EasySMX M15 Controller Review

Here’s my review of the EasySMX M15 mobile controller after using it for about a week. First off, quick disclaimer—this is my first mobile controller of this kind, and I haven’t used a Razer Kishi, Backbone, or Gamesir G8 Plus, so my perspective may or may not offer some fresh insights.

Let’s start with how the EasySMX M15 feels in the hand. It’s lightweight, which makes it great for portability, but at the same time, it feels sturdy. You can easily take it on the go without worrying about it weighing you down. The buttons are mechanical, using micro switches, so they’re pretty loud but also satisfying to press. If you enjoy that clicky feel, you’ll love it, but if you’re sensitive to noise, it could get annoying over time.

The joysticks and triggers are equipped with Hall Effect sensors, which is a huge plus because it reduces the risk of stick drift. Comparing the M15 to other controllers like the GameSir G7 SE, I noticed that the triggers have slightly shorter travel, and the sticks are a bit stiffer. The joysticks are also a little smaller, which took some getting used to. I personally found the smaller size less comfortable, especially for longer gaming sessions, but it’s a common issue with mobile controllers in general.

One thing I found slightly awkward was the placement of the D-pad and the sticks. They’re positioned in a way that forces your fingers to bend more than on a standard controller, which made it feel a bit less ergonomic. After a couple of hours, it became more noticeable, but it’s not a dealbreaker. The bumpers are functional, though nothing outstanding.

As for connectivity, the controller supports both wired and Bluetooth modes. You can connect it via USB-C for a more stable connection, which is great for minimizing latency. However, when using Bluetooth, I did experience a bit of lag. It’s still usable for casual gaming, but if you’re playing more competitive titles, you’ll probably prefer the wired option. It has a 125 Hz polling rate, which is decent, though not as fast as higher-end controllers that offer 1,000 Hz. Still, for mobile gaming, it’s more than adequate.

One cool feature is that it fits phones with cases (though not every case). I had no issues sliding my phone in and securing it, and the phone stayed firmly in place during gameplay. It’s worth noting that while the controller works fine with Android and iPhones (at least the iPhone 15 series), it doesn’t support the Nintendo Switch, which is a bit disappointing.

When using the M15 with a PC, you’ll need to connect the controller via USB-C for power and pair it with Bluetooth, which is a bit clunky. However, since this controller is mostly aimed at mobile gaming, I doubt this will be a major issue for most users.

The M15 has some nice extra features like mappable back buttons, which I found handy for customizing controls in games that require quick reflexes. You also get adjustable vibration levels, which makes the gameplay more immersive. The turbo function is another bonus if you like automating repetitive actions, though I didn’t use it much.

One downside is that, compared to larger controllers like the Steam Deck’s, the M15 doesn’t feel quite as comfortable in longer gaming sessions. The smaller size and stiffer sticks can become tiring after a while, especially if you’re used to full-size controllers. That said, the mechanical buttons and Hall Effect sticks make up for a lot of these shortcomings. The tactile feedback from the buttons feels great, and knowing that the joysticks won’t develop stick drift over time is reassuring.

In conclusion, the EasySMX M15 is a solid budget-friendly option for mobile gaming. Being priced at around $59, it offers great value for the price. It’s lightweight, sturdy, and packed with features like mappable buttons and Hall Effect sticks, which make it a great choice if you’re looking for something affordable. There are a few compromises, but overall, I’m very happy with it.