EasySMX X05 Review: Hall Effect Power on a Tight Budget

Key Takeaways

• Hall Effect sensors in sticks and triggers help eliminate drift on budget pads
• Solid build and clean button action rival pricier models, though grips stay modest
• Wireless via 2.4 GHz dongle or Bluetooth, plus wired USB-C, covers PC, Switch, and mobile
• Missing headset jack and programmable macros, but hard to grumble under $30
• RGB accents brighten the deck, though battery life dips with full lighting and rumble
• Outperforms many sub-$40 rivals like the Logitech F310 and PowerA Spectra

Why I Picked Up the EasySMX X05

I’ll admit I was skeptical. I’ve been through my share of budget pads—Logitech F310s that lost their springs, PowerA shells that cracked at the seams. When I saw the X05 advertised with Hall Effect sticks for under $30, I thought it must be a gimmick. Hall Effect technology uses magnetic fields to track stick movement, promising near-zero drift over time—at least, that’s the theory. A few weeks and plenty of Guilty Gear Dragon Punches later, it’s still going strong.

First Impressions

Out of the box, the X05 feels unexpectedly robust. The face buttons have a reassuring snap somewhere between an Xbox pad and a mid-range fight stick. At roughly 250 g, it’s heavier than most cheap controllers—more “serious hardware” than hollow plastic. The neon green model I picked up is flashy, but black with pink accents or a neutral white option are easier on the eyes.

Setup was zero-hassle: plug in the 2.4 GHz USB dongle and Windows instantly recognizes it. Bluetooth pairing for Switch or Android is equally straightforward. The only curveball is the hardware-only mode switches for RGB, deadzone settings, and stick sensitivity—you’ll need to memorize combinations of “M” and “O” buttons or keep the tiny manual close by.

Daily Use and Performance

My playtime split between platformers like Celeste, fighting games to test precision, and open-world RPGs. Here’s how it fared:

• Sticks: The Hall Effect sensors mean no detectable wobble or drift so far. If you’ve lived through the thumbstick creep of cheap pads, this feels like a minor miracle.
• Triggers: Smoother than many budget options, with a firmer pull than my Xbox Series controller. After an hour in Forza, my fingers felt more “in control” than ever.
• D-Pad: Not quite up to the Switch Pro’s standard but a clear step above rock-hard slaps on other low-end models. Decent for quarter-circle motions, though ultra-precise fighters might notice slight mushiness over marathon sessions.
• Face Buttons: Crisp and responsive, ideal for rapid tapping in shooters and platformers. Feedback sits between entry-level and premium pads.
• Vibration: Adjustable via button combo, it delivers solid rumble at 50%. Ramp it up and you’ll feel it—though it does impact battery life.

Connectivity and Setup

The X05 covers all bases: wired USB-C charging/playing, a lag-free 2.4 GHz dongle, and Bluetooth for Switch or mobile. I never experienced a dropout on the dongle, and Bluetooth stays locked in under 10 ft. Everything is configured on the controller itself—no companion app—so customizing deadzones or color patterns requires a quick cheat-sheet.

Durability and Long-Term Thoughts

After a month of daily use, there’s zero drift and no rattles. The matte plastic resists scratches better than glossier shells. Grips are lightly textured but could benefit from more rubberized depth to prevent slip in sweaty hands. Time will tell if those Hall Effect sensors really outlast potentiometer-based sticks, but early signs point to longevity. For truly conclusive data, extended drift-resistance tests over six to twelve months would be ideal.

Pros and Cons

• Pros:
  • Hall Effect sticks & triggers
  • Plug-and-play wireless or wired
  • Sturdy build rivaling $50+ pads
  • Fun RGB lighting at no extra cost
• Cons:
  • No headphone jack or macro buttons
  • Manual-only configuration, no software suite
  • Grips could be more textured for slicker hands
  • Battery drops to ~4 hrs with full lighting and rumble

Who Should Consider It?

If you need a reliable wireless controller for PC, Steam Deck, or Switch and don’t mind sacrificing a headset jack or fancy macros, the X05 is hard to beat under $30. Competitive fighting or precision platforming fans will appreciate the Hall Effect accuracy, while casual players will love the easy setup and solid feel. If you need remappable buttons or premium rubberized grips, you’ll have to step up to pricier tiers.

Final Verdict

The EasySMX X05 punches well above its weight class. Its Hall Effect sticks and triggers bring premium longevity to a budget price, and the overall build quality outshines many controllers at twice the cost. A few creature comforts are missing, but for everyday gaming—indie titles, emulation, Steam Big Picture, or casual Switch sessions—this is the sub-$30 benchmark. Score: 9/10.