EasySMX X05 Pro
Type
Gaming ControllerPrice
$35I have been a fan of EasySMX's budget controllers, but the S10 for Switch 2 didn't impress me much. Instead, I liked its entry-level X05 controller, which I tried last, which offers tri-mode connectivity, hall effect triggers, analog sticks, and wide compatibility. It's hard to see a decent controller for just $29, but the X05 remains one of my favorites for PC and consoles.
EasySMX revised it and launched a new controller called "X05 Pro", which is built on the same design but boasts upgraded features. The X05 Pro didn't jump much in price and is just $5 pricier than the standard edition. As per EasySMX, the controller retains most of the features of X05, but offers additional stuff like trigger lock and programmable buttons, which do sound good, but we need to take a closer look at what changed and whether the newer features are worth $35.
Packaging and Contents
The X05 Pro doesn't bring any new stuff, and ships with basic utilities such as a USB Type-C to A cable for wired connection, a 2.4 GHz USB adapter for wireless connection, and a user manual. The packaging is identical to the X05 controller and is quite basic, which you should expect for this price point.
Quick Specifications
- Connection method: 2.4Ghz Wireless, Bluetooth, Wired
- Compatible Models: Switch/Switch Lite/Switch OLED, Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11, Android/iOS
- Polling Rate: 1000Hz in 2.4GHz Wireless and Wired, 125Hz-250Hz in Bluetooth
- Charging Interface: Type-C
- Battery: 1,000mAh
- Net Weight: 261.6g
- Net Size: 15.70×9.50×6.50cm
Taking a Close Look
The X05 Pro is available in three different colors: White, Black, and Aurora Purple. I received the Aurora Purple, which is a limited edition ($5 more expensive), and offers a shimmery chassis. The body is basically the same as on the X05, and you won't be able to notice the differences except for the D-Pad. The X05 Pro has a circular Plus D-Pad, which is the only difference visible from the outside, but there are more if you take a look at the top of the back.
The X05 Pro has the Xbox controller layout with ABXY buttons, and the buttons offer the same mushy feel as the previous edition. EasySMX says the face buttons are "redesigned" by using over 10 noise-reduction points and silicone dampers, and, indeed, the newer face buttons aren't just less noisy, but they are also completely wobble-free. The grips are similar to the X05 and are textured at the back.
The D-Pad is also greatly improved; it doesn't feel mushy anymore, but offers a more clicky experience. It is much better than the D-Pad on X05 in both feel and tactile feedback, and that's another noticeable difference you couldn't just tell without comparing both side by side. The new D-pad handles 8-way directional input much better, fixing one of the X05’s biggest weaknesses.
The analog sticks are now better since the X05 triggers were very light and loose. The joysticks on the Pro version are now a bit stiffer, which was needed for better control. The design and technology are unchanged, and you will get the same Hall Effect technology, which is decent for a budget controller like this.
The Triggers got the biggest upgrade. Even though they feel the same, the Pro version brings thicker and premium feel to the triggers. With now hair trigger switches offered at the back, you can switch between analog and hair trigger modes for different play styles. However, the hair trigger mode doesn't feel like a "true" hair trigger, and the travel distance is almost two times higher than what you'll find on mid-range controllers. Once again, that's something manageable, as most budget controllers don't even offer dual-trigger modes out of the box.
Since the core functionality is the same, the hair trigger mode doesn't offer that bumpy feel when you press the triggers, which are essential for quick presses. For shooting games, this isn't the right controller to go with if you want rapid button presses. Moving on to the bumpers, these are bigger and wobble-free this time. Then there are two additional buttons, which are programmable, which is a nice addition.
At the back, it has the lock switches for the triggers and a switch for changing the connectivity modes. No additional buttons are offered on the back.
Connectivity and Compatibility
X05 Pro retains the connectivity and compatibility of the X05 and offers tri-mode connectivity, including 2.4 GHz wireless mode, Bluetooth, and wired mode. This makes it already a widely compatible controller with most devices, and you can use it on various platforms such as PC, Steam Deck, Switch, Android, and iOS devices.
For wired connectivity, you get a USB-A to USB-C cable, which isn't braided. Still, considering it offers a significantly higher battery life (1000 mAh vs 750 mAh) than the X05, it makes wireless connection a no-brainer.
Performance and RGB Customizations
The X05 Pro has improved noticeably, and whether you are looking at the controls or the response time, they have all improved. I used a few different tools to test the joysticks and triggers, and here is what you can expect: The Triggers are highly responsive, and they have almost no dead zones. The joystick resolution is decent as well, starting at 0.00780 steps as per Hardware Tester or 9 bits as per GamePadla, and there are zero inner deadzones in both joysticks.
The outer deadzone is minimal as well, and I found it as small as I found on much more expensive controllers. According to Hardware Tester, the circle error is less than 1%, which is excellent, but according to GamePadla, it's 1.5%. In both cases, it's doing great. However, the joystick snapback is quite noticeable, as you can check in the image above. Overall, joysticks are highly stable, there is no stick tremor, and no drift.
The 2.4 GHz connectivity is now much more responsive than the X05, and the average latency is just 1 ms.
RGB lighting is now available in the D-Pad and the top area instead of under the joysticks. Both zones are customizable, and all you need to do is press the M button twice and use the left joystick to change the modes and colors. There are four different color modes and the option to switch off the lighting if you aren't a fan of RGB.
The Verdict
The X05 Pro brings a lot for just $5 more, and I am really impressed by how much the X05 Pro has improved vs the X05 for a small price increase. The X05 Pro isn't just about a new look or the dual-trigger mode; it's about doing better in almost every area. The D-Pad, the face buttons, the bumpers, and the overall feel have changed. They feel more premium, stable, and right.
For $35, it's hard to find such an excellent controller that works with PC, consoles, and mobile devices. However, it still lacks dedicated software support, but I think there isn't much you would be able to do with the software, given its current features. Still, with all that's present on the EasySMX X05 Pro for $35, it's perhaps the best budget controller available on the market.
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EasySMX X05 Pro is unmatched in its features and functionality for a sub-$40 price tag. The controller brings significant improvements in every area without changing the original design, and given its wide compatibility, it's hard to find such an excellent controller for $35.
- Noticeably improved Face buttons and D-Pad
- Dual-mode triggers
- Hall effect joysticks and triggers
- Tri-mode connectivity
- Great joystick performance
- Wide compatibility
- Beautiful RGB lighting
- Additional programmable buttons
- 1000 mAh battery
Pros
- Not "true" hair trigger functionality
- No dedicated software
- No additional back buttons
Cons
About the author: Sarfraz Khan is a hardware reporter with a focus on PC components and the builder community. With years of experience writing about PC hardware and laptops, his work has been featured on several reputable technology publications. Sarfraz's hands-on experience is demonstrated through his first-person accounts of using and comparing different hardware configurations, providing practical and relatable insights for everyday users. His technical analysis is respected by peers in the enthusiast community and has been cited by specialized hardware sites such as Germany's Igor's Lab.
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