One minute review
GameSir Kaleid fixes one of the few problems I had with its predecessor, the GameSir T4 Kaleid (for simplicity’s sake, I’ll call it “T4” from now on): it was not compatible with Xbox consoles, despite featuring the console’s “ABXY” face button layout.
Now GameSir has released a version of one of the best PC controllers that is compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One and PC. However, Kaleid loses the Nintendo Switch compatibility that the T4 benefits from, so it’s not a definitive option if you have to choose between them depending on your console of choice.
GameSir Kaleid is identical to T4 in almost every respect. If you’re familiar with the T4 and its excellent micro-switch buttons and hall-effect sticks, you’ll get the same features here. The only noticeable differences are a darker, translucent casing, a slightly improved D-pad, and a slightly higher price.
Price and availability
- $49.99 / £59.99
- More pricey than T4 Kaleid ($41.99/£41.99)
- Availability in the US and UK (currently unavailable in Australia)
GameSir Kaleid was launched on May 30, 2024 and can be purchased on the GameSir website or on the brand’s Amazon store page. It’s priced at $49.99/£59.99, which is significantly more than the T4 in the US ($41.99) and significantly more than in the UK (£41.99). Overall, it’s priced similarly to the Xbox Wireless Controller ($59.99/£54.99), although GameSir wins here in terms of overall features and customizability.
It is worth noting that if this is your first purchase of a GameSir product, as a novel customer you can pick up Kaleid on the brand’s official website with an 8% discount. This brings the price of the Kaleida down to $46.99/£56: a miniature saving, but a worthwhile one nonetheless.
Eyepiece
Price | $49.99 / £59.99 ($46.99 / £56 with GameSir novel customer discount) |
Dimensions | 6.42 x 4.76 x 3.43 inches (163 x 121 x 87 mm) |
Libra | 422 g / 0.93 lb |
Connection type | Wired (USB Type C) |
Compatibility | Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC |
Software | GameSir Nexus App |
Design and features
The novel GameSir Kaleid is virtually identical to the T4 in terms of features. This includes Hall-effect thumbsticks that virtually eliminate the risk of drift, as well as welcome additional features such as reassignable rear buttons and a central multi-function button useful for adjusting trigger hold distance, brightness of controller RGB effects, overall RGB patterns, stick dead zones and creating button layout profiles.
Yes, that stunning RGB lighting remains in the novel Kaleida. And despite the darker, translucent coating, the lighting still shines brightly. In fact, I find that the subtler transparency here helps the RGB effect stand out much more effectively; looks great enclosed in this darker shell.
Other than that, it’s basically the same controller as the T4, albeit with Xbox compatibility instead of Nintendo Switch. This nicely positions it as a top contender for one of the best Xbox controllers in its price range.
The novel Kaleid retains the same design and button layout adjacent to the Xbox Wireless Controller, and the central Home button with the GameSir logo has been replaced with the official Xbox logo. And yes, Kaleid carries the “Designed for Xbox” seal of approval, which means it will work seamlessly with Xbox consoles right out of the box.
Efficiency
The T4 is one of my favorite PC controllers and my favorite controller especially for fighting games, thanks to its quick micro-switch buttons and drift-resistant Hall-effect thumbsticks. Both are here and are equally great to play with.
It should be noted that the novel Kaleida D-pad is a step above the T4 pad. Like the face buttons, it is now micro-switch based, making it much more tactile and responsive. Meanwhile, all other modules, including the shoulder buttons, triggers, thumbsticks, and central Home and Share buttons, appear virtually identical. Unfortunately, it also has the same lack of wireless functionality as the T4, so you’ll rely on a wired USB-C connection (the cable is included in the box). This could be a deal breaker if you usually prefer wireless gaming.
It’s also worth noting that you can further customize Kaleid using the GameSir Nexus app, available on PC and now on Xbox consoles. The dedicated controller software is truly excellent, allowing you to adjust stick dead zones, RGB lighting patterns and brightness settings, trigger sensitivity, and map the functions of additional rear buttons. Many of these actions can also be performed using the controller’s multi-function button by holding it down and referencing the button inputs found in the included manual. However, I preferred having a visual guide to my changes via the app, which made fine-tuning the controller configuration much easier.
Should I buy GameSir Kaleid?
Buy if…
Don’t buy if…
Also consider…
If GameSir Kaleid isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, consider the two options below, which we think are sturdy alternatives.
Row 0 – Cell 0 | GraSir Kaleid | Wireless Controller for Xbox | The Winning Gambit |
Price | $49.99 / £59.99 | $59.99 / £54.99 | $99.99 / £89.99 |
Dimensions | 6.42 x 4.76 x 3.43 inches (163 x 121 x 87 mm) | 6.02 x 2.40 x 4.01 inches (152.91 x 101.85 x 60.96 mm) | 6.1 x 4.2 x 2.4 inches (155 x 107 x 61 mm) |
Libra | 0.93 lb / 422 g | 0.61 lb / 275 g | 1.18 lb / 535 g |
Connection type | Wired (USB Type C) | Wired (Type C), Wireless (Bluetooth) | Wired (USB Type C) |
Compatibility | Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC | Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC, Android, iOS | Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC |
Software | GameSir Nexus App | Not applicable | PDP Control Hub application |
How I tested GameSir Kaleid
- Tested almost every day for a week
- Tested with Xbox and PC games
- Compared to other recommended and affordable Xbox controllers
I tested GameSir Kaleid for a week, starting with Xbox Series X with titles like these Hello Infinite, Ring of FireSea of ​​Thieves, AND Forza Horizon 5. I downloaded the GameSir Nexus app to my console and created multiple custom profiles based on different game genres to ensure a better experience with each one. I also tested the controller with equally excellent Xbox gamepads, such as the Xbox Wireless Controller and the Victrix Gambit.
Moving to PC, I tested GameSir Kaleid with a number of Steam titles including Ring of Fire once again, Final Fantasy 14 Online, AND Tekken 8. My experience here was largely similar to T4, considering they are basically identical. Less testing was therefore required as the overall quality was similarly high.
First reviewed June 2024