HyperX Clutch controller in action.
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HyperX Clutch

A great versatile controller for mobile gaming, but maybe not for PC gamers. Yet.

(Image: © Future)

Our Verdict

A highly versatile controller that's quite feature complete for the price. While the Bluetooth connection is steller, the 2.4Ghz dongle is unreliable. Overall, despite some rough edges and creaks, the Clutch works great as a multi-use on the go option for games.

For

  • Comfortable sides
  • Bluetooth connection is great
  • T-T-T-T-TURBO MODE
  • Phone clip is handy and well balanced
  • Rechargeable

Against

  • 2.4Ghz connection is inconsistent
  • Thumbsticks scratchy
  • A bit creaky

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Controller can be a bit of a dirty word in the PC gaming scene, and that's just one of their benefits. Sure some tasks are much easier with a keyboard and mouse but they've always felt much less natural to me for most gaming movement. Plus, it's much easier to play sprawled out on the couch, or on the go, with a controller in hand. When it comes to portability, versatility, and comfort, controllers will always be my go to, and the new HyperX Clutch controller manages to really nail some of these features. However, it wouldn't necessarily be my first recommendation for a PC gaming standard.

In the hand, the HyperX Clutch feels a lot like an Xbox Series Controller, but with softer rubber edges that add an extra layer of comfort. The layout for the most part is the same as many of those that make up our best PC controller round-up, and should feel familiar for most, but little touches like the rougher pointed ridges atop the thumbsticks and loser yet springier triggers mark a difference. 

While I like the feel of the triggers and shoulder buttons on the Clutch, I'd choose the softer Xbox stick caps. My thumbs feel a little raw after using the controller, and I'm sure this would get better as the sticks wore down and my calluses grew, it's not a price I want to pay for comfortable gaming. The various components of the Clutch also can be a little creaky, giving it a fragile feeling in use, despite its solid seeming build.

On the front face of the controller there are also the equivalents of start and select, as well as Turbo and home button switches. The Turbo is a real boon that we don't always get to see and is very easy to use. Setting any button to Turbo will have a hold action report as rapid pressing which is an actual life saver when skipping dialogue in Genshin Impact (yes, I'm a monster) or levelling up dinos in Ark: Survival Evolved. It also works even when paired to a phone for games that support it and Steam Link. 

Clutch specs

HyperX Clutch controller in action.

(Image credit: Future)

Compatibility: Windows, Android
Connectivity: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
Ports: USB Type-C
Layout: Xbox
Weight: 280g
Accessories: phone holder
Price: $50 / AUD$79

Unfortunately, in many cases connectivity isn't always this controller's strongest point. It comes with a 2.4 receiver for PC gaming and the connection cuts out a fair bit. I tried it on a few PCs and it tended to work well for a little, and then be plagued with reconnecting issues, regardless of positioning. HyperX dongles have always worked well in the past, so I'm hoping there'll be a software fix to make this a viable option for PC gamers who would be interested.

On the upside the Bluetooth connection works great. Connecting it to phones and other devices is a standard affair. I ended up using it on my PC that way and it felt as good as when the 2.4 was working correctly with very little lag. So while the dodgy 2.4 makes it a hard sell for the hardcore PC gamer who wants the best wireless connection, all this Bluetooth success is great for a controller you might want to use on multiple different devices or on the go.

(Image credit: Future)

The Bluetooth connection works great.

The HyperX Clutch comes with a phone holder attachment that sits at the top of the controller. It's made of what feels to be a strong plastic, and holds even my large Samsung Note securely with a nice weighted balance. Plus it folds up into a nice pocketable package that can also be a separate phone stand. As a controller primarily for gaming on the go, it's not a bad sell.

Aside from the 2.4 issues, scratchy thumbsticks, and creaky bones, the HyperX Clutch is a really nice controller with a slew of features for its $50 price point. If you're happy to rely on a Bluetooth and wired connections to get you through your gaming session, and want a really versatile controller, the Clutch would certainly come in to play.

The Verdict
HyperX Clutch

A highly versatile controller that's quite feature complete for the price. While the Bluetooth connection is steller, the 2.4Ghz dongle is unreliable. Overall, despite some rough edges and creaks, the Clutch works great as a multi-use on the go option for games.

Hope Corrigan
Hardware Writer

Hope’s been writing about games for about a decade, starting out way back when on the Australian Nintendo fan site Vooks.net. Since then, she’s talked far too much about games and tech for publications such as Techlife, Byteside, IGN, and GameSpot. Of course there’s also here at PC Gamer, where she gets to indulge her inner hardware nerd with news and reviews. You can usually find Hope fawning over some art, tech, or likely a wonderful combination of them both and where relevant she’ll share them with you here. When she’s not writing about the amazing creations of others, she’s working on what she hopes will one day be her own. You can find her fictional chill out ambient far future sci-fi radio show/album/listening experience podcast right here.

No, she’s not kidding.