This controller may look like I found it in a Fallout vault— but the TMR sticks are even better than Hall Effect

As a gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the PB Tails Metal Crush Defender has taken my gaming sessions to a whole new level! Coming from someone who has held and played with countless controllers, the unique design and premium materials of this controller immediately caught my eye. But it’s not just about looks – the precision-focused TMR technology in these sticks is like nothing I’ve ever felt before, offering smooth and accurate movement that gives me an edge in my gaming battles.

The luxurious feel of the Metal Crush Defender, coupled with its standout aesthetics, makes it a must-have for any controller collector looking to step outside the box. However, as someone who’s been through the ringer with various high-end controllers like the Xbox Elite Series 2, I can’t help but feel that a few more practical gaming features could have pushed this controller into perfection territory.

For instance, the lack of trigger stops and remappable buttons leaves me wanting in certain genres, while the mirrored and convex joysticks might not be ideal for those with excessively sweaty hands (and trust me, I’ve had my fair share of sweat-soaked controllers over the years).

In conclusion, the PB Tails Metal Crush Defender is a true game changer in terms of style and craftsmanship, but it could benefit from some additional features to make it truly perfect. Nonetheless, I’ll be using this controller for my Steam Deck sessions for quite some time – it’s been a pleasure to use, even if it does require a bit more hand-wiping than usual!

Oh, and let me tell you, the look on my fellow gamers’ faces when they saw this beauty was priceless. It’s like I showed up at the gaming party with the coolest gadget in town – talk about leveling up my swag factor!

The PB Tails Metal Crush Defender TMR, with its unique design, definitely lives up to its high-end cost. The built-in TMR technology ensures seamless stick movements, even though it may lack some features commonly found at this price range. It’s a desirable pick for controller collectors and offers an enjoyable user experience.

PB Tails is a lesser-known company that focuses on creating distinctive, eccentric gaming controllers using unconventional materials such as aluminum alloy and designing them in unusual shapes like cars and pixelated designs such as the CHOC controller. While I’ve always found their designs fascinating, I wondered about their practicality for everyday use. Their Crush range, for instance, employs TMR sticks (tunneling magnetoresistance), an advanced technology that surpasses Hall Effect sticks and has been adopted by only a few brands thus far. Being intrigued, I decided to test it myself. To my delight, this outlandish-looking controller not only looks robust but also feels high-end, a quality that many third-party controllers seem to lack outside of Xbox and PlayStation’s own offerings.

PB Tails Metal Crush controller review: Pricing and specifications

The PB Tails Metal Crush Defender TMR controller costs $109.99.
There are some cheaper alternatives in plastic, from $45.99 if you are only interested in the TMR sticks.

In different words: The prices for Crush products change based on the type of shell they have. For example, you can get the China White Crush TMR for $64.99, and there are cheaper options at $45.99 specifically designed for Nintendo Switch layout. The Crush 550 TMR with Porsche-inspired details costs $79.99, while the Metal Crush Ghost Silver is priced at $99.99. I’ve been checking out the Metal Crush Defender TMR, which goes for $109.99 and has a worn yellow metallic design similar to that of Fallout’s post-apocalyptic aesthetic. PB Tails controllers are not commonly found and are mostly sold on their official website, but some models can be tracked down on AliExpress.

As a long-time gamer with years of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that this package offers a practical and stylish solution for organizing and protecting my gaming controller. Upon opening it, I immediately appreciated the hard leather effect case, which exudes an air of sophistication and durability. Inside, the cushioned interior is designed to cradle my controller securely, ensuring it won’t get damaged during transportation or storage.

The case also includes a slot for the included 2.4Ghz dongle, keeping it neatly tucked away when not in use. And let me tell you, I’ve lost far too many dongles over the years, so this is a feature I truly appreciate! The USB wire for charging and wired play fits snugly into netting within the case, further demonstrating the thoughtful design of this product.

All in all, this case is an excellent addition to my gaming setup, providing both style and functionality. I can now travel with confidence, knowing that my controller is well-protected and easily accessible when I need it. Plus, the organized interior makes it simple to find the dongle and charging cable when needed. Highly recommended for any dedicated gamer!

PB Tails Metal Crush controller review: The good

The TMR sticks feel incredibly smooth and precise, offering a more noticeable improvement over Hall Effect sticks than I expected.
The controller is incredibly well-built and feels like a luxury product.
Wireless connectivity with the USB receiver is a doddle, but there’s also Bluetooth capability too and it’s easy to switch between modes.

To begin with, the design of this controller is top-notch; it resembles something I might have found in Fallout’s scrapyard, giving it an appealing rustic aesthetic. The yellow metal casing and mirrored joysticks contribute to its unique charm. Every detail, from the worn edges to the marks near the joysticks, adds to this distinct look. Despite its rugged appearance, it feels surprisingly luxurious due to its robust construction. Using it reminded me of my initial encounter with the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller—it oozes quality.

Priced at $109.99, this controller is undeniably a high-end item, but it feels distinctively special. The included leatherette carrying case enhances the luxury feel. However, what truly caught my attention was the Tunneling Magnetoresistance (TMR) technology in the sticks.

What is TMR (Tunneling Magnetoresistance)?

Initially, I was confused because I had just started using Hall Effect. I had to do some research, and now I can share my findings with you. Most controllers on the market use standard analog potentiometer joysticks that rely on physical contact between components to measure force and distance. Over time, these parts tend to wear out or misalign, leading to stick drift. Hall Effect sensors circumvent this problem by using magnets to measure movements, thus eliminating physical contact and significantly reducing the chances of stick drift while improving precision. While brands like Xbox haven’t yet adopted Hall Effect, third-party companies have already embraced it enthusiastically, as evidenced by controllers such as the GameSir G7 SE, Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra, and Razer Wolverine V3 Pro.

Similar to Hall Effect, TMR employs magnetic technology but focuses on measuring resistance variations rather than voltage. What sets TMR apart is its superior precision, capable of detecting even minor movements that other technologies might miss. Additionally, it’s known for being energy-efficient and consuming less battery power. However, due to its higher cost, it’s not as widely available on the market yet.

At first, I wasn’t sure if I’d see a significant improvement using TMR sticks instead of Hall Effect ones on my GameSir G7 SE controller. But the Metal Crush controller really impressed me! The joysticks glide as effortlessly as a knife through melted butter, which is quite surprising given that I usually prefer grippy or concave surfaces. However, the smooth, convex sticks were less bothersome than I anticipated. Still, adding some texture to them would have been nice—it’s a minor issue in comparison to the overall performance.

The triggers and bumpers of this controller feel robust and comfortable, contributing to an impression of durability. As advertised, it lasted for 10 hours during my tests, which is adequate if you recharge it after every few gaming sessions. Although it doesn’t match the Xbox Elite Series 2’s 40-hour runtime, 10 hours is sufficient for most users.

As a seasoned gamer with years of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that the controller I recently acquired has become an indispensable addition to my gaming arsenal. The convenience of the included 2.4GHz wireless dongle made connecting it to various devices a breeze – be it my JSAUX Steam Deck dock for immersive docked gaming or my laptop for cloud-based Xbox gaming. Despite not being officially compatible with Xbox, this clever workaround has made it possible for me to enjoy a seamless gaming experience on both platforms.

The controller’s unique Turbo button caught my attention immediately, as it allows me to assign rapid presses to any face button effortlessly. This cheat mode is a godsend when it comes to spamming attacks without putting unnecessary strain on my thumbs – a feature that can sometimes be found in in-game accessibility settings but is even more convenient when built into the hardware itself.

One of the aspects I appreciate most about this controller is its versatility, as it also sports a dedicated button at the top to switch between Switch and PC modes. While I haven’t had the chance to test it with my Nintendo Switch yet, I have no doubt that it will prove just as useful there as it has on my other devices.

All in all, this controller has proven to be an excellent investment for any dedicated gamer like myself who seeks a smooth and efficient gaming experience across multiple platforms. I highly recommend giving it a try!

PB Tails Metal Crush controller review: The bad

The smooth, mirrored joysticks are unique but may pose issues for sweaty hands.
Despite its premium price, the controller lacks trigger stops and remappable rear buttons, which are standard features in many high-end competitors.

I’ve mentioned some potential problems with the controller’s sticks. The shiny, mirror-like texture is unusual and didn’t bother me as much as expected, but it might cause issues for gamers with sweaty hands. A hollow design would have offered a better grip without affecting its appearance. In fact, considering the car-themed materials used, PB Tails could have added engraved or textured metal sticks to improve functionality without sacrificing style.

Another point to consider is that the Metal Crush TMR’s price implies it should offer more standard features typical of high-end controllers. Although its TMR sticks and Hall Effect triggers are top-notch, the controller does not include trigger stops for FPS games or customizable rear buttons – these are standard in competitors at a similar cost. For a premium controller, such missing features are disheartening and should be considered.

To conclude, the magnetic faceplate system is an impressive addition—it’s so seamlessly incorporated that it took me by surprise when I discovered it could be removed. Unfortunately, the selection of replacement faceplates leaves much to be desired. The offerings on PB Tails’ website are quite limited, with only simple Red, White, and Blue designs available. However, promotional materials display stunning transparent shells that aren’t currently for sale. This seems like a wasted chance to fully leverage this innovative feature, and I would definitely consider purchasing additional ones if there were more design options available.

PB Tails Metal Crush controller review: Also consider

Although the PB Tails Metal Crush is exceptional in its own right, if you’re particularly keen on experimenting with TMR stick technology, there are a few alternatives available that employ more affordable materials. One such contender is the GameSir Tarantula Pro, which not only incorporates TMR sticks but boasts a rotating face button feature. This means that when you switch between PC and Nintendo Switch, the ABXY buttons can adjust too. Quite clever, isn’t it? It’s also less expensive than the PB Tails Metal Crush at $69.99, however, you may sacrifice the premium feel of the PB Tails option.

As a long-time gamer with a budget-conscious approach to my gaming gear, I have found that the GameSir Cyclone 2 Pro Wireless controller offers a great balance between affordability and performance. While it may not boast the same breadth of customization options as more expensive controllers, its wireless functionality and solid build quality make it a reliable choice for casual and competitive gamers alike. I have personally found that its lower price point allows me to invest in other aspects of my gaming setup without compromising on controller quality, making it an excellent addition to my collection.

PB Tails Metal Crush controller review: review: Final thoughts

You should buy this if …

You’re after a distinctive, high-end gamepad, specifically the PB Tails Metal Crush Defender, which boasts exceptional looks and a robust metal construction.

✅You’re looking for next-level precision in your joysticks

The TMR technology offers smooth and accurate movement

You should not buy this if …

❌You need other practical gaming features

There are no trigger stops or remappable buttons, or any customization software.

❌You have excessively sweaty hands

The mirrored and convex joysticks could be an issue for you if this is the case.

In summary, the PB Tails Metal Crush Defender, though not flawless, was delightful to review and stood out with its unique features. It’s been a while since I encountered a controller of this quality that rivals the Xbox Elite Series 2 in terms of style and build. This one definitely holds its own in that regard. The distinctive design, accurately sensitive sticks, and high-quality materials make it an appealing choice for collectors seeking something different. However, it could have been near-perfect with additional features like rear buttons, trigger stops, and more detailed textures at this price point. Despite its minor flaws, I’m looking forward to using this controller during my Steam Deck sessions – it’s a real joy to use.

2025-01-04 16:40