Gamesir T4 pro
Gamesir T4 pro Input lag comparison
| # | Connection | Mode | LatencyAverage (ms) | Polling RateMedian (Hz) | Jitter | OSBuild ver. | FWTester ver. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Latency P82 | ||||||||
1 | Cable | XInput | 8.58 12.0 | 149.17 | 2.35 2.20 | Win 11 10.0.26100 | 1.45 5.0.9.2 | |
Stick LatencyP82 ✓ Selected 8.24 ms 11.96 ms 16.96 ms 2.2 ms 149.17 Hz | ||||||||
2 | Dongle | XInput | 14.6 19.4 | 131.06 | 2.45 2.85 | Win 11 10.0.26100 | 1.45 5.0.9.2 | |
Stick LatencyP82 ✓ Selected 14 ms 19.38 ms 26.33 ms 2.85 ms 131.06 Hz | ||||||||
3 | Bluetooth | XInput | 16.7 20.9 | 143.12 | 2.27 2.70 | Win 11 10.0.26100 | 1.45 5.0.9.2 | |
Stick LatencyP82 ✓ Selected 16.3 ms 20.89 ms 28.4 ms 2.7 ms 143.12 Hz | ||||||||
4 | Bluetooth | Switch | 15.7 25.0 | 142.33 | 2.29 5.37 | Win 11 10.0.26100 | 1.45 5.0.9.2 | |
Stick LatencyP82 17.42 ms 24.95 ms 40.9 ms 5.37 ms 142.33 Hz |
Latency
Our visualization focuses on Average Latency, presented as vertical bars to make comparing performance across different connection modes (Wired, Bluetooth, Dongle) instant and intuitive.
The chart differentiates between:
- Button Latency: How quickly the game registers a physical button press.
- Stick Latency: The delay in registering joystick movement (tested at 99% deflection).
Visualizing Stability (Jitter)
You may notice that the top portion of some bars is semi-transparent or "faded". This represents Jitter (instability):
- Solid Bar: Represents the stable, consistent average latency.
- Faded Top: Indicates the variance. A larger transparent area means higher jitter, implying the controller's response time fluctuates. A solid bar with little to no fading indicates a highly stable connection.
Deep Dive: Click the arrow to reveal Probability Distribution Charts. These show the exact breakdown of every input tested, displaying Probability (%) on the Y-axis and Latency (ms) on the X-axis.
Polling Rate vs. Latency
It is crucial to understand that Polling Rate and Latency are measured using two entirely different methodologies on our site:
- Latency (ms) is measured by the Prometheus 82 hardware. It captures the physical movement of the stick or button via hardware interrupts with microsecond precision. This is the "real-world" delay.
- Polling Rate (Hz) is measured via a Software Tool. It shows how often the OS receives reports from the USB stack.
Common Myth: A higher polling rate (like 8000 Hz) does not automatically guarantee lower latency if the controller's internal processing is slow. Conversely, a high polling rate on a chart might show fluctuations (e.g., 7800Hz instead of 8000Hz) due to OS jitter or CPU scheduling, which does not necessarily impact the hardware latency measured by the P82.
To test your own gamepad's polling rate, you can use our tool: Download Polling Rate Tester.
Testing Methods
Gamepadla ensures data integrity by combining three distinct testing methodologies:
-
Prometheus 82 (P82): Our gold standard. A custom-built hardware device that physically actuates buttons and sticks. It uses high-speed hardware interrupts to capture events, making it independent of the controller's polling rate. It provides an error margin of only ±1ms for buttons and sticks. View on GitHub.
-
GPDL Tester: An electrical monitoring tool for highly accurate button latency. While P82 simulates human-like mechanical movement, GPDL focuses on the electrical signal speed. View on GitHub.
-
Software Polling Test: A pure software diagnostic to check communication frequency. We use this to verify if a controller actually reaches its advertised specs (e.g., 1000Hz or 8000Hz) at the OS level. Download Software.
Note: By comparing hardware-level latency (P82) with software-level reports (Polling Test), we can identify if a controller has "fake" high polling rates or poorly optimized firmware.
Stick test of Gamesir T4 pro
Stick test results for Gamesir T4 pro gamepad, by John Punch
Errors Panel
Inner Deadzone
The Inner Deadzone is the area around the center of the stick where small movements are not registered. This helps prevent stick drift or accidental inputs, but if the deadzone is too large, it can make aiming less precise, especially in games requiring fine control. We evaluate the Inner Deadzone based on how much you need to move the stick before it responds—the less movement required, the better.
The Gamesir T4 pro has a moderate Inner Deadzone. You need to push the stick a bit more to get a response, which can make micro-movements less precise. This might be noticeable in games like shooters or platformers where small adjustments are key.
For comparison, many budget gamepads often have a moderate to large Inner Deadzone, while premium controllers typically aim for a slight or no deadzone for better precision.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how the Inner Deadzone works.
Outer Deadzone
The Outer Deadzone is the area near the edge of the stick’s range where further movement isn’t registered. This can make the stick feel less responsive at full tilt, affecting actions like quick turns or maximum speed in games. We evaluate the Outer Deadzone based on how much 'lost' range there is—the smaller the deadzone, the better, as it allows full use of the stick’s range for more precise control.
The Gamesir T4 pro has a slight Outer Deadzone (0.6 mm). There’s a portion of the stick’s range that isn’t registered, but it’s minimal and unlikely to affect gameplay noticeably.
Per-stick breakdown for the Gamesir T4 pro: the left stick measures 0.6 mm, which corresponds to a slight Outer Deadzone, while the right stick measures 0.6 mm, which corresponds to a slight Outer Deadzone. This helps show whether the controller loses range evenly on both sticks or if one stick is noticeably weaker near full tilt.
Both sticks show the same measured Outer Deadzone, which suggests consistent edge behavior between movement and camera inputs.
For comparison, budget gamepads often have moderate to large Outer Deadzones, while premium controllers strive for minimal or no deadzone to maximize control.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how the Outer Deadzone works.
Stick Asymmetry
Stick Asymmetry measures the consistency of the joystick's response across different directions. Ideally, if you physically deflect the stick by 80% from the center, the software should report an 80% deflection regardless of the direction. A high asymmetry score indicates a problem where for the same physical movement, the reported coordinates are inconsistent—for example, 60% in one direction and 90% in another. This creates an uneven, often 'egg-shaped,' response zone, which negatively impacts aiming and control predictability.
For the Gamesir T4 pro, the Stick Asymmetry is 10.9% for the left stick and 6.7% for the right stick. Higher values can lead to noticeable inconsistencies, potentially impacting aiming or movement in games.
Testing Methodology: It's crucial to note that this test is performed at partial stick deflection (~80%), using special physical limiters (clips). Testing at 100% deflection often hides asymmetries because the controller's output is clamped at the maximum value, artificially 'smoothing' the resulting shape. Our method reveals the true performance of the stick in the ranges most critical for gameplay. This precise approach was also utilized by Linus Tech Tips in their controller review.
For comparison, many budget gamepads show asymmetry levels above 30%, while high-end controllers typically stay below 10% for better uniformity.
Learn more about how different gamepads perform in the Stick Asymmetry test and how to conduct such a test in this article. You can learn how to test joystick asymmetry yourself from this video.
Circle Error
Circle Error evaluates how closely the stick’s movement follows a perfect circle. A high Circle Error means the path is more square-like, which can cause inconsistent speeds when moving diagonally—your character might move faster or slower than expected. The lower the percentage, the better, as it ensures smooth, uniform movement in all directions.
For the Gamesir T4 pro, the Circle Error is 0.7% for the left stick and 0.7% for the right stick. This is an excellent result, providing smooth, natural diagonal movement similar to premium controllers.
For comparison, budget gamepads often have Circle Errors above 12%, resulting in 'square' feeling sticks, while high-quality ones aim for under 8% for better smoothness.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Circle Error impacts performance.
Resolution (Stick Bitness)
Stick Bitness measures the precision of the joystick’s analog input, similar to bit depth in audio. Higher bitness means more distinct positions the stick can register, leading to smoother and more accurate control. Lower bitness can result in 'stepping' or less fluid movement, especially noticeable in slow, precise actions like aiming.
Unlike declared digital resolution, our True Bitness metric is derived from actual physical stick movement, reflecting the usable positions the stick can produce in practice.
For the Gamesir T4 pro, the movement-based True Bitness is 9.7 bits on both sticks. This is good precision, providing adequate resolution for smooth control in most gaming scenarios.
This corresponds to a measured Step Resolution of 0.00240 on the left stick and 0.00240 on the right, with about 416 SFC on the left stick and 416 SFC on the right.
For comparison, many budget gamepads have around 8 bits, while premium ones often exceed 10 bits for superior accuracy.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Stick Bitness affects control. It is important to note that the video specifies the resolution of the stick, not the bit depth; the higher the bit depth, the higher the resolution.
Center Error (Stick Centering)
Center Error (also referred to as Stick Centering) measures how accurately the joystick returns to its neutral (center) position after you release it. A low Center Error prevents stick drift—a common issue where your character or camera moves slightly in a game, even when you're not touching the stick. The lower the percentage, the better the centering, and the less likely you are to experience drift.
For the Gamesir T4 pro, the Center Error is 0% for the left joystick and 0% for the right stick. This is an excellent result. The sticks return almost perfectly to the center, which minimizes the risk of stick drift.
This test methodology intentionally employs a more rigorous approach by implementing small-angle deflection and release, which produces the most challenging conditions for stick re-centering. This technique differs from the conventional maximum-deflection method where the stick is pulled to its full range and released, as small-angle deflection better simulates the micro-adjustments typically executed during actual gameplay scenarios, providing more representative data on potential stick drift occurrence during normal use.
Warning: These ideal centering values may be masked by an Inner Dead Zone ('med').
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Center Error works.
Cardinal Snapping
Cardinal Snapping (sometimes referred to as Axis Magnet) is a form of stick processing where the controller's output artificially 'snaps' or clings to the cardinal (horizontal and vertical) axes when the stick passes close to them. While this can make pure horizontal or vertical movements feel perfectly straight, it distorts the natural movement path and makes diagonal aiming or fine steering less predictable.
The Gamesir T4 pro shows no Cardinal Snapping. This means the stick does not artificially cling to the horizontal or vertical axes, preserving your real movement path for consistent aiming and natural analog control.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Cardinal Snapping affects stick behavior.
Disclaimer
We tested the Gamesir T4 pro gamepad using a single unit, so keep in mind that other units of this model might perform slightly better or worse. In most cases, these differences are minor and shouldn’t affect your experience significantly. The results were obtained with the Stick Tracer program, and some values might vary if you use different software or testing methods.
Testing conditions, such as the gamepad’s firmware version (FW: 1.45) or connection type, can also influence the results. If you have this gamepad, we’d love for you to share your own test results! This will help us build a more comprehensive picture of the Gamesir T4 pro’s performance across different units.
Full test results can be viewed on the test page.
Stick test results for Gamesir T4 pro gamepad, by John Punch
Errors Panel
Inner Deadzone
The Inner Deadzone is the area around the center of the stick where small movements are not registered. This helps prevent stick drift or accidental inputs, but if the deadzone is too large, it can make aiming less precise, especially in games requiring fine control. We evaluate the Inner Deadzone based on how much you need to move the stick before it responds—the less movement required, the better.
The Gamesir T4 pro has a moderate Inner Deadzone. You need to push the stick a bit more to get a response, which can make micro-movements less precise. This might be noticeable in games like shooters or platformers where small adjustments are key.
For comparison, many budget gamepads often have a moderate to large Inner Deadzone, while premium controllers typically aim for a slight or no deadzone for better precision.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how the Inner Deadzone works.
Outer Deadzone
The Outer Deadzone is the area near the edge of the stick’s range where further movement isn’t registered. This can make the stick feel less responsive at full tilt, affecting actions like quick turns or maximum speed in games. We evaluate the Outer Deadzone based on how much 'lost' range there is—the smaller the deadzone, the better, as it allows full use of the stick’s range for more precise control.
The Gamesir T4 pro has a slight Outer Deadzone (0.6 mm). There’s a portion of the stick’s range that isn’t registered, but it’s minimal and unlikely to affect gameplay noticeably.
Per-stick breakdown for the Gamesir T4 pro: the left stick measures 0.6 mm, which corresponds to a slight Outer Deadzone, while the right stick measures 0.6 mm, which corresponds to a slight Outer Deadzone. This helps show whether the controller loses range evenly on both sticks or if one stick is noticeably weaker near full tilt.
Both sticks show the same measured Outer Deadzone, which suggests consistent edge behavior between movement and camera inputs.
For comparison, budget gamepads often have moderate to large Outer Deadzones, while premium controllers strive for minimal or no deadzone to maximize control.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how the Outer Deadzone works.
Stick Asymmetry
Stick Asymmetry measures the consistency of the joystick's response across different directions. Ideally, if you physically deflect the stick by 80% from the center, the software should report an 80% deflection regardless of the direction. A high asymmetry score indicates a problem where for the same physical movement, the reported coordinates are inconsistent—for example, 60% in one direction and 90% in another. This creates an uneven, often 'egg-shaped,' response zone, which negatively impacts aiming and control predictability.
For the Gamesir T4 pro, the Stick Asymmetry is 10.9% for the left stick and 6.6% for the right stick. Higher values can lead to noticeable inconsistencies, potentially impacting aiming or movement in games.
Testing Methodology: It's crucial to note that this test is performed at partial stick deflection (~80%), using special physical limiters (clips). Testing at 100% deflection often hides asymmetries because the controller's output is clamped at the maximum value, artificially 'smoothing' the resulting shape. Our method reveals the true performance of the stick in the ranges most critical for gameplay. This precise approach was also utilized by Linus Tech Tips in their controller review.
For comparison, many budget gamepads show asymmetry levels above 30%, while high-end controllers typically stay below 10% for better uniformity.
Learn more about how different gamepads perform in the Stick Asymmetry test and how to conduct such a test in this article. You can learn how to test joystick asymmetry yourself from this video.
Circle Error
Circle Error evaluates how closely the stick’s movement follows a perfect circle. A high Circle Error means the path is more square-like, which can cause inconsistent speeds when moving diagonally—your character might move faster or slower than expected. The lower the percentage, the better, as it ensures smooth, uniform movement in all directions.
For the Gamesir T4 pro, the Circle Error is 0.7% for the left stick and 0.7% for the right stick. This is an excellent result, providing smooth, natural diagonal movement similar to premium controllers.
For comparison, budget gamepads often have Circle Errors above 12%, resulting in 'square' feeling sticks, while high-quality ones aim for under 8% for better smoothness.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Circle Error impacts performance.
Resolution (Stick Bitness)
Stick Bitness measures the precision of the joystick’s analog input, similar to bit depth in audio. Higher bitness means more distinct positions the stick can register, leading to smoother and more accurate control. Lower bitness can result in 'stepping' or less fluid movement, especially noticeable in slow, precise actions like aiming.
Unlike declared digital resolution, our True Bitness metric is derived from actual physical stick movement, reflecting the usable positions the stick can produce in practice.
For the Gamesir T4 pro, the movement-based True Bitness is 8.5 bits on both sticks. This is good precision, providing adequate resolution for smooth control in most gaming scenarios.
This corresponds to a measured Step Resolution of 0.00552 on the left stick and 0.00552 on the right, with about 181 SFC on the left stick and 181 SFC on the right.
For comparison, many budget gamepads have around 8 bits, while premium ones often exceed 10 bits for superior accuracy.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Stick Bitness affects control. It is important to note that the video specifies the resolution of the stick, not the bit depth; the higher the bit depth, the higher the resolution.
Center Error (Stick Centering)
Center Error (also referred to as Stick Centering) measures how accurately the joystick returns to its neutral (center) position after you release it. A low Center Error prevents stick drift—a common issue where your character or camera moves slightly in a game, even when you're not touching the stick. The lower the percentage, the better the centering, and the less likely you are to experience drift.
For the Gamesir T4 pro, the Center Error is 0% for the left joystick and 0% for the right stick. This is an excellent result. The sticks return almost perfectly to the center, which minimizes the risk of stick drift.
This test methodology intentionally employs a more rigorous approach by implementing small-angle deflection and release, which produces the most challenging conditions for stick re-centering. This technique differs from the conventional maximum-deflection method where the stick is pulled to its full range and released, as small-angle deflection better simulates the micro-adjustments typically executed during actual gameplay scenarios, providing more representative data on potential stick drift occurrence during normal use.
Warning: These ideal centering values may be masked by an Inner Dead Zone ('med').
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Center Error works.
Cardinal Snapping
Cardinal Snapping (sometimes referred to as Axis Magnet) is a form of stick processing where the controller's output artificially 'snaps' or clings to the cardinal (horizontal and vertical) axes when the stick passes close to them. While this can make pure horizontal or vertical movements feel perfectly straight, it distorts the natural movement path and makes diagonal aiming or fine steering less predictable.
The Gamesir T4 pro shows no Cardinal Snapping. This means the stick does not artificially cling to the horizontal or vertical axes, preserving your real movement path for consistent aiming and natural analog control.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Cardinal Snapping affects stick behavior.
Disclaimer
We tested the Gamesir T4 pro gamepad using a single unit, so keep in mind that other units of this model might perform slightly better or worse. In most cases, these differences are minor and shouldn’t affect your experience significantly. The results were obtained with the Stick Tracer program, and some values might vary if you use different software or testing methods.
Testing conditions, such as the gamepad’s firmware version (FW: 1.45) or connection type, can also influence the results. If you have this gamepad, we’d love for you to share your own test results! This will help us build a more comprehensive picture of the Gamesir T4 pro’s performance across different units.
Full test results can be viewed on the test page.
Stick test results for Gamesir T4 pro gamepad, by John Punch
Errors Panel
Inner Deadzone
The Inner Deadzone is the area around the center of the stick where small movements are not registered. This helps prevent stick drift or accidental inputs, but if the deadzone is too large, it can make aiming less precise, especially in games requiring fine control. We evaluate the Inner Deadzone based on how much you need to move the stick before it responds—the less movement required, the better.
The Gamesir T4 pro has a moderate Inner Deadzone. You need to push the stick a bit more to get a response, which can make micro-movements less precise. This might be noticeable in games like shooters or platformers where small adjustments are key.
For comparison, many budget gamepads often have a moderate to large Inner Deadzone, while premium controllers typically aim for a slight or no deadzone for better precision.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how the Inner Deadzone works.
Outer Deadzone
The Outer Deadzone is the area near the edge of the stick’s range where further movement isn’t registered. This can make the stick feel less responsive at full tilt, affecting actions like quick turns or maximum speed in games. We evaluate the Outer Deadzone based on how much 'lost' range there is—the smaller the deadzone, the better, as it allows full use of the stick’s range for more precise control.
The Gamesir T4 pro has a slight Outer Deadzone (0.6 mm). There’s a portion of the stick’s range that isn’t registered, but it’s minimal and unlikely to affect gameplay noticeably.
Per-stick breakdown for the Gamesir T4 pro: the left stick measures 0.6 mm, which corresponds to a slight Outer Deadzone, while the right stick measures 0.6 mm, which corresponds to a slight Outer Deadzone. This helps show whether the controller loses range evenly on both sticks or if one stick is noticeably weaker near full tilt.
Both sticks show the same measured Outer Deadzone, which suggests consistent edge behavior between movement and camera inputs.
For comparison, budget gamepads often have moderate to large Outer Deadzones, while premium controllers strive for minimal or no deadzone to maximize control.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how the Outer Deadzone works.
Stick Asymmetry
Stick Asymmetry measures the consistency of the joystick's response across different directions. Ideally, if you physically deflect the stick by 80% from the center, the software should report an 80% deflection regardless of the direction. A high asymmetry score indicates a problem where for the same physical movement, the reported coordinates are inconsistent—for example, 60% in one direction and 90% in another. This creates an uneven, often 'egg-shaped,' response zone, which negatively impacts aiming and control predictability.
For the Gamesir T4 pro, the Stick Asymmetry is 12.5% for the left stick and 6.0% for the right stick. Higher values can lead to noticeable inconsistencies, potentially impacting aiming or movement in games.
Testing Methodology: It's crucial to note that this test is performed at partial stick deflection (~80%), using special physical limiters (clips). Testing at 100% deflection often hides asymmetries because the controller's output is clamped at the maximum value, artificially 'smoothing' the resulting shape. Our method reveals the true performance of the stick in the ranges most critical for gameplay. This precise approach was also utilized by Linus Tech Tips in their controller review.
For comparison, many budget gamepads show asymmetry levels above 30%, while high-end controllers typically stay below 10% for better uniformity.
Learn more about how different gamepads perform in the Stick Asymmetry test and how to conduct such a test in this article. You can learn how to test joystick asymmetry yourself from this video.
Circle Error
Circle Error evaluates how closely the stick’s movement follows a perfect circle. A high Circle Error means the path is more square-like, which can cause inconsistent speeds when moving diagonally—your character might move faster or slower than expected. The lower the percentage, the better, as it ensures smooth, uniform movement in all directions.
For the Gamesir T4 pro, the Circle Error is 0.7% for the left stick and 0.7% for the right stick. This is an excellent result, providing smooth, natural diagonal movement similar to premium controllers.
For comparison, budget gamepads often have Circle Errors above 12%, resulting in 'square' feeling sticks, while high-quality ones aim for under 8% for better smoothness.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Circle Error impacts performance.
Resolution (Stick Bitness)
Stick Bitness measures the precision of the joystick’s analog input, similar to bit depth in audio. Higher bitness means more distinct positions the stick can register, leading to smoother and more accurate control. Lower bitness can result in 'stepping' or less fluid movement, especially noticeable in slow, precise actions like aiming.
Unlike declared digital resolution, our True Bitness metric is derived from actual physical stick movement, reflecting the usable positions the stick can produce in practice.
For the Gamesir T4 pro, the movement-based True Bitness is 9.8 bits on both sticks. This is good precision, providing adequate resolution for smooth control in most gaming scenarios.
This corresponds to a measured Step Resolution of 0.00224 on the left stick and 0.00224 on the right, with about 446 SFC on the left stick and 446 SFC on the right.
For comparison, many budget gamepads have around 8 bits, while premium ones often exceed 10 bits for superior accuracy.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Stick Bitness affects control. It is important to note that the video specifies the resolution of the stick, not the bit depth; the higher the bit depth, the higher the resolution.
Center Error (Stick Centering)
Center Error (also referred to as Stick Centering) measures how accurately the joystick returns to its neutral (center) position after you release it. A low Center Error prevents stick drift—a common issue where your character or camera moves slightly in a game, even when you're not touching the stick. The lower the percentage, the better the centering, and the less likely you are to experience drift.
For the Gamesir T4 pro, the Center Error is 0% for the left joystick and 0% for the right stick. This is an excellent result. The sticks return almost perfectly to the center, which minimizes the risk of stick drift.
This test methodology intentionally employs a more rigorous approach by implementing small-angle deflection and release, which produces the most challenging conditions for stick re-centering. This technique differs from the conventional maximum-deflection method where the stick is pulled to its full range and released, as small-angle deflection better simulates the micro-adjustments typically executed during actual gameplay scenarios, providing more representative data on potential stick drift occurrence during normal use.
Warning: These ideal centering values may be masked by an Inner Dead Zone ('med').
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Center Error works.
Cardinal Snapping
Cardinal Snapping (sometimes referred to as Axis Magnet) is a form of stick processing where the controller's output artificially 'snaps' or clings to the cardinal (horizontal and vertical) axes when the stick passes close to them. While this can make pure horizontal or vertical movements feel perfectly straight, it distorts the natural movement path and makes diagonal aiming or fine steering less predictable.
The Gamesir T4 pro shows no Cardinal Snapping. This means the stick does not artificially cling to the horizontal or vertical axes, preserving your real movement path for consistent aiming and natural analog control.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Cardinal Snapping affects stick behavior.
Disclaimer
We tested the Gamesir T4 pro gamepad using a single unit, so keep in mind that other units of this model might perform slightly better or worse. In most cases, these differences are minor and shouldn’t affect your experience significantly. The results were obtained with the Stick Tracer program, and some values might vary if you use different software or testing methods.
Testing conditions, such as the gamepad’s firmware version (FW: 1.45) or connection type, can also influence the results. If you have this gamepad, we’d love for you to share your own test results! This will help us build a more comprehensive picture of the Gamesir T4 pro’s performance across different units.
Full test results can be viewed on the test page.
Stick test results for Gamesir T4 pro gamepad, by John Punch
Errors Panel
Inner Deadzone
The Inner Deadzone is the area around the center of the stick where small movements are not registered. This helps prevent stick drift or accidental inputs, but if the deadzone is too large, it can make aiming less precise, especially in games requiring fine control. We evaluate the Inner Deadzone based on how much you need to move the stick before it responds—the less movement required, the better.
The Gamesir T4 pro has a moderate Inner Deadzone. You need to push the stick a bit more to get a response, which can make micro-movements less precise. This might be noticeable in games like shooters or platformers where small adjustments are key.
For comparison, many budget gamepads often have a moderate to large Inner Deadzone, while premium controllers typically aim for a slight or no deadzone for better precision.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how the Inner Deadzone works.
Outer Deadzone
The Outer Deadzone is the area near the edge of the stick’s range where further movement isn’t registered. This can make the stick feel less responsive at full tilt, affecting actions like quick turns or maximum speed in games. We evaluate the Outer Deadzone based on how much 'lost' range there is—the smaller the deadzone, the better, as it allows full use of the stick’s range for more precise control.
The Gamesir T4 pro has a slight Outer Deadzone (0.6 mm). There’s a portion of the stick’s range that isn’t registered, but it’s minimal and unlikely to affect gameplay noticeably.
Per-stick breakdown for the Gamesir T4 pro: the left stick measures 0.6 mm, which corresponds to a slight Outer Deadzone, while the right stick measures 0.6 mm, which corresponds to a slight Outer Deadzone. This helps show whether the controller loses range evenly on both sticks or if one stick is noticeably weaker near full tilt.
Both sticks show the same measured Outer Deadzone, which suggests consistent edge behavior between movement and camera inputs.
For comparison, budget gamepads often have moderate to large Outer Deadzones, while premium controllers strive for minimal or no deadzone to maximize control.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how the Outer Deadzone works.
Stick Asymmetry
Stick Asymmetry measures the consistency of the joystick's response across different directions. Ideally, if you physically deflect the stick by 80% from the center, the software should report an 80% deflection regardless of the direction. A high asymmetry score indicates a problem where for the same physical movement, the reported coordinates are inconsistent—for example, 60% in one direction and 90% in another. This creates an uneven, often 'egg-shaped,' response zone, which negatively impacts aiming and control predictability.
For the Gamesir T4 pro, the Stick Asymmetry is 9.2% for the left stick and 5.4% for the right stick. Higher values can lead to noticeable inconsistencies, potentially impacting aiming or movement in games.
Testing Methodology: It's crucial to note that this test is performed at partial stick deflection (~80%), using special physical limiters (clips). Testing at 100% deflection often hides asymmetries because the controller's output is clamped at the maximum value, artificially 'smoothing' the resulting shape. Our method reveals the true performance of the stick in the ranges most critical for gameplay. This precise approach was also utilized by Linus Tech Tips in their controller review.
For comparison, many budget gamepads show asymmetry levels above 30%, while high-end controllers typically stay below 10% for better uniformity.
Learn more about how different gamepads perform in the Stick Asymmetry test and how to conduct such a test in this article. You can learn how to test joystick asymmetry yourself from this video.
Circle Error
Circle Error evaluates how closely the stick’s movement follows a perfect circle. A high Circle Error means the path is more square-like, which can cause inconsistent speeds when moving diagonally—your character might move faster or slower than expected. The lower the percentage, the better, as it ensures smooth, uniform movement in all directions.
For the Gamesir T4 pro, the Circle Error is 12.1% for the left stick and 10.7% for the right stick. This is a poor result. The stick's travel is highly square-like, which can cause inconsistent movement speeds or sensitivity when aiming or moving diagonally.
For comparison, budget gamepads often have Circle Errors above 12%, resulting in 'square' feeling sticks, while high-quality ones aim for under 8% for better smoothness.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Circle Error impacts performance.
Resolution (Stick Bitness)
Stick Bitness measures the precision of the joystick’s analog input, similar to bit depth in audio. Higher bitness means more distinct positions the stick can register, leading to smoother and more accurate control. Lower bitness can result in 'stepping' or less fluid movement, especially noticeable in slow, precise actions like aiming.
Unlike declared digital resolution, our True Bitness metric is derived from actual physical stick movement, reflecting the usable positions the stick can produce in practice.
For the Gamesir T4 pro, the movement-based True Bitness is 10.1 bits on both sticks. This is excellent precision, comparable to high-end controllers, ensuring smooth inputs in demanding games.
This corresponds to a measured Step Resolution of 0.00182 on the left stick and 0.00182 on the right, with about 549 SFC on the left stick and 549 SFC on the right.
For comparison, many budget gamepads have around 8 bits, while premium ones often exceed 10 bits for superior accuracy.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Stick Bitness affects control. It is important to note that the video specifies the resolution of the stick, not the bit depth; the higher the bit depth, the higher the resolution.
Center Error (Stick Centering)
Center Error (also referred to as Stick Centering) measures how accurately the joystick returns to its neutral (center) position after you release it. A low Center Error prevents stick drift—a common issue where your character or camera moves slightly in a game, even when you're not touching the stick. The lower the percentage, the better the centering, and the less likely you are to experience drift.
For the Gamesir T4 pro, the Center Error is 0% for the left joystick and 0% for the right stick. This is an excellent result. The sticks return almost perfectly to the center, which minimizes the risk of stick drift.
This test methodology intentionally employs a more rigorous approach by implementing small-angle deflection and release, which produces the most challenging conditions for stick re-centering. This technique differs from the conventional maximum-deflection method where the stick is pulled to its full range and released, as small-angle deflection better simulates the micro-adjustments typically executed during actual gameplay scenarios, providing more representative data on potential stick drift occurrence during normal use.
Warning: These ideal centering values may be masked by an Inner Dead Zone ('med').
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Center Error works.
Cardinal Snapping
Cardinal Snapping (sometimes referred to as Axis Magnet) is a form of stick processing where the controller's output artificially 'snaps' or clings to the cardinal (horizontal and vertical) axes when the stick passes close to them. While this can make pure horizontal or vertical movements feel perfectly straight, it distorts the natural movement path and makes diagonal aiming or fine steering less predictable.
The Gamesir T4 pro shows no Cardinal Snapping. This means the stick does not artificially cling to the horizontal or vertical axes, preserving your real movement path for consistent aiming and natural analog control.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Cardinal Snapping affects stick behavior.
Disclaimer
We tested the Gamesir T4 pro gamepad using a single unit, so keep in mind that other units of this model might perform slightly better or worse. In most cases, these differences are minor and shouldn’t affect your experience significantly. The results were obtained with the Stick Tracer program, and some values might vary if you use different software or testing methods.
Testing conditions, such as the gamepad’s firmware version (FW: 1.45) or connection type, can also influence the results. If you have this gamepad, we’d love for you to share your own test results! This will help us build a more comprehensive picture of the Gamesir T4 pro’s performance across different units.
Full test results can be viewed on the test page.
Stick Movement Linearity Test
Reviews of Gamesir T4 pro
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User comments
I'm still surprised by the lack of a headphone jack on this controller, is that really a common omission these days?
Does anyone know what the continuous trigger setting in the advanced button mapping does in the Gamesir Connect app?
I think it's meant to keep the trigger engaged after initial press, disable with another press. not sure if it affects latency or battery life, but it's worth experimenting with rn
I'm surprised they'd market it as undemanding gamers' gear, but I'm actually happy with mine - the ABXY switches are a nice touch, and while I'd like more feedback, menu navigation is the only thing I use it for, so it's not a deal-breaker for me.
Does the D-Pad on the Gamesir T4 Pro have that same loud clicky feel as the Xbox controller and the Vader 4 Pro, or is it more muted?
It's not as loud or clicky as the Xbox controller or Vader 4 Pro, mainly due to having significantly more pre-travel. If you prefer that distinct clicky feel, the T4 Pro may not meet your expectations.
@Kairos Wilder I appreciate your response! I see what you mean about the pre-travel. If the T4 Pro doesn't provide that satisfying click, it may not be ideal for those who prefer a more tactile feel like the Xbox or Vader 4 Pro.
I've got the T4 pro and it's been a solid purchase, but I'm experiencing a weird issue where the receiver stays active even when the controller is turned off, constantly waking up and beeping, anyone else run into this?
I'm not convinced the extra cost for the stand is worth it, especially if you're only a casual gamer. The stand itself seems like a nice touch, but it's hard to justify the added expense when you're not using the controller extensively.
it's been a while since I used a third party controller, but I'm pleasantly surprised by how far they've come, still not sold on the mechanical buttons though, they feel off to me, the membrane ones are actually a nice change of pace.
yeah the mechanical buttons are a total turn off for me too, latency's still pretty high and the battery life is crap, got 3 hours with it and that's with no Bluetooth enabled.
I was surprised to find out the dock has a USB-C port on the back, been plugging mine in while it's on the dock, wish I'd known sooner.
I'm trying to add custom back buttons to my Gamesir T4 pro, ideally linking them to the ABXY face buttons. Does anyone know if this is possible or have any tips on how to do it without messing up the controller's functionality?
Sounded like a good deal but the dpad's not great for navigation, and the ABXY buttons feel off compared to my Xbox SX controller, which I'm trying to get used to since it's got some drift issues.