Introduction to the Gulikit KK3 Max
If you haven’t upgraded your gaming controller to a more advanced model like the Xbox Elite Wireless Series 2 or the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, it might be due to their high price tags. This is a reasonable concern, especially if you’re a casual gamer. As a reviewer, I’ve had the chance to test many of these premium controllers, which is the only way I could have used one myself. However, what if I told you that you could get nearly all the features of these $150-$200 controllers for just $70? Meet the Gulikit KK3 Max.
Design and Hardware Features
The Gulikit KK3 Max feels great in the hand. At 662 grams, it’s almost twice as heavy as the Xbox Elite Wireless Series 2 controller, but it doesn’t feel cumbersome during long play sessions. The comfortable grips help with this, and you can remove the back paddles to reduce weight further. The weight is evenly distributed, giving it a balanced feel. It comes in black, white, and a retro color that brings back memories of the Super Nintendo.
One notable feature is the Hall Effect joysticks and triggers, which offer a smooth experience. The two-stage trigger stops allow switching between analog and digital microswitch triggers. I mostly used the microswitch triggers and found them very satisfying.
Like the Elite Wireless, the KK3 Max has four spots for back paddles. Gulikit provides two different styles: four standard flat paddles and two half-moon-shaped ones for the top positions. Initially, installing the paddles may feel challenging, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes easier. The controller doesn’t fit into the included plastic case with the paddles attached, but the company assures users that removing them each time won’t be an issue. They also offer free replacement paddles within the first year.
The face buttons on the front are all clicky and preferred over the microswitches on the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro. The KK3 Max was primarily designed as a Switch controller, so the layout follows Nintendo’s “backward” configuration. However, extra button caps are included to switch the layout for other consoles. This also means you get the “+,” “–,” home, and capture buttons.
Beneath the Gulikit logo, there’s a settings button and an APG button for macros, which will appeal to hardcore gamers. The D-pad is surprisingly good, although it isn’t an 8-way configuration. While you can technically enable 8-way directions in the software, I switched back after a few minutes and never looked back.
Next to the USB-C charging port, there’s a button to switch connection modes and another to toggle between players. The KK3 Max works with Android, iOS, PC, and Switch, making it a versatile option if you don’t need Xbox or PlayStation support. The 2.4GHz dongle delivers up to 1,000Hz polling rates, which is a pro-level wireless connection. There are also two vibration motors in the grips, though adjusting the intensity and vibration modes didn’t make a noticeable difference.
Battery life is decent, lasting just under 30 hours with lights and features off, and around 15 hours when everything is on. While not the best, it’s not the worst either. The main frustration with the hardware is the RGB lighting. Each stick has a customizable light ring, but the light behind the logo can’t be turned off or dimmed. In a dark room, this can be distracting, so I ended up covering it with black electrical tape.
Software and User Experience
While the hardware of the KK3 Max is impressive, the software is where things get complicated. There’s no dedicated app for PC or mobile, and firmware updates require downloading a package from the company’s website and copying it directly to the wireless receiver. Although instructions are provided, the process is tedious and shouldn’t be necessary for a controller of this caliber.
Button remapping is possible through a web app, which is also basic. While I had no issues using it, less tech-savvy users might find it intimidating. You can also remap buttons and enable extra features directly on the controller, but this involves a tedious process similar to the CRKD Neo S. You either need to memorize or look up button combinations each time you want to make changes.
Value for Money
Despite these software challenges, the KK3 Max is worth every penny at its typical price of around $70 on Amazon. Even at the full retail price of $80, it’s an incredible deal. The lack of Xbox and PlayStation support might be a downside for some, but there are other excellent options available for those platforms.
For everyone else, the Gulikit KK3 Max offers the best value for a pro controller. Cheaper alternatives like the KK3 Pro and the base KK3 are also available, offering fewer features but still providing great performance for around $50 and $40, respectively.