The GameSir T4 Kaleid ($42) is a new wired controller that packs quite a bit of pro-level functionality at a very reasonable price. The transparent shell and RGB lighting may be the first things you notice, but the controller's Hall effect joystick and triggers, as well as the mechanical face buttons, set it apart from other controllers in this price range. While not a wireless controller, the GameSir T4 Kaleid works with PC, Nintendo Switch, and Android phones and tablets. Unfortunately, it is not compatible with the Xbox Series X/S.

The GameSir T4 Kaleid feels surprisingly comfortable in the hand, thanks in part to the texture of the handle and trigger. The two remappable rear buttons and much more can be customized on the controller itself, but you can also connect it to a PC and use the GameSir T4k app.Our review of the GameSir T4 Kaleid will help you determine if this is one of the best PC game controllers for those on a tight budget and may be one of the best Nintendo Switch controllers as well, even if the buttons have an Xbox-style layout.

The GameSir T4 Kaleid is available on the GameSir website and on Amazon for $42. Since this is not a professional controller, but a budget controller like the HyperX Clutch Gladiate, it does not come with a carrying case or additional accessories. Instead, it just comes with a detachable 6-foot USB-C to USB Type-A cable and an instruction manual.

The GameSir T4 Kaleid has a clear controller shell that not only showcases a printed circuit board (PCB) with gold accents, but also lets the built-in RGB lighting shine through. The controller itself has an Xbox-style layout with an offset joystick and an ABYX layout for the face buttons; the top half of the GameSir T4 Kaleid is completely transparent, but the handle that houses the rumble motor is opaque.

The top of the controller has a recessed USB-C port, along with two bumpers and an analog trigger. The triggers have textured grips, as does the lower half of the bumper, which is slightly different from the standard Xbox wireless controller.

On the back of the GameSir T4 Kaleid are two remappable rear buttons that can be programmed on the controller or in the GameSir T4k app. Like the triggers and bumpers, there is a textured grip on the back of the controller handle. There is also a 3.5mm headphone jack in the center of the controller.

Despite its very affordable price, the GameSir T4 Kaleid has many features, including pro-level functionality: between the D-pad and the right joystick is a multifunction M button for controlling the controller's lighting effects, brightness, and turbo functions. However, pressing it with both triggers enables or disables the trigger lock, and pressing it at the same time as the A button switches to the ABXY layout for the Nintendo Switch.

The biggest selling point of the GameSir T4 Kaleid is the customizable RGB light strips on both sides, as well as the Hall Effect, which is also found on the 8Bitdo Ultimate and Gulikit KingKong 2 Pro Controller joystick. However, both of these controllers cost $30 more and do not glow. They are wireless, though.

GameSir used Hall Effect joysticks on the T4 Kaleid to prevent drift. Unlike potentiometer joysticks, which have sensors that wear out over time and can lead to stick drift, Hall Effect sensors use magnets instead. This controller also has a Hall effect sensor in the trigger.

While the back buttons and RGB lighting are great, the mechanical face buttons are my favorite feature on the GameSir T4 Kaleid; they have a 0.6mm actuation distance and a satisfying clicking sound when pressed. Like the Hall Effect joystick and trigger, it withstands 5 million clicks.

If you are playing GameSir T4 Kaleid on the couch instead of at your desk, you will need to purchase a longer USB-C cable or USB extension cable, as the included cable is only 6 feet long. However, it is a nice consideration that the cable is braided.

Remapping the rear buttons, as well as setting up lighting effects and other features on the GameSir T4 Kaleid, can be done on the controller itself, or using the company's T4k app on Windows. It worked well in our tests, and up to three different profiles can be saved for the various games played.

Since my review of the GameSir T4 Kaleid coincided with the release of "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" for the Nintendo Switch, I spent most of my controller testing time playing the "Breath of the Wild" sequel.

Changing to the Switch's button layout was a breeze, as all I had to do was press the M and A buttons simultaneously. I also really liked that the GameSir T4 Kaleid supports motion controls, which helped a lot when trying to solve puzzles in the "Tears of the Kingdom" shrine. If you are thinking of buying this controller for the Switch, you should know that it is not Amiibo compatible.

We also tested the GameSir T4 Kaleid on PC, playing Rocket League, SkaterXL, Sonic Frontiers, and several other titles. Trigger lock was helpful when playing Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

GameSir T4 Kaleid also supports Android, and since I didn't have the best Android tablet, I decided to try it out with the Razer Edge 5G. I could have used a USB-C to USB Type A adapter to connect the controller to the device, but instead I opted for a USB-C to USB-C cable, which worked fine when playing games on Xbox Game Pass, but I was able to play Dead Cells, Rocket League Sideswipe, and a few other native Android games.

To finish playing GameSir T4 Kaleid, we loaded the Gamepad Tester in our browser and connected the controller to our PC. The average error rate for the joystick was very good at 0.3%, and all buttons and the controller's rumble motor responded during the test.

The GameSir T4 Kaleid is superior to other budget controllers in many ways. From the Hall effect joystick and triggers to the programmable rear and mechanical face buttons, this controller has more than a few pro-level features; the GameSir T4 Kaleid's exposed PCB gives the controller a premium feel, while the RGB lighting is a nice touch, but can be disabled. Still, I'd like to see a wireless variant, and the included braided USB cable is about three feet too short.

For those looking for a cheap PC controller that also works with the Nintendo Switch, the GameSir T4 Kaleid is a great choice if you can get past the fact that this is a wired controller; the "PDP Afterglow" ($45, available from Amazon) is another option worth considering if you want a clear wireless controller with RGB lights, but it has no Hall Effect sensor or mechanical face buttons and only works with the Switch.

Overall, the GameSir T4 Kaleid is an excellent multi-platform controller that is a great value given the pro-level features GameSir has packed into it.