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PC hardware is notoriously difficult to review, purely because of the versatility of the platform. When we pick up an Xbox 360 control pad, we know it's going to work in a certain way across certain games. However, with the PC it's often a mixed bag of results. The vast number of configurations available means that playing a game can vary across two systems. Component aspect aside, it comes down to one's choice of control. With a keyboard, the response is often a flat rate across systems but with mice it's a different story. If you're using a bog standard mouse, it will obviously impact upon your performance in certain games. A higher DPI results in a higher sensitivity which in turn means easier gaming. High DPI the domain of the FPS and for PC gamers that'll never change. That's why we're confused with Saitek's intentions. They've sent over the Cyborg Rumble pad for us to review, flaunting its “unique FPS button.”  Does the control pad offer a viable replacement to the staple keyboard and mouse or is it simply a flimsy gimmick?

We do have to lower down our PC-guard. We do agree that some genres lend themselves better to a control pad. After all, that's why we all own consoles. Racing titles and Football games rely on the motion of an analogue stick, something that's only found on a control pad. Therefore, to test the product, we've trialed the control pad across four games; Pro Evolution Soccer 2008, TrackMania United Forever, Race Driver Grid and Call of Duty 4 (for the FPS button test of course). We'll be undertaking our review with stability, ease of control and response in mind, the key advantages that a control pad actually offers. First off though, the product itself.

Part of the elite 'Cyborg' range, the rumble pad comes with various genuinely interesting gubbins. With your purchase (which retails at £24.99) you get the controller, driver CD, manual and some promotional leaflets. The pad is wired and plugs in via USB. The cable is a decent length allowing you to sit further back than if you were using a keyboard and mouse. The first stop is installing the software. It's a standard windows install-wizard which takes no time at all. The program itself allows for auto-configuration with any game, but it can be tweaked to exactly how you want. On top of that is the option to test the rumble technology (which is still awaiting a patent). You can cycle through the different vibrations, each matching the description provided. In terms of easy of use, it's as simple as they come with us having no problems in-game or out. Windows automatically recognizes the pad when you plug it in, and the product itself lights up in recognition. So far, top marks.

The buttons are laid out identically to Microsoft's Xbox 360 pad, with a d-pad, two analogue sticks, four face buttons, start/select keys, two bumpers and two triggers. Falling in last is the ominous FPS button which can be toggled on and off. Supposedly, once pressed, greater sensitivity kicks in, giving you the upper hand. We'll get to its practicality in due course. The second gimmick that the pad holds is the adjustable d-pad / analogue stick. You pop a button on the pad's reverse, causing the Grey section (in the picture) to become detached. From then on, you can set it up as the Xbox 360 pad, or as a PS2 pad, with the analogue sticks in line. It feels surprisingly robust and it's impossible to get confused. It's an extremely welcome edition meaning players of both preferences are catered for. Finally, there's the rumble feature which recreates punches, gunshots, grass, dirt or anything else interactive via vibration. It doesn't increase the pad's weight, so it's a light, breezy method of control. The plastic does feel a tad tacky but then again it's a third party peripheral.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2008:

The majority of us own this already, and the favoured version is the Xbox 360 version. Therefore, we're not stranger to the workings of PES on a controller. We stand firm in the belief that it's impossible to play on a keyboard unless you have four hands. It cries out for a control pad and Saitek's product comes to the rescue. We had no problem configuring the keys and once in game it worked exactly how it should have. Button presses were responsive, changing direction was flawless and the FPS button did nothing. All in all, it's the perfect game to play with a pad, and the Saitek Rumble Pad didn't disappoint.

TrackMania United Forever:

Up to know, we believed that the arrow keys were fine for TMUF. How we were wrong. Again, the setup was fine and the game allows both racing and menu-navigation to be pad controlled. Once we had got used to turning with the analogue stick and the feel of the triggers for acceleration and braking, we instantly noticed a shocking improvement. For a game that's all about lap times, we were shaving seconds off our previous records. It turned us into a TrackMania god. We weren't sure if it was a simple placebo, or actual improvement, but nonetheless, the pad continued to excel expectation.

Race Driver Grid:

When compared to TMUF, Grid can be considered more conventional racing title. If we're being picky (and have an unlimited budget) then a simulated driving wheel is probably best for Grid. The next best thing is a control pad and Saitek's attempt seems to hit the nail on the head. A few key re-configs is all that's needed to get going and once in game, you'll find yourself drifting around corners without a problem. Like the above, the pad is responsive and seems to transmit data fine. It's another successful effort.

Call of Duty 4:

And thus we come to the crux (and conclusion). The main driving point behind Satiek's product is the inclusion of an accuracy-enhancing FPS button. Put simply, if a bit bluntly; use a mouse. One of the main reasons why PC gaming succeeds is down to its control method. We could understand bringing a keyboard and mouse to a console for RTS titles etc, but the other way round is shy of ridiculous. It's a waste of time as you'll give up. Some gamers may prefer the control pad for FPS's but it doesn't mean they're be as good as mouse users. If playing online competitively, the result is blatantly obvious every time.

FPS – genre aside, there isn't any reason why you shouldn't pick up a Saitek pad. You could argue that a Xbox 360 adapter does the same job, but it's a bit heavy and requires you to own one already. The price point is reasonable and its feature set is desirable. It doesn't do anything wrong and definitely ticks the majority of boxes. In need of a pad? Look no further.

Score: 9/10

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