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[Hades Hotgun]

Convex buttons.

Concave sticks.

God is in heaven.

All is right with the world.

 

[Duxxy3]

The DS4 sticks are terrible, but they're barely concave anyway. More like convex with a soft ridge around them. The Xbox One concave sticks on the other hand are the greatest ever, imo. It's practically impossible for your thumbs to slide around with that sharp ridge and ribs. Later revision 360 controllers were great too. They had a bit of a ridge around the inside. The ones with the four dimples kind of sucked though. The ability to prevent slippage is the only true measure of a thumbstick's quality in my mind, and convex sticks usually fail at this.

Yes, but with convex sticks you have a lot of space to make micro movements that are less possible on concave sticks. It's why I prefer convex in the right analog position for shooters.

 

[Cap'n Cook]

I don't know OP, I kinda like the innies more but outies are fine too.

 

[DidntKnowJack]

I can play with either kind. No idea why people have so many issues with controllers.

 

[AgentOtaku]

Yes, but with convex sticks you have a lot of space to make micro movements that are less possible on concave sticks. It's why I prefer convex in the right analog position for shooters.

bingo

It amazes me how many people shit on the Dualshock3's sticks with the following:

"Deadzone is too huge" - this is completely false. Play something like Killzone 2 and you find that the deadzone is practically nonexistent. Especially after the "Fine-aim" patch

"Sticks are too loose/flimsy" - Once again false. The complete absence of resistance has always let me make the most finite of adjustments with minimal pushback

Rightly criticize the controller itself, but the stick weren't the problem.... if anything, they were the best part. Well that and the buttons.

 

[Steel]

Yes, but with convex sticks you have a lot of space to make micro movements that are less possible on concave sticks. It's why I prefer convex in the right analog position for shooters.

... Yeah, the complete opposite is true in my opinion. Convex is just slippery.

 

[Pyramid head]

Convex sticks, just like convex triggers, are unergonomic and inferior to concave.

 

[AgentOtaku]

Convex sticks, just like convex triggers, are unergonomic and inferior to concave.

 

[Daft Bird]

I don't really care if the sticks are either, as long as I am able to keep my fingers on the sticks with no effort.

 

[dickgumshoe]

Convex with nonslippery texture are best. Concave is shit for long sessions.

 

[Pegosaurus]

The Wii U Pro controller is the only controller I like with Convex sticks

Concave just feels better all around

 

[Omnii-chan]

I dislike convex sticks too. The only controller I've been able to stand with that is the Dualshock 2 because the sticks were so firm and resistive, they felt perfect. They didn't feel loose when moving them.

 

[Steel]

I dislike concave sticks too. The only controller I've been able to stand with that is the Dualshock 2 because the sticks were so firm and resistive, they felt perfect. They didn't feel loose when moving them.

Dualshock 2 had convex sticks. Concave is what the Xbox 360 controller has.

 

[Xplatformer]

Sorry OP. You're in the minority on this one.

When I traded in my PS3 for my PS4 I had to purchase a DS3 or Gamestop wouldn't take my system. Know why I had to buy one?

Because I threw my DS3 that worked perfectly fine in the trash as soon as I found a 3rd party controller with Concave sticks.

I HATED the convex sticks. But don't fret. I hated the loose resistance, convex triggers and left analog positioning just as much as the convex sticks.

25% + 25% + 25% + 25%

100% dislike, but tolerated due to GoW, Uncharted and MLB.

The DS4 isn't perfect (cheap quality of concave sticks, triggers have sharp edges), but it's absolutely more enjoyable to use imo than that abomination that was the DS3.

 

[Pyramid head]

Ergonomics ain't. It's the reason bowling balls have three holes in them.

 

[Qassim]

I don't think it makes all that much of a difference either way.

 

[MattKeil]

Concave is so much better. That decision alone improves the PS4 controller so damn much. I've been putting up with those damn mushroom sticks for three Sony systems and finally they have discovered comfort.

 

[Bleep]

I think the preference of concave vs convex sticks depends on whether you plant your thumb in the middle of the stick and keep it there or roll your thumb across the face of the stick to move it. To move the stick forwards and backwards I roll the pad of my thumb over the stick to move it, so a convex stick is preferable as it has a smooth and consistent action. Concave sticks are made for players who keep their thumb in the same position on the stick, these are less comfortable to me as it is not a consistent surface and I end up riding the edges of the stick to move it in my preferred way.

I prefer the rolling action as it uses less of my thumb to move the stick, keeping my thumb in the centre of a concave stick means I have to shift my entire thumb to move the stick around.

 

[AgentOtaku]

Concave is so much better. That decision alone improves the PS4 controller so damn much. I've been putting up with those damn mushroom sticks for three Sony systems and finally they have discovered comfort.

Maybe Ima ol' man or something'

I think the preference of concave vs convex sticks depends on whether you plant your thumb in the middle of the stick and keep it there or roll your thumb across the face of the stick to move it. To move the stick forwards and backwards I roll the pad of my thumb over the stick to move it, so a convex stick is preferable as it has a smooth and consistent action. Concave sticks are made for players who keep their thumb in the same position on the stick, these are less comfortable to me as it is not a consistent surface and I end up riding the edges of the stick to move it in my preferred way.

I prefer the rolling action as it uses less of my thumb to move the stick, keeping my thumb in the centre of a concave stick means I have to shift my entire thumb to move the stick around.

EXACTLY

 

[Broritos]

I prefer the rolling action as it uses less of my thumb to move the stick, keeping my thumb in the centre of a concave stick means I have to shift my entire thumb to move the stick around.

Yes, that's exactly why I prefer convex.

I can handle either but convex is more comfortable and requires less effort.

 

[GavinGT]

I really REALLY wanted to love these man, but the mold in the ones I got wasn't good. The housing area were sticks on top of the actual shafts of the controller, was too wide. Basically made the Evil Sticks wiggle around and never sit securely in place.

Weird. I never encountered that, and I actually worked there for a little while. This is on a 360 controller, right?

 

[TSM]

I guess I'm partial to concave sticks, but I'm also fine with any convex stick that isn't the PS3 controller. The PS3 controller sticks are terrible about your thumbs sliding around. How did the dualshock 3 controller never see a revision with decent sticks? Then again, they never corrected the terrible triggers on the DS3 either.

 

[adamantypants]

I guess I'm just one of those freaks who can use any controller comfortably *shrug*

 

[AgentOtaku]

Weird. I never encountered that, and I actually worked there for a little while. This is on a 360 controller, right?

Yes, 360 controller

I was willing to give the benefit of the doubt and try another set. Just haven't gotten around to it yet.

Sucks though because the sticks themselves are exactly what I wanted.

 

[Doominated]

Sorry OP, you're crazy. Concave is 10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000700000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000x better

 

[AgentOtaku]

 

[Scarphace]

Concave sticks are so much better, thank you 360 controller

 

[AwesomeSauce]

I always liked you AgentOtaku. Speaking truth!

Personally I can use any controller and put in work, but if I had to choose: convex >>> concave as explained by a few posters here already.

Slightly off-topic, but claw-grip > palm-grip too.

 

[Honey Bunny]

I think the preference of concave vs convex sticks depends on whether you plant your thumb in the middle of the stick and keep it there or roll your thumb across the face of the stick to move it. To move the stick forwards and backwards I roll the pad of my thumb over the stick to move it, so a convex stick is preferable as it has a smooth and consistent action. Concave sticks are made for players who keep their thumb in the same position on the stick, these are less comfortable to me as it is not a consistent surface and I end up riding the edges of the stick to move it in my preferred way.

I prefer the rolling action as it uses less of my thumb to move the stick, keeping my thumb in the centre of a concave stick means I have to shift my entire thumb to move the stick around.

Yup.

 

[PureXbox]

Because I threw my DS3 that worked perfectly fine in the trash as soon as I found a 3rd party controller with Concave sticks.

Well that seems like an entirely rational and adult thing to do, especially given the fact that you could sell it on eBay or trade it at Gamestop.

 

[Hasney]

Good lord, be gone with you. Fortunately I managed to get some PS4 thumb grips that curve wonderfully inward rather than this heathen outer rubbish.

I may have to look to do the same for the Wii U.

 

[Lemonte]

My left hand thumb has hardened skin because I played so much trackmania2 with 360 controller. I think it's because of that concaved stick. My thumb gets pretty sour when I play long sessions of tm2. I know I use little bit too much force but can't help it.

My right hand thumb has also hardened skin for pressing down those m&m face buttons...

 

[unaveragekid2]

I very much prefer convex. I really love the DualShock 4, the most obvious improvement being the triggers, but having played PS3 a lot in the last week or so, I really would prefer convex sticks.

On the DualShock 4, I constantly have to lift my thumb off to replace it somewhere comfortable. I don't slip OFF, but I do slip out of place.

 

[Surface of Me]

Well that seems like an entirely rational and adult thing to do, especially given the fact that you could sell it on eBay or trade it at Gamestop.

And pass the curse of convex sticks onto another human being? He clearly did the right and Noble thing.

 

[John Caboose]

Ugh. Convex is disgusting. Especially the hard edges on the dualshocks. Hurts my fingers.

 

[Glass Rebel]

I'm fine either way but I found myself preferring concave for aiming and convex for pretty much everything else.

 

[Durante]

Yes, but with convex sticks you have a lot of space to make micro movements that are less possible on concave sticks.

This is why convex sticks are greatly superior.

You can make tiny movements by rolling them along your thumb with a slight touch, not grab the stick like a monkey.

 

[Pathos]

Convex sticks are trash, like the PS3 mushroom caps
#teamconcave

 

[Bitmap Frogs]

I'm the weird in-betweener, I like sticks flat.

On the DS3 my thumbs would slip off and in the 360's I ended up riding the edges.

 

[REMEMBER CITADEL]

Quite the opposite. Convex sticks are manageable, except in some stressful situations where tendency for thumbs to slip intensifies, but concave are better in every regard. In all genres that I can think of at the moment, anyway.

But I also hate it when they go overboard with ridges. Thankfully, I haven't had any such problems with any Xbox controller that I've used, as even those small ridges on brand new Xbox 360 controllers wear out in no time.

 

[Bundy]

No, concave sticks are widespread for a reason because they are more comfortable and your fingers don't slip off them.

This!
Concave sticks are clearly the better option.
Love them ^_^

 

[ecosse_011172]

Totally with you, I definitily prefer Convex, I just can't love the 360 controller the way others do because of this, I was guitted when Sony followed suit.

^^^^

These! ....these are what it's all about. I fucking haaate how the industry (sans Nintendo, bless their hearts) has gone to an almost complete concave standard. Both with the 360 and now the Dualshock4, My thumbs have always been either uncomfortable as shit with ridges digging into the fleshy bits of my digits, or i'm just loosing grip entirely.
It's crazy how much the 360 controller truly changed the controller landscape as it seemed like the industry was totally for convex sticks about 10 years or so ago with the Gamecube, Dualshocks, and original Xbox Duke to an extent.
Thank god that there has been quite the market that has sprung up to fight back! Whether it's Kontrol Freaks (which I've yet to try), Grip-its (which are rather excellent!), or Evil Sticks (which didn't impress me at all as the mold sucks).
I basically have to now rely on these vendors to make shit like the Dualshock4's sticks bearable.... or in that particular controller's instance, for it to even fucking stay intact!

So yeah, anyone else with me?

 

[Breakfast at Noon]

Love my X1 sticks in my DS4

 

[Doctor_Thomas]

I don't particularly like concave sticks either, but like everything else I've dealt with it because I don't particularly care. I don't rest my thumb on the top of the stick, I push and pull it at the edges, so concave is actually better as the edges tend to be less sharp. That said, I won't buy third party controllers for any system.

 

[Nodnol]

Concave all the way.

I think both can be ruined by a lack of grip however. My 360 sticks at every worn, and are thus a little slippy at times.

The actual shape and texture of the X1's sticks, IMO, are perfect. The ridge on the DS4 helps too. Both have evolved nicely from last generation.

 

[luka]

I love convex sticks. You kind of push the sticks instead of grip them which feels great for action games, platformers, racing, whatever.

If I played first person shooters on consoles I'd probably like concave more, but I don't.

Also, I don't believe anyone who says they've had their fingers literally slide off of the PS3's sticks.

 

[Doctoglethorpe]

Concave is better, or at least something like PS4's sorta hybrid thing (though I still consider those essentially concave). Needs something there to maintain thumb grip, DS3's had nothing, thumbs slide right off the side of those domes. No likey.

 

[Baleoce]

After getting used to the wii u pro controller, I dislike going back to the 360's sticks.

 

[Daffy Duck]

I'm all about the concave sticks. Hate the convex DS3.

 

[jem0208]

This is why convex sticks are greatly superior.

You can make tiny movements by rolling them along your thumb with a slight touch, not grab the stick like a monkey.

You can do the same with concave sticks.