The GuliKit KK3 MAX controller is designed for those who love to customise and accelerate their gaming experience. It is packed with many modes, effects and assists that aim to, as the controller box states “enjoy gaming easier.” For those who love to tinker with defining the way their controller helps with their gaming, the GuliKit KK3 MAX is a fun piece of tech to play around with.
The GuliKit KK3 MAX is compatible with Switch, PC and Android, all of which can be assigned via a button on the top of the controller. When you originally extract the device from its box, you will notice that the controller buttons are laid out for the Nintendo Switch, meaning that if you do want to play on PC you will have to change the layout freshly from the box. This meant that I needed to get out the metal tongs that GuliKit provided and switch over with the four new X A B and Y keys also included.
As someone who has never replaced keys on a controller before, I struggled a bit to pull the buttons out, slightly scratching the keys and the controller. This is a prime example of the lack of guidance from GuliKit in setting up the controller for gamers who aren’t familiar with customisable controllers. It seems that the audience for this controller is those gamers who are already familiar with and have played around with customisable controllers. So therefore, to fully appreciate the KK3 MAX, you will have to either have experience with customisable controllers or be willing to put in a bit more time to learn the intricacies of this one.
However, there are elements that can still be enjoyed without worrying too much about customisation. The KK3 MAX boasts Hall Effect Joysticks and triggers, with High Precision Joystick, patent Smartrigger to Switch Between Analog Triggers & Digital Triggers and their Patented Maglev Vibration Motor. When playing Katana Zero with the KK3 MAX I noticed how responsive the joysticks were but also how good they felt to use; the ridges on the side of the joystick button allow for a much smoother playing experience.
The switch between analog and digital triggers is one of my favourite features of the controller because it is so easy to make the change between the two modes. Obviously, this has been included as the controller is both Switch and PC compatible, but providing that choice for the player shows the thought GuliKit have put into the KK3 MAX being both a good fit for PC and Switch players.
The way that the KK3 MAX’s customisable features are accessed is where the controller once again becomes one that is fit for those who are comfortable with customisation. Here is where I found the main issues with the KK3 MAX – it isn’t very accessible or easy to configure. By just looking at the included manual, you can see how awkward it is to set up the majority of the controller’s modes and functions.
For example, to change the vibration intensity, which I had heard was a standout feature of the KK3, you have to press the settings button (which is pressed to initiate all customisable changes) and then up on the D-pad. When you do so, the controller is supposed to vibrate different intensities which will refer to how strong the vibration is. Though I tried to play around with this setting, I couldn’t get the controller to vibrate. Another feature that I couldn’t grasp was installing the back triggers on the rear of the controller. The box will include four hard plastic replaceable triggers that you can swap around to your liking. Once again this process was extremely awkward and frustrating to work out.
Overall, I can see gamers who want to really up their controller game loving the GuliKit KK3 MAX due to its variety of customisable features. However, for those who just want their controller to feel good and be reliable and not have all the bells and whistles, the price of the KK3 MAX may be a bit too steep. The GuliKit KK3 MAX retails at $139.95.
Checkpoint Gaming was provided with a GuliKit KKR MAX controller for the purpose of this coverage.
About the Author
Lisa Pollifroni
she/her
PS5/PC gamer with a passion for RPGs . Other obsessions include eating/making good food, reading, Queer history/theory and puppies, especially her own - a Beagle Staffy x rescue named Boo.
