SCUF Instinct Pro vs. Elite 2 vs. Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma: Who Makes the Best Xbox Controller?

SCUF Instinct Pro Reviews

The SCUF Instinct Pro is a wireless and Bluetooth-modified Xbox Series X|S controller, and works with Android, compatible Windows PCs, iOS, and of course, Xbox. SCUF Instinct Pro is among the only companies capable of producing wireless third-party controllers for Xbox. You'll notice that Razer, Turtle Beach, Hyperkin, and effectively all other best Xbox controllers are wired, as a result. SCUF's Instinct Pro does a few things the Xbox Elite Controller doesn't do. However, it also doesn't do a whole load of things the Xbox Elite Controller does do. It will be told as follow.

The SCUF Instinct Pro is not cheap, but you get a lot of added features and style for those extra bucks. Tactile back buttons and trigger locks WILL give you an advantage, while those swappable faceplates add a dash of flair well worthy of any game setup. The SCUF Instinct Pro features rubberized grips, built-in mappable rear paddle buttons, hair-trigger locks, swappable sticks, and user-configurable cosmetics.

Rear buttons aside, the Scuf’s other big feature is its hair triggers, which have the quickest response. Just flick a switch on the back, and the left and right triggers feel like you’re clicking a mouse — it’s incredibly satisfying. The hair triggers, rear buttons, and the excellent textured grip material on the controller’s underside make this controller a joy to use.

The Instinct Pro feels like Scuf essentially hot-rodded a stock Xbox controller. It is a great, incredibly expensive controller. The modding done by Scuf on the controllers is top notch, with no noticeable gaps to be found. It feels sturdy and the magnetic faceplate never moves unless you want it to. It’s a huge ask pricewise, but if you’ve got the money and want something that seems sturdier than an Elite then it’s worth a purchase. Please note: it still uses AA batteries and lacks software customization.

Pros & Cons

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Reviews

The Xbox Elite Series 2 is an improvement on the already excellent Elite controller, with deep customization, optional rear paddle buttons, a swappable D-pad, and analog sticks that allow you to tailor its layout to suit your play style. The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is Microsoft’s fancied-up, premium version of the stock controller. It’s also older, having been released a year before the Xbox Series X / S consoles arrived. So while it does sport a USB-C port and wireless support, it lacks the convenient Share button found on the latest Xbox Wireless Controller. However, it makes up for that in droves with exceptional build quality, extra buttons, user-swappable sticks and D-pad, and lots of customization.

If you pick up an Xbox Elite controller, you instantly recognize the quality of materials put into it. Where the standard controller uses an unassuming plastic build, the Elite mixes higher-quality plastic with rubberized grips and bits of metal. Combine this with its built-in rechargeable battery, and the Elite is noticeably heavier than its cheaper brethren. It also comes with a charging dock and zip-up case with passthrough charging.

As excellent as the fit and finish are, the key components that may give you a competitive edge are the hair-trigger locks and rear paddle buttons. In theory, the hair trigger gets shots off faster when playing shooters, and the rear paddles allow you to jump, crouch, reload, etc., without taking your thumb off the right stick for aiming. However, using that many buttons on the back of the controller definitely takes some adjustment. You have to train new muscle memory, and since it requires dexterity with more fingers, they’re not for everyone.

These premium features come at a steep cost, too. The Elite Series 2 is normally priced at $179.99, and even though it’s dropped as low as $140.99, it’s still more than twice as expensive as a regular Xbox controller. You have to really want its extra features and user customization, and if you’re not using its rear paddles or the software adjustments for stick sensitivity, you’re not getting your money’s worth.

Microsoft also has a stripped-down Elite Series 2 “Core” version with an MSRP of $129.99 (Now for $114.99), which is the same controller in white-and-black, red-and-black, or blue-and-black finishes without the rear paddles, accessory charging case, or extra stick toppers and D-pad. You can get all of those in a $59.99 accessories pack, which turns the Elite Series 2 Core back into a standard Elite Series 2 for a slight premium compared to buying the full bundle outright.

Pros & Cons

Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma Reviews

The Wolverine V2 Chroma is a wired option compatible with Xbox consoles and PC. It lacks wirelessness due to Corsair's patent ownership of the tech, which is a bummer. You definitely shouldn't let that put you off, though.

Design-wise, the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma is artificially similar to the standard Xbox controller, with the familiar offset joysticks, ABXY buttons, and even the new Xbox Series X|S share button. The Wolverine V2 has rubberized, textured grips that Xbox Elite Controller users may be familiar with, complete with magnetic interchangeable joysticks, a couple of which can be found inside the box with different cap styles. Across the top, they also have additional shoulder buttons, with a further four buttons on the reverse in the form of back paddles. Since the first version of the V2 removed the back paddles from the V1, seeing them return with gusto is a welcome improvement. You also get trigger locks for good measure, which reduces the travel time of the triggers, allowing you to fire more rapidly in shooters and other games.

In other words, Razer’s Wolverine V2 Chroma controller is an upgrade over the previous version, adding four more customizable buttons  (six total) and subtle Chroma RGB lighting on both sides of the controller. The analog sticks are snappy and responsive and feature interchangeable magnetic caps to suit your playstyle. In addition, Razer’s Wolverine V2 Chroma controller combines a satisfying click with less travel distance and faster input recognition, which makes make a denser, more ergonomic design. 

Razer's L-shaped hand grips that offer much better support for your hands. The rubber texture makes for great grip even for the most sweaty of palms. You can use the controller for hours on end with no discomfort or fatigue even with its 270gms of weight. The shell is matte black and feels solid, durable and is very resistant to finger prints and oil smudges. 

All in all, The Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma is an excellent controller, with arguably superior sticks and buttons than the official Xbox controller itself. The extra features sweeten the deal, with a sensitivity clutch aspect that feels almost too good to be true. 

Pros & Cons

Where to Buy Xbox Controllers?

You can buy Xbox Controllers at brands' official website: Scufgaming.com, Xbox.com, and Razer.com (up to 12% cashback). You can also go Best Buy (up to 4% cashback), GameStop, Walmart.com (up to 4% cashback), or Amazon.com to purchase Xbox Consoles. 

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SCUF Instinct Pro vs. Elite 2 vs. Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma

These three controllers are compatible with Xbox consoles, but which one is best for you? Read on to find out.

Overview:

Price & Availability：

SCUF Instinct Pro

SCUF Instinct Pro is available on Scufgaming.com, Bestbuy.com (Up to 5% Super Cash Back), Amazon.com (Cashback temporarily unavailable). Prices as follow.

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2

Website & Prices as follow.

Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma

Website & Prices as follow.

Color Options:

SCUF Instinct Pro is available in many colors, and you can even customize your controller's faceplate.

Same with SCUF Instinct Pro, you can design an Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 with Xbox Design Lab. Mix your favorite colors, patterns, and custom engraving to your unique controller.

And Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma is available in white and black.

Design and Feel:

SCUF Instinct Pro

At first glance, you might mistake the Scuf Instinct Pro for Microsoft’s very own Xbox Wireless Controller, as the two are nearly identical in shape and size. Modeled after the updated Xbox Series X|S controller, the Instinct Pro features a slightly smaller body, as well as the new Share button. What sets the two apart, however, is the attention to detail given to just about every aspect of the controller – from paddle placement to materials used.

The Scuf Instinct Pro’s four customizable paddles are effortless to use, allowing you to hold the controller as you normally would, while being able to press each one with ease. The four paddles are located on the rear of the controller just along the base. The two primary paddles are integrated right into the grips and are slightly raised so your middle fingers can easily find them as you hold the controller. The other two paddles are wedge-shaped, and adjacent to the primary paddles. Together these act as a natural resting point for your middle finger – the pad on one paddle and the side of the tip on the other – letting you activate either with ease.

The primary paddles are designed with a bit of resistance, which avoids any accidental button presses during gameplay. The secondary paddles have a bit more give, compensating for how you press them diagonally with the outer portion of your middle finger. The difference in tension makes all four paddles feel equally good to press without adding any additional fatigue during gameplay.

Aside from the redesigned paddles, the rear triggers have been given an overhaul, as well. Gone are the days of adding stops to the back of your controller or fine-tuning with a key to limit the amount of travel in each trigger. Instead, there’s a simple toggle just above each set of paddles that can easily be flipped on or off to activate the instant triggers. These require almost no actuation when active, as opposed to the normal travel you’d expect from analog triggers, and have a snappy click that feels nearly identical to that of a mouse on PC. The result is a trigger that can be rapidly pressed to fire weapons with incredible speed and little effort.

The Instinct Pro comes with four interchangeable thumbsticks: two standard concave thumbsticks, a short convex one for quicker movement, and a tall convex for more precise aiming. Thumbsticks are easily installed by removing the magnetic faceplate and inserting your desired configuration into each slot. All four thumbsticks are slightly angled around the edges to keep your thumbs from slipping off during gameplay, and each is wrapped in a semi-soft rubber grip that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and durability.

On the front of the controller are your standard face buttons that look and feel identical to Microsoft’s first-party offering. The Instinct Pro also comes with the new hybrid D-pad by default, although you can configure it with a directional D-pad (or order one separately to easily swap between) if you desire. At the bottom of the controller, you’ll find a 3.5mm port for wired headsets, as well as Microsoft’s proprietary expansion port. Thankfully, it’s compatible with the vast number of expansion products such as keyboard peripherals, speakers, and yes, even those that add more mappable buttons if you’re so inclined. There’s also an integrated mute button at the base of the controller that lets you quickly turn off your headset’s microphone without fumbling your controls.

Most importantly, the Instinct Pro feels fantastic in the hands. Instead of metals and other heavy materials used in similar high-end controllers to convey a “premium” feel, Scuf opted for lightweight materials to reduce fatigue during long game sessions. The end result weighs an astonishing 280 grams, making it just a tad lighter than the standard Xbox Wireless Controller, and nearly 20% lighter than the Xbox Elite Wireless Series 2 controller.

The grip on the rear of each handle is superb. It features a unique hexagonal pattern that gets thicker as it reaches the edges of the handles, providing more grip where your hands actually make contact with the controller and less friction towards the center. This hexagonal theme runs along the thumbsticks, rear triggers, and bumpers, creating a subtle, yet cohesive design throughout the controller. As far as battery goes, the Scuf Instinct Pro utilizes two AA batteries, as opposed to the built-in battery of its predecessor, the Scuf Prestige.

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2

When it comes to design, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is sleek, comfortable and weighty. The controller itself is matte black, with rubberized grips covering both controller legs - unlike its successor, which only had this on the backs of the legs. On the front, there are the standard X, A, Y and B buttons, alongside the standard Xbox, share and menu buttons - and a profile button. The beauty of the Series 2, however, is that there are also changeable analog sticks and D-pad buttons that you can simply pop off and replace magnetically with any of the buttons included with the controller. 

You get a set of six thumbsticks including two standard, two classic, one tall and one white dome. In addition, there's a set of four paddles, including two medium and two mini, and a set of two D-pads: standard and faceted. The tension of the analog sticks can also be adjusted, using a little screwdriver. There are three settings available, with each increasing the tightness of the sticks.

You can essentially change these buttons and sticks as you see fit, to create the most comfortable gaming experience for you. At the rear of the controller are four silver paddles - two on each side - and two switches which allow you to adjust the controller's hair trigger locks. The trigger switches have three settings, with each further restricting the amount of give when pulling the trigger buttons. 

Speaking of the trigger buttons, they're silver and on the top of the controller (as is expected) alongside the LB and RB buttons, a Bluetooth connection button and a USB-C port. The Series 2 can connect to both an Xbox One and PC. Finally, the bottom of the controller has an audio jack and a port for the Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter. 

The most welcome change to the Series 2's design is its built-in battery - a feature its predecessor didn't have. The battery lasts up to 40 hours and is rechargeable via the wireless charging dock or by connecting the controller to a power source using the USB-C. Alongside its premium features, the Series 2 also feels like a premium controller, weighing in at 345g. 

Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma

Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma iterates on the 2020 original, adding several customizable triggers to the rear, making the load lighter, and throwing Razer’s trademark RGB lighting into the design. In hand, there’s no denying that it feels great, possibly better than the standard Xbox controller. Weight is distributed evenly throughout the controller, the handle textures have a wonderful grip to them that won’t sand your palm prints off, and the “mecha-tactile” buttons have a wonderful amount of spring to them.

The analog thumbsticks feel equally impressive, boasting smooth travel distances as you swivel them around and near-instant return-to-center speed when you release them. That snap is another feather in the Wolverine’s cap, as is the magnetic attachment system for the caps that allow for quick and easy swapping out of them for concave versions. The choice is yours of course, and if you’re looking for added sensitivity and accuracy in shooter games, a concave thumbstick can allegedly provide a more precise experience.

As for the D-pad, the circle design chosen by Microsoft for the current controller is easily one of the most responsive on the market, and this take on it by Razer is even more sensitive, something that fighting game fans will definitely appreciate when they’re throwing out quarter-circle special attacks. 

Finally, it’s the rear of the controller that’ll make a few heads turn. Razer has placed six additional multi-function buttons, which you can customize to perform certain actions. How useful those extra buttons are is entirely up to what use you find for them, and on PC when if you will play Batman: Arkham Knight, you maybe will do some fine-tuning with software to use those inputs for multi-button combo finishers. Beyond that example, the trigger buttons are also geared towards competitive play as they can be locked into an uber-sensitive input mode that turns them into hair-triggers. You can toggle this added sensitivity that cuts button travel distance by around 50%, in case it starts to interfere with your gameplay.

All of this helps create a controller which feels great to hold, is reassuringly hefty, and has some of the best buttons I’ve ever launched finger-punches at in several gameplay sessions. The caveat with the Razer Wolverine V2 is that it’s a wired controller, connecting to your console or PC with a very generous length of braided cable that’s around three meters long. It’s also worth noting that if you plan to use this on PC, you’ll want to spend some time setting up Razer’s custom software, as well as some third-party programs to get the most out of the added buttons and triggers you’ll be able to use. 

Features:

SCUF Instinct Pro

①Four Remappable Paddles.

• Your game is about to get better and faster. Four rear, Remappable Paddles can be configured to 15 functions and are embedded within the controller placing them at your fingertips for faster play and increased durability.

②Adjustable Instant Triggers.

• New adjustable Instant Triggers eliminate the trigger pull allowing you to switch from a regular trigger to a mouse-click action for when you need ultra-fast shots and the interchangeable textured thumbsticks ensure optimum playing ability.

③Three Onboard Profiles.

• When you're playing fast, settings matter. The controller's onboard Profile Switch allows you to save up to three paddle remapping configurations that can be selected with the press of a button.

④Ergonomic Design & High-Performance Grip.

• The ergonomic design and high-performance grip provide the ultimate non-slip comfort no matter how long you play, while SCUF Instinct Pro's wireless connectivity allows you to play comfortably from a distance.

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2

Experience the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 featuring adjustable-tension thumbsticks, wrap-around rubberized grip, and shorter hair trigger locks.

①Play like a pro

• Save up to 3 custom profiles on the controller and switch between them on the fly. Designed to meet the needs of today’s competitive gamers, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 puts exceptional performance, customization, and durability where it matters most—in your hands.

②Optimized for you

• Swap thumbstick toppers, D-pads, and paddles to tailor your controller to your preferred gaming style. Use Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth, or the included USB-C cable to play across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows.

③More ways to customize

• Experience limitless customization with interchangeable components and exclusive button mapping options in the Xbox Accessories app.

④Designed for extended gameplay

• Stay in the game with up to 40 hours of rechargeable battery life and refined components that are built to last. Charge the controller either inside or outside the carrying case with the included USB-C cable and charging dock.

Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma

①Razer Mecha-Tactile Action Buttons and D-Pad

• With a shorter actuation distance and greater tactility for quicker, more satisfying button presses, the controller brings a level of consistency and speed crucial to competitive play.

②6 Additional Multi-function Buttons

• With 4 extra triggers and 2 remappable bumpers via its Razer Controller Setup for Xbox app, the controller provides all the input options you need to increase your arsenal of commands.

③Interchangeable Thumbstick Caps

• The controller comes with a set of short and extended grips so you can enjoy more natural and precise analog motion no matter how you hold your thumbsticks.

④Hair Trigger Mode with Trigger Stop-Switches

• Toggling the two slide-locks on the controller’s underside greatly reduces the travel distance of the main triggers—a competitive edge that allows you to spam commands at a faster rate.

⑤Improved Ergonomics

• The controller’s modified L-shaped handgrips come with non-slip rubber grips for a secure yet agile hold—natural, effortless control for all-day gaming.

⑥Powered by Razer Chroma RGB

• Get customizing with 16.8 million colors and countless effects via the Razer Controller Setup for Xbox app, and enjoy greater immersion as it dynamically reacts with integrated games.

⑦Designed for Xbox

• Officially licensed and developed alongside Xbox to deliver the best gaming experience possible.

Key Differences: 

When comparing the SCUF Instinct Pro, Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, and Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma, the key differences lie in their rear button design, customization depth, and overall feel, with the SCUF Instinct Pro offering unique "rocker" style rear buttons, the Xbox Elite Series 2 providing extensive customization options, and the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma focusing on fast actuation and aggressive button layout with RGB lighting; the best choice depends on your priorities for button configuration and customization level. 

SCUF Instinct Pro 

• Unique feature: Distinctive "rocker" style rear buttons that can be pushed towards or away from your hand, providing a different feel compared to traditional paddle buttons. 

• Pros: Excellent grip, "hair trigger" option for extremely fast trigger response, customizable faceplates. 

• Cons: Limited customization compared to the Elite Series 2, may take time to adapt to the rear button design. 

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 

• Key feature: Highly customizable with interchangeable thumbsticks, adjustable trigger tension, and multiple profile options. 

Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma

• Highlight: Focus on fast actuation with "Mecha-Tactile" buttons, extensive RGB lighting customization. 

Which One Should You Buy?

Which Xbox controller to choose depends mainly on your habits and preferences. Here are some suggestions:

• For unique rear button feel and fast trigger response: Choose the SCUF Instinct Pro. 

• For extensive customization options and a comfortable grip: Opt for the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. 

• If you prioritize rapid button actuation and aggressive button layout with RGB lighting: Go for the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma. 

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