Flydigi’s latest iteration of the Vader 5 Pro has been my go-to recommendation for anyone looking for an elite controller around the $80 price point. It has excellent features, a reliable pedigree, and great performance.
But I recently reviewed the Beitong KP40D, which matches the Vader 5 Pro’s price, and offers impressive specs and features. Both of these controllers have my Seal of Approval, and I can easily recommend either.
So in today’s comparison, we’ll see which of these two controller is ever so slightly better in the aspect or feature that YOU value more.
– Charging Dock : $24.99
– Controller + Dock : $99.99
(Other accessories also available to purchase separately)
– Comfortable, balanced, Xbox-style shape
– Firm, heavily textured rubber grips on the back. Feels durable
– All buttons are ergonomically placed
– Default Black
– Dragon Ball Z Collab
– Genshin Impact Collab (pink)
Fully customisable RGB light-strip on bottom of controller
– Tension Adjustment mechanism via external rings (40-100gf).
– Internal Restriction for smooth glide (anti-friction)
– Feels very consistent across its travel with zero dead zone and a reliable return to center.
– Micro-switch trigger stops
– Trigger Vibration
– Pretty good feel, could’ve been a little less stiff
– Good actuation force and the button is stable
– Central pivot is great and there is no wobble
– Slight pre and post travel present which gives it a bouncy feel
– Accurate inputs, Reliable diagonals
– Louder than KP40D D-Pad
– Feels great. Crisp feedback, slight pre-travel
– Slight wobble, no scratchiness even after months of use
– Overall slightly heavier feel
– Extra remappable C & Z buttons : Tactile, no pre travel
– Comfortable positioning and actuation force. No complaints.
– Remappable
– Maps seamlessly via software for mouse/FPS aiming or racing.
– Feels excellent. Detailed feedback
– Granular customisation in software
– 1000hz in wired and 2.4ghz mode, 125hz in bluetooth mode
– Industry leading latency numbers. No qualms in experience.
Compatible with Windows, Android, iOS, Switch
– One of the best controller hubs IMO. Allows deep adjustments of trigger tuning, button mapping, macros, and profile management
– about 15 hours of use
N/A
AVAILABLE SEPARATELY :
– Charging Dock
– Carrying Case
– Extra D-Pads
– Interchangeable Joysticks
– Clip-on phone mount
– Third party Grip tapes
– No AI features
– Charging Dock : $9.99
(Other accessories also available to purchase separately)
– Comfortable, balanced, Xbox-style shape (slightly longer handles)
– “Skin-like” textured rubber grip – Comfortable and good grip
– All buttons are ergonomically placed
– Default White
(Faceplates separately purchaseable)
– Tension Adjustment mechanism via external rings (30-90gf). Mechanism is better feeling here.
– Internal Restriction for smooth glide (anti-friction)
– Feels very consistent across its travel with zero dead zone and a reliable return to center.
– Micro-switch trigger stops
– Trigger Vibration
– Great feel, better than Vader 5 Pro
– Good actuation force and the button is stable
– Central pivot is good and there is no wobble
– Slightly more pre and post travel present. Still feels good, but Vader better.
– Accurate inputs, Reliable diagonals
– Slightly quieter
– Feels great, minimal wobble/play
– Extremely low actuation distance (0.5mm), so it feels “faster”
– Excellent tactility, but somewhat loud
– Nice texture and good overall feel
– Comfortable positioning and actuation force. No complaints.
– Remappable
– Maps seamlessly via software for mouse/FPS aiming or racing.
– Feels excellent. Detailed feedback
– Granular customisation in software
– 1000hz in wired and 2.4ghz mode, 250hz in bluetooth mode
– Pretty good latency numbers. Technically Vader 5 Pro is better, but practically indistinguishable
Compatible with Windows, Android, iOS, Switch
– Pretty good software, feels a little clunky at times. But customisation options are quite granular
– About 10 hours of usage
N/A
AVAILABLE SEPARATELY :
– Charging dock
– Elite accessory set (sticks + rear paddles)
– Elite accessory set 2 (= dpads)
– Carrying case
– Faceplates with AI features (read full review for details)
– AI features
So which one should YOU buy?
Both the Flydigi Vader 5 Pro and the Beitong KP40D are heavyweight contenders in the sub-$100 premium market. They both tout niche features like adjustable tension and trigger vibrations.
I personally prefer the Flydigi Vader 5 Pro. The C and Z face buttons is a feature that I have grown used to.
However, if you are looking for absolute raw speed on your face buttons, the Beitong KP40D is a stellar option. Its optical ABXY switches are incredibly fast with a very satisfying, short actuation, and the TMR sticks are top-tier. It’s also slightly more comfortable in the hands thanks to its subtle, skin-like grip texture compared to the Vader’s more aggressive rubber.
But if you ask me which controller is “better”, it’s a coin flip. Both are excellent options and excel in all departments. They only win over each other in specific points and that too by a small edge.
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! 💖
Hi Fang! I’m Abril. Thanks for the article! I’ve been indecisive between both controllers and what might be a deal breaker for me is the switch 2 compatibility (i play in both pc and s2). Have you tried them on that system? I’ve read that the vader 5 pro can be connected only vía bt and that the latency and gyro performance are deceiving. Supposedly the kp40d can be connected with the 2.4 dongle but honestly its so niche that I haven’t found much information in that regard. I would appreciate your opinion!