Guide to selecting TMR Hall analog sticks for Dualshock Dualsense Switch Xbox controllers FAQ
   

Guide to selecting TMR Hall analog sticks for Dualshock Dualsense Switch Xbox controllers FAQ

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Guide to selecting TMR Hall analog sticks for Dualshock Dualsense Switch Xbox controllers

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Guide to selecting TMR Hall analog sticks for Dualshock Dualsense Switch Xbox controllers

Due to many questions about analog sticks, we decided to write a guide containing answers to the most frequently asked questions. In this article, we will try to gather the most important information, describe the differences between the products available in our offer, and suggest the best choice. We will try to translate the information contained here into understandable language, there will be some theory and information in Q&A form.

Is TMR technology and the Hall effect a new technology?

The first motherboard to use Hall effect analog sticks was used by Sony in Dualshock 3 controllers. The famous 4-PIN analog sticks are nothing else but Hall effect sticks. Anyone who services pads knows that they are practically indestructible.

The application of Tunnel Magnetoresistance technology is possible thanks to 2 scientists. Albert Fert and Peter Grunberg received the Nobel Prize in 2007, and are honorarily called "Fathers of Hard Drives". TMR technology debuted in data storage media in 2004, significantly increasing data density. GuliKit, considered one of the pioneers of this technology, produced the first units in 2024.

Is it worth using magnetic analog sticks (Hall and TMR)?

What are the advantages of magnetic analog sticks over traditional (resistive) ones?

In classic analog sticks (ALPS, Favor Union) the stick deflection is related to the movement of the potentiometer (variable resistor), the whole mechanism is therefore 2 potentiometers operating in a cross arrangement. The construction of potentiometers is based on a wiper moving on a resistive track. Depending on the deflection angle, the resistance decreases or increases, resulting in 2 voltages for one axis. The biggest advantage of this solution is the linear change in resistance and high accuracy. The biggest disadvantages are the technological problem of obtaining products with similar parameters (production accuracy is about 20%) and the natural wear of the track (there is constant friction between the wiper and the track, which together with dust and other contaminants accelerates the degradation of the potentiometer). After pulling out the ring, the wearing graphite (or other resistive material) is clearly visible.

In magnetic analog sticks (Hall and TMR) there is no friction and the resistance value does not depend on the position of the wiper on the track but on the relative position of the magnet and sensor. By eliminating friction, we get rid of excessive wear of the sticks.

What is the difference between Hall effect and TMR analog sticks?

I cannot answer this question exactly, both types use the same magnet and sensor. However, the most important thing for us is that TMRs have much lower power consumption which significantly affects increasing the controller's battery life. It is generally accepted that TMRs are newer and more technologically advanced.

Which magnetic analog sticks are the best?

There is no clear answer to this question. We assume that you need to try working with different products and then you can express an opinion. We ensure that the assortment we offer is of the highest quality. Every product in this world has its supporters and opponents. We leave the choice to our customers.

Do magnetic analog sticks require calibration?

Yes, all mechanisms after replacement must be calibrated because we do not know the parameters of the old and new component. Unfortunately, we do not have the appropriate tools for all platforms. Work and research on calibration methods for subsequent platforms are ongoing.

Why are there so many versions of magnetic analog sticks? Are they interchangeable? Are the colors of the sensors important?

Each manufacturer offers at least 4 types of analog sticks. They differ in the colors of the sensors (those that replace the potentiometers). In the case of classic potentiometers (acting as a voltage divider), it does not matter much which pin (1 or 3) we supply the supply voltage to and which we connect to ground. When instead of them we have electronic circuits checking the magnet position, it is important that they are correctly powered - this is the basic difference between potentiometers in PS4 or Xbox pads.

  • Dualsense - has 2 identical sensors (same color)
  • Dualshock 4 - has 2 different sensors (power on different pins)
  • Xbox Series - as above, also 2 different sensors, interestingly swapped relative to the PS4 version
  • Nintendo Pro - 2 identical sensors as in Dualsense

Interchangeably, you can use analog sticks intended for PS4 and Xbox, but you must remember to swap the sensors. In the past, Xbox analog sticks were divided into those for Series (calibratable) and those for older pads (which drifted after calibration) having 2 holes for mechanical magnet adjustment.

Which controllers can be calibrated?

  • Sony Dualshock 4, Dualsense, Dualsense Edge controllers can be calibrated using special scripts and the website https://dualshock-tools.github.io/
  • Xbox Series Model 1914 and Elite 2 Model 1797 controllers (all with USB-C port) can be calibrated using the official Xbox app and from the console level
  • Xbox One (with microUSB port) controllers - currently only model 1708 can be calibrated with the official Microsoft tool after prior flashing via the website https://driftguard.app/ to version 1914, for the rest it is best to use analog sticks adapted for mechanical calibration
  • Xbox 360 controllers - can also be calibrated via the website https://driftguard.app/
  • Nintendo Switch PRO, Joy-Con controllers - calibration via https://driftguard.app/ and from the Nintendo Switch console level

Other controllers can be calibrated using appropriate analog sticks, drift-fixes or mechanical calibration. There is no single simple solution as in the ones described above

Why is there so many versions to choose from in the konsolowo.pl offer?

Unlike some online creators, we do not enter into paid collaborations and do not promote a specific manufacturer. From the beginning, the mission of our company was to provide the widest possible range of spare parts for consoles.

Mechanical calibration, how to perform it and is it possible in all analog sticks? What is the difference between Xbox and Xbox Series analog sticks?

Unfortunately, this calibration is only possible in the oldest Hall and TMR analog sticks. It is related to the shape of the magnet and, in short, involves physically moving the magnet inside the analog stick. To do this, you need to lock the mechanism with two holes placed in the sensor and counter the pin so that the gear jumps. This possibility was removed in newer analog sticks with the introduction of the Xbox Series controller calibration tool. At this point, it is the best method for calibration. 

Xbox One and Xbox Series analog sticks are electronically the same product. The distinction came when the calibration tool was introduced, which ruined the calibration in model 1914. After changing the shape of the magnet, the calibration stopped drifting, but we lost the ability to manually adjust the analog sticks.

How to test analog sticks in a controller?

There are many websites available on the Internet providing calibration tools:

We especially encourage you to use the first link, we have an active contribution in the construction of this website:

Other websites for testing and calibrating pads:

Which analog sticks are best to use for Elite 2 controllers?

In the Microsoft Xbox Elite 2 controller, the most problems are caused by the magnets from the interchangeable thumbsticks. TMR analog sticks simply drift due to the influence of the magnet. You can use Hall effect analog sticks after setting them mechanically. Calibration with the official software will cause improper operation.

Is replacing analog sticks easy?

No, replacing analog sticks is one of the more difficult repairs performed on controllers. Problematic are the very large soldering area, poor quality vias on the motherboard, delicate laminate prone to delamination and other damage. It is the most common fault occurring in controllers but at the same time causing the most problems for technicians.

What are the differences in TMR analog sticks available at konsolowo.pl?

To begin with, I will add that our markings V1-V22 are completely random and appeared with the introduction of new products and manufacturers to the offer. On each product card it is clearly written which controllers it is suitable for.

Differences in TMR analog sticks available in the Konsolowo offer:

  • V1 - first version Ginfull used for Dualsense PS5
  • V2 - first version Ginfull used for Xbox Series 1914
  • V3 - first version Ginfull used for Dualshock 4 PS4
  • V4 - first version Ginfull used for Nintendo PRO
  • V5 - first version K Silver used for Xbox Elite 2
  • V6 - Favor Union for Dualsense, with 100GF spring
  • V7 - K Silver for Dualshock 4
  • V8 - K Silver for Xbox Series 1914
  • V9 - K Silver for Nintendo PRO
  • V10 - K Silver for Dualsense - JS13 PRO+ version
  • V11 - Favor Union for Dualsense
  • V12 - Favor Union for Xbox Series 1914
  • V13 - Favor Union for Dualsense with weaker 80GF spring
  • V14 - ALPS analog stick base with Ginfull potentiometers for Dualsense
  • V15 - ALPS analog stick base with Ginfull potentiometers for Xbox 1914
  • V16 - ALPS analog stick base with Ginfull potentiometers for Dualshock 4
  • V17 - second generation Ginfull DS13MAX for Dualsense PS5
  • V18 - second generation Ginfull DS13MAX for Xbox Series 1914
  • V19 - second generation Ginfull DS13MAX used for Dualshock 4 PS4
  • V20 - Aknes HallPi analog stick for Dualsense PS5
  • V21 - Aknes HallPi analog stick for Xbox 1914
  • V22 - Aknes HallPi analog stick for Dualshock 4
  • V23 - Aknes HallPi analog stick for Nintendo PRO

Plus 4 versions of sets with GuliKit thumbsticks

What are the differences in HALL analog sticks available at konsolowo.pl?

Similarly to TMR, Hall effect analog sticks are divided into models from V1-V11 due to manufacturers and purpose.

Differences in HALL analog sticks:

  • V1 - Ginfull - works only in PlayStation 4 Dualshock 4 (all revisions) controllers
  • V2 - Ginfull - used for PlayStation 5 Dualsense (all revisions) controllers
  • V3 - Ginfull - works only in Xbox One and Xbox Series (in the case of Elite 2, you need to change the thumbsticks to plastic ones) This analog stick has been replaced by version V8 because calibration with the official Xbox tool does not work on it. However, it has pins for mechanical adjustment, so it is suitable for older Xbox pads (including Elite 1)
  • V4 - Ginfull for Switch PRO controllers
  • V5 - K Silver - has a threaded pin used exclusively in Xbox Series Elite 2
  • V6 - Ginfull - improved version of analog stick V2 for use with Dualsense controllers
  • V7 - Ginfull - improved version of analog stick V1, use exclusively in Dualshock 4
  • V8 - Ginfull - improved version of analog stick V3 used in Xbox Series Model 1914 controllers, can be calibrated with the official Xbox tool
  • V9 - Favor Union version for Dualshock 4
  • V10 - Favor Union version for Dualsense PS5
  • V11 - Favor Union version for Xbox Series 1914

Summary.

The topic remains open, we will try to update it on an ongoing basis with new analog sticks available in our offer and new calibration methods. The guide should be treated as tips and despite all efforts may contain errors. Analog stick replacements should be performed by experienced technicians and all are performed at your own risk. As we receive further questions, we will add answers here.

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We ship products to most European countries and several around the world. If your destination is not on the list, please contact us.

We have three main product condition types in our shop:

1. New - brand new, mostly used for the first assembly, such as integraded chips, data sockets or analogue sticks. Covered by a 24-month warranty (6 months for batteries).

2. Used - the smallest group in our assortment. Fully functional, but we cannot determine their condition. Mostly items that do not breaks down. These group include power supplies for consoles (e.g. 3DS or Xbox 360) or memory cards. Covered by a 6-month warranty.

3. Refurbished renewed, from disassembly - the largest group of products - professionally disassembledtested for proper operation and, if necessary, refurbished and cleaned. They meet the same quality requirements that the manufacturer sets for all new devices. Key components replaced using original parts (e.g. lasers in disc drives, analogue sticks in controllers). Covered by a 12-month warranty (6 months for batteries).

In cases where the visual aspect is important (e.g. housings), the assortment is divided into 3 additional subgroups:

  • Grade A - perfect condition, products are most often obtained from the dismantling of brand new devices.
  • Grade B - minimal traces of use resulting from a short time of use or repackaging. Warranty exchanges of equipment, 14-day returns, etc.
  • Grade C - goods in generally good condition, with normal traces of use resulting from use.