Xboxaddict.com Article
SCUF Valor Pro Controller Review
by Adam Dileva
FEATURES / SPECS
Compatibility: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox ONE, Windows 10/11, Mac OS Catalina+
Weight: 260 Grams
Connectivity: Wired USB-C
Dimensions: 153 mm (L) x 107 mm (H) x 64 mm (W)
Ports: USB-C (Data and charging), 3.5mm jack (audio)
Thumbstick Layout: Asymmetrical
Warranty: 1 year
INSIDE THE BOX
Controller
10ft USB-A to USB-C cable
Paddle covers
Convex thumbsticks
For a $100 controller, I wasn’t expecting much of an unboxing experience, as that’s usually reserved for higher priced premium products. I was right, as opening the box presents you with the controller and accessories, and nothing else. There’s a QR code printed inside the box that will link you to the SCUF website and user guide, but the trend of not including a guide in the box is starting to become noticeable with newer products, and I’m not a fan.
SCUF VALOR PRO
Optimized for Xbox Gaming, SCUF has released their latest controller, the SCUF Valor Pro. Released Feb 20th 2025 for $99.99 USD, it’s a wired controller that is officially licensed, but had SCUF’s own touch on a few different features. With a 10ft braided cable, even though it’s a wired controller, it’s plenty long enough to reach your favorite gaming chair or couch from your console. It should be mentioned that SCUF made a fantastic decision to make the USB port on the controller a normal port and size, and the cable doesn’t have a weird notch or anything that require you to only use their cable, so replacements aren’t an issue unlike other brands that force you to purchase theirs only due to some odd shape in the cable end or port.
At 260grams, it weighs just a hair under an official Xbox controller, so in that regards there’s not much difference and feels natural in your hands, but there are a few unique features that I really enjoy what SCUF has done with their latest offering. There are volume controls built into the controller, hair trigger toggles, back paddles, and even Hall sticks that will greatly prevent stick drift from occurring.LOOKING AND FEELING GOOD
SCUF’s design for the Valor Pro looks aesthetically very similar to an official Xbox controller, but there are a few minor changes when you look closer. Namely, the View, Menu and Nexus (screenshot) buttons are moved in slightly different positions on the controller face, shaped differently, and the spacing of the thumbsticks to the D-Pad and buttons are slightly smaller. Would you notice these differences without comparing side by side, probably not, but I did find me looking for the View and Menu button as those are the ones that have moved the most from their natural spots.
The front of the Valor Pro has a matte look and an almost slight rubber-like feel to it, as opposed to the plastic face of an official controller. The faceplate is also magnetic and removable, with a number of different designed replacements purchasable on the SCUF website. The bottom half of the controller that rests in your palms is a texturized honeycomb pattern which is where you’ll also find the four triggers on the back.
The sides of the thumbsticks have a minor texture to it as well, though I found the edges not as prominent as a regular controller, and did have my thumbs sometimes slip off due to not having quite the same type of grip along the edges. The sides of the Bumpers also go much further down on the side of the controller, but more on those shortly.
HALL EFFECT
One of the biggest features of the Valor Pro is the inclusion of Hall Effect thumbsticks that should help them last much longer than standard sticks and reduce any stick drift that is common over time in most standard controllers. While some might simply see Hall sticks as a fancy marketing term, it is actually a completely different technology used, and I hope to see it a standard in controllers in the next generation.
In short, the main differences in a Hall Effect thumbstick is that they use magnets and sensors to measure where the position of the stick is with no physical contact. This will reduce wear and tear and what eventually causes the dreaded stick drift that nearly all controllers are prone to over time. This technology also provides a much more accurate detection of movement, which is critical when it comes to competitive gaming.
Inside the box comes with an extra pair of thumbsticks, the major difference being that one is might taller, meant for precision aiming, and the top of the sticks are convex instead of concave. Simply take off the faceplate and pull hard on the thumbstick and they will come off, able to place the other set on if you wish. I honestly was a little worried I was going to damage the controller or Hall components with how hard you need to pull off the sticks, but I’ve had no performance issues even after a few swaps. It should be noted that the D-Pad can also be swapped out, but there’s no extra or ‘disc’ option included in the box, an accessory I’m sure will be for sale later on.
BUTTONS, TRIGGERS, AND BUMPERS OH MY
In the middle of the back of the controllers there’s a Profile Switch button. This is where you’re able to set up to three different profiles and swap between them, indicated by the color at the top of teh controller. This will come in handy if you want to map the triggers to different buttons, useful for when changing to different genres of games.
The Triggers appear to be slightly smaller, but the upward curve is also slightly more pronounced when compared to a standard controller. The main difference was actually the lack of texture on the Triggers when compared. There looks like there’s a pattern printed on the Triggers, but there’s no texture to it, compared to the bumpy dots on a standard controller that help your finger not slip off.
The Valor Pro also has Instant Trigger locks. This allows you to quickly flip a switch and have the Triggers go from full motion to an instant press. With racing games you want the full motion of Trigger, as that’s how you go from anywhere from 0% to 100% for gas or brake. Shooters though won’t fire your bullet until the trigger is fully pressed, so toggling the trigger lock allows you to fully press the trigger, but with only a fraction of the movement required. This results in quicker shots, and in theory, better play. The best part is how the Triggers ‘click’ when locked and pressed, almost like the sound of a mouse click, and just feels satisfying every time.
The biggest button change though has to be the new contoured Bumpers that now wrap further along the side of the controller. This allows you to hit the Bumper with the middle of the inside of your index finger, instead of having to slightly move your finger and use the tip on the Bumper. This change makes them almost like a side button, and while I eventually got used to it, I did find myself accidently hitting the side of the Bumper early on since it’s one of the more drastic changes to the button layout.
FOUR PADDLES ARE BETTER THAN NONE
The back of the controller is where you’ll also find four separate paddles, allowing you to keep your thumbs on the sticks at all times. The paddles are shaped quite differently from what I’ve used on other controllers, with sharp angles. You’re able to press all four paddles with your middle finger, and actually became second nature quite quickly after a little use.
Coupled with the Profile button, you could map these to whatever you needed for any game. The outer paddles look as though they are cut out from the controller itself and have a satisfying click, whereas the inner two are almost more like buttons and have sharp angles that makes them easy to press. The inner smaller paddles can be swapped out for blanking plates if you don’t want to use them or find them a distraction.
AUDIO CONTROLS
The other major addition to the Valor Pro is the audio controls at the bottom of the controller where you plug in your wired headsets. There are two small scroll wheels, the left for overall volume, and the right for party chat/game volume mix. Pressing in the wheels can also mute you quickly, so even if your headset has toggles on itself, you can do so from the controller and not have to take your hands off of it. While I'm not sure decicated audio controls are quite needed, I did appreicate the addition and did find myself using them quite often, more than expected.
FINAL THOUGHTS
While some might not give the Valor Pro a chance simply due to being wired, I found it to be quite a comfortable controller with just enough features that warrant the price tag. While designed to be an Xbox controller primarily, it can too be used on PC, and will also be getting a 1K Hz Polling rate update for lightning fast response time (PC only though). To put in into perspective, a standard Xbox controller’s polling rate is 125 Hz, so quite a drastic increase.
Having used the SCUF Valor Pro for a few weeks now, I’ve started to use it as my go-to controller and what I grab by default when I go to sit and play some games. Eventually becoming accustomed to the rear paddles, it was odd going back to a standard controller without the option. It took some time to stop accidentally pressing the sides of the longer Bumpers, but eventually that too become second nature once I slightly altered my hands resting position.
The SCUF Valor Pro is a great introduction to higher end controllers, but on a budget comparatively. It has enough unique features that separate itself from a standard controller, and those looking for just a bit more customization with their controller might want to check it out, even if the price point seems a little much for a wired option. For a third party controller, it masks itself as a standard looking one quite well until you notice all of the extra features hidden in plain sight. All its missing is a wireless option and an app where you can make adjustments there instead of complicated button presses and holds.**SCUF Valor Pro was provided and reviewed on an Xbox Series X**
Overall: 9/ 10
