The PB Tails Metal Crush Defender TMR controller immediately catches your eye with its unique, bold design, and it absolutely lives up to its premium price tag. The inclusion of TMR technology makes the stick movements effortlessly smooth. However, while it may lack some of the features typically expected at this price, it’s a chic choice for controller enthusiasts and pure joy to use.
PB Tails is an intriguing company. Known for crafting unusual and distinctive gaming controllers, they utilize uncommon materials like aluminum alloy, taking inspiration from the automotive world and creating shapes as unusual as their pixelated CHOC controller. I’ve been drawn to their inventive designs, always curious about how these controllers would hold up during actual play. Among their products, the PB Tails Crush series uses TMR (tunneling magnetoresistance) sticks. This cutting-edge technology is considered even more advanced than Hall Effect sticks, and only a select few brands have adopted it so far. Naturally, I had to experience it myself. I found myself pleasantly surprised by this quirky controller that manages to appear rugged yet feels as premium as any high-end Xbox or PlayStation controller on the market.
Why You Should Trust Me
My name is Jennifer Young, and I’ve been a part of the Windows Central team for two years. I’ve been gaming since the ’90s, deftly navigating challenges from Dark Souls to Diablo, and even the classic Petz 4. I primarily game on my Steam Deck, Xbox, and PC. While I prefer collecting controllers over shoes or handbags, only a select few make it into my daily arsenal, and I’m more than willing to share why in numerous reviews on this platform.
Pricing and Specifications of the PB Tails Metal Crush Controller
The PB Tails Metal Crush Defender TMR is priced at $109.99, with more affordable plastic variants starting at $45.99, if the TMR sticks are your primary interest.
Metal Crush Defender Controller Specs
- Price: $109.99 at PB Tails
- Connectivity: USB-A to USB-C cable, Bluetooth, or 2.4GHz wireless dongle
- Compatibility: Windows PC, SteamOS, Android, Apple, Nintendo Switch
- Extra controls: 6-axis gyro sensor
- Features: Anti-drift TMR joysticks, Hall Effect triggers, interchangeable joystick caps and mag case, customizable RGB lighting
- Battery life: 10 hours
- Dimensions: 155 mm × 101 mm × 66 mm (6.1 x 4 x 2.6 inches)
- Weight: 346 grams (0.76 lbs)
The price varies with the controller’s shell material. For example, the ‘China White’ Crush TMR in plastic goes for $64.99, while the Crush 550 TMR with Porsche-inspired details is $79.99. The Metal Crush Ghost Silver is listed at $99.99.
I’ve been testing out the Metal Crush Defender TMR, which, at $109.99, comes with a yellow-worn metallic design exuding a Fallout-inspired vibe. PB Tails’ controllers aren’t widely available; they are mainly sold through their official website, though some models pop up on Ali Express.
Included in the package is a hard leather-like case equipped with a cushioned interior to secure your controller, with a designated slot for the provided 2.4GHz dongle and netting to store the charging USB wire.
The Good: PB Tails Metal Crush Controller Review
The TMR sticks are spectacularly smooth, feeling noticeably more precise than Hall Effect sticks. This controller provides a robust build, emanating luxury. Connecting wirelessly using the USB receiver is simple, and you also have Bluetooth as an option, making it easy to toggle between different modes.
Initially, the design is what grabs your attention—a solid 10/10 in terms of aesthetics. It looks like something straight out of a Fallout scrapyard, with a yellow metal casing and mirrored joysticks that give it a rugged, industrial vibe. Every inch reveals intricate details—from etched wear around the seams to the distressed markings near the joysticks. Despite its gritty appearance, it carries a surprisingly luxurious feel, largely due to its substantial heft. It reminded me of my first encounter with the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller: it clearly screams high quality.
Priced at $109.99, it certainly falls into the premium category, but it feels singular in your hands. The provided leatherette carrying case further enhances the luxurious touch. That said, it wasn’t just the looks that impressed me—the TMR (Tunneling Magnetoresistance) technology in the sticks piqued my interest immediately.
Explaining TMR (Tunneling Magnetoresistance)
"Hang on!" I thought to myself, puzzled. "I’ve just gotten into Hall Effect. What exactly is TMR?" I did some research, and here’s the lowdown.
Most controllers currently rely on analog potentiometer joysticks, which work through physical contact to gauge force and distance, eventually leading to the dreaded stick drift. Hall Effect sensors mitigate this issue by utilizing magnets to detect movement, eliminating physical contact, which significantly reduces stick drift while enhancing precision. Although companies like Xbox haven’t yet adopted Hall Effect, third-party manufacturers are on board with it. Think GameSir G7 SE, Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra, and Razer Wolverine V3 Pro—it’s already making waves.
TMR operates similarly, using magnetic technology but measuring resistance changes instead of voltage. TMR is reputedly more precise, capable of detecting more minor movements, less impacting battery life, though it’s pricier to implement, hence its relative rarity.
I was initially skeptical about whether I’d notice anything significantly different between TMR sticks and the Hall Effect sticks on my GameSir G7 SE. However, the Metal Crush controller pleasantly surprised me. The stick movements are effortlessly smooth, akin to slicing butter with a hot knife. Usually, I favor grippy or concave joystick surfaces, but the Metal Crush’s smooth, convex sticks didn’t bother me as much as anticipated. Although, a textured surface would still be appreciated. However, this is just a minor quibble.
The triggers and bumpers feel substantial and comfortable, adding to the impression of durability. The advertised 10-hour battery lifespan rang true during my test runs. While it doesn’t surpass the Xbox Elite Series 2’s 40-hour runtime, 10 hours is perfectly acceptable if you recharge it every couple of sessions.
The controller effortlessly connects to different devices using the provided 2.4GHz wireless dongle. I predominantly used it with my JSAUX Steam Deck dock for console-style gaming and connected it to my laptop for Xbox cloud gaming. Although the controller doesn’t officially support Xbox, this workaround worked perfectly. I haven’t tested it with the Nintendo Switch, though there’s a dedicated button atop to toggle between Switch and PC modes.
A Turbo button is also included, enabling you to assign rapid presses to any face button—ideal for spamming attacks without wearing out your thumbs. While similar functionality might be present in some games’ accessibility settings, having it integrated into the controller hardware makes it a handy fallback.
The Bad: PB Tails Metal Crush Controller Review
The smooth, mirrored joysticks are indeed unique, but they might pose challenges for those with sweaty hands. Further, despite its premium price, the controller lacks trigger stops and customizable rear buttons, features usually standard in many high-tier competitors.
I’ve touched on the potential issue concerning the stick’s design choice. The smooth, mirrored texture is distinctive, and while not as problematic as I initially thought, it could be troublesome for gamers prone to sweaty hands. A concave design would have optimized grip without sacrificing aesthetics. It could’ve been even more remarkable if PB Tails had incorporated textured metal sticks given the automotive inspiration.
The Metal Crush TMR’s price is another element to mull over. At this upper-tier price point, one would expect additional standard features seen in high-end controllers. Although the TMR sticks and Hall Effect triggers are fantastic, the absence of trigger stops for FPS games and custom rear buttons is a bit of a letdown. For a luxury controller, these omissions are noteworthy.
The magnetic faceplate system is ingeniously designed—so seamlessly integrated that I didn’t initially realize it was removable. However, the scarcity of replacement faceplates is disappointing. The current options limit you to basic Red, White, and Blue designs, although promotional images flaunt gorgeous transparent shells not yet available for purchase. It’s a missed opportunity to harness this innovative feature, and I’d be enticed to buy a couple if there were more choices.
Alternatives to Consider: PB Tails Metal Crush Controller Review
While the PB Tails Metal Crush is genuinely exceptional, if you’re keen on exploring TMR stick technology, there are several alternatives with cheaper build materials to consider. First, the GameSir Tarantula Pro is a formidable competitor offering TMR sticks with a unique rotating face button feature that moves the ABXY buttons when switching between PC and Nintendo Switch. Quite nifty, right? It’s also more budget-friendly at $69.99, but doing so means sacrificing the premium feel of the PB Tails controller.
Additionally, the GameSir Cyclone 2 Pro wireless comes at a lower cost but lacks broader customization options.
Final Thoughts: PB Tails Metal Crush Controller Review
The PB Tails Metal Crush Defender isn’t perfect, but testing it was a genuine pleasure, bringing something refreshingly new to my usual gaming experience. It’s been a while since I’ve encountered a luxury controller that matches the Xbox Elite Series 2 for style and craftsmanship, and this one competes admirably. The bold design, precision-focused sticks, and premium materials make it alluring for controller collectors eager to break the mold. However, it’s not without its shortcomings. At this price, incorporating rear buttons, trigger stops, and more textured details might have made it just right. That being said, this controller will remain a staple for my Steam Deck sessions for a while—it’s truly a joy to handle.
You Should Buy This If…
- You’re in the market for a unique, premium controller.
- You’re seeking next-level joystick precision.
You Should Not Buy This If…
- You require practical gaming features such as trigger stops or remappable buttons.
- You have particularly sweaty hands, which might find the mirrored, convex joysticks problematic.
