GuliKit KK3 Pro Controller Review: Nearly There

Although my primary source of financial devastation is mainly handhelds, I also have a second problem with my wallets. Controllers. Since I don't have all my controllers visible, it doesn't appear as horrible as handhelds. Just in my closet, in the drawer beneath my TV, in the drawer beneath my bed and the — you know what I mean.

Therefore, I decided to give the GuliKit King Kong Pro 3 a go and see if it could possibly replace a few of the controllers in my home when the kind people at AKNES graciously sent it my way. Although I wasn't expected to discuss anything here, I felt compelled to do so because of my positive experience with a controller.

Here are my (probably unflattering) thoughts on what might be one of my favourite controllers this year. Apologies, Stadia controller.

What You're Getting

You should already be aware that there are many specifications, but I want to be sure.

The Xbox stick arrangement and the Nintendo face button layout are covered on the front, and both appear to be for functionality. The two full-sized hall sticks on the front match the two hall triggers on the back. In addition, there are four spaces for back button paddles, albeit the box only includes two.

A 950mAh battery powers all of this, lasting up to 15 hours when the joystick lights are on and 28 hours when they are off.

What Works

Similar to how they did in my RG Cube post, I want to discuss the advantages and disadvantages in two categories to make this easier. It also makes it easier for you to absorb.

The Ergonomics

This one is easy. The KK3 Pro has the same button arrangement on the front and resembles an Xbox One controller in design. It's a little shorter than the Xbox One, but that's the only difference. Even though it's only a half-inch, it keeps the controller feeling quite familiar and at ease. The tactile sensation of an Xbox controller always makes me feel at home.

Actual Controls (Mostly)

However, I don't like the setup as a whole. In the game, the hall sticks seem accurate and slide smoothly. In Forza Horizon 5, I had no trouble steering with the left stick. GuliKits's tactile button switch gives the face buttons a pleasant actuation. They're a good compromise between an Xbox controller and something like the mammoth clicky buttons on a TrimUI Smart Pro. Lastly, the rear bumpers feature a pleasant, low-volume click that is pleasant to operate.

Accessories and Battery Life

When you take it out of the package, you find surprisingly many accessories. It has a stylish hard shell cover with a charging cutout and a flat USB-C cable. The two paddles that come with your controller and USB wireless adapter can be placed in a convenient location.

Once you figure out how to attach it to your controller, the adaptor will work nicely, and as far as I can tell, it will not influence battery life or performance. Additionally, I only experienced one battery failure during my testing and the resurgence of my Forza addiction. And there was the third day I hadn't charged it and another lengthy racing session when I ought to have been doing something worthwhile.

Overall, the KK3 handles the fundamentals well, but I have a few complaints. Perhaps I'm being picky, but that's what I've found in my use.

What Doesn't

The Rest of the Main Controls

I neglected to include two things in my previous section on controls: Triggers and the D-pad. Overall, the D-pad is good, but when used frequently, it feels a little too rigid in comparison to other options. In fact, I much like the clicky D-pad on an Xbox series controller. I don't particularly enjoy clicky D-pads. In contrast, one dish is quite good.

I also have a problem with the triggers. They click into place and slide down effortlessly on the Xbox. All things considered, they're clean, simple, and delightful. The Pro KK3? Most of the way down, they slide smoothly, but at the very bottom, they increase the tension. And after you think they've fallen all the way. You can apply a little more pressure. Yes, it takes a lot of work, but sometimes it interferes with my games. Overall, though, I don't think it will be a significant problem if you get used to it.

Back Paddles

I will be sincere. I used the controller exactly as it was, assuming that back paddles weren't even an option, and never used them again after using them once. Even though it has four slots, the box only includes two paddles. Thus, you'll probably need to purchase additional ones if you want more. Although they are made of metal and are of excellent quality, they are challenging to put on and take off, and they weren't exceptionally comfortable to use overall. Whether it's the back of my PowerA Nano controller or a Steam Deck, I like the flat rear buttons. I'll use them for extra grip, at most. However, if you want these back paddles, you will be pleased with them.

Connectivity

This is a warning story rather than a wholly terrible thing. Until you become accustomed to connecting this controller to the systems you choose, please make sure to follow the instructions. You must follow certain steps to connect it since it is compatible with Windows, Android, Switch, iOS, and the wireless adapter. As it turns on, press a single button to switch the system you're connecting to. Keep in mind how to sync it with every device, then proceed.

After you figure it out, it's not difficult but still tricky. Don't disregard the directions with this one.

How It Stacks Up

I have compared the KK3 Pro and a Series Controller several times in this review. Purchase the Xbox controller if you are sure that you want to use a wireless controller with your Xbox. Would you like to use it for Switch? Purchase the KK3 Pro. You must choose which trade-offs to make because each does some tasks better.

The KK3 Pro triumphs in terms of face buttons, sticks, and connectivity. With double A's, the Series Controller excels in D-Pad, trigger, and overall battery life.

Due to their extreme comfort in the hand, both win.

Final Thoughts

I don't think the KK3 Pro is a horrible choice if you want a suitable controller and have $60 to invest. It is long-lasting, comfortable, and packed with features. But in the controller scene, $60 is also a saturated space. You can purchase a Flydigi Vader 3 Pro with better built-in back buttons or an 8BitDo Ultimate with a charging station.

At the very least, I will continue to use it on my PC because it is a suitable controller. Overall, I adore it, though I'll probably switch to my x86 handhelds when I wish to connect them to a bigger screen, even though I don't like the DMG appearance.