In this post, we’re diving deep into the Lin Yuvo KS47 Wireless Gamepad, which arrived in a well-packaged parcel from China. Inside the box, aside from the instruction booklet, the only item included was a USB Type-C charging cable. It’s interesting that only one charging cable was provided since the gamepad has two charging ports, meaning you’ll need two cables to charge both the left and right parts simultaneously. Let’s explore why this unique design calls for such a setup.
A Joy-Con Inspired Gamepad
The Lin Yuvo KS47 is essentially a joycon-like gamepad, with two separate units (left and right parts) connected to a small rail in the middle. These two parts can be detached by pressing a button on the back and sliding them upwards. While the middle section seems to have some leads, it’s worth noting that these are actually plastic light tunnels that channel the light from the LEDs on each side. There’s no actual electronics in the middle section.
These two gamepads are designed as replacements for the Nintendo Switch controllers, allowing you to attach them to any model of the Switch. While I don’t own a Nintendo Switch, I ordered the KS47 because I wanted to use it with a different device—the PDO V3.
The PDO V3: A Portable Screen with Wireless Capability
In a previous review, I introduced the PDO V3, a portable screen that connects wirelessly to any HDMI source. By adding these gamepads, the PDO V3 transforms into something akin to the PlayStation Portal, with one key difference. Unlike PlayStation Portal, which uses Wi-Fi to transmit images (with bandwidth limitations that can cause lag), the PDO V3 uses its 60 GHz network to transmit uncompressed video with almost zero lag. I had previously reviewed the PDO device but didn’t have the joycons at the time. Now that I have the KS47, it’s time to test this setup.
Build Quality and Design: A Pleasant Surprise
The KS47 is not a premium device, but it doesn’t feel cheap either. The plastic used is pleasant to the touch, and the gamepad is light and comfortable to use. What makes this gamepad stand out from many others is the use of micro switches instead of the usual rubber dome keys for the buttons. These micro switches offer a satisfying click, similar to the experience of pressing a computer mouse button. This includes the shoulder buttons and triggers, although these are not analog but simply clicky buttons.
I personally prefer the tactile feedback from these buttons, although they are a bit noisy. A typical gaming session with this controller will sound like this:
Click, click, click.
If you’re in a shared space, the noise could be a little annoying compared to the quieter operation of other controllers.
The Anti-Drift Sticks: A Major Plus
One of the standout features of the KS47 is the anti-drift feature for the thumbsticks. While the product description doesn’t specify which type of sensor is used, I suspect these are Hall effect sensors, which are known for eliminating stick drift and offering near-zero dead zones. This makes for a very responsive experience, especially for gamers who have dealt with drift issues in the past.
However, I’m not a fan of the stick layout. The left stick is positioned at the top, while the right one is at the bottom of the controller, which is the opposite of what I’m used to. Personally, I prefer both sticks to be at the same level, as seen in traditional gamepad designs like Xbox controllers.
Bluetooth Connectivity and Battery Life
The KS47 is a Bluetooth-only device, using Bluetooth 2.1 for connectivity. While I’m not typically a fan of Bluetooth for input devices (especially for trackpads), the wireless nature of this controller makes it compatible with a wide variety of devices, from computers to set-top boxes.
The gamepad is powered by a 500mAh internal battery, providing about 6 to 6.5 hours of continuous gameplay without needing a recharge. This is more than sufficient for most handheld consoles, including the Switch and Steam Deck. The controller also automatically enters sleep mode after 3 minutes of inactivity.
Another cool feature is the RGB backlighting, which can be customized for different effects, such as a breathing effect or automatic color shifting. You can also adjust the rumble intensity for each part of the controller.
Advanced Features and Customization
The KS47 comes with some handy extra features for gamers. There’s a turbo mode that allows you to adjust the button repeat rate, mapping functions that let you reassign buttons, and even a macro function for programming combos into the controller. One of the standout points is that the macros are executed instantaneously, with no noticeable lag—something that’s often an issue with other controllers featuring this functionality.
Additionally, the gamepad includes a gyroscope that works in six directions with a polling rate of 250 Hz. This is a great feature for motion-sensitive games.
Pairing and Compatibility
To pair the gamepad, you’ll need to connect the left and right sides separately, as they are treated as individual Bluetooth devices. When first paired with Linux, I encountered a strange issue where the sticks were rotated, meaning moving the left stick left actually moved the character upwards. This is because the gamepads are designed to be replacements for Switch controllers, which have a portrait screen. However, in Windows, this issue isn’t present, likely due to the Switch’s controller drivers.
The KS47 works flawlessly with Steam, allowing you to group the two parts into a single controller for Steam games. For non-Steam games, you may need additional software like reWASD, which can also help emulate Xbox or DualShock controllers for wider compatibility.
Using the KS47 with PDO Screen and Other Devices
When paired with the PDO screen, the gamepads are recognized as a single controller, offering the option to use them as either JoyCon or PS Mode controllers. After pairing them via Bluetooth, you can enjoy a smooth gaming experience. The only missing feature is the touch sensor panel, which is unique to certain controllers like the PS4’s DualShock.
The PDO system also offers specific adapters for PS4 or PS5, allowing you to connect the gamepads wirelessly to those consoles. However, one downside is the limited range—you need to maintain a clear line of sight between the transmitter and screen.
The Perfect Use Case: Gaming on the Go
The most practical use case for the PDO V3 and Lin Yuvo KS47 gamepad setup is for gaming on the go. You can easily start playing on your computer or console and then take the PDO screen to another room, like your couch or bed, to continue playing with a handheld experience. This flexibility allows you to enjoy high-quality gaming without being tethered to your desk or console.
Final Thoughts
The Lin Yuvo KS47 Wireless Gamepad is a solid option for those looking for a versatile and budget-friendly gamepad. Its clicky micro switches, anti-drift sticks, and advanced features set it apart from many other gamepads on the market. If you’re looking to enhance your PDO V3 experience or simply need a Bluetooth controller for various devices, the KS47 is a great choice.
Interested in getting your hands on this gamepad? Check out the link below to purchase the PDO V3 and other compatible accessories.