Razer Kitsune Controller

Razer Kitsune Controller Review

Brand: Razer
Released: August 29, 2023
Updated: 5 months ago
4.0
Overall review score
128
Review insights
40
Scored features
8
Expert reviews

Bottom Line

Choose the Razer Kitsune if you want a premium, portable leverless controller for serious fighting games on PS5 or PC. Skip it if you’re new to leverless, need PS4/Xbox support, or can’t justify the price.

Best for

Best for serious fighting-game players on PS5 or PC who want a slim, premium leverless controller with fast optical buttons, strong build quality, and easy tournament travel.

Not for

Not for budget shoppers, first-time leverless users who are unsure they will stick with the layout, players needing native PS4 or Xbox support, or anyone wanting broad gamepad versatility.

Verdict

The Razer Kitsune comes across as a premium leverless controller built for fighting game players who value speed, portability, and PS5/PC reliability. Reviewers consistently praise its slim aluminum build, grippy base, quiet optical buttons, fast inputs, and tournament-friendly cable lock. The tradeoff is that this polish comes with a steep price and a real adjustment period, especially for players moving from sticks or standard pads. Evidence is also mixed around customization: switch and keycap swapping can be friendly, but RGB control, SOCD options, extra action buttons, and accessory support drew caveats depending on the review. Its biggest fit is serious fighting-game use rather than broad controller versatility.

Feature Scorecards

Summary

40 reviewed features
  • Very positive 4.5-5.0
    15 (38%)
  • Positive 3.5-4.4
    16 (40%)
  • Neutral 2.5-3.4
    8 (20%)
  • Negative 1.5-2.4
    1 (3%)

Pros highlights

  • 4.4
    7 reviews moderate consensus
    face button responsiveness: 4.4, 7 reviews, moderate consensus
    Responsiveness was widely praised as fast, smooth, and immediate, with one reviewer finding the buttons too sensitive at first.
  • 4.1
    7 reviews low consensus
    button quality: 4.1, 7 reviews, low consensus
    Button quality was a major strength overall, but stock switch feel drew some criticism for limited feedback or mushiness.
  • 4.8
    6 reviews strong consensus
    fighting game suitability: 4.8, 6 reviews, strong consensus
    Fighting game suitability was the strongest use case, with reviewers praising the Kitsune across fighting titles despite the learning curve.
  • 4.1
    6 reviews moderate consensus
    overall comfort: 4.1, 6 reviews, moderate consensus
    Reviewers mostly found the Kitsune comfortable because it is slim, light, and works well on a lap or table, though one reviewer found the layout uncomfortable in Tekken.
  • 4.8
    5 reviews strong consensus
    portability: 4.8, 5 reviews, strong consensus
    Portability was one of the strongest points, with reviewers praising the slim, light, backpack-friendly design.
  • 4.7
    5 reviews strong consensus
    build quality: 4.7, 5 reviews, strong consensus
    Build quality received strong praise across reviews, especially for the aluminum construction, slim profile, and premium-feeling form factor.

Cons highlights

  • 3.1
    6 reviews moderate consensus
    value for money: 3.1, 6 reviews, moderate consensus
    Value was polarized: reviewers admired the product, but price was a repeated concern unless the buyer is serious or finds a sale.
  • 2.5
    5 reviews strong consensus
    learning curve: 2.5, 5 reviews, strong consensus
    The learning curve was a repeated drawback, especially for players coming from sticks or standard controllers.
  • 3.4
    5 reviews low consensus
    compatibility with PlayStation: 3.4, 5 reviews, low consensus
    PlayStation compatibility was mixed: reviewers valued licensed PS5 support but repeatedly criticized the lack of native PS4 support.
  • 3.4
    5 reviews strong consensus
    RGB lighting usefulness: 3.4, 5 reviews, strong consensus
    RGB usefulness was mixed: some liked the glow, while others found it unnecessary, forgettable, or hard to see during gameplay.
  • 3.3
    3 reviews moderate consensus
    customization depth: 3.3, 3 reviews, moderate consensus
    Customization depth was mixed: switch and keycap compatibility were praised, but vinyl art and limited optical-switch options drew caveats.

Compared With Category Average

Compared with other Video Game Controller, this product is above average in d-pad accuracy, firmware update support, repairability, near average in compatibility with PlayStation, premium feel, below average in programmable button support, included accessories, customization depth.

Comparison summary

39 compared features
  • Above average 0.4+ pts higher
    14 (36%)
  • Same as average within 0.3 pts
    14 (36%)
  • Below average 0.4+ pts lower
    11 (28%)

Largest category differences

Attribute This product Category average Difference
programmable button support 2.5 4.4 -1.9
included accessories 2.3 3.8 -1.6
d-pad accuracy 4.7 3.4 +1.2
firmware update support 4.0 2.9 +1.1
repairability 4.5 3.4 +1.1
brand software support 4.0 2.9 +1.1
ease of setup 5.0 4.0 +1.0
customization depth 3.3 4.3 -1.0

Consider This Instead

If you want better touchpad usefulness

Choose Corsair Novablade Pro. It scores 5.0 vs 2.5 for touchpad usefulness, with a 4.3 overall score.

Compare

If you want better programmable button support

Choose Scuf Omega PS5 Controller. It scores 4.3 vs 2.5 for programmable button support, with a 3.9 overall score.

Compare

If you want better learning curve

Choose Logitech G923. It scores 4.3 vs 2.5 for learning curve, with a 3.8 overall score.

Compare

Compared in Reviews

Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.

Victrix Pro KO

  • Cheaper: premium leverless pricing The Kitsune was described as more expensive than the Victrix Pro KO.
  • Cheaper: price The Kitsune was positioned as pricier than the Victrix Pro KO.

8bit do wireless leverless controller

  • Compared: wired versus wireless and licensed PS5 support The reviewer compared the Kitsune with the 8bit do wireless leverless controller around wireless support and PS5 licensing.

8BitDo Arcade Controller

  • Better: first-time leverless value For first-time leverless buyers, the cheaper 8BitDo Arcade Controller was presented as the better starting point.

FAQ

Is the Razer Kitsune good for fighting games?

Yes. Reviewers repeatedly describe fighting games as its strongest use case, praising its precision, fast buttons, and competitive feel.

Is the Razer Kitsune easy to learn?

No. Multiple reviewers call out a steep learning curve, especially for players coming from traditional sticks or pads.

Does the Razer Kitsune work on PS5 and PC?

Yes. Reviewers report strong PS5 support and PC compatibility, including plug-and-play use and no major compatibility issues in tested play.

Does the Razer Kitsune work on PS4 or Xbox?

Native PS4 support is a repeated limitation, and Xbox support is not presented as a real option in the reviewed evidence.

Are the buttons good?

Mostly yes. Reviewers praise the speed, quietness, and responsiveness, though some disliked the stock switch feel, sensitivity, or limited feedback.

Is the Razer Kitsune portable?

Yes. Reviewers consistently praise the slim, light, backpack-friendly design and say it is easy to travel with or store.

Is the Razer Kitsune worth the money?

Only for the right buyer. Reviewers see strong value for serious players or discounted pricing, but the high price is a repeated concern for beginners or casual buyers.

Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed

These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.

Video Reviews

Article Reviews

Top Video Game Controller to Consider

#1 Asus ROG Raikiri II
4.3

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

#2 Hyperkin The Competitor
4.3

Best for a comfortable, affordable Xbox/PC pad with precise Hall sticks, a PlayStation-style layout, and useful rear buttons. Skip it if wireless play, deep software tuning, or consistently top-tier D-pad...

Pros: overall satisfaction, value for money

Cons: wired performance, vibration quality

#3 Corsair Novablade Pro
4.3

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

#4 GameSir Cyclone 2 Wireless Controller
4.2

Choose the GameSir Cyclone 2 if you want a low-cost PC/Switch/mobile controller with precise sticks, deep customization, and a dock. Skip it if Xbox/PS5 support, premium buttons, or flawless dock/battery...

Pros: value for money, charging dock support

Cons: d-pad feel, compatibility with Xbox