Key Takeaways
- GameSir Tarantula Professional provides three connection varieties and customization choices for a number of platforms.
- Its modern design permits for speedy switching between two button layouts with a mechanical mechanism.
- The controller is snug, feature-packed, and competitively priced, making it a best choice for players.
I often play PC video games with a keyboard and mouse and follow controllers for console and mobile gaming. That is why I used to be excited to attempt the brand new GameSir Tarantula Professional on my laptop to see what it may do and if it will change my thoughts.
So, what makes the Tarantula Professional completely different from all the opposite controllers? It is a common controller providing three connection varieties to work on a number of platforms. You additionally get additional paddles and wonderful software program customization choices to fine-tune the expertise. Nonetheless, Tarantula Professional’s greatest celebration trick is its modern design, permitting you to modify between two button layouts in seconds with just some presses.
Consolation is subjective, however most gamers can really feel whether or not a controller is for them or not the second they wrap their fingers round it. The Tarantula Professional’s really feel put me onto to an excellent begin, and I started a week-long journey of discovering its talents.
See our course of
How we test and review products at Pocket-lint
We do not do arm-chair analysis. We purchase and check our personal merchandise, and we solely publish purchaser’s guides with merchandise we have really reviewed.
Worth, availability, and specs
Wonderful worth for what it provides
GameSir’s Tarantula Professional is a flexible Home windows, iOS, Android, and Nintendo Swap controller. Most gamers will hook up with it through Bluetooth or the two.4G USB dongle, however it may additionally work by means of the provided 2-ft USB-C to USB-A cable when it wants charging. Talking of charging, the Tarantula Professional has a 1,200 mAh battery providing round 20 hours of gameplay, which might be longer if you happen to flip off the rumble and RGB lighting options. It is also out there with an acrylic wi-fi charging station with an auto begin and cease operate that may preserve it juiced up once you’re not taking part in.
Specs-wise, the Tarantula Professional is full of options that elevate it above most traditional controllers. The analog sticks use the most recent TMR electromagnetic expertise and supply superior precision, larger sturdiness, and fewer put on as a result of they’ve fewer transferring components. Tinkerers will love the 9 programmable buttons, together with a pair of huge, completely positioned paddles on the rear that may be retracted and locked in place when not in use. The swappable structure is the Tarantula Professional’s most modern characteristic as a result of it makes use of inner gears to modify between the ABXY Xbox configuration and Nintendo’s AXBY by urgent the M + A buttons concurrently. Different commonplace options embody responsive Corridor-Impact triggers, HD rumble, and an NFC operate that works with Nintendo Swap Amiibos.
Associated
GameSir’s Kaleid Flux is an affordable wired controller for Xbox, PC, and Steam
No batteries, No worries. The wired GameSir Kaleid Flux provides professional options and unbelievable customization for Xbox, Steam, and PC.
Most gamers will discover the Tarantula Professional’s symmetrical design snug for marathon gaming periods, as a result of it is mild at simply 11.5 ounces, and all of the buttons are simply reachable. Its businesslike all-black styling is elevated by a refined camo sample on the entrance plate that is barely seen except it catches the sunshine. Vivid RGB lighting provides some aptitude and is restricted to a tasteful U-shaped strip that contrasts effectively with the programmable backlit buttons, and it is easy to alter the colour and results with the GameSir Join app.
What I like concerning the GameSir Tarantula Professional
An extended record of options
I just like the Tarantula Professional’s no-nonsense utilitarian design, which prioritizes practicality and performance over fashionable design and attractiveness. All the pieces serves a objective, and the outside has ample texturing across the grip and analog sticks to maintain my fingers firmly in place. The cushioned ABXY buttons and micro swap D-Pad have a smoother contact and supply a responsive, satisfying click on on each press. You additionally get seven additional programmable buttons on the entrance which can be useful for mapping to in-game capabilities like opening maps or stock. It is the primary controller I’ve come throughout that provides mechanical structure switching, and I admire the clear window that gives a glimpse at the way it works.
Performance extends to the again of the controller, the place giant, textured paddles can retract and lock in place with handy sliders. A second set of sliders adjusts the set off size between brief and clicky or lengthy and linear presses.
I might have separate colours for every button within the Xbox and Nintendo layouts.
Professional controllers attain their full potential once you personalize their capabilities to fit your playstyle. The Tarantula Professional is as much as the duty and provides complete customization choices by means of the GameSir Join app to fine-tune your expertise. I loved toying with the RGB lighting, lowering the brightness, and adjusting the colour to match my laptop computer keyboard. I used to be additionally impressed with the configurable backlighting and the way I might have separate colours for every button within the Xbox and Nintendo layouts.
Associated
I use these controller settings to dominate in Fortnite
Each enter can imply the distinction between victory and defeat in Fortnite, so tune your controller settings to by no means sluggish you down.
Nearly the whole lot is customizable, together with the buttons, triggers, sticks, and vibrations. I left the sticks and buttons on their default settings, as a result of I did not assume they wanted any enhancements. I performed with the in-depth button configuration choices, which let me map mouse buttons, the keyboard, and Numpad keys to the controller. I used to be additionally impressed by the set off changes as a result of I might fine-tune the curve adjustment and useless zone settings to my liking.
The characteristic I like essentially the most on the Tarantula Professional is adjustable triggers that may immediately go from Corridor Impact mode to Micro Swap mode with easy sliders on the again of the controller. In analog Corridor Impact mode, the triggers have a protracted, incremental press that’s excellent for accelerating in racing video games. The Micro Swap hair set off mode offers a brief press with a tactile really feel for quick capturing in motion video games.
I discovered the Tarantula Professional extra intuitive and cozy than my keyboard and mouse.
Taking part in Apex Legends was initially difficult however turned simpler after rising the in-game stick sensitivity settings and switching to the hair-trigger mode. Subsequent up was Star Wars: Battlefront 2, and I discovered the Tarantula Professional extra intuitive and cozy than my keyboard and mouse for many recreation modes. The lightsaber battles have a hack-and-slash gameplay model that is far more enjoyable with analog sticks and responsive triggers than jiggling my mouse round and clicking quick. It is the identical with X-wing dogfights — utilizing the controller offered extra of a cockpit-like really feel, and the rumble characteristic provided unbelievable immersion as a result of I might really feel the encompassing explosions.
Associated
The GameSir X4 Aileron turns your Android phone into a mini Steam Deck
Take your gaming efficiency to the subsequent degree on Android, Microsoft Sport Go, and Steam Hyperlink with GameSir’s Aileron X4 professional controller.
I’ve by no means loved Borderlands 3 on PC and all the time follow the PS5 model as a result of it feels extra pure, however that modified with the Tarantula Professional, which introduced a console-like really feel to the sport and felt extra pure for capturing and driving. The rumble impact made gunplay far more enjoyable as a result of every weapon had a novel really feel that distinguished it from the others. Sniper rifles and shotguns had a single heavy vibration, whereas pistols and submachine weapons had a number of lighter vibrations when firing. Once more, the default motion pace was too sluggish for my liking, and rising the sensitivity drastically improved the expertise.
I then tried taking part in cellular video games and was simply as impressed. Asphalt 8 took on a brand new dimension as a result of the exact analog sticks are much better than the usual contact controls for car dealing with and improved my total gameplay. Gangstar Vegas: World of Crime felt like a console recreation, and the whole lot from driving to capturing was higher with the Tarantula Professional. I additionally appreciated that I might stand my cellphone on my desk and sit again and benefit from the video games with out holding it or blocking the display screen with my fingers.
What I do not like concerning the GameSir Tarantula Professional
It might be simpler to arrange
Establishing the GameSir Tarantula Professional was extra sophisticated than anticipated due to the clunky software program. I managed to obtain and set up the GameSir Join app with none points. The app then detected the controller through the USB cable and provided to replace it to the most recent model. I attempted updating, however it stored failing, asking me to alter the cable, join the controller immediately with no hub, and disable the antivirus. I did this stuff however nonetheless had no luck updating it.
The wi-fi dongle immediately detected the Tarantula Professional, however it would not permit me to customise the settings in GameSir Join with out utilizing a separate firmware replace device. After downloading the firmware app, I plugged within the dongle and pressed the share button for 5 seconds to replace the software program. The dongle was up to date with none points, however the controller nonetheless could not entry GameSir Join or replace its software program whereas related wirelessly.
Associated
The PS5 controller speaker driving you nuts? Here’s how to turn it off
In case your DualSense speaker is driving you loopy, we’ll present you methods to silence it for good.
I then related the Tarantula Professional to my cellphone through Bluetooth and put in the cellular app. The cellular app notified me that new firmware was out there and let me replace the controller. After updating the controller firmware through the GameSir app, I had no extra points and will use the Tarantula Professional with the dongle and alter its button configuration through the GameSir Join.
It is a petty gripe, however I want the Tarantula Professional included a protecting case just like the X4 Aileron and a slot for the USB dongle as a result of a common controller needs to be straightforward to move safely with out dropping the dongle or worrying about drops and scratches. The Tarantula Professional is extremely priced, and I feel most gamers can be prepared to pay just a few extra bucks for a carry case as a result of they’d nonetheless get good worth.
Must you purchase the GameSir Tarantula Professional?
It is a no-brainer if you would like terrific worth
GameSir’s Tarantula Professional exceeded my expectations with its excellent total efficiency. I performed for hours with out feeling fatigued as a result of the light-weight, symmetrical design with the correct amount of texturing and completely positioned buttons felt like an extension of my fingers. I additionally just like the spectacular customization choices, which let me personalize the sticks, triggers, and rear paddles to go well with my gameplay.
The Tarantula Professional prices round half the worth of many rival professional controllers and provides related construct high quality and the most recent tech, like TMR sticks and Corridor-Impact triggers. The distinctive mechanical button-swapping characteristic provides one thing completely different and is not discovered on different manufacturers. Its $70 price ticket is a good deal, making it a prime contender for critical players searching for an reasonably priced professional controller.
GameSir Tarantula Professional
The GameSir Tarantula Professional is a flexible controller that works on Home windows, Nintendo Swap, Android, and iOS. It connects through a wired, 2.4G wi-fi, or Bluetooth connection and provides fashionable options like TMR analog sticks and Corridor Impact triggers.
Associated
Razer’s Wolverine V3 Pro is the best third-party controller I’ve ever used
This Xbox and PC controller is a high-end gamepad targeted on precision.
Trending Merchandise
SAMSUNG FT45 Series 24-Inch FHD 1080p Computer Monitor, 75Hz, IPS Panel, HDMI, DisplayPort, USB Hub, Height Adjustable Stand, 3 Yr WRNTY (LF24T454FQNXGO),Black
KEDIERS ATX PC Case,6 PWM ARGB Fans Pre-Installed,360MM RAD Support,Gaming 270° Full View Tempered Glass Mid Tower Pure White ATX Computer Case,C690
ASUS RT-AX88U PRO AX6000 Dual Band WiFi 6 Router, WPA3, Parental Control, Adaptive QoS, Port Forwarding, WAN aggregation, lifetime internet security and AiMesh support, Dual 2.5G Port
Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo, MARVO 2.4G Ergonomic Wireless Computer Keyboard with Phone Tablet Holder, Silent Mouse with 6 Button, Compatible with MacBook, Windows (Black)
Acer KB272 EBI 27″ IPS Full HD (1920 x 1080) Zero-Frame Gaming Office Monitor | AMD FreeSync Technology | Up to 100Hz Refresh | 1ms (VRB) | Low Blue Light | Tilt | HDMI & VGA Ports,Black
Lenovo Ideapad Laptop Touchscreen 15.6″ FHD, Intel Core i3-1215U 6-Core, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Webcam, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi6, SD Card Reader, Windows 11, Grey, GM Accessories
Acer SH242Y Ebmihx 23.8″ FHD 1920×1080 Home Office Ultra-Thin IPS Computer Monitor AMD FreeSync 100Hz Zero Frame Height/Swivel/Tilt Adjustable Stand Built-in Speakers HDMI 1.4 & VGA Port
