I’ve used lots of sport controllers on my Mac and different platforms, however I’ve by no means seen one like this. GameSir mounted the controller structure drawback by letting you modify the Tarantula Professional’s on the fly.
There are tons of controllers that you should use together with your iPhone, Mac, iPad, and even your Apple TV. GameSir makes a few of my favorites, together with the Xbox-like Cyclone 2 that I reviewed beforehand.
However the Tarantula Professional is a distinct beast, not least as a result of it is constructed extra like a PS4 controller than an Xbox one. Meaning the joysticks are within the center, laid out symmetrically.
Some folks like that extra, although I admit I am detached. However this controller seeks to appease everybody in a distinct, key manner.
Selecting a controller usually means selecting one which has X,Y/A,B buttons like an Xbox, or Y,X/B,A like a Nintendo Swap. However this controller can do each, and you may select which one you need anytime.
It is a useful addition, and the buttons change due to a gear mechanism contained in the controller. Whether or not that is a very helpful characteristic or extra of a gimmick, solely you possibly can determine.
Nevertheless it’s simply the beginning. As a result of the $70 GameSir Tarantula Professional has a lot of options. And I believe you are going to take pleasure in them rather a lot.
GameSir Tarantula Professional evaluation: Design
As talked about, this controller intently resembles the Sony DualShock 4 structure, which is not any dangerous factor. It feels acquainted, stable, and like it is going to stand quite a lot of rage-quid-fueled throws.
Tarantula Professional evaluation: The Cyclone 2 and Tarantula Professional have completely different layouts
Like lots of controllers, the Tarantula has greater than its fair proportion of RGB lighting. I confess that I do not want my controller to gentle up, however those that do can customise the lights by way of the GameSir app.
When it comes to supplies, the controller is plastic with a textured end within the areas that you simply contact most. Meaning you will not discover the controller squirming round, which I like.
It is a good job, too, as a result of the built-in “HD rumble” motors pack a punch. I reckon a extra slippery buyer is likely to be an issue throughout the extra vibration-heavy battles.
In complete, there are 9 programmable buttons, together with two again buttons, on supply. After which there are the face buttons that I discussed on the prime of this evaluation — there’s rather a lot happening.
These face buttons use a cushioned membrane design and are good and clicky. On the opposite facet, we discover a tactile micro swap D-pad, which is even clickier and fairly the fidget toy.
Between these issues, we’ve got the 2 sticks, they usually really feel nice. That is due to the Magazine-Res TMR tech that ought to enhance sturdiness and longevity.
TMR stands for Tunneling Magnetoresistance, the tech used to detect stick motion. That eliminates the wear and tear issues that trigger stick drift, an issue for a lot of a controller.
Across the again, there are Corridor Impact analog triggers with help for a hair set off if you’d like it. A easy micro swap controls every set off’s mode, permitting every to be arrange otherwise.
Different tidbits embody a six-axis gyroscope and a 1,200mAh battery that lasts a lot lengthy sufficient between expenses. NFC help is included for Swap customers, too.
GameSir Tarantula Professional evaluation: Options
The GameSir Tarantula Professional is suitable with Apple’s Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Apple TV. It will additionally work with a Home windows PC, Nintendo Swap, Android, and the Steam Deck.
Tarantula Professional evaluation: The non-compulsory stand is a no brainer in case you select this controller.
Connecting to these units means utilizing one in all three completely different choices. These embody a USB-C cable, a Bluetooth connection, or a 2.4GHz wi-fi connection to the included USB-C dongle.
I have been primarily utilizing the controller with my Mac, by way of Bluetooth. I’ve used the Xbox controller structure whereas taking part in video games by way of Nvidia GeForce Now, and it has been stable all through.
As for options, there are two that lots of people won’t use, however it’s good that they are there.
The primary is the choice to configure a macro by holding the M button and one of many macro buttons collectively. Then you possibly can press a mixture of buttons to map to that macro button for fast entry.
The second is a turbo mode with gradual, medium, and quick choices for the face buttons in addition to LB, RB, LT, and RT. You’ll be able to cancel the turbo by holding M and urgent the Dwelling button.
Different choices embody the power to calibrate the triggers and the gyroscope when issues go awry. I have not needed to do both, however it’s good to know the choices are there.
The ultimate characteristic is an non-compulsory one which prices an additional $10 — a charging dock. It is a spot to maintain and cost your controller, and I heartily suggest it.
The dock homes your Tarantula Professional and the USB dongle, so you do not lose them. Even higher, the controller turns itself on when it is picked up — it is the little issues, proper?
My expertise with the Tarantula Professional
As I mentioned, I’ve primarily been placing the Tarantula Professional by its paces utilizing GeForce Now on my Mac. I am one of many few individuals who appear to have no issues, probably due to the Netgear Wi-Fi 7 mesh setup that I have been utilizing.
Tarantula Professional evaluation: The controller has two again buttons for further flexibility.
I’ve performed quite a lot of video games, together with Avowed and Atomfall (PC variations by way of Xbox Sport Cross) and Hades (PC model by way of Steam). The controller has been flawless all through.
I do assume that I desire the asymmetrical structure of one thing just like the Cyclone 2, however solely barely. I’ve by no means used the Tarantula Professional and want its sticks have been in other places.
One factor I do need to name out is the controller’s heft, as a result of it is received some weight to it. I haven’t got something to measure it, however it does really feel heavier than it appears.
That is probably all the way down to the supplies used and the mechanism for the switchable buttons, and I fairly prefer it. It feels stable, like a top quality little bit of equipment, though some may discover it too heavy after some time.
Past that, the sticks really feel nice, and I’ve loved utilizing the triggers in Corridor Impact mode. I did take a look at the hair set off setup, and it labored high-quality — it simply is not for me.
A Professional controller with all of the bells and whistles
Finally, I am a fan of the Tarantula Professional.
Positive, it comes with some options I will not take advantage of. However those who I do all work as anticipated, they usually really feel nice whereas they do it.
Tarantula Professional evaluation: You’ll be able to change the face button structure if that is the best way you roll.
It is not the most cost effective controller in the marketplace, nor ought to it’s. At $70, it is $20 greater than the Cyclone 2, which can be a fairly stable controller.
However if you’d like options like a switchable face button structure, multi-platform connectivity, and HD rumble, you may get what you pay for.
Simply be sure to spring the additional $10 and get the model with the charging dock within the field.
GameSir Tarantula Professional evaluation: Professionals
- A controller with actual “professional” options
- A stable building that oozes high quality
- Non-slip design
- Stick drift-busting tech
- Non-slip design
- Customizable buttons and structure
GameSir Tarantula Professional evaluation: Cons
- There are less expensive controllers
- You won’t want all these options
Ranking: 4 out of 5
When you do not want the entire options on supply, save your self some cash and get a Cyclone 2 as a substitute — assuming you just like the structure.
In any other case, choose up the Tarantula Professional. You will not remorse your buy.
The place to purchase the GameSir Tarantula Professional
You should buy the Tarantula Professional direct from GameSir or Amazon for $69.99. The model with the charging dock is barely obtainable instantly, priced at $79.99.
