Flydigi is set to launch its highly anticipated flagship Apex 5 series controller, a wireless gaming controller designed for gamers that demand extra precision, speed, and customisability. The Apex 4 was already considered to be one of the best third-party pro controllers on the market. You may then be wondering, how does the Apex 5 improve upon the performance of its predecessor? Here’s what we know so far.
Update: The Flydigi Apex 5 Gaming Controller is now available to buy in the UK at GameSwap.Shop!
Variations and Distinctive Aesthetics
The Flydigi Apex 5 controller isn’t just coming in a standard version; it’s also launching with eye-catching limited editions, each with its own unique appeal. Here’s a quick rundown.
Flydigi Apex 5 Wireless Controller (Standard): This core model offers all the advanced features common across the Apex 5 line. You can preorder the Flydigi Apex 5 at GameSwap. Expected release for the controller is mid-July.
Flydigi Apex 5 EVA Limited Edition: This limited edition variant suggests a design inspired by the popular Evangelion anime series. It’s noted as being on “limited sale.”
Flydigi APEX 5 Wireless Controller Honkai: Star Rail Castorice Limited Edition: Inspired by the Honkai: Star Rail game, this special edition features distinctive aesthetics and includes a Castorice Customized Component Pack, a Wireless Charger Dock, and a Metal Badge. It’s expected to arrive in September.
Flydigi Apex 5 Features Overview (Base Model)
The Flydigi Apex 5 controllers are engineered with a suite of high-performance features for serious gamers. It’s important to note that some of these features may differ for the special edition models:
- Multi-Platform Compatibility: The Apex 5 supports a wide range of platforms including Windows 10/11 (PC), Nintendo Switch (NS), Android, iOS, Smart TV, and Laptop. Like the previous models, it does not currently support Xbox or PlayStation consoles.
- Flexible Connectivity with Ultra-Low Latency: Connectivity options include wired (USB-C), Bluetooth, and a 2.4GHz USB dongle. Utilizing Flydigi’s NearLink Technology, the controller boasts an ultra-high 1000Hz polling rate in both wired and wireless modes, ensuring minimal input lag. It offers latency as low as 3ms when wired and 5ms wirelessly, aiming to rival professional eSports controllers.
- Precision Hall Joysticks 2.0 with Adjustable Tension: The Apex 5 features Hall effect sticks for enhanced precision and low abrasion. A groundbreaking feature is the force-adjustable alloy rocker (Joystick 2.0), allowing gamers to customize the rocker’s resistance within a 30-100gf range (compared to an Xbox controller’s 55gf). These joysticks are rated for over 20 million cycles for enhanced durability.
- Force Feedback Hall Effect Triggers: The triggers also use Hall Effect technology and provide force feedback, including terrain and drift simulation, enhancing realism for games like racing or FPS.
- Mecha-Tactile ABXY Buttons 2.0 and Ergonomic Design: The controller features short travel mechanical face buttons v2.0 that offer crisp, fast, and responsive feedback. The shoulder buttons are S-shaped for improved ergonomics.
- Advanced Button Mapping and Modularity: The Apex 5 provides six extra remappable buttons, including two new LM/RM top buttons and two detachable rear paddles, offering extensive customization. It also has four back buttons for additional controls.
- Intelligent Interactive Screen and Customization: A 150FPS smart screen allows gamers to personalize the controller by adding favorite GIFs and emoticons, swiftly configuring settings, modes, and bursts, and adjusting RGB patterns.
- Dynamic RGB Lighting and Motion Sensing: The controller boasts an immersive RGB light strip that syncs with vibration feedback. It also features asymmetric impulse motors for haptic feedback and a six-axis gyro (motion sensing) for compatible games.
- Long-Lasting Battery and Convenient Features: Equipped with a 1500mAh high-capacity battery, the Apex 5 offers approximately 20 hours of run time and takes 3-4 hours to charge via USB-C or a magnetic charging port. It also includes a hidden phone stand slot for mobile play.
- Flydigi Space Station 4.0 Support: The controller supports Flydigi Space Station 4.0 for real-time customization, allowing users to fine-tune buttons, screen animations, and vibration settings.
- Optional Accessories: An optional RGB Pixel Screen Charging Dock is available (sold separately for the standard model but included with the Honkai: Star Rail Castorice Limited Edition).
Comparison with the Flydigi Apex 4 Controller
The Flydigi Apex 5 series appears to build upon the technological foundations and successful features of its predecessor, the Apex 4, while introducing refinements, new aesthetic options, and addressing some past concerns. However, the controller overall is still quite similar, and this appears to be an incremental improvement with some very cool limited edition options and a much cooler looking charging dock to boot.
Availability and Pricing
- Flydigi Apex 4: Currently listed as “unavailable” or “sold out” on major retailers. Original prices varied, with the standard model at around $159.99 USD and special editions like the EVA Edition at $299.00.
- Flydigi Apex 5: The standard model is available for pre-order at approximately £129.99 GBP or $159.99 USD, expected in July. The Apex 5 EVA Limited Edition is $269.99, notably lower than its Apex 4 counterpart. The Apex 5 Honkai: Star Rail Castorice Limited Edition is $199.99 USD (sale price), arriving in September.
Core Joystick Technology – A Refinement
- Apex 4: Introduced the “World’s First Force-adjustable Alloy Joystick” with a 30-100gf customizable resistance. These were Hall effect sticks.
- Apex 5: Continues this flagship feature with “Force-Adjustable Hall Joystick 2.0.” It maintains the 30-100gf adjustable tension range and boasts increased durability with a rating of over 20 million cycles. The “2.0” designation and the claim of being “50% Stronger” suggest we will see an improvement in functionality, potentially addressing past durability concerns with the Apex 4’s joysticks.
In summary the hall effect 2.0 could end up being the biggest upgrade for this controller.
Triggers – Enhanced Immersion
- Both controllers feature Force Feedback Hall Effect Triggers.
- Apex 4: Designed to transmit physical game characteristics for racing and shooting games.
- Apex 5: Similarly offers force feedback with terrain and drift simulation, aiming to elevate realism.
Buttons and Customization
- Apex 4: Featured “mechanical 2.0 ABXY” buttons and four programmable back buttons (M1M2M3M4).
- Apex 5: Incorporates “Mecha-Tactile ABXY Buttons 2.0” and expands remappable controls to six extra buttons, including two new LM/RM top buttons and two detachable rear paddles, in addition to four back buttons.
Display and Personalization
- Both controllers boast a Full-Color Interactive LCD Display.
- Apex 4: Allowed extensive settings adjustments and personalization with GIFs and emoticons.
- Apex 5: Features a 150FPS Smart Screen for dynamic animations, system info, DIY visuals, and RGB pattern adjustment, building on the Apex 4’s customization.
Connectivity and Polling Rate
- Both controllers offer tri-mode connectivity (wired USB-C, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz USB dongle).
- Both crucially boast an ultra-high 1000Hz polling rate in wired and wireless modes.
- Apex 5 specifically highlights NearLink Technology for ultra-low latency of 3ms wired and 5ms wirelessly.
Platform Compatibility
- Both remain strong on multi-platform compatibility, supporting PC, Nintendo Switch, Android, Smart TV, and Laptops.
- Neither currently supports Xbox or PlayStation consoles.
Battery Life
- Both controllers are equipped with a 1500mAh high-capacity battery, providing approximately 20 hours of run time.
Vibration and Motion Sensing
- Apex 4: Featured “Upgraded Four-Motors Areas Stereo Vibration” with customizable strength and a “high-precision gyro.”
- Apex 5: Includes asymmetric impulse motors and 6-axis motion sensing, enhancing haptic feedback. It also features an immersive RGB light strip that syncs with vibration feedback.
Software Support
- Both models are supported by the Flydigi Space Station software (version 4.0 for Apex 5) for real-time customization.
Warranty
- Flydigi Apex 5: Models from GameSwap.Shop come with a 1-Year Warranty.
Overall Build and Aesthetics
- Apex 4: Described as “sturdy” and “well-made,” with an Xbox-like ergonomic feel.
- Apex 5: Features a “Fully Customizable Appearance System” and an “immersive RGB light strip.” Special editions come with unique aesthetic elements and component packs. The standard Apex 5 also includes a hidden phone stand slot and “S-shaped” shoulder buttons for improved ergonomics.
In essence, the Flydigi Apex 5 appears to feature several incremental improvements over the Apex 4, retaining its highly praised features like force-adjustable joysticks and feedback triggers while aiming for improved durability, enhanced customization options, upgraded sticks (but no TMR), and exciting new limited edition aesthetics. It’s expected that more Flydigi controllers will follow after the global release of the Flydigi Apex 5 controller, so keep your eyes peeled!
Are you excited to get your hands on the new Flydigi Apex 5? Let us know which features you’re most looking forward to!
