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Now it’s over with the envious glances at Xbox owners who were able to connect high-end hardware to their console with the elite controller. The Californian high-end manufacturer Razer now has a licensed PS4 controller for the demanding gamer in its range.
Razer is a brand that you no longer need to introduce to gamers. It specializes in computer accessories. It mainly markets headsets and keyboards dedicated to video games.
Today, Techloging decided to test the Raiju. Before going any further into the Razer Raiju review, know that this is a 2016 releases controller and a newer version is now on the market. On the other hand, this classic Razer Raiju controller adopts Bluetooth technology, works on both PS4 and PC, and is directly wired.
In my Razer Raiju test, you can find out how the Razer Raiju performs in everyday life. You’ll find out what advantages it has for e-athletes and gaming pros.
Razer Raiju Mobile Review
I’m actually always as happy as a little kid when new hardware arrives to be tested. Models for the Xbox, such as the Razer Wildcat or Razer Sabertooth, are already part of the lineup. So quickly unpack and take a look at the good piece.
The First Impression
Like the Elite Controller from Microsoft, the Razer Raiju comes in a solid transport box. Of course, if the lettering DESIGNED FOR ESPORTS is already pilloried on the packaging, it should also be ensured that the hardware can be transported safely from venue to venue.
Nice: The included USB cable for connecting to the PS4 and charging the battery, as well as the screwdriver from the accessories, also easily find a place in the box. So you always have everything with you that is needed for proper gaming.
Speaking of the cable: It is three meters long, covered in fabric, and equipped with plastic protective caps on the USB connectors. Actually only a small thing, but it testifies to the attention to detail that will later prove to be quite clever when building the controller.
However, due to the design of the mini USB socket on the Raiju, which is sunk a good centimeter deep in the housing and has two guide rails, it is not possible to use just any cable, as there may already be several in the household.
The included cable connects firmly and securely to the socket with a satisfying click. It should, too, because the operation is only possible with a cable. On the one hand, this avoids annoying latencies during input. On the other hand, you always have a cable lying across the booth if you want to gamble in a relaxed manner. A compromise in favor of e-sports, where the player usually sits with his nose directly in front of the screen.
Oh yes, you should not leave the supplied printed instructions lying around in the packaging. You will definitely need these later to set individual profiles and change modes.
The connection to the PlayStation 4 runs smoothly and works like a standard controller. Connect the controller and console with the cable, and after pressing the very small but tactile PS button, the new hardware is registered and can now do its job.
A Haptic Feeling Of Happiness
You have something in your hand, you can casually say. The Raiju weighs a hefty 350g (with cable), a clearly noticeable weight difference compared to the almost 200g of the Dualshock 4 from Sony.
In addition, the dimensions of 16.8 cm x 10.5 cm x 6.5 cm are a good deal larger than the standard. This ensures a rich haptic perception that is more reminiscent of the controllers from Microsoft than the filigree Sony counterparts. Too large? Too bulky? Oh, right, I would say.
Thanks to the ergonomic shape of the chassis and the weight distribution, the hands can take a relaxed position and the numerous buttons and triggers can be reached without effort or contortions. Razer advertises that the design and functionality were developed together with e-sports athletes.
Personally, I’m far from being an athlete, but I can only fully support the statement that the Raiju simply feels really good. However, the clear clicking of the microswitches, which are reminiscent of the noise of a mechanical keyboard, takes some getting used to. You can like it, you can hate it, but you can also hide it while playing.
The D-Pad, which consists of four separate buttons instead of the rocker of the DualShock 4, also leaves a double-edged impression.
On the one hand, the tactile separation above, below, left, and right makes sense when individual commands, such as a weapon selection, are assigned to these keys.
On the other hand, controlling a character diagonally or performing semi-circular inputs, as required in some fighting games,
Competition For Scuf?
If you ask a pro gamer about his favorite controller, the company Scuf, which manufactures custom controllers for e-sports, is often mentioned.
The Raiju would like to get involved in this segment and therefore brings four additional programmable multifunction triggers and bumpers with the designations M1 to M4 into play.
These are on the shoulder and underside, easily accessible with the middle and index fingers. Hyperresponse is what Razer calls the technology. With this, you can move the microswitches to react quickly, giving you an advantage in game situations.
The release speed can be improved further by using the optional trigger stop for a continuous fire variant. To do this, you move two rather tiny sliders on the underside and thus shorten the pressure path of the trigger.
If you can play better without the extra triggers on the bottom, no problem, either. With the supplied screwdriver, you carefully loosen the fasteners, take out the trigger and fold up a dust cover. But: This is unpleasantly fiddly work, not only on the first try.
Useful Extras
As already mentioned, the additional buttons are multifunction triggers or bumpers. This means: You can freely assign actions to them.
For example, an action that requires pressing an analog stick on a trigger so you can always keep your thumbs on the sticks without having to move your tires.
Programming is simple, and you need the Remap and Profile buttons, which are located below the Touch field, and sticks.
Before I bore you with the individual steps of the process, take a quick look at the instructions. If you have saved your favorite settings, you can easily switch between them.
An LED indicates which profile is currently active. It is still exciting that in addition to the profile buttons, there are two more buttons for operating a headset. Connect it via the 3.5 mm jack plug, and you can mute the microphone and control the volume on the controller. Sensible.
Should You Buy It?
More than just decent processing, four additional programmable triggers/bumpers, the creation of profiles and controls for the headset: it all sounds good, so why the mixed feelings I already expressed in the title?
The lack of wireless functionality? Well, that’s due to the e-sports idea and the avoidance of latencies. You shouldn’t just retire the good DualShock for everyday use. It’s things like the non-rocker-equipped D-Pad or the almost annoying disassembly of the additional triggers on the bottom that limit its all-around use for all genres.
However, the Raiju is perfect for shooters, and the additional programmable buttons make everyday shooting much easier. The last point of criticism is the extremely sporty price Razer charges for its licensed piece. Otherwise, you can check out the latest Razer Rajiu version here.
