QRD Game Stellar T5 Wireless Controller Review

QRD Game Stellar T5 Wireless Controller Review
Version Reviewed: Nintendo Switch 1 & 2

It used to be that the humble third-party controller was the black sheep of a gamer’s setup, often covered in Cheeto dust and handed to the younger sibling during split-screen nights. They did the job, but they were usually cheap, awkward to hold, and only picked up when you had no other choice. These days, the landscape looks very different. Third-party controllers are now packed with premium features, hall effect sticks, gyro support, RGB lighting. But with those upgrades often comes a premium price tag, and with so many options on the market, it can be tough to cut through the noise and figure out which ones are really worth your time. That’s where “Into the Armoury” comes in. I’ve been collecting controllers for years, and over time, that collection grew into what I now call “the Armoury.” This new series is about putting those controllers and peripherals to the test in order to measure value, comfort, features, performance, and build quality, to find out which ones truly deserve a place in your own loadout.

The first entry in Into the Armoury takes aim at the Stellar T5 Wireless, a feature-packed third-party controller that boasts Hall effect sticks, RGB flair, and pro-style functions without the pro-level price tag. But does it have enough to earn a spot in your loadout? Let’s go into the armoury.

A relatively new player to the market, QRD Game started out by offering affordable, high-performance controllers aimed at giving players solid quality without a steep price tag. In 2021, the company shifted gears and began developing their own designs, drawing on market research and technical testing to refine what players actually wanted in a controller. Their first in-house model arrived in 2022, and by the following year, QRD had earned attention for innovations like Hall effect sticks and precise D-pads. That reputation for balancing value with premium features has helped the brand stand out in a crowded market.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when the Stellar T5 Wireless landed on my doorstep. Picking it up, my immediate reaction was just how light it feels compared to its size. Now, a lot of people equate light to cheap, and admittedly, I did feel like maybe this wasn’t going to be the control for me. The Stellar T5 Wireless is also significantly larger than the standard Pro 2 controller, making it feel more comfortable in my hands. It’s slightly larger than the Hori Split-pad Pro, with the additional benefit of being able to be played without attaching to the console.

This means the Stellar T5 Wireless works on both Switch 1 and 2, as well as PC via Bluetooth support. I primarily tested the controller on the Switch 2 and was surprised by its comfort with its rubberised grips and button layout. I also tested handheld mode with the Switch 1, and that’s where the lighter-weight controls made for better handheld gaming sessions.

I had been gaming with a modified Power A Fusion and a Switch 2 Official Pro controller, so I figured they would be hard to beat. While its $99 AUD price tag puts it $20 under both a set of Joy-Cons and a Pro Controller for the Switch 2, I still feel like the price tag puts it in a premium pricing tier, which means it should have some premium features.

Thankfully, the Stellar T5 Wireless boasts some great features on the box. It has Hall Effect Joy Sticks, 6-axis gyro support, programmable macro and turbo buttons, customisable RGB LEDs, and adjustable vibration levels. There’s a lot on offer here, and while RGBs to me are somewhat of a gimmick, it was pretty cool to customise my Stellar T5 Wireless to match What’s it Likes signature green and purple look.

All these features mean nothing if it doesn’t perform, so it was time to put the Stellar T5 Wireless through its paces for a solid week of testing. Each feature would be assigned a specific title to maximise testing, while the controller would also see constant use throughout my week, catching up on both performance videos and reviews.

My first test was going to put the triggers through their paces for responsiveness. While most people would head to a shooter to try, I went for something a bit more precise in the form of Pinball FX3, playing tables using both the L1 and R1 buttons, as well as the L2 and R2 triggers. This is where I first noticed the benefits of the mechanical buttons, which have that satisfying click like a mechanical keyboard. I felt like the buttons sprang back and felt more responsive. I played my favourite tables for about an hour, and the triggers didn’t let me down, satisfyingly popping back after a quick press.

It was then time to test some digital controls, so I swapped out the standard Dpad for the circular one. The Dpad was a little bit fiddly to swap out, but still easy enough. This time, I jumped into Marvel Vs Capcom Fighting Collection, something I usually tackle with my Arcade Stick. I was pleasantly surprised with just how comfortable playing on the circular D-pad was, especially considering how every other controller I have has a standard D-pad, which was partly why I invested in the arcade stick. Pulling off special moves was a breeze with the circular D-pad, as I could just roll my thumb in one fluid motion. It also has a more solid click when you play, and doesn’t feel as soft as some of the other controls.

I then went on to test the 6-axis gyro controls. Now, full disclosure, I’m not particularly fond of motion and gyro controls, but there was no way I was going to skip over them. I loaded up the newly released Switch 2 version of Apex Legends and headed to the firing range. The gyro controls were responsive, and I didn’t actually mind using them here. I could easily hit the targets presented to me, and the range of motion felt just about right. I then loaded up Cyberpunk 2077 to further test them in a more threatening environment, and they also felt good. I think what helped was that the left-to-right motion on the horizontal axis was really responsive, while the up-and-down motion seemed a little more restrained, making aiming responsive and controlled.

My final range of testin gfor the Stellar T5 Wireless was the overall field, putting it to task it on games that required fast reflexes and skill. I chose both Fortnite and Fast Fusion to test them out. The Hall effect joysticks were smooth and responsive, although they did feel slightly tighter than the official Switch 2 Pro Controller, which took a few minutes to get used to. Once I did, however, it was a blast to drop in for a few rounds of Fortnite. I then moved on to Fast Fusion to put it to some high-speed tests, and it raced through with flying colours. Again, the micro switch buttons make a world of difference. Each press of a button doesn’t feel soft or gentle, more of a responsive and authoritative click.

Throughout all this testing, it took around 6.5 hours for the controller to go flat and require a charge. This is where my only issue comes up with the controller. If you’re playing on a Switch 1, there’s no hassle, and you can charge it by sliding it onto the rails of your console. If you’re playing on Switch 2, each Joy-Con has its own charging port, requiring 2 USB-C cables. The controller does already come with one, and if your household is anything like mine, they are a dime a dozen, but still, it’s something that should be noted for Switch 2 and PC users.

All in all, the Stellar T5 Wireless is an outstanding piece of tech. The micro switch buttons feel great and respond with a satisfying click, the rubberised grips feel great even after hours of extended play, and the see-through design, coupled with the customisable RGB LEDs, makes it look stylish.

Still, it’s more about function over style that makes the Stellar T5 Wireless such a great controller. Its larger design makes it much more comfortable for people with bigger hands, and the customisable rumble intensity allows you to tweak things to feel just right. Offering more features than most 3rd party controllers, the Stellar T5 Wireless makes for a fantastic addition to The Armoury, and an easy recommendation for someone looking for both Joy-Cons and a pro controller-style setup.

Like what you see? You can get one here – https://bit.ly/3tSrIXp Or (on Sale) here – https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005919429017.html

In the interest of full disclosure, a review Stellar T5 Wireless controller was provided by QRD Game, but this doesn’t influence my score.

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