Rexus Gladius GX 1 Gamepad Review and Buying Guide | Tech Monday

Is it really better to wait?

About 16 days ago, I reviewed my first gamepad after a while. It was M-tech that I got it because I wanted to see how convenient playing STEAM games with a gamepad. It wasn’t something too expensive and was less than $5. The console works quite okay for some games except it has different button configuration than most games on Steam. So, I had to do a bit of configuration and adjusting the keys to match the games I am currently playing. However, after I tried with Bully: Scholarship edition, Tomb Raider, & Seven, it wasn’t really convenient. I got more problems and kept being confused to translate the key into Xbox/Nintendo configuration. I decided that it’s time to get something decent but with gaming line, I have quite a few distrust because people like to add the word “gaming” just to make it a lot more expensive while the quality is pretty substandard. Since I can’t afford to buy any lines from this best pc controllers list, I was left to explore youtube reviews on which one to get.

I came down to two brands. Rexus and Fantech. I am currently using Fantech mouse and so far I have no problem with it. Rexus and Fantech are two competitors that for someone like me, I have that distrust. In terms of company, Fantech is more well-known than Rexus. However both of them are top gamers brand in the country and their product can be quite competitive. It’s why when I visited the gaming PC store, they only have those two options. Rexus is also known in national e-sport industry.

Here’s my logic : if competitive gamers use their product, it could mean they work as intended. My expectation is pretty low but if they were going public with their product and they even sponsored team, something must be working.

I visited a store where they specifically sell gaming products. I decided to do a walk-in buy because may be I could get a second opinion. I was greeted quite coldly by the staff. I told him what I wanted to get a controller and asked him which one to get. Apparently, he has used both but would rather use Rexus than Fantech. I first wanted Fantech, just so I could have a set of the mouse and the gamepad but looking at the mapping configuration and after a few minutes of thinking, I ended up choosing Rexus.

Rexus Gladius GX 1 - Unboxing

I eventually got a Rexus Gamepad. This is Rexus Gladius GX 1. This controller is one of wired version of their gaming line. There were a few wireless options with different button mapping but the one that I am most familiar with is this mapping where the L & R button are side by side and the arrows are on the left part of the console. Even with Rexus, the only line with that mapping is either GX1 or GX300 in which is the wireless version of GX1.

A tip : When deciding which controller to get, decide which mapping that is familiar to you.

GX 1 was designed to fit the palm of Asian hands which was something I appreciate because it fits really well on mine and the size of it fits my totebag which means I can carry it everywhere with me. The controller also feels pretty lightweight and apparently it can be used in multiple platfroms and smartphone (android).

Inside the box, not only I found manuals and instruction but also a mini CD that I haven’t seen in a while. It’s certainly a different ballgame than when you invested a little bit more with your gaming console. They even have support software on their website available to download. Unfortunately, when it comes to the color, at the store they only have white one. So, I was okay with it although I was hoping they would have black or even other colors.

Gameplay Experience

One of the game that I tested playing with this controller is Bully: Scholarship Edition. This game is best to play with controller than keyboard & mouse. When I was playing the game, everything was really smooth and it even vibrates when the character in the game falls down, getting punched or kicked. I don’t get tired even after playing for more than an hour and the buttons were really easy to click and not stuck. They buttons were soft and pretty enjoyable which makes my gaming experience a lot more convenient than what I remembered.

My only problem is only the L2 & R2 that were too wide and something I am not accustomed with. Perhaps for many, who are like me and recently got back playing again, it would feel a little odd considering PS2 and cheaper controller out there has a border for the L2 & R2. As a comparison see the picture below.

My verdict & buying guide

I learned from this that before purchasing any gaming line, I would rather wait and invest a little more instead getting random products that promises “gaming” experience but don’t actually deliver. If you want to get a gamepad/controller make sure that your game is better to play with it & actually supports it. Here’s the bullet list before you’re deciding to get a controller that’s worth your buck especially when you can’t afford getting the top of the line from the gamepad.

• Choose either wired/wireless controller
• Choose the one that feels familiar
• Make sure it has gamepad support (this helps for configuring your gamepad)
• Make sure that the company itself is actually supporting e-sport team/involved in the industry because that means they might know what they’re doing.
• Obviously, choose the one with your budget. If you live in SEA, the starting line would be around $11. Fantech has something around $10 but generally these days to get a proper one from these budget-gaming lines, it’s still around $11 up to $50.

That’s all for my tech review this Monday. See you on next monday with another tech review or tips. So if you enjoy these, stay tuned!