SCUF Valor Pro Review: A $99 Wired Xbox Controller with Pro-Level Features and Customization

Founded in 2011, SCUF develops gaming gear designed to benefit everyone from esports pros to average players. Now part of the Corsair family, SCUF’s product line includes controllers for every type of gaming platform, including the PS5, Xbox, PC, and mobile devices. In this review, we look at the SCUF Valor Pro Controller.

The SCUF Valor Pro Controller is an entry-level pro wired controller intended to provide the level of customization that many players crave without breaking the bank. It has several advanced features as well as additional customizable controls not found on standard gaming controllers.

What’s in the Box

• SCUF Valor Pro Wired Controller
• 10ft USB-C Charging Cable
• Additional Thumbsticks (2x)
• Inner Paddle Blanking Plates (L/R) (2x)
• Safety Leaflet Design

Design

Although immediately recognizable as an Xbox controller, the Valor Pro is different in almost every way. Some differences are subtle, others are obvious, especially to those who play the games that directly benefit from the improvements in the Valor Pro’s design.

The Valor Pro is a wired controller and ships with a 10′ USB Type-C cable. In my Xbox gaming arrangement, this proved just long enough. 12’ would probably suit me better, but in most situations, 10’ will suffice. Wired connections are favored by some players for the stability and speed that they provide. In March, SCUF released an update for the PC featuring a 1 KHz polling rate, making it even quicker.

The controller features triggers that are switchable between the standard feathered and instant-on settings, making them ideal for first-person shooter games as well as for games designed for a full range of throttle motion.

Centered on the back of the controller is a profile switch which enables users to swap between three saved on-board profiles. This allows users to switch between customizations instantly between games. However, there is no companion app, nor does the Valor Pro work with Corsair’s iCue software suite on the PC.

Other added features of the Valor Pro include remappable back paddles, anti-drift hall effect thumbstick, and dedicated audio controls.

Remappable Back Paddles

Designed with four ergonomically placed integrated paddles, the controller eliminates the need for grip changes. It supports full hardware remapping across three customizable profiles. The inner paddles are removable or can remain unused, and all paddles may be disabled by assigning them to the share button.

Anti-Drift Hall Effect Thumbsticks

Hall effect thumbsticks use magnetic sensors to track movement, significantly reducing the potential for drift. Engineered with precision, they closely replicate the tactile response of classic analog sticks. The accuracy of these thumbsticks is not just a benefit in shooter games. I immediately noticed an improvement in accuracy in both racing and flying simulators. The design of these thumbsticks not only increases accuracy but should also make them resistant to wear, thereby increasing durability.

Dedicated Audio Controls

Dedicated audio scroll wheels let you adjust headset volume, balance Game and Chat audio, and mute your headset or mic—all without ever putting the controller down.

Build Quality

The Valor Pro benefits from over thirteen years of ergonomic development with a more compact design that immediately feels right in your hands. Subtle changes to the default controller’s shape result in paddles and buttons being located in optimal locations.

The contoured surfaces of the bumpers create a seamless transition to the triggers, allowing for quicker transitions. The rubberized backs of the grips feature a hexagonal texture that feels great and ensures you won’t slide around during the most demanding gaming situations.

The location of the dedicated audio wheels is excellent, as they are immediately accessible without obstructing other controls.

Another benefit of the Valor Pro being a wired controller, one that often goes unsung, is that it draws power from the cable and therefore has no internal battery. This not only results in the Valor Pro weighing less overall, at 9.2 ounces compared to 9.97 ounces for the standard Xbox controller, but also allows the weight to be distributed evenly across the controller. Where the standard controller has the weight of the battery in the center and, in comparison, feels light on the sides, the Valor Pro feels more evenly balanced in your hands.

Customization

The Valor Pro features a magnetic faceplate that is easily removable, allowing for quick access to various controls for cleaning and customization. SCUF offers a line of accessories, including faceplates, thumbsticks, cases, backpacks, and more.

Compatibility

The Valor Pro Wired controller is compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10 and 11 PCs.

The SCUF Valor Pro Controller improves on the standard Microsoft Xbox controller in nearly every way. It feels great in your hands with every control falling exactly where you would expect it. The anti-drift hall effect thumbsticks add accuracy to all games. Although aimed at the first-person shooter market, the Valor Pro is great for any game type.

The SCUF Valor Pro Controller is available in various colors and designs, ranging from $99.99 to $119.99. Additionally, there is a wireless version, called the Instinct Pro, which runs between $229.99 and $249.99, depending on the design.

The SCUF Valor Pro Controller retails for $99.99 and is available directly from the manufacturer and from other retailers, including Amazon.

Source: Manufacturer-supplied review sample

What I Like: Ergonomics; Hall-Effect Thumbsticks; Customization; Build Quality

What Needs Improvement: Nothing