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%)
-
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 highlights
-
Overall sentiment is strongly positive: most testers see this as a high-performance premium controller with standout precision and speed. The main dissent centers on setup, price, harsh buttons and a few awkward design choices.
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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.
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Comfort is a broad strength thanks to the familiar Xbox-style shape, textured grips and balanced shell. The main caveat is that rear-button placement and hard micro-switch presses can reduce comfort for some hands.
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Rear-button placement is usually a highlight, sitting naturally under the middle and ring fingers. Some hand positions cause accidental presses, so the layout is not universal.
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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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Value depends heavily on priorities. Many reviewers think the $190-class package earns its price through TMR hardware and accessories, while others see cheaper alternatives or setup flaws as reasons to spend less.
Cons highlights
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D-pad accuracy is mixed: it works well for menus and simpler directional play, but complex diagonals and fighting-game motions expose inconsistency for several testers.
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The charging dock is convenient and can keep the pad topped up, especially when paired with the case and dongle port. Build quality varies sharply by reviewer, with several calling the stand cheap, light or flimsy.
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Vibration is serviceable rather than a standout. Some testers find it controlled and precise, but others call it weak or too understated for immersive single-player play.
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Materials are mixed by component. The controller shell and grips usually feel high quality, while the charging dock and some removable plastic parts attract criticism for feeling cheap or fragile.
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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 mechanical buttons deliver a pronounced click that some testers enjoy, but others find noticeably loud during rapid play. Noise tolerance will matter here.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other Video Game Controller, this product is above average in brand software support, firmware update support, included accessories, near average in back button placement, overall comfort, below average in button label visibility, onboard audio controls, accessibility features.
Comparison summary
84 compared features-
Above average 0.4+ pts higher43 (51%)
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Same as average within 0.3 pts21 (25%)
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Below average 0.4+ pts lower20 (24%)
Largest category differences
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| button label visibility | 1.5 | 4.0 | -2.5 |
| onboard audio controls | 2.0 | 4.4 | -2.4 |
| brand software support | 5.0 | 2.8 | +2.2 |
| accessibility features | 2.5 | 4.7 | -2.2 |
| mobile compatibility | 2.3 | 4.3 | -1.9 |
| Start and Select button design | 1.3 | 3.1 | -1.8 |
| repairability | 2.0 | 3.7 | -1.7 |
| firmware update support | 4.4 | 2.9 | +1.5 |
Consider This Instead
If you want better repairability
Choose Hyperkin The Competitor. It scores 4.5 vs 2.0 for repairability, with a 4.3 overall score.
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.
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
Top Video Game Controller to Consider
#1
This product
Asus ROG Raikiri II
Best 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...
Pros: overall satisfaction, button quality
Cons: d-pad accuracy, charging dock support
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Pros: overall satisfaction, value for money
Cons: wired performance, vibration quality
Choose it if you want a premium, tournament-ready leverless controller with excellent 2.4GHz wireless, deep actuation tuning, and sturdy construction. Skip it if loud, tall buttons, a heavy chassis, or...
Pros: overall satisfaction, button quality
Cons: control placement, button noise
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Pros: value for money, charging dock support
Cons: d-pad feel, compatibility with Xbox