- CRKD Atom is the hardware manufacturer’s latest peripheral
- A portable Bluetooth controller the size of a keychain that can be both a collector’s item and a play tool
- But how is it measured? I’ve been working on this device, so let’s find out
It seems that miniaturization is back in fashion, or at least that’s what CRKD is counting on. Their newest line of peripherals is the aptly named CRKD Atom (not to be confused with the Turtle Beach product of the same name), a keychain-sized peripheral that offers a novel way to control games and a frigid collectible to boot, or so they say.
I had the opportunity to check out this amazing novel device. Does it hold up? Should this be next on your Christmas list? And how well does it perform in the actual role of playing games?
Let’s find out!
What you get in the box
Although CRKD Atom comes in a rather vast box, the actual contents are quite straightforward. You get a controller, a quick start guide, a (very miniature) USB to USB-C charging cable, and a wrist loop to attach to the Atom. I found it a little odd that you wouldn’t get a keychain or other optional attachment, considering the Atom is also sold as a collectible.
Connecting the CRKD Atom is relatively straightforward – just hold the buttons to activate pairing mode. Other than that, it’s as straightforward as it gets, starting with the D-pad and four face buttons. The shoulder buttons are a minor addition, of course, but it can be challenging to find games that have them but don’t have a joystick. Otherwise, if you’ve been playing with a Bluetooth gamepad, it’s not reinventing the wheel.
Efficiency
I tested the CRKD Atom with Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and the ever-popular Metal Slug series, which work perfectly with a controller without a joystick. Lots of button repetition and enough variety in movements to provide a decent stress test. Both are ill-suited to touchscreens in my opinion, and Atom was a great way to experience them without your thumbs taking up most of the screen.
I was pleased to discover that the CRKD Atom provided no lag on the buttons or D-pad, and I was able to perform as well as if I were using something like a PlayStation controller. Ergonomically, while it was comfortable, I did occasionally feel a twinge from pressing my fingers too close.
In terms of game integration, I think the only issue was that the face buttons have a different format than what seems common. Therefore, some games like SotN that have a default face button layout may be a bit awkward to translate properly to Atom.
I think the Atom would be just as useful without any letters on the face buttons, especially since they’re not engraved but embossed, which means that 99% of the time you won’t even be able to see or feel the difference unless by memorization. But other than that, they’re straightforward to tell apart just by touch, thanks to the angular arrangement.
Workmanship
When it comes to “mini-devices” like the Atom, build quality is always going to be an issue, especially for something that’s advertised as both a keychain accessory and a peripheral. Fortunately, the Atom is a solidly built controller with only one major plastic seam connecting the front and back halves, and it didn’t suffer from any flexing or flexing that I could find. There was a miniature gap around the USB-C input port, but connecting the charger was no problem.
The buttons are a bit of a different story, with the occasional slight tilt turning them slightly to the right or left, however both they and the D-Pad, as well as the shoulder buttons, give plenty of feedback when pressed and are as ergonomically comfortable as you can get was to be expected from something like this. They also seem quite solid, so even that unsettling rotation never goes beyond a slight tilt.
Considering all the above points, CRKD Atom was an overall great experience. Solidly built, responsive, lightweight but not flimsy, and straightforward to set up and load. While I can’t see myself hanging it on a keychain or backpack (considering how concerned I would be about it getting damaged), the fabric loop you get in the case makes it quite straightforward to carry around and prevent it from getting lost among the trash on your desktop or other messy places.
It is also worth noting that Atom is compatible not only with mobile devices. If you have a PC, Nintendo Switch or other Bluetooth-compatible device, you can easily connect and play. And while it may not be the best choice for grave gamers if you don’t want to whip out your DualShock or struggle with the stick in straightforward platforming games, it’s an added added benefit.
Defects
Now my main issue with the CRKD Atom is the price. It’s not a huge jump, but compared to the similarly sized 8Bitdo Micro which costs £17.99, the Atom is a full £2 more high-priced than the one which costs £19.99. Is this a deal breaker? Not at all, but it’s worth noting that the wider color range and clear plastic casings may not be enough to make you sway your penny pincers.
Still, the fact that Atom is being sold as a collector’s item (with the tagline “collect ’em all”) won’t significantly change the game in my opinion. Considering the price it retails for, and given its rather niche apply scenario, I think CRKD can justify its price based on relative ubiquity and unique designs, but only to a miniature extent.
Should you buy it?
I’d say it’s quite powerful if that’s what you’re looking for. While the CRKD Atom has some caveats, if you’re looking for a miniature controller at an affordable price, with a wide range of compatibility and virtually all the features you’d expect without any unnecessary extras, this device more than meets those requirements.
