Scuf Instinct Pro vs Elite Series 2: A Head-to-Head Comparison for Gamers

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In the world of gaming, having the right controller can make a huge difference in your performance. If you’ve come to this article, you’re likely considering purchasing or comparing two of the best pro controllers on the market—the Scuf Instinct Pro and Xbox Elite Series 2. Both of these controllers are designed to elevate your gameplay and offer numerous features that can give you an edge.

But which one is the better choice? In this in-depth comparison, we’ll examine both controllers in four main categories: Price and What’s in the Box, Design and Durability, Customizability, and Performance Under Use. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to make an informed decision.

If you’re looking for a more detailed breakdown of the Xbox Elite Series 2, be sure to check out my separate, comprehensive review.

1) Price and What’s in the Box

Xbox Elite Series 2

The Elite Series 2 is priced at around $144, making it a solid investment for gamers looking for a pro controller. Despite its relatively high cost, you get a lot of value for your money. The box contains:

  • The controller itself
  • Thumbstick adjustment tool
  • Charging dock and USB charging cable
  • Two sets of paddles
  • Additional thumbsticks
  • An extra D-pad
  • A carrying case

This comprehensive package offers a wide array of tools to help gamers customize and optimize their controller setup right out of the box.

Scuf Instinct Pro

The Scuf Instinct Pro, on the other hand, is priced at around $230, making it more expensive than the Elite Series 2. Despite the higher price tag, the Scuf Instinct Pro box is less generous in terms of additional tools.

In the box, you’ll find:

  • The controller
  • A USB Type-C charging cable
  • Extra thumbsticks

One major drawback of the Scuf Instinct Pro is the lack of a rechargeable battery pack, something that is included with the Elite Series 2.

Scuf users either need to stick with AA batteries or purchase a rechargeable pack separately, which adds to the cost.

Winner: Xbox Elite Series 2

When comparing value for money, the Elite Series 2 clearly wins. It comes with more accessories, including a rechargeable battery pack, making it a better choice if you’re looking for comprehensive value out of the box.

2) Design and Durability

Elite Series 2: Solid and Sturdy

The design of the Elite Series 2 leans towards a more traditional Xbox aesthetic with rubberized side grips and a matte black finish.

The controller feels sturdy in hand, with a solid weight that gives the impression of high quality. It’s designed to last, although some users have reported issues with stick drift and connection problems after extended use.

One standout feature of the Elite Series 2 is its back paddles. These paddles can be mapped to different in-game functions and feel sturdy, though they require a bit more movement compared to the Scuf Instinct Pro’s paddles.

The adjustable triggers also add a layer of customization, although they don’t feel quite as responsive as the ones on the Scuf Instinct Pro.

Scuf Instinct Pro: Sleek but Squeaky

The Scuf Instinct Pro has a more modern and stylish design, featuring textured grips and customizable faceplates. It closely mirrors the design of the Series X and S controllers, giving it a sleek look.

The textured grips provide comfort during long gaming sessions, although some users have noted that the controller has a slight squeak when using the triggers, which can be annoying if you’re not using headphones.

The adjustable triggers on the Scuf Instinct Pro are a standout feature. When set to the shortest travel distance, they feel almost like mouse clicks, which can be advantageous for fast-paced games like first-person shooters.

The back paddles are well-positioned and require minimal finger movement, allowing for quick and responsive inputs.

Durability Comparison

In terms of durability, both controllers have their pros and cons. While the Elite Series 2 has a more solid feel, it’s also more prone to connection issues when dropped or used heavily.

The Scuf Instinct Pro, despite its higher price, feels slightly less durable due to the squeakiness of the triggers.

Winner: Tie

Both controllers offer strong designs, but personal preference will determine which one feels better to you.

The Scuf Instinct Pro offers a more modern, stylish look, while the Elite Series 2 provides a sturdier and more traditional feel. However, durability concerns exist for both, making this category a tie.

3) Body Customizability

Xbox Elite Series 2: Endless Options

One of the biggest selling points of the Elite Series 2 is its extensive customization options. Gamers can change almost every aspect of the controller, including:

  • Thumbsticks: The thumbsticks can be adjusted for tension, allowing for more precise control in different games.
  • Back paddles: The four back paddles can be configured to any button layout, giving gamers additional input options.
  • D-pad: Swappable D-pads give you the choice between a standard cross or a circular design.
  • Triggers: The trigger sensitivity can be adjusted to make them more responsive in fast-paced games.
  • RGB Xbox Button: A recent update allows you to change the color of the Xbox home button, which is a nice touch for personalization.

The magnetized components make swapping parts a breeze, so you can easily change the setup depending on the type of game you’re playing.

Scuf Instinct Pro: Simple but Limited

The Scuf Instinct Pro offers fewer customization options compared to the Elite Series 2. While it does feature a removable faceplate that can be swapped out for different designs, the customization is largely cosmetic. You can choose from a variety of faceplate designs to give your controller a unique look, but these must be purchased separately.

In terms of functionality, the thumbsticks are swappable, but unlike the Elite Series 2, there’s no option to adjust their tension, limiting its customization for gameplay preferences.

Winner: Elite Series 2

In terms of customizability, the Elite Series 2 takes the crown. Its ability to adjust everything from thumbstick tension to trigger sensitivity makes it a more versatile choice for gamers who want full control over their setup.

4) Performance Under Use

Elite Series 2: Heavy but Reliable

The Elite Series 2 performs well during gameplay, especially in genres that benefit from precise input like racing and strategy games.

The controller feels slightly heavy in hand, which can be a drawback for some gamers who prefer lighter setups. The paddles and triggers work smoothly, but they lack the snappy feel of the Scuf Instinct Pro’s triggers.

Despite its overall reliability, some users have reported magnet-related lag due to the removable components. This can be particularly noticeable in fast-paced games like first-person shooters, where split-second reactions are crucial.

Scuf Instinct Pro: Light and Fast

The Scuf Instinct Pro excels in performance, particularly for first-person shooters and other fast-paced games. The mouse-click-like triggers allow for quick inputs, giving gamers an advantage in situations where reaction time is key.

The back paddles are perfectly placed, requiring minimal finger movement to press, which can make a significant difference in competitive gaming.

One drawback is the lack of a rechargeable battery pack, which forces players to either use AA batteries or buy a pack separately. This can be an inconvenience, especially when considering the price of the controller.

Winner: Scuf Instinct Pro

For gamers focused on competitive or first-person shooter games, the Scuf Instinct Pro has a slight edge. Its lightweight design and responsive triggers make it a better option for fast-paced gaming, although the lack of a rechargeable battery pack is a downside.

Final Verdict: Scuf Instinct Pro vs Elite Series 2

Let’s tally up the results:

  • Price and What’s in the Box: Winner: Elite Series 2
  • Design and Durability: Tie
  • Customizability: Winner: Elite Series 2
  • Performance: Winner: Scuf Instinct Pro

Overall Winner: Elite Series 2

The Xbox Elite Series 2 comes out on top due to its value for money and extensive customizability. However, the Scuf Instinct Pro may be a better choice for gamers who are looking for a controller specifically optimized for fast-paced games like first-person shooters. Ultimately, the best controller for you depends on your playstyle and preferences.

If you’re a versatile gamer who enjoys different genres, the Elite Series 2 will likely be a better fit. But if you’re focused on competitive gaming, particularly in FPS titles, the Scuf Instinct Pro offers the responsiveness and precision you need.

Let us know in the comments which controller you’re leaning towards and why!

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