Playing mainly on Steam Deck, Xbox and PC, Jen prefers to collect controllers over shoes and handbags.
This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by PB Tails.
PB Tails had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.
The PB Tails Metal Crush Defender TMR comes packed in a leather effect case(Image credit: Jennifer Young - Windows Central)
Despite its rough and ready appearance, it feels remarkably luxurious, thanks in part to its weighty build.
The included leatherette carrying case adds to the luxury experience.
My internal dialogue puzzled, “Ive just started using Hall Effect.
You get a USB dongle and charging cable included in the box(Image credit: Jennifer Young - Windows Central)
What the heck is TMR?”
So, where does TMR come in?
Like Hall Effect, TMR uses magnetic technology, but it measures resistance changes rather than voltage.
PB Tails have a small selection of quirky looking controllers for all platforms (but not Xbox unfortunately)
TMR is considered more precise, with the ability to detect much smaller movements.
The sticks feel incredible, moving as smoothly as a hot knife through butter.
The advertised 10-hour battery life held true during my testing.
Connecting the controller to different devices was simple, thanks to the included 2.4GHz wireless dongle.
While the controller doesnt officially support Xbox, this workaround made it compatible.
This cheat mode makes it easier to spam attacks without wearing out your thumbs.
With it’s rugged exterior it seemed fitting to photograph this controller on my doorstep
A concave design would have provided better grip without compromising the aesthetics.
The price of the Metal Crush TMR is another consideration.
At this premium tier, I would expect more standard features commonly found in high-end controllers.
The worn design is around every edge and seam of the controller(Image credit: Jennifer Young - Windows Central)
For a luxury controller, these omissions are disappointing and worth noting.
However, the lack of variety in replacement faceplates is a letdown.
There are 2 rear remappable buttons, RGB lighting and those all important TMR sticks.
The worn design is around every edge and seam of the controller(Image credit: Jennifer Young - Windows Central)
However, it’s not without its shortcomings.
Crafted with a combination of polycarbonate and zinc alloy, it features a removable magnetic faceplate for customization.
The face buttons are a matte brushed metal compared to the mirrored finish of the sticks(Image credit: Jennifer Young - Windows Central)
The sticks double as a mirror for you to check your teeth for game snacks
The convex sticks are certainly an interesting design choice and it would have perhaps been more practical to go concave or add some kind of texture
The rear is understated, smooth and no buttons so the lack of extra customizability may be a problem for some at this price.
The magnetic faceplate is fitted so well you wouldn’t know it comes off
The controller has RGB lighting but it’s pretty understated
