If you’re a console-based gamer or you frequently use a controller on a PC setup, you might have heard of ‘Kontrol Freeks’. Even if you’ve never held a controller in your life, there’s a good chance you know what they are – but you might have written them off as not at all applicable to you. In this breakdown, we’re taking a closer look at the popular product that promises to help controller players better their aim in shooters. To that end, we’re asking a key question: ‘Are Kontrol Freeks worth it?’
Read on to find out if Kontrol Freeks really help.
What Are Kontrol Freeks?
Let’s assume for a moment that you’ve never heard of these small rubber devices that sit atop the thumbsticks on a controller. That’s all they are – they’re specially shaped and moulded rubber ‘sticks’ that offer a boost to the height of a thumbstick, along with other ‘benefits’ like better grip and a bold aesthetic.
Kontrol Freeks come in all shapes and sizes, with some offering a super-high peak while others opt for a moderate boost. There are concave Kontrol Freeks and convex Kontrol Freeks to meet the needs of a wide variety of gamers, and some are specially themed to pay tribute to a certain franchise, such as Call of Duty.
From subtle purple to bright red, and from inky black to pure white, the Kontrol Freek market is diverse when it comes to picking the colour that you most appreciate. It’s worth stressing that there are hundreds of alternatives on the market, but none have the profile that Kontrol Freek does.
Do Kontrol Freeks Work?
To answer the question, ‘Are Kontrol Freeks worth it,’ we need to lean on one core concern, and that’s whether or not they actually work.
By design, Kontrol Freeks are supposed to give you more accurate control over your thumbsticks, which allows you to finesse your aim and control recoil a little better, especially when playing first-person shooters. They also help you stay ‘on the stick’, especially if your hands are feeling a little sweaty.
Over the years, Kontrol Freeks became so popular that some controller manufacturers started building their ‘effects’ into their units, with brands like Scuf and Battle Beaver offering players permanently heightened sticks, or interchangeable pads that could mimic the effects of Kontrol Freeks.
As a brand, ‘KontrolFreek’ has been around since 2008, which means it’s doing something right. They’re not the most affordable extenders or grips on the market, but they are the most prolific and well-reviewed devices you’ll find anywhere.
But do Kontrol Freeks work?
In my experience, they do. They’re not going to make you an esports pro overnight, but they can help you to get a little more precision in your aim, depending on how comfortable you are with your thumb (or thumbs) being boosted. In the esports world, some players have drastically high thumbsticks, but you can start with a small boost and work your way up from there. It’s also a popular option to have a higher ‘aiming’ thumbstick than the ‘movement’ thumbstick.
But what are the downsides to Kontrol Freeks?
As a result of their tight grip on a thumbstick, they can chew the rubber to pieces, which means that when you take the Kontrol Freeks off, you’ll be left with permanent marks on the controller. They’re also not super cheap, as I just mentioned. They can also alter your impressions of a controller, so when it comes to playing without them, you’ll be at a disadvantage.
Are Kontrol Freeks Cheating?
Here’s a funny question, while we’re on the topic.
Many people are under the impression that using Kontrol Freeks is a form of cheating as you’re ‘augmenting’ your controller, but that’s not the case. They’re perfectly ‘legal’ in most competitive settings and tournament organisers won’t have any issues with them being used. In the worlds of Call of Duty, Fortnite, Rainbow Six Siege, and other shooter games, Kontrol Freeks are a fairly common sight.
If you’ve been wondering if Kontrol Freeks are worth it for R6 or Fortnite but you’re afraid of being labelled a cheater, don’t worry – you’re fine.
So, are Kontrol Freeks worth it? I’d say that they are but don’t expect miracles – there’s no replacement for innate talent and plenty of practice.
For more Insider Gaming Esports, check out the news about Call of Duty at the Esports World Cup
