I received this controller as a gift from a person who had no idea how to set it up thus thinking it was the worst controller ever.

Best controller I've ever used.

THE CONFIGURATOR:

The fact that the buttons are fully configurable in more and more ways as Steam drops updates and patches means that it can only get better. The configuration menu is a bit difficutl to understand but once you get the hang of it it's gets easier and the descriptions of what each control option sometimes leaves you even more confused but making the changes on the fly, in game allows you to set a parameter, test it in game, and switch it if you don't like with the press of a single button.

The first game I wanted to set up to play with it was Arma 3. If you're at all familiar with this game, it has a practical use for almost every button on the keyboard. After struggling to learn ExistentialEgg's setup, I for the most part understood the ins and outs of the configurator and can now think of cool additions to add to my controller and quickly add them.

Speaking of ExistentialEgg, the configurator has option for you to pull the game developers recommended controller setup (if they made one), a generic set up for starting a build, as well as, and this is the best part, community made builds. Each game can have its own configurations that you can save. MAKE SURE YOU SAVE YOURS!! What I generally do is look up a popular community build and tweak it to suit my playstyle and needs.

COMPLAINTS:

I wish there was an optional attachment to the left pad to make it feel like, and ultimately work like, a traditional D-pad. The indentions are too shallow for me to feel where the buttons are and in a game were quick reactions are necessary (most fighting games) its hard to find the right direction on the pad.

An option for rechargeable batteries would have been nice. The way they designed the battery placement has one AA on each side, tucked into the hand grips so I don't see a rechargeable option surfacing any time soon.

I also wish there was an option to turn off the controller outside of Big Picture Mode. I understand that this controller was made to go seamlessly with Big Picture but it makes websurfing possible from my couch so no need for Big Picture anymore. Now that I think of it, no wireless controller made by Microsoft, Sony, or Nintendo has ever had a shut off button on it. You either have to turn the entire consol off, wait for the controller to time out and turn off or pull the batteries.

EDIT: TIL that holding the center button for what seems like 5 or so seconds turns it off.
Also, there is an option in the configurator to set one of the buttons to function as a
power off button as well.

OTHER TIDBITS:

The front four buttons do seem a bit small but it might be because I'm used to xbox controllers. The controller does feel natural in my hands. I have over average length fingers which always made PS controllers feel small, but this slides in my hands like magic done right.

The paddle buttons (that's the buttons beneath the hand grips) feel real spongy. While I can feel and hear a very faint click when pulled, sometimes in game I pull them and get nothing forcing me to pull it once or twice more to be sure. Sometimes I'm sure I'm also pulling WAY too hard by the third time.

NOTE TO STEAM:

An option to add audio output to the next version of the controller would be awesome. Right now unless you want to shell out $100+ on a wireless headset to do in game chat or just play your game at midnight so your family still sleeps. All other options are wired. Most gamers that play in the living rooms have a good bit of space between their tv and the couch. having an option to plug the headset directly into the steam controller would be clutch.

ALL IN ALL:

Like I said, best controller ever, virtually limitless options, If you intend on playing not only steam games, but any pc games from the comfort of your couch then this controller is a must!