If you want better button label visibility
Choose Turtle Beach Rematch. It scores 5.0 vs 1.5 for button label visibility, with a 4.2 overall score.
Asus ROG Raikiri II Review
Bottom Line
Choose it for precise TMR sticks, fast trigger stops, low-latency 2.4GHz play, and deep tuning. Skip it if you want a cheaper all-rounder, softer buttons for long sessions, or painless console-only configuration.
Best for
Competitive PC and Xbox players who value low latency, fast trigger stops, TMR precision, and deep per-game tuning get the most from it. It also suits players who switch between shooters and racing games.
Not for
Budget buyers, console-only players who want effortless configuration, and anyone who prefers soft, quiet buttons for long single-player sessions should look elsewhere. Mobile-first users also face inconsistent support.
Verdict
The Raikiri II earns its premium positioning with exceptionally fast controls, precise TMR hardware, low-latency 2.4GHz performance, and unusually deep tuning. Its Xbox-style shape and textured grips are comfortable for most testers, while full-range triggers make racing control as convincing as the short micro-switch mode is for shooters. The tradeoff is refinement around the edges. Gear Link is powerful but its browser-based, PC-dependent setup frustrates some console users, the charging dock can feel cheap, and default stick tuning is not universally ideal. The very crisp buttons also divide long-session players: some love their immediacy, while others find them tiring. At its premium price, the controller makes the strongest case for performance-focused PC and Xbox players who will actually use its tuning and rear controls.
Feature Scorecards
Summary
85 reviewed features-
Very positive 4.5-5.044 (52%)
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Positive 3.5-4.420 (24%)
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Neutral 2.5-3.411 (13%)
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Negative 1.5-2.49 (11%)
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Very negative below 1.51 (1%)
Pros
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Trigger stops are one of the most consistently praised features, switching quickly into a firm, extremely short micro-switch action that suits shooters.
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Trigger response is outstanding in short mode, with near-instant mouse-like clicks that repeatedly impress shooter-focused testers.
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The accessory bundle is a standout, typically including a protective case, charging stand, cable, dongle storage and alternate stick caps. It makes the premium package feel complete and travel-ready.
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Battery life is a major strength, commonly landing around 30–50 hours depending on RGB, vibration and audio settings. Testers rarely felt pressured to recharge during normal use.
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TMR is one of the controller’s headline strengths, delivering crisp, smooth and highly precise stick behavior in most testing. A minority found the default deadzones or tuning disappointing until adjusted.
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Micro-switch buttons are one of the most consistently praised parts of the controller, offering crisp, tactile and very fast presses. Some testers find the rigid click harsh over long sessions.
Cons
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The extra ROG Ally shortcut keys repeatedly interfere with the usual Start/View layout. Several testers hit the wrong button or found the real menu controls awkward to reach.
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The face-button lettering is difficult to read in low light because there is no backlighting behind the labels, a recurring usability complaint.
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Macro support is a clear limitation: complex macros, turbo and button-combination programming are unavailable or non-functional in the tested software.
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Mobile support is inconsistent. Some Windows-handheld use works well, but smartphone recognition is incomplete and one tester explicitly advises iOS and Android users to avoid it.
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The integrated battery cannot be replaced easily, which was specifically called out as a repairability drawback.
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Haptic immersion is limited; the light rumble was described as understated and less textured than stronger first-party feedback systems.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other Video Game Controller, this product is above average in brand software support, upgrade value, included accessories, near average in overall comfort, input lag, below average in accessibility features, mobile compatibility, thumbstick grip.
Comparison summary
81 compared features-
Above average 0.4+ pts higher45 (56%)
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Same as average within 0.3 pts16 (20%)
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Below average 0.4+ pts lower20 (25%)
Largest category differences
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| brand software support | 5.0 | 2.9 | +2.1 |
| accessibility features | 2.5 | 4.6 | -2.1 |
| mobile compatibility | 2.3 | 4.2 | -1.9 |
| thumbstick grip | 2.0 | 3.8 | -1.8 |
| repairability | 2.0 | 3.7 | -1.7 |
| upgrade value | 5.0 | 3.5 | +1.5 |
| included accessories | 4.8 | 3.6 | +1.2 |
| screenshot button usefulness | 2.0 | 3.6 | -1.6 |
Consider This Instead
If you want better macro support
Choose GameSir Cyclone 2 Wireless Controller. It scores 5.0 vs 2.0 for macro support, with a 4.2 overall score.
If you want better mobile compatibility
Choose GameSir G8 Plus MFi. It scores 4.8 vs 2.3 for mobile compatibility, with a 4.2 overall score.
If you want better value for money
Choose GameSir G8 Galileo. It scores 4.6 vs 3.5 for value for money, with a 4.1 overall score.
Compared in Reviews
Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro
- Similar: premium pricing The Raikiri II is priced in roughly the same premium tier as Razer’s pro controller.
- Worse: daily-driver preference The Raikiri II replaced the reviewer’s Razer as the preferred daily controller.
- Similar: competitive controller performance The Raikiri II is judged competitive enough to go toe-to-toe with Razer’s popular pro pad.
Elite Series 2
- Worse: overall recommendation and build polish The reviewer still prefers the Raikiri II over the similarly priced Elite Series 2.
Microsoft Elite 2
- Worse: price and component quality The Raikiri II is judged better equipped and cheaper enough to make the Elite 2 hard to justify.
FAQ
Is the Raikiri II good for competitive FPS games?
Yes. Reviewers repeatedly praise its short-travel trigger mode, fast micro-switch buttons, rear controls, and low-latency 2.4GHz connection, though several recommend tuning the default stick deadzones.
How is the battery life?
Most testing supports strong endurance, roughly 30–50 hours depending on how much RGB, vibration, and audio are enabled. The charging dock and play-and-charge USB-C help reduce downtime.
Does it work well on Xbox?
The hardware connection is generally reliable, including 2.4GHz wireless via the dongle. The bigger limitation is configuration: some settings and profile workflows are more convenient on PC than on Xbox.
Is Gear Link software good?
Its tuning range is excellent, covering sticks, triggers, vibration, lighting, mappings, and profiles. Reviewers split on the browser-based approach because it can require internet access and a PC.
Are the TMR sticks actually better?
Most reviewers found them smooth, precise, and strongly resistant to traditional stick drift. A few reported default deadzone or calibration issues, so fine tuning may be necessary.
What is the biggest drawback?
The premium price is the broadest concern, followed by the charging dock’s inconsistent build quality and the hard, clicky buttons that can tire some hands.
Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed
These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.
Video Reviews
YouTube - Ace Nelson
- Review score
- 2.2
YouTube - FrogboyX1Gaming & Tech Reviews
- Review score
- 4.8
Article Reviews
tweaktown.com
ASUS's ROG Raikiri II is an impressive premium wireless controller that pairs a lightweight build with excellent hardware and deep customization.
- Review score
- 4.4
the-gadgeteer.com
Asus just unveiled the ROG Raikiri II Pro, a PC controller with an 8000Hz polling rate, hot-swappable TMR sticks, a full-color screen, and 79...
- Review score
- 4.5
tomsguide.com
After having used the Asus ROG Raikiri II for over a week, I wonder why anyone would spend more on the Xbox Elite Series 2 when Asus'...
- Review score
- 4.8
tomsguide.com
The Asus ROG Raikiri II features great TMR sticks and triggers as well as 1,000Hz polling to give you a competitive edge, and there aren't...
- Review score
- 4.6
root-nation.com
Review of the ASUS ROG Raikiri II Xbox Wireless controller: specifications, price, ergonomics, build quality, Gear Link app, battery life
- Review score
- 4.5
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