In our Hyperx Clutch Gladiate review content, we take a look at the controller, which stands out with its ergonomics and lightness, and its usage experience.
Recently, it has become very difficult to choose a controller for players. Although Microsoft and Sony have a significant market share with the two heavyweights of the console market, Xbox Controller and Dualsense, we now see that player accessory manufacturers have a significant share of this cake with their own brands. HyperX, one of the first companies that comes to mind when it comes to player accessories, has also managed to make a solid debut with the Hyperx Clutch Gladiate model. In this content, I will talk about the features of this controller, but more importantly, the ergonomics and experience it offers on the game side.
Hyperx Clutch Gladiate review
HyperX is not a new entrant to this market. Although it received criticism on some issues with the Clutch model last year, they came up with a product that received praise. The Hyperx Clutch Gladiate model, on the other hand, is a model that closes the deficiencies on this side and is much more assertive, especially in terms of ergonomics.
Design
The Hyperx Clutch Gladiate model is a model that follows the footsteps of Xbox Contoller, one of the controllers most preferred by PC gamers, both in terms of features and design. There are many similarities in terms of both key placement and design. HyperX is a little different from the classic Xbox controller with some additional keys it added. You can use this gamepad, which has an Xbox license, on both PC and Xbox consoles without any problems. I’ve been testing this controller for a while and used it while playing many games such as Diablo 4, Street Fighter 6, Star Wars Jedi Survivor and Forza Horizon 5.
The gamepad is particularly good in terms of design and ergonomics. No matter how much the design is similar to the Xbox handle in such controllers, when you take the gamepad in your hand, you feel that it is far from that ergonomics. Due to its slightly harder lines, it does not fit in your hand properly. Hyperx Clutch Gladiate, on the other hand, is ergonomically compatible with the Xbox Gamepad and fits perfectly in your hand. The handles are comfortable, the knurling prevents slipping and you don’t notice that different feeling when using it. I can say that this is perhaps my favorite aspect of the gamepad. Of course, these serrations also have the potential to collect dust in long use.
Usage details
First of all, the analog, classic keypad is positioned as we know it. It is comfortable to print, ergonomically good. HyperX red added to the bottom of the analog structure has added color to the controller in terms of design. The Xbox Home button in the middle is not illuminated, instead there is a small notification light just below.
When we look at the back of the controller, the main difference is here. The classic bumper and trigger keys are the same size. On the back, just inside the triggers, there are two key buttons. When you open them, you can set the triggers as half-press. In other words, it is possible to set it to full press in the classic way while playing car racing, and half press in FPS games by opening the keys to make it look more like a gun trigger.
There are two more trigger buttons on the back of the part of the controller that we call the handle. These extra trigger keys, which have a flatter structure, are also colored with HyperX red. When you hold the controller, you can easily reach these triggers with your middle and ring fingers. They are comfortable in terms of use and they have never broken the gamepad structure because they are flat.
You can customize these keys by assigning different keys as you wish. It is possible to make this throw when you hold down the P1 key, which is in the middle of the above key keys. In other words, if you are jumping with A in a game, you are even allowed to assign this button to the trigger. They are comfortable to use and bring a good advantage in games.
Hyperx Clutch Gladiate is a cable-only model. If it was already wireless, it could be one of the unique models in this regard. Fortunately, a cable of almost 3 meters in length comes out of the box contents. This cable is very robust and extremely kink resistant. Another detail I don’t like about cable usage is that the gamepad slot is designed only for this cable end. In other words, if you forgot or lost the cable, you cannot plug a classic Type C cable into this socket.
In conclusion, Hyperx Clutch Gladiate is a very good alternative if you are looking for a gamepad that you want to use on both Xbox consoles and PC, as I mentioned at the beginning. It is a model that surprises with its lightness and you can choose with peace of mind, especially in ergonomic sense. I think it will probably be much sweeter if the wireless version comes.
HyperX Clutch Gladiate technical specifications
- Support: Xbox X Series X | S, Xbox One, PC
- Battery: No
- Connection: Wired only
- 3.5mm Jack: Yes
- Programmable keys: Yes
- Extra key: 2 trigger keys, program key and classic trigger keys
- Color: Black
- Cable length: 297cm
See also: HyperX Pulsefire Haste II review