In the PC gaming scene, controller may be a bit of a dirty word. Sure, there are some tasks that are much easier to accomplish with a keyboard and mouse, but for most gaming actions, it feels much more unnatural to me. Besides, it's much easier to play spontaneously on the couch or on the go with a controller in hand. When it comes to portability, versatility, and comfort, the controller will always be my go-to, and the new HyperX clutch controller really nails some of these characteristics. However, as a standard for PC gaming, it wouldn't necessarily be my first recommendation.

In person, the HyperX Clutch looks a lot like the Xbox series controllers, but with softer rubber edges for added comfort. Most of the layout is the same as many of the things that make up our Best PC Controllers (open in new tab) roundup, and should feel familiar to most people, but small touches like the rougher, more pointed ridges on the thumbstick and the gentler but more springy small touches such as a rougher, more pointed ridge on the thumbstick and a gentler, yet springier trigger, make the differences stand out.

I like the feel of the clutch trigger and shoulder buttons, but the Xbox stick caps are softer. I'm sure it will get better as the stick wears and tachs more, but it's not the price you pay for comfortable gaming. Various parts of the clutch can also creak a bit, and despite the seemingly sturdy build, it feels fragile in use.

On the front of the controller there are also switches that correspond to Start and Select, Turbo and the Home button. Turbo is a feature that is not usually seen and is very easy to use. No matter which button is set to Turbo, the hold action is reported as a quick press, which is a real lifesaver when skipping through dialogue in "Phantom of the Opera" (yes, I am a monster) or leveling up dinosaurs in "Ark: Survival Evolved". It also works when paired with a cell phone in games that support Steam Link.

Unfortunately, in many cases, connectivity is not necessarily this controller's strong point; it comes with a 2.4 receiver for PC gaming, but the connection is quite disconnected. We tried it on several PCs, and it tended to work well for a bit, then suffer reconnection issues regardless of positioning; the HyperX dongle has always worked well so far, so we hope that a software fix can be made to make this a viable option for PC gamers interested in this We hope that a software fix will be made to make this a viable option for PC gamers interested in it.

On the positive side, Bluetooth connectivity works well. Connections to phones and other devices are standard. I ended up using it on my PC and it felt just like it did when 2.4 was working fine, with very little lag. So while 2.4's instability makes it a hard sell to hardcore PC gamers looking for the best wireless connection, this Bluetooth success is great for multiple different devices and as a controller for use on the go.

The HyperX Clutch comes with a phone holder attachment that attaches to the top of the controller. It is made of sturdy plastic and holds even my large Samsung Note securely with a good balance of weight. In addition, it folds down to a pocketable size and doubles as a stand-alone phone stand. Not a bad seller, mainly as a controller for playing games on the go.

Aside from the 2.4 issues, scratchy thumbstick, and creaky bones, the HyperX Clutch is a really nice controller with a lot of features for the $50 price point (opens in new tab). If you're content to rely on Bluetooth and wired connections for your gaming sessions and want a truly versatile controller, the Clutch will certainly work.