Since I got the deck the left thumbstick always felt a little funny - almost “static”? Right stick is a bit better but similar. It’s very unlike other controllers like ps5 and Xbox gamepad. It doesn’t have any functional implication at all - just sensual.
Anyone have similar experience? I’m thinking of getting a stick cap but I don’t know if it’d work since sticks are capacitive.
Most of the stick caps sold for the deck are capacitive, they can even help you maintain a good capacitve connection because it’s easier to keep in contact with the rubber cover than it is to stay touching the depressed part of the stick cap.
As for the feel of the sticks, they use potentiometers which might be the cause of the feeling difference you’re talking about. I know some xbox controllers (like the ones on the elite series 2) use hall effect sensors. You can buy replacement sticks for the steam deck that also use hall effect sensors, they may feel smoother to use.
Edit2: apparently the source I read was wrong about the elite 2 controller having hall effect sensors. Disregard.
Just FYI (and in case anyone runs out to buy an Elite Controller for the joysticks), the Elite doesn’t use Hall effect sticks, it’s no different to the standard controller other than tension adjustment.
