I’ve been using and comparing the flagship controllers from the major brands in the controller space recently, and this is the third post in my series of controller comparisons.
Today we’re looking at the ZD Ultimate Legend and the Flydigi Apex 5. Seeing as both these controllers cost over a $100, you definitely don’t want to get the wrong one. This post will help you figure out which controller is the best for you.
– Charging Dock sold separately
– Xbox-style shape
– Rubber grips on back half of handles
– Slightly larger than a regular Xbox controller
– Comfortable, but a little heavy and large
– matte faceplate by default; glossy transparent and white opaque faceplates available separately.
– Full border RGB light strip
– HE, ALPS modules available separately
– Default TMR feels nice and accurate
– Clicky Micro-switch trigger stop
– Xbox style Impulse Triggers (trigger vibration motors)
– Mouse click trigger stops are better. Overall satisfactory performance
– Sharper “click” sound
– 1 extra pair of shoulder buttons
– 4 styles of dpad included in the box
– Not as tactile as some other options, feels a little mushy and soft. Plastic is cheap feeling. Not the best experience.
– Replacement nintendo switch layout buttons included in box (BAYX)
– Feels much lighter to press and has clicky sound
– Difficult to press accidentally, but not impossible
– Comfortable
– works on PC and switch
– 2 rumble motors in triggers
– Feels nice and detailed
– 4000hz in wired, 900hz in 2.4ghz mode, 250hz in bluetooth mode
– best latency in market (wired mode). Good latency in other modes as well
Compatible with windows, switch, android, ios
– ZD mobile app only
– good experience on mobile app but the lack of a PC app is weird
– RGB on : 10-12 hours
– RGB off : 15-20 hours
– 3 extra dpads
– Switch layout BAYX buttons and switch puller
AVAIABLE SEPARATELY :
– Replacement modules for analog sticks : HE, TMR, ALPS
– Different coloured kits of d-pads and joysticks
– Charging dock
– Faceplates
– Charging dock sold separately
– Xbox-style shape
– Rubber grips on back half of handles
– Similar size to ZD Ultimate Legend
– Feels more ergonomic to hold for my large hands, but the heavy weight makes it a tad unwieldy
– Default white
– Castorice Edition ($210)
– Wuchang Edition ($180)
– Skirk Void Star Edition ($210)
(Note that the special editions come with accessories like custom themed charging dock, carrying case, metal pins, etc)
– Bottom RGB strip and other RGB elements
– Removable top (interchangeable sticks available separately)
– Tension adjustable from 30gf to 100gf
– Feels nicer than ZD Ultimate sticks imo
– Motorized trigger stops. Can adjust position of the stop, but no satisfying click
– DS5 style Adaptive trigger vibration
– Aside from the trigger stops, the feel and trigger vibration feels better here
– Not as deep “clacky” sound
– 1 extra pair of shoulder buttons that sounds quieter and clacky
– no extra dpad included in the box
– Feels great. There’s a little bit of pre-travel, but it only adds to the feedback imo
– Accurate, with great diagonal inputs as well
– Lighter actuation than G7 Pro, minor play on buttons
– also feels great and sounds a little sharper
– harder to accidentally press due to heavier weight and direction of button press.
– Also comfortable
– 2 Adaptive rumble motors in triggers (these are better than just impulse triggers)
– Feels nicer and more detailed. Adaptive triggers are a game-changer in terms of immersion
– 1000hz in wired and 2.4ghz mode, 100hz in bluetooth
– Industry leading latency numbers. No qualms in experience
Compatible with windows, android, ios, macOS, nintendo switch
– Flydigi mobile app
– Extremely granular customisation. I think the software here is better than the G7 Pro.
– RGB on : 12-15 hours
– more with RGB off. Haven’t tested exact duration
– 2 replaceable back paddles
– additional designer plated for RGB in left handle
AVAILABLE SEPARATELY :
– Charging Dock 2 Pro
– Carrying case
– Phone mount
– Additional dpad styles
– Interchangeable joystick set
Concluding Thoughts…
These are both top tier controllers with some incredible performance and features. I can wholeheartedly recommend both of these controllers, and the decision should rely mostly on your budget.
The Flydigi Apex 5 has some really nice, premium features that are actually practical. The tension adjustment and the adaptive triggers are features that will be useful every time you use the controller.
On the other hand, the hallmark feature of the ZD Ultimate Legend is its replaceable analog stick modules. While this is great for repairability, it doesn’t have a practical, daily use. You’ll pick a module, and use that. I think the default TMR module is pretty much the best module anyways, so this feature doesn’t mean much to most people.
Both of these controllers justify their prices. The Apex 5 is a better choice in my opinion, but you’re also paying 60% more than you would if you bought the ZD Ultimate Legend. So you should choose as per your budget. At the end of the day, both of these controllers perform great in games.
Hello! 🥰 I'm Fang.
I like gaming and related tech. I enjoy learning more, and sharing my experiences through my review videos and blog posts. Have fun! 💖
