SCUF Instinct Pro (Xbox) – premium wireless controller in test

SCUF Gaming, a subsidiary of Corsair, is primarily known for particularly high-quality and customizable controllers. Just recently, the company introduced the new Xbox controllers Instinct and Instinct Pro. These are primarily an alternative to the Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. In addition to high material quality and good workmanship, the company wants to convince gamers with freely configurable paddles, exchangeable thumbsticks and three profiles for individual configurations. Compared to the mass of alternative controllers, the wireless connection is another special feature.

We took a closer look at the SCUF Instinct Pro in Comrade Camo design. Whether the controller convinces and the high price of at least €219.99 is justified, we clarify in the detailed test.

Technical data

Scope of delivery

The controller comes in a black cardboard box. On its front, regardless of the color chosen, is the black version of the SCUF Instinct Pro. In addition, the Xbox logo and the green stripe clearly indicate which system the controller is primarily intended for. Besides the controller itself, two additional thumbsticks, two batteries, a two-meter long encased USB cable, and a detailed manual and safety instructions are included.

A case or other accessories are not included, but are offered for an additional €44.99 when ordering. The scope of delivery is thus rather minimalistic despite the high price.

Individualization options at a glance

SCUF offers many individualization options when configuring the controller, which are reminiscent of the Xbox Design Lab. In addition to nine colors, including black and white, which are strongly reminiscent of the standard controllers apart from the SCUF logo, eight signature designs, such as camo patterns, and 15 other designs with patterns, such as cherry blossoms or even a starry nebula, are available for an additional charge.

Furthermore, SCUF lets you choose from several colors for the buttons, rings, shoulder buttons and triggers. In addition, you can choose the length and shape (convex or concave) of the thumbsticks and the directional pad (hybrid or standard) yourself, as well as do without the rumble motor. The controller can thus be extensively customized to one’s own preferences, but becomes even more expensive depending on the wishes.

Design and workmanship

Design and size are, as usual, strongly based on Microsoft’s templates and hardly deviate from them. On the back of the Instinct Pro, as with the Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, there are four paddles. However, the design goes its own way and opts for a new solution. While Microsoft allows three voltage settings for the triggers, SCUF uses instant triggers. The user thus has the choice between the usual setting and an extremely fast triggering of the action. There is also an LED on the front below the mute button. This signals the selected profile with the colors green, blue and red.

The controller is made entirely of plastic and feels very good in the hand. Those who like the shape of the Microsoft controller will also be completely satisfied with the SCUF controller. The weight is only 280 g, which makes the controller 65 g lighter than the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller and only 3 g heavier than the Xbox Wireless Controller. We find this, especially compared to the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, to be very pleasant.

The top of the controller is somewhat velvety, while the bottom of the grips uses the rubberized Performance Grip texture, which is only used in the Pro version. Thus, the controller feels very good and secure in the hand even after a longer gaming time. The pressure points of the directional pad, the buttons and the triggers are also convincing in the test, and the edges of the thumbsticks are also rubberized and textured. Material quality and workmanship of the controller are on a very high level, nothing rattles or wobbles even minimally.

Connection and compatibility

The Instinct Pro connects wirelessly to the console or PC via Bluetooth or alternatively via USB cable. The button for pairing sits between the shoulder buttons, as with the Micosoft controllers. The connection worked quickly and smoothly on the Xbox One S and the PC in the test, regardless of whether it was wireless or wired. A manual driver or software installation is not necessary on the PC.

Practical test

As already mentioned, the size and weight are almost identical to the Microsoft controllers. Thus, there is no need for an adjustment period. If you switch from the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, then you are rather positively surprised by the low weight, which is reminiscent of the standard controller. For these reasons and also thanks to the grippy rubber coating, the handling could always convince us.

The sticks, the directional pad and the buttons enable very precise control and are also, as already mentioned, very well manufactured. With the help of the changeable thumbsticks, the controller can be adapted to one’s own wishes. Besides short and long sticks, you have the choice of how they are shaped. After a bit of trial and error, we opted for the usual length and concave shape. The Rumble motor does a good job, it’s powerful but not too strong either.

Many additional features

The, in a similar way from the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, known features could also convince us. The type and arrangement of the paddles are pleasing. They are easily accessible and also noticeably well distinguishable from each other. The instant triggers, on the other hand, take a short time to get used to. If the switch is placed inwards, the triggers react as usual. If you flip it to the outside, then they react extremely quickly. The trigger barely needs to be moved in this setting, the feeling is strongly reminiscent of a mouse click. This option is hardly suitable for some games, but very good for others, such as shooters. Each trigger has its own switch, so they can be set independently.

The right profile for every game

The SCUF Instinct Pro also comes with three different profiles. These are tailored to FPS/Battle Royale (blue), sports (red) or racing (green) games. Depending on the profile, the paddles are assigned differently, but can also be customized. You press the profile button, which is located in the center of the bottom, until it blinks. Then you simultaneously press the paddle you want to assign and the key whose action you want to use. Pressing the profile button again saves the profile. The LED now stops blinking. This worked reliably at all times in the test. We also found the three profiles to be sufficient, so you don’t have to adjust them regularly.

All in all, SCUF convinces with a high range of functions. The additional functions compared to the standard controller are well thought out and the implementation is also convincing. The profiles prove to be very practical in everyday use, and the instant triggers are a great added value, especially for shooter fans.

Conclusion

All in all, the SCUF Instinct Pro is an all-around very well-done Xbox controller that will probably leave few gamers wanting more. SCUF offers many customization options, especially visually but also in terms of the type of control pad and the thumbsticks. In addition, the controller convinces with very high material and build quality. The Instinct Pro also pleases on the technical side, offering a wireless connection, four paddles, instant triggers and three customizable profiles.

Besides the many positive aspects, there is only little that speaks against the controller. This is, for one, the very high price. At least €219.99, in our configuration even €244.96, is due for the Instinct Pro. For that, we get a very good controller according to our expectations, but pay a high premium compared to others. In comparison, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller has an MSRP of €179.99, is usually available cheaper and also comes with a travel case, six thumbsticks and two control pads. Another point of criticism is the short warranty period of only 180 days. With high quality and high price, you would expect this to at least meet the usual standards.

The SCUF Instinct Pro is worth a recommendation from our point of view. If the high price does not bother you, you can live with the short warranty and you are looking for an almost unique premium controller with many features, especially in terms of design, then you should take a closer look at the Instinct Pro.