What’s the Quietest Xbox Controller? 

What’s the Quietest Xbox Controller? 

A black quiet Xbox controller against a black background

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Gaming is intense. You don’t need the distraction of a noisy controller to give you that self-conscious feeling which can destroy concentration. So what’s the quietest Xbox controller?

Xbox controllers are known for their ergonomic design and responsive controls, but they’re not always the quietest devices on your desk.

This article will tell you why they are loud; give you 4 quiet Xbox controller options; plus some tips on how to shop for a quiet controller.

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Why are Xbox controllers loud?

Before diving into the quietest models, it’s helpful to understand why Xbox controllers make noise in the first place. Here are the main culprits:

🔊 Clicky buttons and triggers

The tactile feedback that makes Xbox controllers responsive also contributes to their noise level. The A, B, X, and Y buttons, bumpers (LB and RB), and triggers (LT and RT) all feature mechanical components that make distinct clicking sounds when pressed. The bumpers, in particular, can be quite noisy depending on the model.

🔊 Thumbstick movement

Though subtler than button presses, analog stick movements can also produce sound. Some controllers exhibit more friction and resistance in the thumbsticks, creating squeaking or creaking noises over time.

🔊 Internal rattling or poor build quality

In cheaper or heavily used controllers, internal components may loosen and rattle during gameplay. This is often due to subpar materials or wear and tear.

🔊 Haptic feedback and vibration motors

Haptic feedback can enhance immersion, but the built-in vibration motors add a low rumble that’s especially noticeable in a quiet room or through a desktop mic.

🔊 Button mashing

Let’s face it – some games demand quick reflexes and aggressive button mashing. This naturally raises the volume level of any controller, regardless of its design.


Quietest Xbox controller: 4 low noise picks

We checked out features and listened to the opinions of gamers. Here are four of the best low-noise Xbox controllers available today:

#1 – Victrix Gambit Tournament Controller

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Silent silicone joysticks and a rubberized face plate contribute to the quietness of the Victrix Gambit Tournament Controller, which is also customisable with 12 components.

What type of Xbox games do you play? If they involve a lot of joystick action – Ace Combat or Joy Thunder anyone? – this Victrix Gambit Tournament Controller could be the quiet Xbox controller for you.

It has joysticks which is virtually silent, as it is made from silicone. The whole face-plate is rubberized, that means that when the sticks slam against them, they provide resistance. 

Other than that, this is a controller that performs; with 8x faster input responses thanks to Gambit Dual Core Technology. It’s also highly customisable, with 12 swappable components included – you can build a controller suited to you.

Pros

  • Virtually silent joystick
  • Faster input responses
  • Highly customisable

Cons

  • Wired

Best for: Serious gamers lowering the volume

#2 – Gamesir G7 SE

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Smooth, precise and quiet – the Gamesir G7 SE is a hit with discreet gamers, and is especially suited to first-person shooters.

This one has got a thumbs up from the most important people – you, the gamers. 

Several gamers with experience of the Gamesir G7 SE have expressed their opinion online – this is much quieter than the standard Xbox controller. That may be down in some part to the precision and smooth hall triggers and effect sticks, which are conducive to first person shooter action.

There are also on-fly mappings to load, a magnetic swapple faceplate for personalisation, and a built-in headphone port for superior audio quality.

Pros

  • Gamers highlight quietness
  • Smooth and precise
  • Built-in headphone port

Cons

  • Wired

Best for: First person shooters with the volume down

#3 – 8bitdo

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How does the 8bitdo keep the noise down? It’s apparently because of the low-noise, rubbery keys, which have helped gamers to keep disturbances to a minimum.

The quiet rubbery keys of the 8bitdo have certainly made an impression on gamers, who have noted this controller’s low noise online.

What else, apart from the quiet keys? There is a multifunctional charging dock, a hall effect sensing joystick, and 2 Pro back paddle buttons, along with a Custom Profile Switch Button.

You can customize button mapping, adjust stick and trigger sensitivity, and control vibration. It’s charged by USB-C, and gives you 22 hours with each charge. 

All-in-all, a cleverly designed quiet choice. 

Pros

  • Quiet rubbery keys and quiet triggers
  • USB-C charged
  • Adjustable and customisable

Cons

  • Controller not made from premium materials

Best for: Fighting games with the volume down

#4 – Horipad Pro

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Low-noise, no-frills and officially licensed by Microsoft; the shape of the Horipad Pro has also proved a more comfortable fit for regular gamers.

As far as we could see, gamers almost unanimously see the Horipad Pro as quieter than a standard Xbox controller.

What’s more, it’s a budget-buy controller with some neat features. You can fine tune the analog stick’s sensitivity, LR trigger and dead zone.

It’s officially licensed by Microsoft, and offers a way to save up to four profiles with the companion app. The design means it’s also a comfortable grip.

Pros

  • Gamers give thumbs up for quietness
  • Good value
  • Adjustable
  • Officially licensed by Microsoft

Cons 

  • Short analog triggers

Best for: Quiet, comfortable gaming


What to look for in a quiet Xbox controller

If you’re in the market for a low-noise controller, here are the key factors to consider before making a purchase:

👉 Button and trigger design

Look for controllers that advertise soft-touch or membrane-style buttons. Mechanical switches – while responsive – tend to be louder. Consider controllers with rubber dome buttons or hybrid inputs for quieter actuation.

👉 Build Quality

Higher-quality controllers are typically assembled with more care and use materials that reduce internal rattle. Cheaper plastic housings can amplify noise from vibration motors and thumbstick movements.

👉 Paddle Integration

Controllers with rear paddles can reduce reliance on the louder face buttons. If the paddles themselves are quiet, they offer a great alternative for reducing noise during high-input gameplay.

👉 Vibration Settings

Some controllers allow you to toggle off vibration or adjust the intensity through software. Turning off vibration entirely eliminates the internal motor noise.

👉 Wired vs Wireless

Wired controllers are generally quieter because they avoid the subtle battery rattle sometimes found in wireless models. They also eliminate the click of battery covers or loose internal compartments.

👉 Customization Options

Look for controllers that offer software-based button remapping, trigger sensitivity adjustment, or haptic feedback control. These features give you more control over sound-producing elements of the controller.

👉 Ergonomics

Comfort matters too—less hand fatigue means gentler presses and less aggressive use. Controllers with good grips and trigger stops can make a big difference in reducing involuntary noise.

Is your PS4 fan loud? Read our mini guide for quick fixes!

Lewis Atkinson

Lewis Atkinson

I grew up with a fascination for sound. From working in the construction and audio industries, I’ve picked up a lot of knowledge on soundproofing, which I’ll share with you.
Lewis Atkinson

Lewis Atkinson

I grew up with a fascination for sound. From working in the construction and audio industries, I’ve picked up a lot of knowledge on soundproofing, which I’ll share with you.

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