KontrolFreek Introduces the New FPS Freek CQC Signature Edition
KontolFreek has long been known for helping out guys like me, who have gorilla thumbs. The small little joysticks on the controllers are too small for me to enjoy gaming on a console much; it’s rather like trying to tie a shoe with baseball bat, and it looks about as amusing. I need something with more feel to it, something that adds a little more height so that I don’t seem like I am jabbing my thumb down into the controller. More than anything, I want something that makes the controller more comfortable, after all old age is a consideration here.
Enter the FPS Freek CQC Signature Edition, a rather long name for a new product releasing tomorow. Joining the ranks of KontrolFreek’s other thumb pads, this new CQC offers those of us who are dexterously challenged a bit of a competitive edge.
Features
It’s a thumb grip, or pad, or whatever you want to call it. I tried them on both the standard and aftermarket controllers for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3; each time I found them to grip on the joystick snugly, but removable with only a gentle effort. Certain other after market controllers may not work as well, but it looks like KontrolFreek did a good job of covering most of the bases.
Ease of Use
If you need a guide to tell you how to put these things on, then I am surprised you even managed to find this article. KontrolFreek made as about a stupid proof piece of equipment as there could possibly exist. If you manage to screw it up when you put these on, please take pictures and send them to our Contact Link, we will gladly post them. Despite their bright green color, the CQC Signature Edition does not taste like candy.
Design
The top provides a little more comfort while you game; using what is described as a concave/convex design, the rubberized surface grips well on your thumb, without easily slipping, and provides about a quarter inch of extra height to the joystick. You wouldn’t think such as small amount of space makes a difference, but I could definitely feel it when I took them off. KontrolFreek set out to make something feel a bit more comfortable, and did just that.
One issue I will mention is that the pads get dirty easily. The small groves on top of the textured surface grab dirt, and it sits there. I noticed this after a few weeks of using it on and off with my son. Granted, the last thing we do is wash our hands before picking up the controller, but after the seeing the buildup, it might be a good habit to start. Thankfully, the pads clean easily with just some quick soap and water.
Performance
This is a rather subjective term, since the CQC doesn’t really DO anything besides sit there; in that respect it performs like a champ! In terms of personal comfort, it does the job quite well; it’s like adding a nice padded cushion to your bicycle seat, so that your ass doesn’t hurt with every bump. This is not designed to replace a component, it enhances it. Using the pads, I enjoyed console gaming a bit more, and was willing to sit at it longer than normal. It’s not possible to use my son as a gauge, since he has his surgically attached. Still, we both tried it, and both agreed that the controller felt nicer in our hands.
Quality
Again, less is more here. There are no moving parts, flashing lights, or any missing manuals. You won’t have to download drivers, install batteries or worry about it breaking anytime soon. Apart from having to clean it semi regularly, there are no worries at all. KontrolFreek constructed the CQC Signature Edition solidly enough that it can handle swapping between controllers multiple times.
Value
KontrolFreek set the price of the CQC Signature Edition at $10.99, when it is released tomorrow. That sets it a dollar above the standard FPS CQC pads, and below items such as the FPS Freek Elite. In the days of 30 dollar accessories, having something that is a bit more reasonable, in terms of paying for what you get, is nice. I would like to see a package deal in the future, similar to what they offer with the GamerPack RECON, or some different colors with versions in black, grey or even red
Would I change anything? No, it’s really hard to improve on the design here, anything more and it is overly complicated . When it is all said and done, the FPS Freek CQC Signature Edition is just fine.
Final Intelligence Report
KontrolFreek is not going to make you an super player with the CQC Signature Edition. You won’t be gaining extra frames, or a faster connection, but you will be more comfortable, and will be able to use the controller a little more effectively. I debated whether I should give such a high review rating, but when it comes down to it, there’s really nothing wrong to point out; it does precisely what it says it will do. The FPS Freek CQC Signature Edition is one of those items that you never knew you wanted, until you try it.
