SCUF Valor Pro Wireless Controller Review: Premium Performance, Customization and Price

Part of the Corsair family, SCUF develops gaming controllers designed for everyone from esports pros to average players. Their product line includes controllers for every gaming platform, including the PS5, Xbox, PC, and mobile. Nearly a year ago, we reviewed the wired version of the Valor Pro controller and found it to be excellent. In this review, we look at the new SCUF Valor Pro Wireless Controller, a high-performance controller that offers extensive customization, multiple connectivity options, and a few enhanced features that set it apart from other controllers on the market.

What’s in the Box

• SCUF Valor Pro Wireless Controller
• 6’ USB-C to USB-A Cable (x1)
• USB-C Wireless Dongle (x1)
• Additional Thumbsticks (x2)
• Back Paddles (x2)

What’s New

As mentioned, Gear Diary reviewed the Valor Pro wired controller, which offers a number of impressive features, including hall-effect thumbsticks, an audio control system, and a 1K Hz polling rate on PCs. In addition to being wireless, the new model adds to this list with TMR thumbsticks, tri-mode connectivity, and adds a companion app for further customization options.

Design

Just as with the wired version, the SCUF Valor Pro Wireless Controller is immediately recognizable as an Xbox controller, and yet different in many ways. 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 Wireless Controller weighs slightly (10.4 oz or 294 grams) more than a standard Xbox controller with a rechargeable battery (9.9 oz or 282 grams). The weight difference is hard to detect in the hand. What stands out is the excellent fit and finish, making the Valor Pro feel premium from the moment you pick it up. Also instantly noticeable are the rubber grips found on the Valor Pro, replacing the textured ones on the standard controller.

Looking at the front of the controller, Xbox gamers will recognize the standard controller elements of the left and right thumbsticks, the D-pad, and the ABXY action buttons. The nexus button featuring the Xbox logo is in its standard location, but the view and menu buttons are positioned higher, centered on the nexus button rather than grouped with the share button as on standard Xbox controllers. This may seem an insignificant change, but to users who are used to standard controllers, this is a surprisingly noticeable change that triggers your muscle memory every time you reach for one of those controls.

There are three elements above the nexus button not found on the standard controller, and these are the centered status light, which is flanked on each side by the audio and profile status LEDs.

At the top of the controller are found the triggers and bumpers, as well as the USB Type-C port. The pairing button found on standard controllers is missing on the Valor Pro. The controller features triggers that can be switched 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.

The bottom of the Valor Pro controller features two scroll wheels (SC1 & SC2) and a 3.5 mm aux port. Not found is the expansion port present on standard Xbox controllers. The scroll wheels control audio functions: SC1 adjusts in-game volume and muting, and SC2 adjusts chat volume and mic muting.

The back of the SCUF Valor Pro Wireless Controller features the textured rubber grips with a number of switches not found on the standard Xbox controller. These include, centered along the top row, the right and left instant trigger toggles flanking the tri-mode connectivity switch, which allows users to swap between Xbox, PC, and Bluetooth. Below these are found the four programmable paddles and the profile button, which allows users to cycle through three customizable profiles. The Valor Pro comes with profiles preset for shooters, sports, and racing games, and users can change them as they see fit.

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, allowing you to keep your thumbs on the sticks while you jump, slide, reload, and more. Map almost any controller function to the paddles for a setup that matches your playstyle.

Endurance TMR Thumbsticks

Endurance TMR 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 racing and flying simulators as well. The design of these thumbsticks not only increases accuracy but should be more 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 SCUF Valor Pro Wireless Controller 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 backsides of the grips have a hexagonal texture that feels great and ensures that 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.

Battery

The SCUF Valor Pro Wireless Controller includes a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery, which powers the controller for up to 17 hours. The battery recharges quickly with the supplied 6’ USB Type-C cable. I can attest to the impressive battery life, but I wish that the controller had a charge level indicator. The battery is also not swappable without disassembling the controller. The Valor Pro user manual seems to indicate that battery removal is solely for disposal and not replacement.

Customization

The SCUF Valor Pro Wireless Controller features a magnetic faceplate that is easily removed and allows for quick access to the various controls for cleaning and customization. The faceplate delivers a satisfying snapping sound when clicked into place. SCUF offers a line of accessories, including faceplates, thumbsticks, cases, backpacks, and more, but customization comes at a price: faceplates range from $24.99 to $29.99 each.

The controller also ships with a second set of thumbsticks, which are a bit taller and have a convex-shaped top as opposed to the concave ones found on the sticks that are installed in the controller as a default.

Also included with the Valor Pro Wireless are plastic covers for the inner two back paddles. These are used to “delete” the inner two paddles if users prefer to use only the outer two paddles.

Valor Pro Companion App

Unlike the wired version, the SCUF Valor Pro Wireless Controller supports a companion app (in beta), which allows for the customization of the inputs, sticks, triggers, and vibration.

Users can select from a list of mappable functions to assign to buttons. Thumbsticks and triggers can be fine-tuned to adjust deadzones, and users can customize response curves to their preferences or select from presets such as aggressive, dynamic, linear, and exponential.

The app can also be used to update the firmware of the controller and its dongle, and to modify the three profiles.

Compatibility

The SCUF Valor Pro Wireless Controller is compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10 and 11 PCs. It supports Bluetooth 5 and can be attached with the included 6’ USB Type-C cable.

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

SCUF offers the Valor Pro Wireless in a variety of colors and designs, priced from $189.99 to $199.99. Scuf still sells the Instinct Pro which has been reduced to $189.99, but the Valor Pro Wireless offers many additional features including the Endurance TMR thumbsticks, the audio control system a 1K Hz polling rate (on PCs only), tri-mode connectivity and the companion app.

There is no doubt that many serious gamers will make good use of the added features and increased performance that the SCUF Valor Pro Wireless Controlleroffers, but it does come with a fairly hefty price tag. Those players that may not need wireless connectivity may opt for the wired version of the Valor Pro for half the cost.

The SCUF Valor Pro Wireless Controller sells for $189.99 and is available directly from the manufacturer and from retailers, including Amazon.

Source: Manufacturer-supplied review sample

What I Like: Ergonomics; Endurance TMR Thumbsticks; Customization; Build Quality; Battery Life

What Needs Improvement: Price; Battery is not user-replaceable