Corsair Novablade Pro Review: The Ultimate Fighting Game Controller?
▼ Summary
– Corsair has launched the Novablade Pro, a wireless leverless controller designed for fighting games.
– The controller is compatible with PS5, PS4, and PC, competing with other leverless options like the Victrix Pro FS and Razer Kitsune.
– It features a 15-button layout with customizable inputs and uses MGX Hyperdrive Magnetic Keyswitches for quick, accurate responses.
– The Novablade Pro offers 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless connectivity with up to 40 hours of battery life with RGB on, and supports a 1,000Hz polling rate for minimal input delay.
– It includes customizable RGB lighting and is priced at $249.99 / £229.99, with a planned launch date.
Corsair has officially unveiled the Novablade Pro, a new wireless leverless controller designed specifically for competitive fighting game enthusiasts. Engineered for compatibility with PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC, this controller enters a competitive market already populated by respected devices like the Victrix Pro FS and Razer Kitsune.
The Novablade Pro features a 15-button layout that completely replaces the traditional joystick with programmable buttons for all movement and command inputs. This leverless design is favored by many players because it allows for faster actuation, potentially providing a competitive advantage in fast-paced multiplayer matches.
At the heart of the controller are Corsair’s proprietary MGX Hyperdrive Magnetic Keyswitches, which utilize Hall effect technology for exceptional responsiveness and durability. These switches offer a customizable actuation distance, adjustable anywhere from a mere 0.1mm up to 4.0mm, giving players precise control over their input sensitivity. The Hall effect mechanism ensures these buttons will far outlast traditional potentiometer-based components that degrade with physical contact over time.
For connectivity, the Novablade Pro supports both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless modes. Battery performance is impressive, with Corsair estimating up to 40 hours of use with RGB lighting active and an extraordinary 200 hours with lighting disabled, though actual battery life varies by connection type. Competitive players seeking minimal input delay will want to use either a wired connection or the 2.4GHz wireless mode on PC to achieve the full 1,000Hz polling rate for maximum responsiveness.
Visually, the controller makes a strong impression with fully customizable RGB lighting across all fifteen primary keys. This lighting isn’t just for aesthetics, it can significantly improve hand-eye coordination during intense gaming sessions by providing clear visual cues for button placement and functions.
Priced at $249.99 in the United States and £229.99 in the United Kingdom (approximately AU$377.95), the Corsair Novablade Pro represents a premium investment for serious fighting game competitors. The controller is scheduled to launch in the coming months, though specific availability dates vary by region.
(Source: techradar)
