ZD Ultimate Legend
ZD Ultimate Legend Input lag comparison
| # | Connection | Mode | LatencyAverage (ms) | Polling RateMedian (Hz) | Jitter | OSBuild ver. | FWTester ver. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Latency P82 | ||||||||
1 | Cable | XInput | 2.78 1.43 | 3826.64 | 0.66 0.37 | Win 11 10.0.26100 | 1.05 5.2.3.1 | |
Stick LatencyP82 0.79 ms 1.43 ms 2.94 ms 0.37 ms 3828.64 Hz | ||||||||
2 | Cable | XInput | 2.43 1.44 | 7786 | 0.62 0.13 | Win 10 10.0.19045 | 1.24 5.3.0.2 | |
Stick LatencyP82 ✓ Selected 1.15 ms 1.44 ms 1.7 ms 0.13 ms 8000 Hz | ||||||||
3 | Cable | XInput | 2.58 1.61 | 3846.15 | 0.61 0.22 | Win 11 10.0.26100 | 1.05 5.2.3.1 | |
Stick LatencyP82 1.22 ms 1.61 ms 2.6 ms 0.22 ms 3846.15 Hz | ||||||||
4 | Cable | XInput | 2.57 2.76 | 2066.12 | 0.60 0.18 | Win 11 10.0.26100 | 1.05 5.2.3.1 | |
Stick LatencyP82 2.4 ms 2.76 ms 3.4 ms 0.18 ms 2066.12 Hz | ||||||||
5 | Cable | XInput | 2.86 3.06 | 827.81 | 0.66 0.34 | Win 11 10.0.26100 | 1.05 5.2.3.1 | |
Stick LatencyP82 2.43 ms 3.06 ms 3.72 ms 0.34 ms 827.81 Hz | ||||||||
6 | Dongle | XInput | 8.07 13.1 | 838.22 | 2.17 1.91 | Win 11 10.0.26100 | 1.05 5.2.3.1 | |
Stick LatencyP82 9.88 ms 13.13 ms 19.8 ms 1.91 ms 838.22 Hz | ||||||||
7 | Dongle | XInput | 11.2 9.64 | 330 | 4.47 2.22 | Win 10 10.0.19045 | 1.24 5.3.0.2 | |
Stick LatencyP82 ✓ Selected 6.03 ms 9.64 ms 16.62 ms 2.22 ms 330 Hz | ||||||||
8 | Bluetooth | XInput | 11.0 22.0 | 210.48 | 6.78 3.54 | Win 11 10.0.26100 | 1.05 5.2.3.1 | |
Stick LatencyP82 ✓ Selected 16.2 ms 21.98 ms 32.36 ms 3.54 ms 210.48 Hz | ||||||||
9 | Dongle | Switch | 14.5 21.6 | 97.92 | 3.54 3.59 | Win 11 10.0.26100 | 1.05 5.2.3.1 | |
Stick LatencyP82 14.49 ms 21.57 ms 29.55 ms 3.59 ms 97.92 Hz | ||||||||
10 | Bluetooth | Switch | 13.7 18.7 | 70.71 | 4.67 5.03 | Win 11 10.0.26100 | 1.05 5.2.3.1 | |
Stick LatencyP82 8.6 ms 18.72 ms 33.16 ms 5.03 ms 70.71 Hz | ||||||||
11 | Cable | Switch | 18.9 21.4 | 99.81 | 3.46 3.87 | Win 11 10.0.26100 | 1.05 5.2.3.1 | |
Stick LatencyP82 14.01 ms 21.36 ms 29.2 ms 3.87 ms 99.81 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 ZD Ultimate Legend
Stick test results for ZD Ultimate Legend 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 ZD Ultimate Legend has no Inner Deadzone. The stick responds immediately to even the slightest movement, which is excellent for aiming accuracy and micro-control. This makes it a great choice for precision-heavy games like first-person shooters (e.g., Valorant or Apex Legends).
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 ZD Ultimate Legend has a slight Outer Deadzone (0.5 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 ZD Ultimate Legend: the left stick measures 0.5 mm, which corresponds to a slight Outer Deadzone, while the right stick measures 0.5 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 ZD Ultimate Legend, the Stick Asymmetry is 10.0% for the left stick and 15.0% 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 ZD Ultimate Legend, the Circle Error is 3.8% for the left stick and 4.6% 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 ZD Ultimate Legend, the movement-based True Bitness is 9.8 bits (left) and 9.7 bits (right). This is good precision, providing adequate resolution for smooth control in most gaming scenarios.
This corresponds to a measured Step Resolution of 0.00226 on the left stick and 0.00238 on the right, with about 443 SFC on the left stick and 420 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 ZD Ultimate Legend, the Center Error is 2.2% for the left joystick and 3.5% for the right stick. This is a poor result. High center error indicates that the sticks do not reliably return to neutral, which will likely cause stick drift unless a significant inner deadzone is applied.
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.
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 ZD Ultimate Legend 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 ZD Ultimate Legend 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: 1.18) 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 ZD Ultimate Legend’s performance across different units.
Full test results can be viewed on the test page.
Stick test results for ZD Ultimate Legend gamepad, by Franek Ziemian
Comment: Left Stick Puyao, Right Alps, deadzones set to 0, lowest step
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 ZD Ultimate Legend has no Inner Deadzone. The stick responds immediately to even the slightest movement, which is excellent for aiming accuracy and micro-control. This makes it a great choice for precision-heavy games like first-person shooters (e.g., Valorant or Apex Legends).
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.
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 ZD Ultimate Legend, the Stick Asymmetry is 2.9% 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 ZD Ultimate Legend, the Circle Error is 1.5% for the left stick and 2.0% 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.
The ZD Ultimate Legend has 12.3 bits (left) and 12.0 bits (right).
Note: Recorded with an older version before True Bitness.
This corresponds to a measured Step Resolution of 0.00040 on the left stick and 0.00050 on the right, with about 2,500 SFC on the left stick and 2,000 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 ZD Ultimate Legend, the Center Error is 5.7% for the left joystick and 4% for the right stick. This is a poor result. High center error indicates that the sticks do not reliably return to neutral, which will likely cause stick drift unless a significant inner deadzone is applied.
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.
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 ZD Ultimate Legend 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 ZD Ultimate Legend 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: 1.0.7) 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 ZD Ultimate Legend’s performance across different units.
Full test results can be viewed on the test page.
Stick test results for ZD Ultimate Legend gamepad, by Franek Ziemian
Comment: K-Silver sticks, deadzones set to 0, lowest step
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 ZD Ultimate Legend has no Inner Deadzone. The stick responds immediately to even the slightest movement, which is excellent for aiming accuracy and micro-control. This makes it a great choice for precision-heavy games like first-person shooters (e.g., Valorant or Apex Legends).
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.
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 ZD Ultimate Legend, the Stick Asymmetry is 10.9% for the left stick and 13.0% 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 ZD Ultimate Legend, the Circle Error is 3.2% for the left stick and 1.3% 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.
The ZD Ultimate Legend has 11.7 bits (left) and 12.0 bits (right).
Note: Recorded with an older version before True Bitness.
This corresponds to a measured Step Resolution of 0.00060 on the left stick and 0.00050 on the right, with about 1,667 SFC on the left stick and 2,000 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 ZD Ultimate Legend, the Center Error is 1.6% for the left joystick and 1.8% for the right stick. This is a moderate result. The centering is acceptable, but you might need a tiny deadzone in some sensitive games to avoid 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.
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 ZD Ultimate Legend 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 ZD Ultimate Legend 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: 1.0.7) 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 ZD Ultimate Legend’s performance across different units.
Full test results can be viewed on the test page.
Stick test results for ZD Ultimate Legend gamepad, by Franek Ziemian
Comment: Stock sticks, deadzones set to 0, lowest step
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 ZD Ultimate Legend has no Inner Deadzone. The stick responds immediately to even the slightest movement, which is excellent for aiming accuracy and micro-control. This makes it a great choice for precision-heavy games like first-person shooters (e.g., Valorant or Apex Legends).
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.
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 ZD Ultimate Legend, the Stick Asymmetry is 8.2% for the left stick and 14.5% 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 ZD Ultimate Legend, the Circle Error is 2.1% for the left stick and 4.9% 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.
The ZD Ultimate Legend has 12.3 bits on both sticks.
Note: Recorded with an older version before True Bitness.
This corresponds to a measured Step Resolution of 0.00040 on the left stick and 0.00040 on the right, with about 2,500 SFC on the left stick and 2,500 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 ZD Ultimate Legend, the Center Error is 1.7% for the left joystick and 3.4% for the right stick. This is a poor result. High center error indicates that the sticks do not reliably return to neutral, which will likely cause stick drift unless a significant inner deadzone is applied.
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.
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 ZD Ultimate Legend 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 ZD Ultimate Legend 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: 1.0.7) 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 ZD Ultimate Legend’s performance across different units.
Full test results can be viewed on the test page.
Stick test results for ZD Ultimate Legend gamepad, by LJ Lee
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 ZD Ultimate Legend has no Inner Deadzone. The stick responds immediately to even the slightest movement, which is excellent for aiming accuracy and micro-control. This makes it a great choice for precision-heavy games like first-person shooters (e.g., Valorant or Apex Legends).
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 ZD Ultimate Legend has a moderate Outer Deadzone (0.8 mm). There’s a portion of the stick’s range that isn’t registered, but it’s minimal and unlikely to affect gameplay noticeably.
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 ZD Ultimate Legend, the Stick Asymmetry is 15.6% for the left stick and 9.1% 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 ZD Ultimate Legend, the Circle Error is 6.6% for the left stick and 6.1% 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.
The ZD Ultimate Legend has 12.3 bits on both sticks.
Note: Recorded with an older version before True Bitness.
This corresponds to a measured Step Resolution of 0.00040 on the left stick and 0.00040 on the right, with about 2,500 SFC on the left stick and 2,500 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 ZD Ultimate Legend, the Center Error is 0.7% for the left joystick and 1.4% for the right stick. This is a moderate result. The centering is acceptable, but you might need a tiny deadzone in some sensitive games to avoid 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.
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 ZD Ultimate Legend 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 ZD Ultimate Legend 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: 1.05) 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 ZD Ultimate Legend’s performance across different units.
Full test results can be viewed on the test page.
Stick Movement Linearity Test
Linearity test for ZD Ultimate Legend • Firmware 1.0.9 • Stick Analyzer 2.3.0.2 • Cable connection • Xinput mode • Manual Input. Uploaded, by Jake Rhimes
Comment: 4000
Stick Motion Resolution Analysis
This test evaluates the analog stick's ability to register unique positions during a controlled, linear motion from the center to the edge of its range. The analysis was conducted using the Line program, ensuring precise measurement of the stick's resolution, linearity, and response characteristics.
Data Points
Data Points represents the total number of unique positions registered during the smooth movement of the stick from center to edge. This includes both the stable analog values and positions affected by signal processing or jitter. In this test, we recorded 2622 data points, which is an excellent result that indicates very precise stick movement registration. For a more accurate assessment of stick precision, it's important to also consider the Straight Points metric, which filters out noise and signal processing artifacts.
Straight Points
Straight Points represent the number of unique positions detected after filtering out tremor and signal processing artifacts during stick movement. This filtering process identifies points that follow a consistently increasing trajectory, showing the true analog values without noise. The test registered 1449 straight points. This is an excellent result, indicating very smooth and precise stick movement. This value highlights the stick's ability to provide stable and reliable position data during smooth motion.
Resolution
Resolution in this test refers to two complementary measurements:
Total Resolution: 1612 positions across the entire stick range. This number represents how many distinct positions the analog stick can detect from center to edge. This might result in somewhat stepped or less smooth movement
Step Resolution: 0.00062 per increment. This value represents the average size of each step between detected positions (smaller values indicate higher precision). It determines how smoothly the stick can transition between positions, which directly impacts precise aiming and subtle movements in games.
A high total resolution combined with a low step resolution provides the optimal experience for precise control in games requiring fine adjustments.
Tremor
Tremor percentage represents the amount of signal processing that occurs between raw stick movement and the final output. It is calculated as the percentage of data points that don't follow a consistently increasing trajectory. The test measured 44.7% tremor. This higher percentage indicates more active signal processing, which is a characteristic of how this stick handles movement data. Different controllers have different signal processing characteristics, and lower tremor values typically indicate more direct translation of physical movement.
Linearity
Linearity represents how closely the stick movement follows an ideal linear path. It's calculated as 100% minus the nonlinearity percentage, where nonlinearity measures deviations from a perfectly straight line. The test measured 92.0% linearity. This indicates excellent stick linearity, providing consistent and predictable movement.
At the same time, a gamepad stick is not a perfectly linear mechanical system. The stick rotates around a pivot, the cap travels along an arc, and the sensor reads that rotational movement rather than a truly straight physical path. Because of this, a graph that bends slightly below the ideal straight line is often normal. In many cases, that lower arc-like bow reflects the real mechanics of the stick more faithfully than a response that was tuned mainly to look perfectly straight in this specific test.
What matters most is that the movement remains smooth, progressive, and predictable. A mild, even downward curve can be acceptable or even technically more natural, while sharp dips, waviness, uneven acceleration, or asymmetry still indicate worse response quality.
Test Duration
The time taken to complete the test was 0.37 seconds. Note that this test was completed too quickly for optimal results. A slower, more controlled movement would provide more accurate measurements. For the most accurate results, the stick movement should be smooth and controlled, typically taking between 5 and 8 seconds.
Reviews of ZD Ultimate Legend
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User comments
When the bit rate was measured here im assuming the step resolution was left at default step resolution of 74 (9.8 at time of testing)
I'm a bit disappointed by the lack of support for the six finger grip layout, which might make this gamepad less appealing for some users, at least for now.
Dude, we don't even know what the new design looks like, how are we supposed to be all worked up about six finger grip? Did you check the price, btw, is it even worth the hype?
dude, modules and switch buttons are where it's at, but six finger grip? that's a pretty basic thing to expect, especially if you're coming from a pro model, Vader 5 pro better bring it, man.
@Silveros dude, Vader 5's got its own set of problems, like the Apex 5's bearing and pin issues that nobody can access, trust me I've seen it with my own eyes, same user had to replace modules 3 times, lol.
@Ethan Brooks Do you know when the new design is set to be released? The six-finger grip seems intriguing, but without seeing it, it's hard to determine if the price is worth the excitement.
polling at 800hz through the dongle is a major letdown, feels like a step back from what I expected from the ZD Ultimate Legend.
I mean, 800hz is still pretty high, right? You're nitpicking a bit, dude. It's not like it's gonna break the game or anything. I'm good with it.
@Joseph Reed I'm asking 'cause I genuinely wanna know, is 800hz really enough or is it just us nitpicking? I mean, if 1000hz is barely noticeable, cool, but what's the diff, right? Is it just a placebo effect?
@Ocean Breeze You likely won't notice much difference between 800hz and 1000hz. Most gamers prioritize latency over polling rates, and a lower polling rate doesn't necessarily mean higher latency.
Polling at 800hz through the dongle is indeed disappointing. It feels like a step back for the ZD Ultimate Legend, especially considering the expectations for a new release.
the z-pad is a far cry from a traditional d-pad, it's a weird design choice that throws off my aim in certain games, anyone else find it takes some getting used to?
i love the name too, but yeah the z-pad's a bit wonky at first, took me a week or so to get used to it, but now it's not so bad, still not as good as a real d-pad though
I can relate to your experience. The z-pad does feel unconventional and can affect aim in certain games. It definitely requires some time to get used to. Have you noticed any specific games where it’s more challenging?
@NoVibeLatency Definitely! The z-pad can disrupt aim, particularly in shooters. Those two buttons near the stick complicate quick adjustments. It really does take time to get used to it!
Does the six-axis gimbal in the Ultimate Legend make the aiming feel way more fluid than the standard ZD controller?
idk about fluid aiming but those Ginfull TMR modules on the ZD O+ do feel less tense, I mean, 60gf is lower than the other sticks, tbh.
The sticks on the Ultimate Legend have less tension than those on the standard ZD controller, which contributes to a smoother aiming experience.
This controller can support up to 8k pooling rate since the last update, can someone with p82 verify the latency
I’ll soon be conducting a comprehensive test of several ZD controllers, including this one. So stay tuned for updates.
@John Punch when
@Chris Burnett The controllers have already arrived; they're lying waiting for their turn. I reckon it'll be less than a week.
@John Punch looking forward!
The ZD Ultimate Legend's design seems overly flashy to me. I get that aesthetics matter, but it feels a bit gimmicky. Spec-wise, it looks solid, but I wonder if that flashy look will hold up in serious gaming sessions.
Hey guys...newbie here. What are your thoughts concerning Step Size on FPS and aim assist? Most reviewers say a lower bit rate helps aim assist. This controller's bit rate size seems to be the Step Size option on the app. Should go with the 1 or much higher? Any thoughts?
The 8000 polling rate version of ZD Ultimate Legend is coming out soon. In fact, you can get the firmware update through the official channel today to experience the beta version of ZD Ultimate Legend with an 8000 polling rate in advance.
Is it just me, or does the ZD Ultimate Legend seem a bit too ambitious? I mean, it looks cool and all, but I can't shake the feeling there might be some issues with reliability. Anyone else getting that vibe?
They actually got the placement of the start and select buttons right, putting them in the middle where they belong, unlike some other ZD gamepads I've used.
I'm really disappointed they didn't keep the same paddle layout as last gen, it was a big part of what made it so comfortable to use.
This thing looks amazing, but I'm really curious about the stick latency - might be a deal-breaker if it's too high. Now I'm torn between this and the G7 Pro for my next controller purchase.
Does the ZD Ultimate Legend still have the latency issues that plagued the old model? That would be a major letdown if they didn't address it, even with the high Hz and cool features.
ZD's new production batches this year have had great quality control—we haven't had as many pain points as we did last year.
I bought this and the Vader 5 pro. The back button layout on this is bad. If they lowered the two lowest back buttons further down the handles of the controller then this controller would be 100x better. Also these 2 buttons are very flush with the shell of the controller which makes them harder to hit - if they were a bit raised and lower this controller would be great. I couldnt feel any difference in latency between the vader 5 and this roller - i only use wired connection. Having no stick tension controls also hurts this roller. The vader 5 feels and plays better if you want to use 6 button grip 100%
can we swap the sticks to symmetrical like the 0+?
nope, that's a fixed design, cant swap the d-pad to symmetrical like on the o+ model, its either this way or that way, cant really do much about it, its not really a big deal though.
I'm still a bit concerned about the quality control after hearing some mixed reports, but after setting up my ZD Ultimate Legend and playing BF6 for a few hours, I'm really impressed with how smooth and accurate it is, especially at 4000k and 14-bit stick resolution.
the back paddle layout feels a bit cramped, like it's trying to fit too much in a small space, do you use both ring and pinky fingers to cover all the buttons?
I'm curious about the feel of those back buttons. I personally prefer the standard setup of the Xbox Elite controller, but I'm open to trying something new.
Does it have those fancy tactile micro switches for the ABXY buttons like some other high-end pads?
Yes, it features HCNHK direct-contact ABXY buttons with a lifespan of over 100 million clicks.
Just wanted to chime in, loving my ZD O+ Excellence so far, think this one might be worth the investment for me.
Anyone else wonder how noticeable the difference is between the standard joysticks and the TMR JS13 Pro ones? Worth the upgrade if you're not a hardcore gamer?
It's interesting to see the big-name brands releasing new flagships in such a short span. ZD always catches my eye, especially with their dpad-stick setup. Definitely something I'll be keeping an eye on.
YD's been around too, but they're all over the place, know? They got the fancy haptic feedback and all, but sometimes it feels like gimmicks over substance. I mean, I still wanna see more from ZD, tbh.
@Eli Haye 8bitdo just announced their 8bitdo Pro 3, which shows they're pushing for innovation. ZD should also focus on enhancing core performance, as haptic feedback can feel gimmicky without solid latency and battery life.
Fast delivery, impressive first impressions. Default sticks work well, super responsive and accurate. Build quality is solid, feels like a high-end controller in the hand. Premium feel without the premium price is a great start.
Were all the tests on this page done using the default stick modules?