The fact that there's no noticeable difference between the original and this one is, in fact, a huge selling point! You really don't want your controllers to feel "wrong" after a part replacement, after all.
I've been using them for awhile and, there's no difference whatsoever that I can feel. I mean, I *might* have convinced myself that I felt a teeny, tiny difference (just like he did) when I first put the pair I got in but, I honestly have to remind myself which joy con have the gullis and which ones don't so I'm leaning more to thinking that even if you *think* you feel a difference? Most of it's probably just in your head because you *know* that you changed them so.... they *gotta* feel just a *little* different, right? lol.
@@dallaynavokan5513 Oh, I've definitely had that happen! Not with joy cons, but other hardware where I replaced a component. Especially since the thing is broken at that time, you've probably forgotten how it felt initially as well, and it just feels different in your head now. I call it "repair paranoia", where you start judging the object every single time you use it and are careful to notice any discrepancies in the job you did. For example, I changed the locks on a couple of doors and one locking mechanism too, whatever it's called. Every time I used the doors, I'd try to feel the handle and the keys to see if anything didn't fit.
@@dallaynavokan5513 its the same caps but the deadzone sensitivity across the board is far superior to the native joycon. Have you tried tweaking sensitivity in games at all?
@@dallaynavokan5513 That tiny difference that is barely perceptible and after 5 mins, you are used to it and question it, is the fact that it does not have potentiometers rubbing together inside. Its such a small thing that most people without very fine motor skills wont even notice.
Speaking of which we saw it in the video but you’re almost guaranteed to have to calibrate one of these but it works great after that just make sure to calibrate it attached to the switch
Also considering Tanner got one of the hardest tasks as his first assignment. He actually had to make a video about repairing something obscenely small to a camera, while making it look smooth and doable... Not just filming some new Apple product... No offense MacAdress-folks 😂 Good job Tanner!
The top of the stick comes off, making it easier to get through the opening, and is a vital part of the process, since there is a round sticker you put under the stick to keep debris from falling into the mechanism. They are great sticks though. I bought the gulikit controller after Linus reviewed it, and it was so great that I wanted hall effect sticks on my joycons. Apparently they are working on dual sense sticks also. Can’t wait for that so I can get rid of pot sticks completely.
Honestly Sony should have just did that rather than hot swappable sticks. With Hall Effects you dont Need to have hot swap lol.. Seems like they are trying to maximize profit on an issue they knew people had with the controllers.
@@fitingsthdown at first, i thought it was a joke about how magnets aren’t hard to find if you lose them bc you can just use another magnet, or a piece of metal to find them. then i realized, “rare earth magnets”
i like how nervous and wound up he is, hes exactly like i would be doing that work on my own joycons....just a giant ball of nervous anxiety trying not to break it forever
Just got these; working great! I didn't realize the kit from amazon came with not only small screwdrivers for the 2 types of screws, but ALSO a tweezer-like tool, some thumb grip caps, AND an entire set of replacement screws in case you lose 1. I didn't but now I have spares!
These have had a bit of a quality control problem. The first batch had arms that would catch and jump a bit, causing a click and the magnet to jump a bit. They claimed to have fixed the issues from that batch, but I got a set recently that had the exact same issue. They really need to get that ironed out before I consider them again.
Thanks for writing this post. Just from seeing the title you'd expect this to be the holy grail fix for joycon drift, but when it's a product that has issues of it's own, it becomes a questionable purchase.
@@PCMau5 I've got the recent KK2s, I got mine with a very slight QC issue, the facebuttons got slight squeaky noise after 100hours of continues use, but I got it fix easy by adjusting the plastics in the buttons. They cheated on how to have a tactile feel in the buttons so the plastic that's causing the tactile feel weardown. I don't like the tactility anyways, so I removed that palstic and got a linear feel facebuttons. That's very minor tinkering for me. It's been 4 months now, and I am loving the KK2, I can't explain how the sticks just feels so good, always so smooth. Compared to my dualsense who started to feel grindy after a month, and then stick drift completely after 3 months. For people reading this, if you got a new one with Firmware CPU 1.16, downgrade to 1.12 to not get an input delay issue with the current firmware version.
I received them a couple of days ago, it's a new batch said Gulikit. I can assure you they don't click anymore but they still have a little gap when it's installed. To fix that gap they have provided black round stickers to cover it.
@@G0rgar It's going to be a while, they will do the dual sense edge modules first, then the regular dual sense and xbox. It will be a year or so before we see them. Until then, your best bet is to get a drift fix mod and then just buy soss joysticks as you need them. The drift fix mod (used to calibrate the new sticks) is usually around $15 and then the joysticks are another 15 for handful of them. If you're garbage at soldering, just use some snips to segment the joystick and desolder it one point at a time. If you're slightly competent at soldering, the whole job is a walk in the park.
it is also worth noting those will add more Value to the Limited Edition Joycons too, since you basically never have to fear to not using them because of Stick dirft.
More Controller mod vids please and thanks for the Joy-con ones. already had the Gulikit controller after Linus did a review/unboxing on it and i can NEVER go back to regular potentiometers ever. So please if you're able, show us one for the Dualshock, Dualsense and Xbox Series X controllers as well. Love mods that only improve upon the experience. :)
Actually literally replaced the original sticks on my joycons with the Gulikit sticks 2 days ago. Weird timing. Learned after the first one to not disconnect any ribbon cables that aren't necessary to disconnect, some of those were real finicky to get back in
The one difference I've noticed is the Gulikit sticks press in more easily than the original sticks. That could be a problem if that button is mapped to an action. You can also just slip the stick into that grommet thing like putting on a shoe (at an angle) - it's not that big of a deal. I'd call this more like a 4/10 difficulty. Hard enough to shy away from if you've never opened anything, but it's not like it requires soldering or anything either. Just be careful if you detach the battery - the connector is a bit fragile.
I changed my drifting joycon with an ifixit replacement a few months ago, and now the new stick is even worse than my old one was... I'm glad this video exists now.
Nice. I love the Joycon (despite being cramped, being able to play with a controller split in 2 is great for my carpal tunnel). This looks like a great product I'll be checking out
Welcome to the limelight Tanner! We've seen that you're multi-talented; in the background, as Linus' shy assistant and comic relief/banter, providing technical knowledge and now as a lead presenter - essentially everything I like and expect from the LMG staff in front of the camera. (Your T-shirts are awesome, please don't shadowban me for not repping LTT Store Linus :$)
Considering it's $30 to save you from having to replace the joycons on a regular basis, yeah I think it's worth it. It'll also be great for limited edition joycons, plus reduced e-waste! (From not having to replace the controllers, not from all the sticks that will now have to be replaced).
Its a shame that other aftermarket joysticks are really really cheap (like ~$2), which makes it harder to justify buying these - well at least for me anyway
LTT needs to make a game controller. Just imagine an easily repairable controller with premium features, Hall effect joysticks and triggers. That is a dream come true
I bought the Gulikit King Kong Controller when you guys recommended it. I've already broken the one I bought and a replacement controller I got for that. Doesn't matter that there's no stick drift when the sticks themselves and the triggers break way earlier than of any other controller I had. Yes, I do play very stick intensive games like Skater XL and Fifa and I do play a lot. But I haven't treated it differently than other controllers that held up well. Let's hope the 2 I got weren't the norm, but based on my experience so far I unfortunately think that there's a quality control issue and have gone back to using other controllers.
@@tannermccoolman4647 poor QC, that's why I don't buy in the hype when they review that controller, there's a reason why the price is so low for arguably better controller then the OEMs, on paper of course
@@tannermccoolman4647 The left stick itself on both controllers - not the mechanism but the actual plastic. The rubber at the top was already broken after less than 3 months on both, faster than any other controller I ever had. That was still ok, that's replaceable and kinda playable for the most part. For the first then the actual plastic on top of the stick broke off gradually, Until I almost had only the stick without top left. On the replacement, it didn't get this far, but still broke off a bit and created a sharp edge and wasn't circular anymore. On this one also the right trigger got stuck and had to be pulled out every time I pressed it in more than halfway. The super bad thing was also that it wasn't noticeable from feeling that it got stuck, just barely enough to be activated slightly, which is mostly ok for games that use the analog pressure from the triggers, but some games use them as normal buttons, and there it became literally unplayable. One detail that might be important. My hands are on the smaller side, so I do play mostly with my thumb around the stick and not on top of it - so that might put additional strain on the plastic when it gets pushed on the edge and not from the center. However, I still never had this issue with any other Input device I ever had in 30+ years of gaming.
Yeah, you may play intensive games a lot but a joystick or controller that can't keep up with that sort of usage is just a bad product. Thanks a lot for sharing your experience, I think I'll wait for the technology or the manufacturer's QC to mature. As of yet even if I play different games than you, I'm not taking the risk, the problem might rise a bit later but it'll rise, and rather quickly from what I get.
I've been using the gulikit king Kong(pro?) 2 controller for ~5months now, and I can't never go back to 'official brand' controllers. You can even te calibrate the controller's joysticks AND triggers. I was so mad that my triggers were 'broken' so I threw it through the whole house, literally smashed it against the floor multiple times, just to find out that you can recalibrate the triggers, and I must say, there very durable, nothing broke at all! The only downsides are the 'debounce time' it's hard to double tap the a b x y buttons and that you can't connect it to a PS4/5 or a Xbox. (It works with Nintendo switch)
I'm so glad yall are giving Tanner some camera time. After we got to meet him on that one episode about his hobbies. I've been hankering for more of his personality. He has some really clean hands btw. Not weird sounding at all.
yea, that would've been awesome. But Quest2 has an annoying "feature" that it rapidly turns the power to the sticks on and off when reading them, which might be a bit challenging for the active circuitry inside the hall-effect joystick. Hope they sort it out and release one!
Love this! These kinds of mods are fairly simple and easy to do but can be really satisfying. I've somehow never had either my old and very abused Switch Lite or the newer Switch I replaced it with actually drift, but I dig these hall effect sticks just for the better precision and for futureproofing. Gonna look into doing something similar for my Xbox Elite controller as well, since I really need something that pricy to last well
I'm really hopeful of Microsoft/xbox of finally taking the plunge and making a controller with hall effect sensors. Right now the elite series 2 and king kong 2 pro are the most appealing controllers imo. Sadly elite is missing said hall effect sensors And king kong 2 pro is missing the back buttons which i really would appreciate.
@@Verchiel_ same here. I get why they don't do it on the basic controllers which need to be as cheap as possible but if you're already spending a couple hundred on an Elite controller, I'm sure you can stomach an extra dollar or two for the better sensors. That said, I'd rather a replacement set of sticks so I don't have to buy a new controller lol
@@Verchiel_ I heard really bad things about the quality controll of the elites, hell even one of my local hardware stores shows a 6x-8x return rate compared to the normal series x controllers (the normal black sxs controller has 0.8%, a bundle with a wireless dongle has 1.0% and the elite 2 has a 6% return rate).
@@crackny4n I've heard they have major quality issues for quite a while now, and in a lot of different places so I imagine it's very much a real issue. But my anecdotal evidence no one should ever base a purchase on is that elite 2 has been nothing but flawless since I first got it not long after the V2 released. Holds a charge longer than I've ever had it away from a charger (because when I'm done it sits in its case on the wireless charging stand), absolutely no drift, weird button behaviour or connection problems. So I'm more than happy with mine, it's miles above a regular Xbox controller and I even prefer it to the PS5 ones but it sounds like I might just be lucky
@@helplmchoking Well, I almost bought one too, saw a really good deal on a used elite2, but the quality issues combined with the fact that I actually prefer using high end AA batteries in controllers made me drop the idea.
I've done 8 of these... only 1 was defective and they sent a full kit (2 sticks) to replace it. I bought on Ali Express so shipping took a few weeks, but they fixed 6 drifting controllers and served as a preventative maintenance on the last 2. They fixed the issue... well worth it. Each took about 15min to do if you're being careful to not break anything.
After searching around with these a lot of people seemed to have problems with them. The thread on gbatemps forums had a bunch of people with issues. Same goes for the amazon reviews page.
If anyone is hesitant, there's a kit that's $40 and covers 4 joycon controllers (or 2 sets of controllers), so essentially you're saving 80% if you repair it rather than buy a new one.
One thing to note is that dead zones only exist on potentiometer joysticks to account for them being near-impossible to reliably have zero drift when resting. That’s why hall-effect sensors are great. You calibrate them once, and it’s done. No drift, because no parts (in the mechanism at least) to wear out.
Yeah, I like these hall effect sensors finally coming to game pads and the like. But what I really feel is the disappointment from finding out the Xbone Elite controller had the exact same hardware as the normal controller for DOUBLE the price. I completely expected the sticks to be higher quality but they were exactly the same and to make matters even worse, the wore out way faster probably because of the heavier sticks that were on top of them. It was nice to have stick length options to get a bit more precision in racing games, but that was more than negated when the sticks started to drift within months even. At some point It fell on the USB cable which broke the connector. So incredibly happy it was within warranty. It was probably within the first year even. I traded it in for a regular controller, got 60 euros back even and that controller is still serving me happily after years of gaming. The padding on the left stick has worn down to almost nothing just like on my x360 controllers and it's still good. Best interaction with a shop ever and never paying that much for a game pad again. Anyway flight sticks have had Hall Effect sensors for years, even decades. So it's not like I'm super happy this Chinese company finally brings the tech to game pads, I'm more relieved that FINALLY somebody is doing it so all the big game pad manufacturers can se CONSUMERS ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT QUALITY AND TECH. / end rant
just a note to anyone wanting to buy these replacement sticks; they still have some bad batches with stick click being sent out for sale so be ready to return/exchange.
I remember buying a clear shell for my joycons during covid. Those ribbon cables made me want to scream. The ifixit guide made them look like they don't want to break the second you look at them funny. Luckily the only cable I broke was the one for the r+l buttons on the joycon rail, which nobody uses anyway. The part that made me put it down for the day was how the abxy buttons just do not work the same if you don't put them back in PERFECTLY, you will end up with stuck or sticky buttons if the buttons or the membrane are not seated absolutely perfectly. I had to disassemble that damn joycon so many times because you don't find out if it's perfect until you screw everything back in.
I bought a set of these sticks about a month ago, the really are easy to switch out. I got them on amazon Canada and thy came with the tools and after calibration they worked perfect. Ifixit had a good video guide I followed and it was way quicker then waiting for nintendo warranty to fix them and in theory they shouldn't drift again.
There are parts touching each other, just the important parts like the sensors does not physically touch anything. Drift will eventually still occur but your joystick would be so worn out by that time, it needs to be replaced anyways.
I think you can see especially at the beginning that has not 100% the same "relaxation level" as the other hosts, who make this videos on a daily basis (business as usual). But seriously you cant expect that. It looked like he had fun showing what he did and so the video was also funny and enjoyable to watch. Looking forward to see him in more SC videos. Beeing completly chilled in front of a camera, that focuses solely on you just takes some time . Thats completely normal :)
I'm bot a big switch user but my little sibling is! A couple Christmases back their present was a new set of joycons because of drift in their then-current ones. Have sent this video along for the next time their joycons wear out 😊
He's a good presenter, honestly the team lmg has is insane and just keeps growing. Many big companies can only dream of a similar team of social media professionals!
That's fantastic. Definitely going to be picking those up the instant I notice drift on any of my Joycons. Hopefully they make these swap-in modules for the other console controllers, too. I don't play my PS5 much, but one of my Xbox controllers has started to drift occasionally too.
Hey . I’ve played my switch for approx 2-3 years . I haven’t had drift (yet) . I try to be real pathetic in using joycon versus my Xbox where you can treat Xbox with real gamer style without fear it’ll drift or break! I bought Nintendo s “pro” controller to get me past my hate for joycon build. Actually spent more cash on kontroller freeks stick add ons! Did help I admit. Yeah that “pro” controller is average at best. The dpad doesn’t seem to be 360 if that’s right. I get more direction with the laughable joycon “dpad “. The left stick on “pro” controller from the first day it had a plastic on plastic grind feel when playing. Mainly 12-3 position it grinds . Real noticeable during quite dying light moments. I’m dumb enough to spend more cash on konttol freeks because they’re red man! Yeah what a joke Nintendo are for releasing left stick madness on all their customers! Ok bong
Starts off the video with an Initial anime joke, already love the guy. Can't wait to see more Tanner! Always cool to see more hosts with different insights. Amazing content as always.
Sometimes something doesn't have to be better at anything in particular besides being superior to the thing you replaced it with. A non-difting stick will always be preferable.
What you did fail to mention (I know it’s outside this video) is that a replacement normal joystick is only about $3 So instead of $30 for these or $50 for a joycon you can fit it for $3
I've installed those $3 or low priced ones and they work. But the ones I've replaced they still eventually drift. I'd hope these are better quality or at least last longer. I'm still doing more research on the matter.
It would be a lot better if these were for the elite V2 controller, and came with an actual good membrane for the face buttons and replacement for the shoulder buttons 💫🥇
the constant smiling & staring straight into the camera really makes me wonder wether Tanner comes off quite fun or give a bit of a "Patrick Bateman" vibe .... I guess the fun is in the mystery! :D (Naaaaah, he's cool!)
YOOOO, I ran into this kid at PAX 2008 and we nerded out over Nerdcore Hiphop for hours and became fast friends. Tanner's a great dude and I hope to see more of him!
A nerdy nerd. Love it. I hope, Tanner will appear more often as a host. Be aware, that it's $26 for two sticks, so, essentially $13 for one Joy-Con. To me, it's not a bad deal, when you consider, that two normal replacement sticks (that will wear down) cost about $13 and a Joy-Con $40-50.
why does Tanner sound and act like that funny comic relief main character's best friend guy who happens to be good with IT in every action movie? Aint complaining tho
10$ Difference to a new joycon. But the standard joycon joysticks on a certain chinese vendors website cost about 2$. So if all I want is to just replace my faulty ones with some new ones while having the same amount of work, I don't see this product being that much better. But I guess that depends on how much you use your switch. I've had to replace my joysticks once so far after around 2 years of usage.
Few wince worthy moments, the ginger, while affable and likeable demeanor rhinos through this replacement, his handling and clumsy procedure reminds me of my toddler playing with blocks in his third year, and with as much grace and delicacy as a hungry gorilla handed a banana. Coupled with his expressed disinterest and unfamiliarity with the Switch really let's it shine that this is no labor of love, but a chore to half-ass in effort and skill. The positive take away is that after such rough handling the parts replaced and the joy con itself were durable enough to still be functional. So, in that of itself, quality review, nothing should make you wish to buy then video proof of being Tweedledee proof. Maybe intentional, because I hope nobody wishing to attempt such repairs for first time should use this video at any step as a safe, correct or even easy way to complete.
you're forgetting on thin with the pricing. you get 2 hall effect joysticks. where as a single joy-con cost about 40 usd. 2 joy-cons costs about 70 usd. so pretty massive price difference if you ask me.
jeez, watching this is making me so happy valve thought about joystick replacement on the steam deck. i love my gulikit joysticks, and I always wonder how much I actually feel the difference or if it's just in my head. I'd love to know if they're going to keep making these modules for the PlayStation and xbox controllers, it would be very tempting to do....
nice. cool tech. ill probably buy some for the future. my switch doesnt have any noticeable drift just yet (and i have played quite a few intense mario kart sessions on it) so i dont need to tinker now.
Have these, love the extra precision they provide and minuscule dead zones, although they do click but I’m sure it’ll quiet down with some use due it probably being some imprecise manufacturing in the mechanism but they still feel smooth. It’s a shame that they advertise removable caps with no custom caps on the market though.
I’m surprise that this didn’t become the standard because that one Sega actually made video game consoles for for the Sega Saturn they made the 3-D control pad, which had one of these hall effect sensor’s for a joystick and the joystick still haven’t gotten drift
Ok, I did this mod and I have comments 1, the sticks do feel different from stock. Not bad, just stiffer. Several friends of mine have confirmed this 2, I did get a defective kit at first. One stock had some odd feeling on the inside that prevented it from making a full 360 rotation on it without a hiccup. The vendor replaced free of charge 3, despite the changes to the stock feel, I quite like them. Make sure you do the switch calibration though. Very important 4, the caps of the thumbsticks pop off easy. Great for installation, but also easy to lose them by accident if you are not careful.
I'd be interested in a video about gyro and the viability of it as a primary way to look and aim. Perhaps the differences between the accuracy of the gyro controllers out there, if there is one, maybe one for the labs to test out. I use a Dualshock 4 controller for gyro on all my PvP games, I do not use the right thumb stick at all, it's shockingly underrated and would be cool to see some more awareness on gyro, since more and more games are adding gyro as an option lately but most people seem to think it is only useful for fine aiming. For anyone interested in trying gyro, a tip is to use acceleration.
Ok, I legitimately thought the thumbnail was a photoshop of Linus ginger-fied, to look a bit like a leprechaun, for St. Patrick’s day. I have never seen this guy, so that’s where my mistake came from
