Razer Raiju Ultimate - Pro Controller
Razer launched the Raiju PS2016 controller back in 4. The gamepad, which was officially licensed at that time and designed for pro-oriented players, impressed with its expanded customization options and a particularly ergonomic design.
The Razer Raiju Ultimate (2019) was released three years later, with the intention of adding wireless Bluetooth functionality to the then wired Raiju, eliminating bugs and providing even more customization options.
Razer Raiju Ultimate - Design
The Raiju Ultimate does a lot when you unpack it. The controller is delivered including a transport case. The modular D-Pad and analog attachments are nicely lined up in the front part of the case.
If you take the controller in your hand, the heavy weight is immediately noticeable. The Pro Controller weighs an impressive 352g, making it another 142g heavier than a normal DualShock 4 controller. The weight is evenly distributed across the entire controller. Too much head load? - None! However, it should also be noted that, unlike other pro controllers, such as the Nacon Revolution Pro Controller 2, the Raiju Ultimate does not have any interchangeable weights.
The Raiju Ultimate feels great to the touch. The rubberized handle horns provide a comfortable grip, even during longer gaming sessions. The arrangement of the buttons is also very well implemented. All keys are easily accessible with normal sized hands. Only the M3 and M4 triggers require a slight acclimatization phase due to their very deep placement. Likewise, gamers with small hands could have problems with the M1 and M2 triggers. These are difficult to reach with index fingers that are too short!
Speaking of buttons, in addition to the basic equipment of a conventional DualShock controller, the Raiju Ultimate offers a touchpad with stylish RGB chroma lighting and four multifunction buttons. The pressure points of the keys are correct and provide a pleasant mechanical feeling with tactile feedback.
Razer Raiju Ultimate - Features
PC compatibility
The Raiju Ultimate is designed primarily as a PS4 controller. However, it is also possible to connect the gamepad to the PC. The mode can be changed between “PS4 BT”, “USB” and “PC BT” using a switch on the back. Establishing the connection went smoothly in the test. In the same way, the connection was maintained constantly without any interruptions. What PC gamers have to pay attention to, however, is that the Raiju Ultimate is still a DualShock controller that has to be configured separately on the PC and in its games.
eSports Ready
Pro gamers get their money's worth. The modular design allows the analog sticks and D-pad to be changed quickly. Depending on the type of player, the Raiju Ultimate can be equipped with short, concave sticks or an extended convex stick. Wait a minute - A convex stick? Exactly! Razer only includes an extended concave stick and an extended convex stick. It's a shame that they didn't choose two identical pairs here.
The D-pad, which is available as a disk or as a classic control pad, is also interchangeable. The so-called “trigger stoppers” make it possible to change the key travel of the L2 and R2 triggers in no time. All you have to do is flip the switches on the back. The shorter path of the trigger means you can react even faster, especially in shooters. To avoid unwanted input of the PS button and the configuration buttons, they can be deactivated using the lock button.
Profiles, app and RGB chroma
Depending on the game genre, the Raiju Ultimate can be programmed with different profiles. The key assignment, vibration strength and RGB chroma lighting can be adjusted. The easiest way is to program using an app. The “Raiju for PS4” app is available for download in the respective app stores (Apple & Google). The connection between the app and controller is established via Bluetooth. In the test, the first connection setup worked straight away. A repeated connection was tricky because the controller was only found by the smartphone after switching it on and off several times. Razer should definitely improve this!
Four pre-programmed profiles for shooter, fight, sport and racing titles are already available in the app. In order to be able to create a new profile, a Razer ID is required. With Razer ID, up to 500 individual profiles can be saved in the Razer Cloud. However, the pre-programmed profiles can also be adapted without a Razer ID. The key assignment includes the keys M1, M2, M3 and M4. All other keys can be assigned to these special keys. The sensitivity of the analog sticks can be adjusted using a 10-level sensitivity regulator. The vibration strength of the left as well as the right vibration motor can be set in steps of 10.
To give the controller a unique look, there is RGB chroma lighting around the touchpad. In addition to an individual choice of colors, there are also six different lighting modes to choose from. Regardless of whether static, pulsating or reactive, the setting options are almost limitless. Last but not least, the battery life. The battery lasted approximately 8 to 10 hours in the test. The charging indicator below the touchpad shows early on when it is time to charge the controller. A complete charging process takes almost 4 hours.
Raiju Ultimate
High quality manufacturing
Modular design
Handy and handy
Precise mecha-tactile switches
Trigger Stopper
RGB chroma lighting
Loveless app
Razer ID forced for new profiles
Unequal stick pairs
The Razer Raiju Ultimate is expensive. So expensive that you should definitely consider 2, 3 if not 4 times whether you really should spend so much money on a game controller. However, if you want the best PS4 "Elite" controller on the market, you can't avoid the Raiju Ultimate. The gamepad is excellently processed, offers a wealth of functions and looks stylish thanks to the RGB chroma lighting.
Nevertheless, the gamepad is not spared criticism. Despite a lot of bells and whistles, Razer implemented the Raiju PS4 app completely unlovingly. In addition, there are isolated connection problems, which the manufacturer now has under control.
