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DS4 thumb sticks might have a problem?

LOLCats

Banned
How did you apply it to the trigger mechanism? I'm guessing it was crushed up to graphite powder first?

Actually hold trigger down and in the crease get a sharpened pencil and go back and forth greasing the crease, about 30 times. Super easy.
 
For those of you guys whom have replaced your thumbsticks please be careful with the touchpad. I've replaced the sticks on two sets of controllers and even though the touchpad if pressed worked. The swipe feature failed to work which is a critical feature in games like Killzone Shadowfall and Infamous Second Son. For those of you that have this problem after swapping sticks here is the solution to fix it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMw62eB54Do Saved me a lot of grief so I'm passing it along.
 

Bunta

Fujiwara Tofu Shop
Update on the replacement controller I got back from Sony a good while ago. I've put it through a ton of hours, and the left stick has zero wear. Sadly, the right stick has worn down. :(
 

RedAssedApe

Banned
just wanted to add my two cents on the kontrolfreeks as a replacement.

i've tried the futbol freeks (concave), fps freek cqc (concave), and fps freek cqc signature (mixed like stock ps4). all three add .30 inches height. the cqc signature is actually slightly taller than the other two in terms of where your thumb rests due to the center being convex.

cqc had the best grip, while the cqc signature had the worse due to concave and just the etched design in the center. with that said, i personally wouldn't recommend any of these unless you have big hands and think the ds4 thumbsticks are too short. despite the better grip when my hands got sweaty, they all added too much height and my thumbs felt sore after long play sessions. if you have smaller hands you'll probably experience the same. also the sticks if oriented a certain way would sometimes hit the side of the ds4 which seemed to prohibit range of motion. i've sent them all back due to 30 day money back guarantee

coincidentally enough, i just checked their site and they just released even shorter stick covers .10inches . this might just do the trick for my small hands. 4th times a charm? lol they must hate me...

http://www.kontrolfreek.com/blog/introducing-kontrolfreek-alpha-2/
 

Melchiah

Member
It took 10½ months for the left stick to get into this condition. EDIT: About 3 months after the first slight tear appeared.

IZDi8rkl.jpg


It's still playable though, but I ordered the Orb thumb grips 4-pack from Play.com for 5€ (inc. P&P) before it deteriorates totally. I wish I could buy a second DS4 without having to worry about the same happening again. =/

One question, do you just put the Orb grips on top of the old grips, eventhough the other one is teared?
 
I sent one of my white Dualshock 4's in to Sony to repair a broken right trigger. I got back what appears to be a new controller, but the analog sticks have different materials on each stick. -_-
 
It took 10½ months for the left stick to get into this condition. EDIT: About 3 months after the first slight tear appeared.

IZDi8rkl.jpg


It's still playable though, but I ordered the Orb thumb grips 4-pack from Play.com for 5€ (inc. P&P) before it deteriorates totally. I wish I could buy a second DS4 without having to worry about the same happening again. =/

One question, do you just put the Orb grips on top of the old grips, eventhough the other one is teared?

Yes, you pull the grips over the original rubber, i'm not sure how snugly they would fit if you'd remove the torn rubber from the stick.
 

Melchiah

Member
I sent one of my white Dualshock 4's in to Sony to repair a broken right trigger. I got back what appears to be a new controller, but the analog sticks have different materials on each stick. -_-

Hmm, now I'm wondering whether I should send mine to them as well.


EDIT:
Yes, you pull the grips over the original rubber, i'm not sure how snugly they would fit if you'd remove the torn rubber from the stick.

Thanks for the tip. =)
 
My stick finally peeled off, so I sent the controller back to sony. Purchased a second one while waiting for the return, the rubber on the sticks is noticeably different - feels stiffer than the old material. Hopefully it lasts much longer.

Does anyone here have any experience of returning a controller to Sony UK? If so, how do I track the repair/replacement?
 

Melchiah

Member
My stick finally peeled off, so I sent the controller back to sony. Purchased a second one while waiting for the return, the rubber on the sticks is noticeably different - feels stiffer than the old material. Hopefully it lasts much longer.

Does anyone here have any experience of returning a controller to Sony UK? If so, how do I track the repair/replacement?

How long did it take for you to get a new one from them?
 
How long did it take for you to get a new one from them?

I haven't received it back yet - I sent it last week. I had been meaning to buy a second DS4 and this seemed like the best time to do so (or not be able to use the PS4 for a few weeks).

I thought maybe there would be a login somewhere that would track and trace the item (confirm receipt etc) but there's nothing. They seem to use a third party for the replacement service.
 
The rubber is has almost completely come off on the left stick of both of my pads. I've had the console since launch. Think it's time to send them back...
 

Melchiah

Member
I haven't received it back yet - I sent it last week. I had been meaning to buy a second DS4 and this seemed like the best time to do so (or not be able to use the PS4 for a few weeks).

I thought maybe there would be a login somewhere that would track and trace the item (confirm receipt etc) but there's nothing. They seem to use a third party for the replacement service.

Damn. I wish I had a second controller, as I don't to be without one for weeks. I take it the warranty for getting it replaced is for a year from the purchase? If so, I have until the end of November to send it there.
 
Damn. I wish I had a second controller, as I don't to be without one for weeks. I take it the warranty for getting it replaced is for a year from the purchase? If so, I have until the end of November to send it there.

It's pretty easy to do, you can access repairs via support and get a postage-paid label to print.

You still need to find packaging, however as I just bought a new DS4 I just used the box from that.
 
I vould like to vouch for cqc signature from KontrolFreek. Just awesome!

q5xgeosd.mek-ro4zl-ro4zl.jpg


http://www.kontrolfreek.com/fps/fps-freek-cqc-signature.html/

Could not be happier with them..

While I LOOOOVE them for my 360 controller, I found they fucked up the ergonomics too much on the DualShock4. Basically, you can tell Sony REALLY had a specific design in mind for those sticks, because when you start adding height to them, the controller starts to become rather uncomfortable, especially if you have smaller hands/shorter thumbs.

Right now I'm trying out the GelTabz. While they totally mess up the aesthetics of the controller, they truly are comfortable as hell.
 

Melchiah

Member
It's pretty easy to do, you can access repairs via support and get a postage-paid label to print.

You still need to find packaging, however as I just bought a new DS4 I just used the box from that.

I'll have to look into it how it's handled over here. I think Nordisk Film handles these things in Scandinavia.

So, you need to send it in the package, eventhough it came with the system?
 

RedAssedApe

Banned
While I LOOOOVE them for my 360 controller, I found they fucked up the ergonomics too much on the DualShock4. Basically, you can tell Sony REALLY had a specific design in mind for those sticks, because when you start adding height to them, the controller starts to become rather uncomfortable, especially if you have smaller hands/shorter thumbs.

Right now I'm trying out the GelTabz. While they totally mess up the aesthetics of the controller, they truly are comfortable as hell.

My exact experience with the Kontrol Freeks as well. I tried both the PS4 style CQC Sigs as well as the concave versions. I loved them both at first but the longer I played with them the more uncomfortable my hands/thumbs would feel. There is just too much added height where you feel like you start feeling it in your thumbs and the grip area between your thumb and index finger. Best I can describe it as overextension. YMMV if you have big hands though...the added height might actually work out for you if you think the PS4 sticks are too short.

Just ordered the Kontrol Freek Alphas. Hopefully the height is reduced enough to eliminate the above effect as I really liked the actual grip on the KF products.

alpha_diag__820x1050.jpg
 

bigmac996

Member
My left analog stick began peeling a little bit after about a year of use, so I grabbed some analog covers at Labi in Japan. Gotta say, they feel even better than they did new. Love the grip and texture of the rubber. Even if your thumbsticks aren't ruined, it's worth considering grabbing covers. They're typically cheap too.

this is what they look like by the way. Brand's called "Cool Clown":

m0fbEty.jpg
 
Had my left thumb stick peel on the weekend, probably thanks to extensive destiny sessions. Fortunately I have two other controllers, though the older of the two seems to be heading in the same direction. I suppose I should start looking into solutions that don't require that I buy new controllers... It is a shame that this is an issue as the ds4 is otherwise a great feeling contoller.
 
My exact experience with the Kontrol Freeks as well. I tried both the PS4 style CQC Sigs as well as the concave versions. I loved them both at first but the longer I played with them the more uncomfortable my hands/thumbs would feel. There is just too much added height where you feel like you start feeling it in your thumbs and the grip area between your thumb and index finger. Best I can describe it as overextension. YMMV if you have big hands though...the added height might actually work out for you if you think the PS4 sticks are too short.

Just ordered the Kontrol Freek Alphas. Hopefully the height is reduced enough to eliminate the above effect as I really liked the actual grip on the KF products.

alpha_diag__820x1050.jpg


Yeah, I do dig the shit out of the Kontrol Freaks because they actually lessen the resistance on the DualShock4 and Xbox360's analogs. I'm one of those weirdos who actually hates resistance and find the DualShock3 and XboxOne sticks to be perfect

Anyway, Looking the alphas here:

31w80klV4tL.jpg


Looks like they may be just a tad shorter than the CQCs I was using:

41hZjm8jHcL.jpg


Also, LOVE that they're black and will match the controller/not hideous.Guess I'll try them next.Thanks man!

EDIT: Oh, you included a chart! :)
 

Melchiah

Member
Had my left thumb stick peel on the weekend, probably thanks to extensive destiny sessions. Fortunately I have two other controllers, though the older of the two seems to be heading in the same direction. I suppose I should start looking into solutions that don't require that I buy new controllers... It is a shame that this is an issue as the ds4 is otherwise a great feeling contoller.

I think Entwined contributed to the tearing of my DS4. In that game you had to constantly push the sticks upwards, and the first tear appeared on the edge of the left stick, which was the exact spot where I pushed it. I also think the game would have been easier to play with DS3-like convex sticks.
 

RedAssedApe

Banned
Yeah, I do dig the shit out of the Kontrol Freaks because they actually lessen the resistance on the DualShock4 and Xbox360's analogs. I'm one of those weirdos who actually hates resistance and find the DualShock3 and XboxOne sticks to be perfect

Anyway, Looking the alphas here:

31w80klV4tL.jpg


Looks like they may be just a tad shorter than the CQCs I was using:

41hZjm8jHcL.jpg


Also, LOVE that they're black and will match the controller/not hideous.Guess I'll try them next.Thanks man!

EDIT: Oh, you included a chart! :)

yup. i just returned the cqcs and ordered the alphas the other night. will post impressions when i get them. still think my holy grail are the 360 sticks. that could just be 7 years of muscle memory speaking though :)
 

nortonff

Hi, I'm nortonff. I spend my life going into threads to say that I don't care about the topic of the thread. It's a really good use of my time.
What's the best place to buy that delivers internacionally ? Nothing too expansive.
I'm from Brazil.
 

Snicky

Member
Ordered the FPS Freek Ultras for the DS4 after playing a ton of Destiny and growing tired of the DS4 sticks getting slippery. I LOVE them. Increased my accuracy, can play with sensitivity at 10 now which I never did before, and less hand fatigue in long sessions.

I do not have the problem others have mentioned that they are too high and make their thumbs/hands sore, but this is coming from someone who felt the original XBox controller's size was extremely comfortable. Would highly recommend any of the Freek products, just be wary of your hand size as others have said. Ordered some for xbone in anticipation of Halo MCC!
 
yup. i just returned the cqcs and ordered the alphas the other night. will post impressions when i get them. still think my holy grail are the 360 sticks. that could just be 7 years of muscle memory speaking though :)

Thanks for reminding me :)
Need to return my CQCs to Amazon as well...
 

RedAssedApe

Banned
Ordered the FPS Freek Ultras for the DS4 after playing a ton of Destiny and growing tired of the DS4 sticks getting slippery. I LOVE them. Increased my accuracy, can play with sensitivity at 10 now which I never did before, and less hand fatigue in long sessions.

I do not have the problem others have mentioned that they are too high and make their thumbs/hands sore, but this is coming from someone who felt the original XBox controller's size was extremely comfortable. Would highly recommend any of the Freek products, just be wary of your hand size as others have said. Ordered some for xbone in anticipation of Halo MCC!

kontrol freeks indeed...those ultras are tallll. you must have giant mits haha
 

Jordan89

Neo Member
My original dualshock 4 hasn't had any issues other than the occasional squeak from the triggers (have had it for almost a year and use it everyday). I, however, have seen a dualshock 4 that has had the peeling problem. I do believe that this issue is rather uncommon and believe that the dualshock 4 is an overall well designed controller with few issues. But, I (and two friends of mine) have had a lot of quality control problems with the Xbox One controllers.
 

Mindlog

Member
I sent one of my white Dualshock 4's in to Sony to repair a broken right trigger. I got back what appears to be a new controller, but the analog sticks have different materials on each stick. -_-
I got back a replacement recently as well. The center of the thumbsticks looked worn. Not a huge problem because I use covers, but still weird. The shoulder and triggers feel WAY better than any of the original DS4s I've used. My White DS4's shoulder and trigger feel like crap and sound like dying dolphins in comparison.
How long did it take for you to get a new one from them?
After dropping it off the whole process took around two weeks.

The sticks are an easy problem to address. It's those shoulders and triggers that have really been a problem for me. Even easing the screws and graphite doesn't seem like it will keep my White DS4 from following the same path as my old busted launch DS4.
 

Snicky

Member
kontrol freeks indeed...those ultras are tallll. you must have giant mits haha

They are quite tall, I feel it really helps with the precise, small movements. I also play quite a bit of FPS on PC and it's the closest I've ever felt to getting accuracy near a mouse. Highly recommend!
 

Melchiah

Member
After dropping it off the whole process took around two weeks.

The sticks are an easy problem to address. It's those shoulders and triggers that have really been a problem for me. Even easing the screws and graphite doesn't seem like it will keep my White DS4 from following the same path as my old busted launch DS4.

So, it shouldn't take long for me either, as that's the only problem with my controller. The four L+R buttons have worked just fine so far.
 

def sim

Member
I was able to use a DS4 with newer materials (I guess?) for the sticks, d-pad, and buttons. More of a matte finish on them for sure. They feel great and I'm kind of bummed out my white DS4 doesn't have them.
 

RulkezX

Member
I contacted Amazon on the off chance they might change the pads to save me going through a warranty repair with Sony.

They initially told me there was nothing they could do but then said to save me anymore problems they'd offer a full refund (£469.99) for my launch console.

2 days later the console was back work Amazon and I had my money back and went out and not a new one + saved £££
 
I keep reading here about new DS4s supposedly having a new rubber material in the sticks that should be better than the original tear-friendly.

Is this just speculation or do we have any confirmation?
 

zruben

Banned
I think the problem is caused by the ergonomic of the controller.
You naturally won't put your thumb in the exact middle of the stick, and that's why it's degrading so quickly and always start from the bottom left.

3DS circle pad has the same problem.
 

LAA

Member
I keep reading here about new DS4s supposedly having a new rubber material in the sticks that should be better than the original tear-friendly.

Is this just speculation or do we have any confirmation?

I believe it may be true... I just received a custom gold painted DS4 yesterday, which was from a new DS4 of course, and the analogue sticks are definitely different. They feel a lot more grippy and harder, compared to my old DS4s which feel more rubbery. My old DS4's analogue sticks havent broke yet though. I think perhaps the texture has worn down, but I havent noticed it tearing at all yet.

Also noticed (Perhaps on the negative side for me), the options/share button don't stick out as much as they did on the old one, which means you need to push them in more. It perhaps means less force though as I don't think they're as clicky either, but I prefer the old buttons really.

So yeah, I think the material has been changed, along with other tweaks.
 

catspit

Member
My left stick has a tear in it and won't be lasting much longer... What's my best
Option for covers? I don't want any added height or width (over and above just the cover), just something that will fit really snug right overtop of the original pads... Anything like that out there?
 

On Demand

Banned
I believe it may be true... I just received a custom gold painted DS4 yesterday, which was from a new DS4 of course, and the analogue sticks are definitely different. They feel a lot more grippy and harder, compared to my old DS4s which feel more rubbery. My old DS4's analogue sticks havent broke yet though. I think perhaps the texture has worn down, but I havent noticed it tearing at all yet.

Also noticed (Perhaps on the negative side for me), the options/share button don't stick out as much as they did on the old one, which means you need to push them in more. It perhaps means less force though as I don't think they're as clicky either, but I prefer the old buttons really.

So yeah, I think the material has been changed, along with other tweaks.

Actually it's the opposite. The new models buttons stick out more. At least that's what i found.

people reported that the different sticks ended up wearing too though...iirc

Yes. Even though the material is rougher my left stick has smoothed out a little.
 

LAA

Member
Actually it's the opposite. The new models buttons stick out more. At least that's what i found.



Yes. Even though the material is rougher my left stick has smoothed out a little.

Definitely the opposite for me, ha ha. The buttons feel more...study on the launch DS4 and more fixed in place, while the buttons on my new one seems more loose, less clicky and you need to push them in more.
 
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