Discover the Distinction: Back Buttons vs. Back Paddles with the Gulikit KK3 Max Controller

I’m on a quest to find the best pro controllers out there, and I’ve come to realize there’s a significant distinction between back buttons and back paddles. Back buttons are those integrated plastic panels found on most popular PC controllers, while back paddles are the magnetic, metallic levers that attach to a controller’s spine. This difference is crucial, and Gulikit gets it.

The frustrating part? Outside of the official pro controllers for Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, magnetic back paddles are nearly impossible to come by. For some reason, most controllers stick to the standard back buttons, which have been done to death. This scarcity means that if back paddles are a must-have for you, you’re stuck paying a premium for the DualSense Edge or the Elite Series 2.

So, I’m on a mission to discover more brands that embrace back paddles, persuade others to follow suit, and find gamepads that can compete with the high prices of those official controllers. Enter the Gulikit KK3 Max. Priced at just $79.99/£75.99, it’s hard to find a better deal compared to what Xbox and PlayStation are charging.

I’ve been testing the Gulikit KK3 Max in its sleek white color, but it comes in a variety of options that fans of the brand will appreciate. You can snag the KK3 Max in White, Black, or Grey, and for those on a tighter budget, there’s the KK3 Pro, which is nearly identical but includes two metal rear paddles instead of four. The Pro also offers a different color selection for added customization.

The KK3’s shape feels like a blend of the Elite Series 2 and the original Switch Pro controller. Its size and grip aren’t as dramatically curved as the Xbox Series X controller, but there are definitely some similarities. The influence of the Switch controller is evident in its slightly larger, broader feel. Plus, the KK3 Max can register amiibo data, hinting at some shared design elements.

The Elite Series 2 clearly inspired this controller, especially with its transparent face buttons and four magnetic back paddles. However, the D-pad is a simpler four-way plastic panel rather than a more complex circular design.

From my experience with the model I’m testing, it’s a stunning piece of hardware. The robust white shell feels more durable than what you’d typically expect at this price point. Even the GameSir G7 Pro doesn’t match this level of build quality. The KK3 Max has a unique surface texture that feels both smooth and grippy, making it resistant to fingerprints and sweat. Whatever material Gulikit is using (perhaps something like “controllertanium” from a sci-fi universe), I wish more brands would adopt it.

Surrounding the controller’s Hall sensor thumbsticks are RGB rings that reflect beautifully against the white shell, adding character. These rings light up in sync with the maglev rumble motors when you power on the KK3 Max, delivering a delightful visual treat. Compared to the white 8BitDo Ultimate 2, which has black thumbsticks, the RGB rings here bring the controller to life with their grey and metallic thumbstick surfaces.

The KK3 Max boasts a 1,000Hz polling rate and is compatible with PC, Android, Switch, Switch 2, and iOS. It connects via USB cable or a wireless dongle included in the box. Interestingly, you need to pair your controller with its USB dongle, which is a unique setup step I haven’t encountered before.

The membrane buttons are swappable, allowing you to choose between a Switch or Xbox layout, with a spare set of buttons included and a handy tool for removal. However, the D-pad only comes with the standard four-way option.

While the thumbstick tops are removable, it feels a bit unfair that the KK3 “Max” doesn’t include any swappable thumbstick tops. If Gulikit aimed to emulate the Elite Series 2 and Elite Series 2 Core’s accessory offerings, a set of taller thumbsticks would have been a fitting addition.

It’s particularly disappointing that Gulikit sells these swappable thumbsticks separately. If this is your flagship controller, it should come with all the features it can support. I wouldn’t mind paying a little extra to have these included, as I dislike the idea of needing to make a separate purchase to unlock the full potential of a controller like this.

Gulikit’s carry case design is a bit peculiar as well. This controller launched before the trend of charging stands and carry cases became common, but the hard plastic shell case feels more cumbersome than convenient. It won’t close with the controller inside if the back paddles are attached, making it a hassle to disassemble every time. While I appreciate a snug case, it should accommodate the accessory properly.

Fortunately, the included back paddles are impressive. There are four panels that create an ergonomic shape for your fingers on the controller’s back. Additionally, a smaller set of pebbles (similar to those from the DualSense Edge) is available if you prefer fewer paddles. These are the only paddles included with the KK3 Pro.

The controller also features two-way trigger stops for quicker actuation and a clever APG feature that allows you to record a series of inputs for up to 10 minutes and map them to the APG button for custom commands and macros. While I haven’t used this much, it could be a game-changer for those who want to control their gaming PC like a console.

Fans of gyro, turbo modes, adjustable RGB, and more will find options through clever button combinations that let you fine-tune these features without needing PC software. These combinations can be a bit complex, but the user manual included will guide you through.

I’ve been revisiting GTA IV and V as the excitement for GTA VI builds, and for the past few weeks, I’ve been using the Gulikit KK3 Max to navigate, cheat, and steal my way through Los Santos and Liberty City. I was surprised by how comfortable this controller is. I expected it to excel in competitive multiplayer and FPS games, but it turns out to be a comfort champion.

While it’s a fantastic comfort controller for casual gamers or those primarily using it for PC games, the KK3 Max didn’t meet my expectations in competitive settings.

The controller’s shape, texture, and premium back paddles make it suitable for extended gaming sessions. I’m a fan of back buttons, especially from brands like GameSir that position them perfectly, but there’s no denying the superior feel of these paddles. They’re responsive and easy to actuate, and if you prefer not to use them, you can simply remove them without hindrance. I genuinely wish more brands would adopt this design.

The KK3 Max is more than just back paddles, but with so few alternatives available, it stands out among pro controllers in its price range, thanks to the premium feel those paddles provide.

While it excels as a comfort controller for casual gaming, I had hoped for better performance in FPS games. One of my main frustrations is the lack of swappable thumbstick tops, as the stock ones are not very tall, lack a good indent for thumb grip, and have a slippery surface. These factors make precision challenging, which is disappointing because the Hall effect sticks could have really showcased their potential against the Elite Series 2.

In my usual game, Hunt: Showdown, I found that the KK3 Max didn’t deliver the accuracy I expected. My thumbs would slide just enough to hinder smooth movement around the bayou. Additionally, the travel distance when clicking the sticks in is minimal, making it tough to use L3 as a sprint button. If you’re frequently pressing that left stick to sprint, you might find yourself unsure if it’s engaged or not. The responsiveness when releasing the click isn’t great, leaving the overall FPS experience lacking. Perhaps swappable sticks could have made a significant difference.

However, in 2D platformers, I found the responsiveness to be quite good. I’m currently trying to earn gold skulls in all the co-op Towerfall Ascension levels solo, and with the KK3 Max in hand, I was only a few scythe enemies away from completing another level. That’s a serious challenge in a tough game, indicating that this controller shines in 2D gaming.

That said, there are a few drawbacks to the premium design. The hard-shell chassis can make the rumble feel a bit overwhelming at times. The top panel doesn’t seem built to handle a lot of vibration, which can be uncomfortable during play.

Additionally, the use of traditional membrane buttons means it lacks the snappy responsiveness found in controllers with microswitches. While this is a matter of personal preference, in button-mashing games that require quick actuation or in fighting games, the KK3 Max doesn’t quite deliver the competitive edge of something like the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro.

While it may not be the ultimate FPS controller I hoped for, and it might not be the fastest option for certain genres, the Gulikit KK3 Max offers a premium feel and a level of comfort that few pro controllers can match, especially at this price point. It’s definitely an all-rounder worth considering, and in some ways, it may even be a better buy than the Elite Series 2 as that controller’s reign begins to wane.

I would have loved to see swappable thumbsticks included, but the KK3 Max’s comfort and back paddles truly set it apart in the market. This controller exemplifies the significant difference between back buttons and back paddles, and if you’re in the market for the latter, you won’t find a better option—at least until the KK4 Max eventually arrives.

I integrated the Gulikit KK3 Max into my gaming setup for about two weeks before finalizing my thoughts for this review. During that time, I used it as my primary gamepad, testing it across FPS games, third-person action adventures, 2D platformers, and fighting games.

I compared it mainly to the Elite Series 2 and DualSense Edge controllers, as they charge more for a similar experience. I also experimented with the swappable parts and fine-tuned various aspects of the device using the user manual.