EasySMX X05 Pro Review: A Quiet Champion?

The EasySMX X05 is one of my top picks for budget controllers of 2024. Just like a lot of controllers on that list, EasySMX joins the list of “improving the old for the new year” with the X05 Pro. The Pro model changes up a few, adds a few new features, and makes for a better controller for just a few dollars more than the original.

But is it actually worth its higher asking price of $35.99 from the EasySMX website? Well, that’s what I’m here to find out.

EasySMX X05 Pro Specs

For $35.99, you’re getting a bit more versus the original X05, but the value proposition becomes harder when you pass that $30 price point for some reason. As you’re entering “On Sale” pricing for some Xbox controllers, what are you getting?

Sticks and Triggers: Hall Effect
Face Buttons: “Optimized Quiet” Membrane
D-Pad: Tactile
Battery: 1000mAh
Extra Features: RGB, M1-M2, Trigger Stops, Turbo Functionality
Connectivity: Wired, 2.4GHz Wireless (1000Hz), Bluetooth (250Hz)
Compatibility: Nintendo Switch 1, x86, Android, iOS
Weight: 259 grams

EasySMX X05 Pro (Direct)EasySMX X05 Pro (Amazon)EasySMX X05 Pro (Best Buy)

What I Like

The Controls

The controls on the X05 Pro feel both better and more refined over the original. The face buttons have a light tension to them and have a much quieter clack to them than a lot of my favorites. The click of the Fantech EOS Pro and the clack of the Stadia controller both come across louder than that of the X05 Pro. The closest competition would be the GameSir Nova Lite 2 in terms of volume.

The sticks are super smooth and responsive, giving minimal issues with just about any game that uses them. From AK-olotl to Forza Horizon 5 or especially Megabonk at the moment, everything works well with them. Despite my initial apprehensions towards it, the clicky D-pad of the X05 Pro isn’t that bad. It’s a really quiet clicky and holds its own well across platformers like Celeste. Overall, I give it a pass, and as a whole, it makes this a quiet controller king.

The Volume

As mentioned multiple times before, the EasySMX X05 Pro is pretty dang quiet. The face buttons, the clicky D-pad, and even the triggers and shoulders. While for the most part, that doesn’t impact functionality or use, it at least makes it a nice controller to have if you’re intentionally trying to be quieter.

That being said, I’m not entirely sure what circumstance that would be. Playing in bed next to a significant other, headphones on so the game doesn’t wake them, and neither does your controller? I wouldn’t know, I live alone. But if you do, let me know.

The Functionality:

As a whole, the functionality of the controller is great. You can easily toggle turbo and RGB with just the controller, and if you need to make any adjustments, that’s all you need. It works across a wide variety of devices and platforms, which in turn makes it a solid “do everything” controller. If you had just $35 and wanted just one controller, this might be one of your better budget options.

What I Don’t

The Trigger Stops

The return of my most common dislike. The trigger stops. L2 and R2 themselves are pretty solid in terms of movement; they follow exactly what they need to when acting as gas or brakes, or just how far to throw my fishing rod in-game.

The issue comes when you flick the switch to shorten them. They end up having too much travel still, and even then, my unit can still press just a bit further if you’re really into the game. And personally, my unit has some creaking if you press too far.

The Shoulder Buttons

The one downside to quiet controls came in the shoulder buttons, and by extension, M1-M2. They’re quiet, and they have a quiet click, but they almost feel mushy in some regards. It feels like I’m putting my finger through a hard-shelled gummy candy before pulling back out to do it again.

It’s not my favorite, and with time, I could likely get used to it. But if you’re going to use your shoulders as a whole, they’re my least favorite part of the controller.

Final Thoughts

The EasySMX X05 Pro checks a lot of boxes. High functionality, quality controls, long battery life, and enough extra features to choke the single, non-dust-covered fan in your PC. However, there’s just one thing holding it back, and that’s the shoulders. While the triggers are mostly fine, L1/R1 end up being mediocre as a whole.

For $35, your options are wide. The Nova Lite 2 is $30 alongside the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C. For $40, you can grab a Fantech EOS Pro or a GameSir Super Nova on sale. It’s a solid controller overall, but based on your needs, there might be something better as well. I think I’ll still go back to my EOS Pro/Gamesir Cyclone 2 combo.