HyperX Clutch Talon Wireless Controller for Xbox Review – Clutch Performer

HyperX Clutch Talon Wireless Controller for Xbox Review

Whether you’re a concert violinist, expert woodworker or serious video gamer, having good equipment is essential. I’m not a pro gamer, but I spend a lot of time with a controller in my hands and sometimes the games I play demand precision and speed. No matter what kind of game I’m playing, my controller needs to be comfortable and mechanically reliable. The HyperX Clutch Talon Wireless Controller for Xbox checks a lot of those boxes.

At around $160, the HyperX Clutch Talon Wireless Controller for Xbox plays in the same league as the Xbox Elite 2 and the Razer Wolverine V3. They’re all Xbox/PC-centric, customizable and wireless. However, the Clutch Talon has a few unique features to help set it apart. These include Hall Effect thumbsticks, easily swappable triggers and paddles (no tools required), and a 1000Hz polling rate. Let’s see if the bullet points translate to actual performance.

Modular Madness

Maybe its standout selling point, the Clutch Talon features swappable, magnetically attached thumbsticks, D-pads, triggers, back paddles, and faceplates, all of which are easily popped off and replaced. The package includes alternative triggers, back paddles, an 8-point D pad, and alternative thumbsticks. Additionally, there are official 3D printer files for faceplates and thumbsticks available on Printable.com. It’s quite simple to swap out different components.

The easy attachment mechanic might also hide a potential point of failure. In the first review unit I was sent, the right trigger frequently unattached itself — in other words, flew off — during strenuous game play. HyperX sent a replacement unit, and this has not been an issue since.

On the Xbox Elite 2, the rear paddles attach flush with the surface. When they’re removed, the Elite 2 feels like a standard controller. On the Clutch Talon, the rear paddles sit in a rather deep cutout. Playing with them removed is very noticeable, as the cutouts are deep with sharp edges.

Feel Connected

The HyperX Clutch Talon offers a number of ways to connect, including wired USB, Bluetooth, and Wireless via an included dongle. The controller can also be used to turn your Xbox console on and off. Using the Wi-Fi dongle or in wired mode, the Clutch Talon worked perfectly, with great response and speed. Bluetooth connectivity was more of an issue, with the unit disregarding some inputs even when configured and adjusted in Steam. The included cable is long and high quality, and the carrying case is sturdy. The Clutch Talon does not pack in a charging stand.

Thumbstick drift is an annoying aspect of most controllers over time, but the Clutch Talon uses friction-free Hall Effect sticks (as does the Razer Wolverine 3), which means this should never be an issue.

No matter how many awesome features a controller might have, how it feels to hold is extremely important. Of course, to some extent ergonomics are related to hand size. The Clutch Talon is almost exactly the same size as the Xbox Elite 2, though slightly thicker and considerably lighter. By comparison, the Wolverine V3 is smaller and much lighter. Both the Xbox Elite and Razer controllers have textured, rubberized grips. The grips of the Clutch Talon are lightly textured and feel a little slippery by comparison. The shoulder buttons are considerably larger than on either the Elite 2 or Razer units, making the stretch slightly less comfortable. Again, hands differ.

Overall, I found the HyperX Clutch Talon pretty comfortable in extended sessions over a period of several weeks. HyperX claims 30 hours of battery life. In my experience, it was closer to 20-25 hours per charge.

Crowded Field

There are a lot of higher-end controllers competing for gamers’ attention. The HyperX Clutch Talon has some definite strengths, including a modular design that allows for easy reconfiguration. The controller’s 1000Hz polling rate and Hall Effect sticks are great features. It feels a little less premium than some others at its approximate price point, and the easily swapped triggers and paddles might have a downside during play. The HyperX Clutch Talon is a great step-up controller with a lot of excellent features, without the top-tier price.

***Review unit provided by HyperX***