EasySMX D10 Gaming Headset Review
▼ Summary
– The EasySMX D10 is a budget wireless controller that features TMR thumbsticks and Hall effect triggers, which provide precise control and combat stick drift.
– It includes a charging dock that also houses its 2.4 GHz wireless connector and is often available significantly below its official $60 price point.
– The controller has some budget-related compromises, including a connected D-pad that can be awkward for diagonal inputs and a lack of official customization software.
– Its design is comfortable and comparable to an Xbox controller, though the build quality and aesthetic feel more budget-oriented than premium alternatives.
– The controller offers versatility with multiple trigger modes, reprogrammable back buttons, and compatibility with PC, Switch, and Android devices.
The arrival of advanced technologies in the budget gaming controller space is always exciting. It’s not the initial premium launches that capture attention, but the moment those features trickle down to affordable devices. TMR thumbsticks and Hall effect triggers, once reserved for high-end gear, are now appearing in value-focused products like the EasySMX D10. This wireless controller packs a surprising array of modern specs, including a charging dock, for a price that frequently dips well below its official $60 MSRP. While some cost-cutting is evident in its materials and software support, the overall package presents a compelling case for gamers seeking performance without a premium outlay.
TMR technology, or tunnel magnetoresistance, is a key selling point. It uses magnetic sensors to deliver precise, efficient control. This method not only improves accuracy and extends battery life but is also more effective at preventing stick drift than traditional Hall effect sensors. For a controller often found around the $40 to $50 mark, including such an advanced component is noteworthy.
The feature set is robust for the price. You get a 1,000 Hz polling rate in 2.4GHz wireless mode, linear Hall effect triggers, and that included charging dock which also houses the wireless dongle. The design is clearly inspired by the Xbox Series X controller, with a similar asymmetrical layout and weight. However, the plastic feels less refined, and the overall construction, while not flimsy, doesn’t inspire the same confidence as Microsoft’s first-party hardware. Compared to something like the 8BitDo Pro 3, the D10 has a more distinctly budget feel in hand.
Its connected D-pad is very clicky and avoids a mushy sensation, but hitting diagonal inputs can feel awkward, a potential drawback for platformer or fighting game enthusiasts. The face buttons are somewhat clacky, and the triggers in their linear Hall effect mode offer less tactile feedback than some might prefer. A small switch on the back allows you to change the triggers to a micro-switch mode, shortening the travel for a more digital, instant press,a clever feature for switching between racing games and shooters.
In practice, the controller performs reliably. It feels comfortable and well-balanced during long sessions. Games like Rocket League and Doom: The Dark Ages highlighted the accuracy and comfort of the TMR thumbsticks. The two reprogrammable back buttons are easy to map on the fly, though the lack of dedicated software means all customization is done through hardware shortcuts using the “M” button. This involves a learning curve for adjusting RGB lighting, rumble settings, and button remaps.
A significant omission is the lack of customization software. Everything must be learned from the manual or through shortcut combinations. While this simplifies compatibility, it limits deeper tuning. The controller supports 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and a dedicated Nintendo Switch mode, complete with gyro controls. The charging dock works seamlessly, providing a neat home for the controller and ensuring it’s always ready.
The EasySMX D10 makes the most sense as a purchase when it’s on sale. At its full MSRP, it faces stiff competition. However, when the price drops toward $40, it becomes a standout option, offering premium-adjacent features like TMR sticks and a charging dock that are rare in its class. You accept some compromises in material quality and software, but for the cost-conscious gamer wanting modern tech, it’s a difficult deal to pass up.
(Source: PC Gamer)
