons can be easily mapped to any other button except for the Xbox buttons. You can do this without the app. You can also have 3 profiles which you change between using a small button on the back. A light changes color on the front depending on what profile you are using. The App: The app is very basic and does very little. It basically allows you to set the shutoff time, perform a calibration, and update the firmware. That’s it. The application is weird in that it shuts off the mouse when you run it, and it is always in full screen mode. You use the controller exclusively to control the app. I’m not sure why you can’t use the mouse and why it must run in full screen mode. The controller buttons are also sometime unresponsive in the app. The app needs a complete overhaul. I was able to update the firmware without a glitch. There are no button mapping and profiles in the app. Overall: This is a good controller that I like and except for a few minor things mentioned above, I can recommend it, but I would first look at other competitively priced controllers to see if there is one you like better as there is honestly nothing special about this one.
DavidJr Posted
I was able to use the SCUIF Valor Pro Wireless before this one and besides only being wired and about 40g lighter, it has all the same features. The TMR thumbsticks are super smooth and responsive. It comes with two different thumbstick versions to swap out. The triggers can switch from analog to digital. You can have 3 built in profiles then quickly switch between different programs on any of the buttons and have different response and dead space for each profile. It also has built in 3.5mm audio with two volumes for chat and game audio with click to mute. The way the 4 paddle buttons are on the rear of the Valor controllers is really comfortable and quick for me. It’s like my finger easily rests between the two and makes reactions so much quicker. If you don’t want all 4, you can pop the two middle ones out and replace it with the plastic caps included. Leaving only the two grip buttons if you choose so. The Valor Pro Companion App is where you can customize everything. I don’t like how it has to run like a fullscreen Xbox app on the PC. But, it really lets you fine tune everything. You can pretty much reassign most of the buttons/triggers to be any of the other buttons if you really want to make things your way. Nice if you have a game that doesn’t have in game way to remap them. The feel and design of this controller sits well with me. I have played many hours of various games with it and any time I pick up my basic controller, it makes me realize how much I have grown used to using the paddles. They just feel so natural and make some games all that much easier, like not having to let go of the thumbstick to jump and still rotate your shots. Overall, comparing this with the Pro wireless version, there is nothing physically different other than weight. Of course this one is only wired with the USB-C cable for PC and Xbox, but for me, that is how I prefer to use it anyways. Solid performance and overwhelming customization.
teasten Posted
I'll be honest, I hadn't heard of SCUF Gaming (and I am a gamer, Xbox and PC). That said, I do prefer wired controllers as I have a terrible habit of forgetting to charge wireless controllers. The SCUF Valor Wired Controller In the box - SCUF Wired Controller (Xbox) - Long braided USB A to C cable (About 10 feet) - Swappable Convex Thumb Controllers (Concave are fitted) - Replaceable Backplates Blanks for back paddles Important, the backplates are in a small white box that looks and feels like just a white boxed spacer for the USB cable, but open the box! The backplate blanks are you if want to cover the back buttons. First impressions, the SCUF Valor Controller look snice, soft touch plastic, orange accents around the thumb sticks and SCUF and Valor branding in orange on the front and right side. There's a nice hexagonal pattern on the grips, that help with long game play. There's front facing audio and mic volume controls (awesome!) and at the top a LED showing you're connected and the profile mode (3 profiles supported). Profile swapping is done on the rear Setup is mostly plug and play, but the SCUF Valor is unique that there's also an Xbox app for customizing profiles. I always test first on my PC (prefer firmware updates on a PC). The app is OK, but needs some work. It's both huge and it takes over your full screen - it's like the PC app was designed for Xbox only. You must download the app to manage firmware updates and while you can customize buttons using various key presses (instructions are online only) managing profiles in the app is 10x easier. But the app is weird - it takes over your entire PC screen (which is cool on the xbox... but on PC not so) and it's a massive file size which feels excessive for a customization app. Like it's almost a game in size! You can swap you thumb sticks, concave are fitted (my preference) but convex are included. To swap the sticks you lift off the front faceplate that's connected with magnets... and SCUF sell extra faceplates if you desire) and then firm pull on sticks. The sticks are really stuck on tight so it requires a VERY firm pull to the point you might worry you're going to break something. I was nervous, as didn't want to wreck the Hall effect sticks but it works! The D-Pad is also removable, it is connected via magnets vs the friction fit of the thumb sticks. D pads are sold separately - I like the default. In game play, the SCUF Valor was responsive, customizing the buttons works but I mostly use the toggles for changing how much you need to depress the index triggers - shorter depress makes a BIG difference is FPS games :-) Overall, the SCUF Valor is a good wired controller, feels premium, just wish the app was a little better. It would also be nice if they included a coupon or offer for a custom faceplate. The CoD League faceplate looks cool. :-)
PhillipB Posted
Overall great gaming controller. Setup. Setup was a booboo user error on me. My 2 gaming PCs has updated and that I did not to make care of and it and did not recognize the controller at first. So after 40 mins and 2 Windows updates it finally re recognized it and allowed me to turn it on. So it plugged and played with my 2 laptops after the updates. Game play was nice on Xbox PC. I then unleashed it with my kid on his game. Then he turned it over back to me and I played my shooting game. Controls and feel are all nice. Weight is good and balanced. Vibration and feedback was nice. Response since hardwired was quick with no apparent lag. Appearance is nice. Colors are mute and the orange highlights are nice. They also serve to help as bumpers to reduce wear and tear. Programming buttons was easy and straightforward. Great controller for PC games. At least for me. Just wished I make sure my PC had the updates first prior to trying them out. If you are looking for a PC controller and are a serious gamer that has a budget crunch this controller might make your day.
elitegangsta Posted
The SCUF - VALOR Pro Wired Steel Grey for Xbox/PC controller is a product for folks looking to elevate their gaming experience beyond the defaults of the default Xbox controller. PC gamers know, the Xbox controller is a golden standard for their platform as well. The SCUF Valor Pro wired further enhances and refines that golden standard experience in meaningful ways. First way is customization. The SCUF can be purchased with various face plate designs, all of which can easily be swapped out for new ones, purchasable from SCUF. The faceplate is very easy to remove and is held in place with magnets. Snapping off the faceplate is as simple at lifting up on the top edge. This simplicity however does not allow for accidental removal of the faceplate. When not intending to remove it, it stays firmly in place and you wouldn't even know it was removable. With the faceplate removed, you can swap out the two thumb sticks by pulling up on them. They can be replaced with either 2 additional sticks included in the box. These sticks have a rounder face where the default attached ones are concave, mimicking the default experience on the Xbox controller. One of the two additional sticks is longer for more precision movement. The D-Pad can also be swapped for other option, purchased separately. Flip it over and you have 2 triggers and 2 buttons. The buttons can me removed by prying up on one side that has an indicator, and inserting a included blanking panel to eliminate the buttons all together. The triggers are permeant but can be modified with a slider button to turn them into a button vs a trigger. All of the buttons on the controller can be programmed to perform other functions via profiles. This can be done by pressing button combinations on the controller, pressing the original button to indicate the action you want to set, then pressing another button to map that new button the the original function. If that seems complicated, there is also a companion app downloadable on Xbox and PC from the Microsoft App Store. This app allows for firmware updates as well as programming the buttons to new profiles much easier. The app is controlled exclusively by the controller on both Xbox and PC, so no mouse/Keyboard for PC within the app. The app is very easy to use, options are clearly defined and upgrading the firmware to new version is simple. The next refinement come with comfort. The SCUF controller has a very nice rubber grip on the back of the controller allowing for tight control unlike the plastic body of the original Xbox. SCUF also added a headphone jack with audio controls directly above the port. While SCUF offers a wireless option, the SCUF Valor wired version has no bluetooth or wireless of any kind. This eliminates some cost for those who prefer wired USB only. This will likely appeal more to PC gamers than Xbox gamers. It's nice to have the option and save some money on a feature that wouldn't be used anyway. SCUF also has added hall effect thumbstick which eliminate stick drift. All of the buttons are very clicky and precise with no play or dead spots. I found the controller to be extremely responsive to all of my inputs while gaming. I felt the hall effect sticks offered both piece of mind that I would not have my character run stray while at a challenging part of the game, but I also felt more in control and confident as I played. I've really enjoyed playing with the SCUF VALOR Wired Pro TMR Performance Controller for Xbox and PC over the past week and I feel that the improvements to my old controller are significant enough to make the transition worth it. I would recommend this controller to any Xbox or PC gamer who uses a controller and values precision and comfort.
BBReviewer Posted
The SCUF Valor wired TMR Performance Controller for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC is a quality controller. This controller feels great in my hands - I love the feel of the non-slip grips, and I find the whole thing to be really well balanced. I think this controller may be a bit smaller than previous controllers I have used, and this fits very well in my small hands. The "new" wraparound bumpers are a well-thought out idea. Included with the controller is USB-C to USB-A 10 foot braided cable, which is a great length for me. They also include 2 blanking "plates" for the back which I really appreciate since I was accidentally hitting those buttons when using the other 2 back paddles. They were really easy to pop off and replace. By the way, they were included in a tiny white unlabeled box that I thought was empty until I shook it and looked inside. They also include a short and a long domed thumbstick which were not quite as easy to replace - but they can be removed with a pull, then just pushed back on. The faceplate is held on magnetically and quite easy to remove. Corsair claims the "Endurance TMR" thumbsticks are somehow more durable and thereby will prevent drift and jitter later on. This is something I can't speak to now. All I can say right now is that the thumbsticks do feel firm, but not too much. Overall, I am thrilled with the SCUF Valor wired TMR Performance Controller for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC. It is made by Corsair - I had never heard of SCUF and thought that was the brand, but it's not. This controller feels great in my hands, I love the grips and I absolutely love the look. The steel gray with orange accents makes me happy. I would easily recommend this controller for anyone looking for a box Series X|S, Xbox One or PC controller. I use this with my ROG laptop and it works great!
TheDuke Posted
In my mind, SCUF is the OG GOAT of 3rd party custom controllers. When I was growing up, nobody wanted to be stuck playing games with the generic controller. They were typically cheap, weirdly shaped, and awkward to hold. When SCUF came onto the scene, they were expensive - but had a reputation for being the absolute best. The best customization, the best ergonomics, the best grip, and absolutely killer back side customizable paddles. While the wired version of the VALOR is affordable and works well, I think it falls short of the former glory of SCUF - primarily due to the redesign of the back buttons. The SCUF VALOR is the first controller I have picked up and NOT had my fingers land naturally on the rear paddles. Unlike the removeable Paddles on the Xbox Elite Controllers, the 4 rear buttons are built into the back of the VALOR. The Valor's two rear center buttons are the main issue in my opinion. They are awkwardly shaped and located in a position that is not natural or particularly comfortable for my middle fingers. These two center buttons are removeable, but the blank plates that cover the holes are not included. After a few hours of gameplay, I can generally get used to the location of the programmable back buttons, but they are still my least favorite rear buttons of the many controllers I have used. Using back buttons with the ring and middle fingers are an absolute game changer that really takes player performance up to the next level. Because these VALOR's rear buttons are awkwardly placed, I personally cannot not recommend this controller. I also do not like that the rear Profile button is flush with the back of the controller and is difficult to locate mid game. There is nearly no tactile feel to the button making it more difficult to use. While the VALOR generally has a premium feel, the volume buttons feel cheap and not up to par with the rest of the controller. Also strange is the pixelated honeycomb texture on LB & RB fades into lines that are left looking like scratches in the plastic. When I opened the box my first though was that the controller had been used and somebody had scratched the front of the buttons. My son had the same though when he held the controller. Upon further inspection, we noticed that it was just an awkward design decision as both LB & RB buttons had matching scratches. A very strange choice from the design team. Now that I sound like an absolute whiner, I should mention that beyond the opinions mentioned above, SCUF did do a lot right. + The rubber grip on the underside of the controller is the absolute most comfortable & functional that I have ever felt. + I absolutely love the location and function of the volume knobs on the bottom middle near the 3.5mm headphone jack. + I love that the faceplate feels secure, but is super easily lifted off and swapped for custom options. + I appreciate that concave thumbsticks are the default, but that convex thumbsticks are included. + I appreciate that one longer thumbstick is included for more precision movements. + I appreciate that multiple rear button profiles are available out of the box + I appreciate that the rear buttons are customizable without installing any additional app or software. + I very much like the actuation and clicky feel of the buttons and triggers SCUF really did do a lot right. But, the awkward placement of the back buttons just makes the controller uncomfortable in my hands.
Tuvi Posted
Works great. Very responsive for fast paced games and Best Buy shipping speed is top tier!
BillFromKC Posted
TL;DR - the SCUF Valor TMR is a solid controller for XBox and PC gamers alike. It feels solid, it's very responsive, it's very customizable, and the feature set is top-notch. I also think that for what you get in the package, the price is pretty solid overall. The software to customize what you can do with the control is nice, but it would be nicer for PC users if the option of it being part of iCUE was there. Otherwise, another win from SCUF in my book. Unboxing and first impressions: The packaging is pretty basic - the controller with the instruction manual, a paper wrapper, 10-foot USB-A to USB-C cloth-wrapped cord, replacement sticks with convex grips, and flat rear buttons. The controller comes pre-installed with concave sticks and raised rear buttons. The sticks are decently stiff, the d-pad and shoulder buttons have a nice click to the switches for them as do the inner rear buttons, the triggers have a nice and smooth travel to them, but the face buttons and outer rear buttons feel a bit "mushy", like a stock controller that comes with an XBox - it's not a bad feeling, but I was expecting everything to be clicky switches. Usage: Connecting to both an Xbox Series S and my PC was straightforward - plug the USB cable in and go. The SCUF Valor software was a quick install, but keep in mind the PC app is 400MB. I did have a firmware update to run on my controller, but that updated quickly. The app should also feel familiar to anyone who owns a customizable controller when it comes to changing stick, trigger, and button settings. As far as gameplay goes, it's a pretty good package. I tested with Forza 7, Mortal Kombat 11, Battlefield 6, and Silksong, and didn't feel as if I missed a beat no matter what I played and where I played. The rear buttons were handy in BF6 for duplicating the shoulder buttons, and the switched D-pad was perfect for both platforming and special moves. The sticks and triggers also made driving in Forza 7 really easy. The two things I wasn't a fan of are the soft touch faceplate that comes stock with the controller and that it's not supported in iCUE on PC. At least I can replace the faceplate, and the app issue isn't enough since the SCUF Valor app worked perfectly on my PC. This brings me to customization. The faceplate is held on by magnets (like with most other SCUF controllers I've used), the sticks are easy to pop off and swap, and the middle rear buttons are easy to pop out and replace. If you want different rear buttons than either option that comes with this controller, there are options you can 3D print. There are also plenty of stick replacement options from SCUF if you want to change the way your controller looks. The one feature I wasn't expecting were the on-controller volume and mic level adjustments. While I didn't get to test this feature, it was definitely in the best spot for quick adjustment. A nice to have would be the ability to set either system volume on a PC or HDMI CEC volume with an XBox. Final thoughts: Overall, I really enjoyed the Valor TMR. I found it to work just as well on PC as it did with XBox. The app worked well for both updating and changing settings on the controller. For the price, it's a solid package.
ESPI13 Posted
I've been using the Xbox Elite wireless controller for years and had forgotten how much snappier the response time is with wired controllers. The Scuf Valor has rubber grips and is comfortable to hold for extended gaming sessions. Similar to the Elite, you have to get used to gripping the controller in a way that you don't accidentally hit the paddles while you're playing. Putting the mode selector button under the controller (between the paddles) was an odd design choice. I tend to accidentally hit the button when holding the controller with one hand. It's a lot lighter than the Elite, but still feels premium because of the rubber grips and premium features. The power button (Xbox logo) is finicky and sometimes requires long-pressing or disconnecting and reconnecting the USB cable to get it to respond. It's not a deal-breaker, but I do have concerns about how long the controller will last, or how sensitive it might be to drops. Unfortunately the included cable comes loose and disconnects during play. To mitigate the issue I sort of double-loop the cable and hold it against the controller so that movement doesn't disturb the port connection. I may try a different cable to see if that fixes the issue. The controller is so responsive and snappy that the inconvenience of having to hold the cable doesn't bother me (for now). It would be great if in future iterations, Scuf added a cable lock on the port.
AmberH Posted
We had very high hopes for this controller my son and I it’s very faulty. It was glitching buzzing wouldn’t turn on then it completely went dead. I went to the G7 pro no issues.
Jaron Posted
The TLDR The Valor wired is that it's a nicely made controller with "pro" features ( rear button paddles, adjustable thumbstick curves, etc ). It comes with two different thumbstick lengths, has onboard storage for three different button profiles, and separate controls for both game volume and chat. It's not unreasonably priced, but probably is about $20 more expensive than it should be. The Details As a licensed Xbox controller, the Valor doesn't need any special software or drivers to work. Just plug it in to your Xbox or computer and it's instantly recognized. The rear buttons can be remapped from the controller itself without any other software. To do more than remap buttons, you'll need the Scuf app, which is available on the Windows store for both computer and Xbox. Using that, you can customize the response curves and deadzones for the thumbsticks and triggers and change the vibration intensity. You can make lots of profiles, but only three can be used at any given time. The upside is these profiles are saved directly to the controller. Whether you use it on your PC, your Xbox, or a friend's Xbox, the stored profiles will be the exact same. The app does have a few downsides. First, you can't copy or clone a profile. I like creating one baseline profile with my preferred thumbstick and trigger behavior and then copying that and changing the button mappings for a specific game. I can't do that with the Valor and instead have to create each new profile from scratch. It's also obvious the app was made primarily for Xbox and only ported to Windows. It only runs fullscreen and has no mouse support. It works and does what it needs to do, but it could be better. Somewhat odd, the Valor does NOT work with Corsair's iCUE software on PC. The Valor itself isn't an exact 1:1 replica of a regular Xbox controller. The handles are a touch longer and the face buttons sit closer together. It's also notably light than an Xbox controller ( I suppose because it has no battery ). The faceplate is held on by magnetic latches and is easily removed and can be swapped out. With the faceplate removed, you can change out the thumbsticks and the D-pad. Only two different thumbsticks are included in the box ( one short, one long, both with a convex tip ) and no extra D-pad faces. You'll need to buy others from Scuf/Corsair. The rear buttons are the same as on Scuf's Envision with two paddles on the handle grips and two farther in the middle. The inner paddles can be swapped out with blanking plates if you don't want to use them. Finally, there are two volume dials on the bottom of the front faceplate. These independently control volume for game and chat, which I think is a nice change from other controllers that have a single master volume control and another that controls the ratio of game and chat volume. Clicking the dials in will mute the respective channel. However, I don't really like the dials themselves. The dials are far recessed into the frame and don't adjust as easily as I'd like. But that's not a major complaint. MSRP right now for the controller is $100. Compared to most regular 1st-party controllers in the $70 - $80 range, that may not be too bad. But remember this is a wired-only controller. For someone that plays mostly on their computer, the Valor is a nice option, but it's not something that's couch-and-TV friendly without a very long USB cable on hand.
Emmanuel Posted
I’ve had the opportunity to try the new Scuf Valor Pro wired controller, and I give it a 4/5. I am new to new to Scuf controllers, but not new to controllers with paddles for competitive gaming. Here are my favorite features and the one not so favorite feature on this Scuf Valor Pro controller. Design 5/5 – I’ve always heard good things about Scuf controllers and after getting my hands on one, I can see why people love them. It’s not a complete redesign of a a normal Xbox controller, but it has enough design changes to make it feel more premium design that’s for sure. I love that although it’s a wired controller, I don’t need to have the wire attached to it, so I can display it on my gaming room. Quality 5/5 – the built quality on this surpasses that of the included controller for a console (as expected). The buttons, the ability to change covers and thumbsticks, all of it feels and looks sturdy. Zero concerns that this will not meet my daily gaming needs. Performance 5/5 – I play FPS games and have not notice any lag at all. Response time is fast and it feel the same across all games. Customization 4/5 – I love that I can manually set up profiles on the paddles, but the only reason why I give it 4/5 is because I wish I could remove the paddles from the back. Sometimes when I am playing a driving game or a sports game, I don’t really need the paddles back there, and while I can unbind the paddle, I wish I could just remove it. Overall, though, for FPS it’s great to have but it would be better if I got the choice to say when I keep them on or not. Overall, I highly recommend the controller to anyone playing FPS games. It’s still a great controller for other games but just know you can’t remove the paddles.
bamfsig45 Posted
After spending some time with the SCUF Valor Wired, it’s clear Corsair is trying to bridge the gap between the classic Xbox feel and high-end pro features. If you’ve used the SCUF Instinct, this is going to feel like a more refined, tech-forward evolution. The "Steel Grey" finish looks sharp, but it’s what’s under the hood—specifically those TMR sticks—that makes the difference. The Good Stuff • TMR Thumbsticks: This is the big selling point. Unlike standard pots that wear down, these TMR (Tunnel Magnetoresistance) sticks are designed to kill stick drift before it starts. They feel just as snappy as traditional sticks but with the longevity of Hall Effect sensors. No more "jitter" when you're trying to hold a tight angle. • Response Time (PC): If you're playing on PC, you can hit a 1,000Hz polling rate. It feels virtually instantaneous. On Xbox, it’s limited by the console's specs, but the wired connection still gives you that low-latency peace of mind. • The Paddles: SCUF finally integrated the four rear paddles into the shell in a way that feels natural. They aren't as "mushy" as some competitors; they have a nice tactile click. Plus, if you find yourself accidentally hitting the inner ones, they actually include blanking plates so you can just take them out. • Instant Triggers: Being able to flip a switch from a full pull (for racing/driving) to a "mouse-click" (for FPS) is a lifesaver. It’s a literal millisecond advantage that adds up over a long session. The Not-So-Good • The Weight: Because it’s wired and has no battery pack, it is light. If you like a controller with some "heft" to it (like the Elite Series 2), this might feel a little "toy-like" at first. Some people love the lightness for long sessions; others think it feels less premium. • Paddle Placement: While better than older models, the paddles are still placed fairly high. If you have smaller hands, you might find yourself stretching your ring finger a bit to get a consistent click. • Stiff Tension: The stick tension is noticeably stiffer than a standard Xbox controller. It’s great for precision once you get used to it, but there’s definitely a break-in period for your thumb muscles. The Verdict The SCUF Valor Wired is a "performance-first" tool. You’re trading the freedom of wireless for raw speed and durability. If you’re tired of replacing controllers every six months because of stick drift, the TMR tech alone makes this worth the look. My Take: It’s a specialized piece of gear. If you’re a competitive player who stays at a desk or close to the console, it’s one of the most reliable options out there. Just be prepared for how light it feels in the hand.
Mistabritt Posted
So I just received my SCUF Valor Wired Performance Controller a few days ago and have been putting it through its paces. I’d be lying if I said that I’ve heard of this company before. I have not, but what I will say is that upon first glance over this controller, I absolutely love it solely based off its build quality and how it feels solid in my hands. Hopefully this will follow through in usability. Inside the box comes the SCUF Valor Wired Performance Controller, a USB-A to USB-C cable, additional Enhanced TMR Thumbsticks, and 2 replaceable paddles for the rear. Now going back to its build quality, this controller feels really nice in my hands and the design on the handles ensure your have a good grip on the controller for those intense moments during gameplay all the while ensuring comfortability. To update the controller, and to tweak it to your liking like remapping the different button controls, you will need to download the Corsair iCUE software from their website. I connected this controller to my ASUS ROG Strix desktop PC. Once I got started with this controller, everything was just felt so fluid and natural. From the D-Pad, to the triggers, and paddles, everything just worked. Granted there are more controls and bells and whistles to this controller, but it’s a great piece of hardware for any Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or Windows 10/11 PC user. There was no lag in gameplay and the controls felt solid and not soft-like. This controller feels so feature-rich that it seems like it should cost more than what it actually does; which makes it a bargain in my book. Everything you need and then some. One feature that is also amazing is the audio quality that comes out of the controller. Using the buttons on the front, just below the thumbstick controls gam volume as well as chat volume (both can be muted simply by pressing the button in-ward) which was clear. Great controller you can’t go wrong with. One thing that is not a dealbreaker but does irks me is no manual. You have to scan the QR code inside the box to get a manual online.
Kat777 Posted
This is a good controller, I just don't love how it feels enough for it to replace my current every day controller for gaming. The buttons are responsive, but they feel slightly smaller than my current controller and I don't care for the d-pad at all on this controller. It has a good weight and feel to it and the build feels solid but the grip on the back of the controller isn't a material I like. It gives kind of a sticky feel in your hand which I'm sure is great for grip but as someone who is picky about the way things feel it just wasn't what I want in a controller. The paddles in the back are nicer than most paddle options in controllers I've used in the past because they don't feel like they are in the way. I like all the extra programmable button options and I really love the trigger and being able to shorten the press for first person shooter games. It was nice to be able to switch between the short trigger and longer trigger so the same controller is as effective in shooting games as it is in driving games. I think this controller will meet the needs of a lot of people looking to upgrade without going to a wireless controller. All around a good controller, just not top of my preference list as a picky person.
ConcordCool30 Posted
The Scuf Valor Wired controller with Hall effect was just what I was looking for. Its four customizable rear paddles let you perform actions quickly without taking your thumbs off the sticks, providing greater control during intense gameplay. You can program them to match your gaming style for a more personalized experience. I loved using this in Call of Duty because the customizable profiles let you set up unique control schemes for different games or players, making switching between them fast and easy. The adjustable instant triggers allow for quicker reactions, and the interchangeable thumbsticks let you choose your preferred stick height or shape for comfort and precision. You can use regular triggers as well as instant triggers for immediate responses. And by utilizing the Hall effect, it greatly reduces drifting, and I've been looking for that for ages. And it's versatile, it works great on Xbox but just as well on PC. Other features include audio controls for volume adjustment, as well as comfort grips for comfort and aesthetics.