Scuf Reflex Pro Review (2024)

The PlayStation 5’s DualSense gamepad is an incredible feat of engineering, with a mind-boggling number of features for a console’s stock controller, even compared with the Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Cons. It’s also nearly singular, as Sony has been less welcoming to third-party controllers than Microsoft or Nintendo. I say nearly, because there is one alternative: the Scuf Reflex series of gamepads.

Scuf offers three controllers that work with the PlayStation 5, and they are effectively built on the same platform as the DualSense. Two of them, the $199.99 Reflex and $229.99 Reflex Pro, have all of the DualSense's features, including adaptive triggers (the most expensive model, the $259.99 Reflex FPS, lacks adaptive triggers along with vibration, in favor of instant triggers for better performance in first-person shooters) and programmable rear paddles. We tested the Reflex Pro, and it indeed acted just like a DualSense with some welcome upgrades. However, it’s very expensive, especially when it has fewer customization options than the $179.99 Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, $99.99 Victrix Gambit Dual Core Tournament Controller, or $49.99 8Bitdo Pro 2. Though to be fair, none of those gamepads work with the PlayStation 5.

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Scuf Reflex Pro Review (1)

(Photo: Will Greenwald)

Paddles on a DualSense

The Reflex Pro looks and feels almost exactly the same as the DualSense, sharing the same long, curved grips and large, trapezoidal touchpad. Even the direction pad, face buttons, and triggers are effectively identical to the DualSense’s, with the only visual distinction from the front being the circular home button instead of a PlayStation-logo-shaped one.

You’ll get another hint of how different the Reflex Pro is from the DualSense by pulling up the grips' front tips. The plastic panel below the touchpad and between the outer grips comes off, letting you pull the convex analog sticks out and replace them with the concave sticks also included with the controller. Both sets of sticks are black plastic with rubber-coated tips, and while they seem very light rattling around in the box, they’re exceptionally secure when clicked into place. The tips feature pleasant, two-tone textures with smooth centers and slightly ridged sides that let you keep your thumb angled in a given position when you’re pushing the stick from the edge.

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The Reflex Pro's back is where the controller really sets itself apart. A wide bump near the gamepad's top holds four programmable paddle buttons that extend down against the grips' inner curves. When holding the Reflex, your middle fingers sit naturally between the two paddles on either side, letting you easily pull any four of them at any time. They’re much more comfortably arranged than the four vertical paddles on the back of the Scuf Vantage.

You can physically remove any of the paddles by pulling them firmly out of their holes on the bump. The bump itself doesn’t come off, but it sits in the natural “dead zone" between where the index fingers rest on the triggers and the middle fingers rest on the grips. In fact, I didn’t even notice it when I played with the paddles removed. The paddles themselves are simple, black plastic levers that are functional and solid-feeling, but not quite the metal paddles on the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller.

The grips on the Reflex Pro distinguish it from the normal Reflex. They’re textured to make the controller easier to hold than the smooth grips on the Reflex. That’s the only real difference between the two controllers, though, and probably isn’t worth the extra $30 for most people.

Manual Programming With Few Options

A button on the rear bump switches between three control profiles, glowing blue, red, or green to indicate the mode. Each profile features presets for FPS games (all face buttons), sports games (direction pad left and right, and circle and square), and racing games (all direction pad buttons), but you can manually reprogram any paddle for any mode and set up your own profiles. Reprogramming the paddles is a manual affair, but simple: hold the profile button down until it blinks, then press the paddle you’re mapping and the button you want it to activate at the same time.

Scuf Reflex Pro Review (12)

(Photo: Will Greenwald)

This leads us to one of the biggest disappointments about the Reflex: There’s no customization software. Your only control tweaks are mapping the rear paddles, and they must be manually set. You can’t remap other controls or adjust sensitivity curves for the analog sticks or triggers. These features aren’t available on the DualSense either, but the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller has those features, as do the 8Bitdo Pro 2 (along with the ability to program macros) and Victrix Gambit. A gamepad this expensive should have these options.

Besides the removable paddles and alternate concave analog sticks (one short, one long), the Reflex only comes with a fabric-wrapped USB cable. No carrying case is included, disappointing to see in a $200-plus controller.

The Scuf Reflex Pro is designed for use with the PlayStation 5, and can be connected via Bluetooth to iOS devices, Macs, and Windows PCs. However, it registers as a DirectInput controller rather than an XInput controller on Windows, meaning you’ll have to rely on Steam’s PlayStation compatibility mode or separate software like DS4Windows.

The lack of software doesn’t hurt the hardware, however, and the Reflex Pro feels fantastic. The textured grips and stick caps are a pleasant upgrade from the standard DualSense, which was already an incredible controller. The rear paddles are comfortable and reliable, and conform ergonomically to the middle fingers.

Playing on the PlayStation 5

Everything else about the Reflex Pro is identical to the DualSense, including the impressive new features Sony packed into the controller, which I tested with Astro’s Playroom on the PlayStation 5. The adaptive triggers offer variable sensitivity and pull distance depending on the game and the situation, the rumble is just as subtle and accurate, and the built-in speaker is as loud and clear as a speaker that size can be.

Scuf Reflex Pro Review (13)

(Photo: Will Greenwald)

I played Horizon Forbidden West with the Reflex Pro, and the gamepad worked perfectly. It behaved just like the DualSense, down to the rumble and adaptive triggers. The game's control layout feels complete without rear triggers, so I removed them for testing, and this made the Reflex feel almost exactly like a stock DualSense.

Souls games tend to benefit from rear triggers due to the game's inputs for weapon swapping, so I played Elden Ring with the Reflex Pro, as well. I assigned the far left and far right rear triggers to L3 and R3 to control crouching and locking into enemies, and the middle left and right triggers to the left and right inputs on the direction pad to left me switch between weapons in my right hand and between shield, bow, and torch in my left hand. The controller worked just as intended, letting me keep my thumbs on the analog sticks while swapping my equipment, which I couldn't otherwise do in the game.

Scuf Reflex Pro Review (14)

Scuf Reflex Pro Review (15) Which PS5 and Xbox Series X/S Games Should You Play First?: A Look Back at Launch Lineups

An Exceedingly Expensive Alternative

The Scuf Reflex Pro is a nice upgrade to the stock DualSense, but it isn't a very significant one. Of course, Sony already packed a startling number of advanced features into its PlayStation 5 controller, and maybe there isn't much further it can be taken. The rear paddles are convenient, and the swappable thumbsticks are pleasantly textured,. Otherwise, the Reflex Pro is nearly indistinguishable from the DualSense. That doesn't really justify spending more than three times as much as the DualSense, especially when the Reflex Pro doesn't come with a case, and lacks an app for more extensive customization.

Still, there are no gamepads besides the Reflex and Reflex Pro that do everything the DualSense can do, and that makes them worth considering if you want a rear-bumper upgrade to the standard PS5 controller. If you want to game on Xbox, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller remains one of our favorites, and the 8Bitdo Pro 2 stands as our pick for Nintendo Switch gamepads. The Elite has more swappable parts and a case, while the Pro 2 costs less than the standard DualSense. Both controllers have apps for even more tweaks, and can be used on PCs without relying on driver wrappers or customization modes. The Victrix Gambit Dual Core Tournament Controller is another good pick for PC and Xbox, though it's wired rather than wireless. For PS5, though, your choices so far are the DualSense and the Reflex.

Scuf Reflex Pro

3.5

See It$229.99 at Scuf Gaming

MSRP $229.99

Pros

  • Feels and acts like the DualSense, with all the features

  • Comfortable and convenient rear paddles

  • Textured thumbsticks

Cons

  • Expensive

  • No app or customization options for adjusting analog stick or trigger sensitivity

  • Lacks full button remapping

  • Few accessories included

ViewMore

The Bottom Line

The Scuf Reflex Pro is one of the few fully functional DualSense alternatives. It does everything the PlayStation 5's stock controller does, and a bit more, but that doesn't justify it costing three times as much money.

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About Will Greenwald

Lead Analyst, Consumer Electronics

I’ve been PCMag’s home entertainment expert for over 10 years, covering both TVs and everything you might want to connect to them. I’ve reviewed more than a thousand different consumer electronics products including headphones, speakers, TVs, and every major game system and VR headset of the last decade. I’m an ISF-certified TV calibrator and a THX-certified home theater professional, and I’m here to help you understand 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and even 8K (and to reassure you that you don’t need to worry about 8K at all for at least a few more years).

Read Will's full bio

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Scuf Reflex Pro Review (2024)

FAQs

Is Scuf Reflex Pro good? ›

TechRadar Verdict

The Scuf Reflex Pro is a noticeable improvement on the DualSense controller upon which it's built. Unlike some third-party PS5 controllers, it keeps everything that makes Sony's official gamepad special and it adds a vast array of customization options.

Is Scuf Reflex Pro worth it on Reddit? ›

Incase you are wondering to buy it. 1) Its overpriced. 2) Bad build quality 3) Factory buttons have glitches sometimes the input stays pressed or the front buttons dont respond.

Does SCUF improve aim? ›

Getting the right SCUF controller for your style is the quickest way to improve your aim as a player. Coupled with a bit of dedication and practice, and you can drastically hit your shots much more consistently. Now, you might be hit with a little conscience check: isn't using a better controller cheating? Not at all.

How long does it take to get a SCUF controller? ›

Order Has Not Been Placed
StandardExpedited
Reflex (PS5)7 to 10 business days5 to 6 business days
Instinct (Xbox)5 to 7 business days3 to 4 business days
Pro & Impact (PS4)6 to 10 business days4 to 5 business days
Accessories3 to 4 business days2 to 3 business days

Do CDL pros use SCUF controllers? ›

TRUSTED BY THE PROS

Scuf Gaming is the official controller partner of major gaming leagues, including CDL, MLG, ESL, UMG, Gfinity and EGL.

How long should a SCUF last? ›

The lifespan of a SCUF thumbstick will depend on how often you use your controller and whether you are hard or light on your thumbstick pressure. Similar to a marathon runner with running shoes, if you game 8 hours a day and are heavy on your thumbsticks, then maybe only a few months.

How long does the SCUF Reflex last? ›

SCUF Reflex FPS

280 grams. Built for first-person shooter games and battle royale games. Non-slip performance adds extra comfort and durability. Over 9 hours of active gameplay.

Do SCUF controllers make you play better? ›

SCUF paddles are widely recognized to improve a gamer's performance by increasing hand use and control during gameplay. The paddles offer improved hand movement when executing more advanced moves in game by providing increased dexterity for the gamer.

Do SCUF controllers shoot faster? ›

While paddles improve your overall performance and thumbsticks improve your aim, our trigger system will maximize your speed when aiming and shooting. While paddles improve your overall performance and thumbsticks improve your aim, our trigger system will maximize your speed when aiming and shooting.

Are taller thumbsticks better for aiming? ›

Tall Thumbsticks are designed to have more angle to play with. For aggressive players, like shotgun and SMG players, we recommend a short concave thumbstick on the left and a short domed thumbstick on the right. You'll be quick to move and ready to quickly aim.

Is concave or domed better? ›

Concave Thumbsticks are designed for more movement control. Domed Thumbsticks are designed for more accuracy.

Does SCUF Reflex Pro have adaptive triggers? ›

Reflex and Reflex Pro come equipped with adaptive triggers, which are native to the DualSense. These can be configured from the PlayStation console settings.

Why does my SCUF controller feel slow? ›

If you are experiencing lag/ghosting issues with your SCUF Impact controller, it's possible something is interfering with the internal Bluetooth antenna. We'll test for this anomaly by first using a wired connection, performing a thumbstick recalibration, and controller reset.

How long is the SCUF warranty? ›

For all new Headsets purchased from the SCUF Gaming webstore or an Authorized Reseller, the Warranty Period is 2 years beginning the date the Headset was received by you unless otherwise required by law.

How long does SCUF battery last? ›

Up to 30 hours on a single charge, that's a game changer when you consider the convenience and freedom of wireless play on Xbox, PC, and mobile (Android). No need for AA batteries.

What is the difference between reflex and Reflex Pro? ›

The grips on the Reflex Pro distinguish it from the normal Reflex. They're textured to make the controller easier to hold than the smooth grips on the Reflex. That's the only real difference between the two controllers, though, and probably isn't worth the extra $30 for most people.

What is the best type of SCUF controller? ›

The Best Scuf Controllers for Gaming in 2024
  • SCUF Reflex FPS. Best Overall Scuf Controller for Gaming. ...
  • SCUF Instinct Pro. Best Scuf Controller for Xbox. ...
  • SCUF Envision Pro. Best Wireless Scuf Controller for PC. ...
  • SCUF ENVISION Wired PC Gaming Controller. Best Wired Scuf Controller for PC. ...
  • Scuf Reflex Pro. ...
  • See More.

Does Scuf Reflex Pro have adaptive triggers? ›

Reflex and Reflex Pro come equipped with adaptive triggers, which are native to the DualSense. These can be configured from the PlayStation console settings.

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