BESAVIOR: TMR vs Hall Effect vs ALPS joysticks

Many customers came to us inquiring about the differences between stock ALPS joysticks, Hall Effect joysticks, and TMR electromagnetic joysticks. We then decided to write a post to explain a bit.

Why do most controllers use ALPS joysticks?

• ALPS joysticks offer an excellent balance of cost and performance due to their superior stick accuracy, centering performance, damping rate, and energy efficiency (with 99% better than Hall Effect & 97% better than TMR). However, the physical contact involved leads to wear and tear, which is why most PS5 controllers typically last for only one year of use.

Why doesn't everyone upgrade to Hall Effect instead?

• Hall Effect utilises magnetic sensors (Hall effect sensors) instead of potentiometers, which reduces mechanical wear and extends the joystick's lifespan indefinitely. However, being contactless results in poor Centering Performance, necessitating software smoothing to improve it, which can introduce input lag. Some players might find it too sensitive, but custom tuning can prevent overly sensitive inputs.

• Additionally, Hall Effect consumes twice as much power as ALPS. This means if a stock PS5 controller lasts 3 hours, a Hall Effect controller would only last 1.5 hours.

What should I choose between ALPS or Hall Effect?

• If you're an FPS or TPS game player like APEX, ALPS is the ideal choice. Many tournament controllers use ALPS because they prioritise performance over joystick lifespan; the focus is on functioning well during the tournament to provide players with a competitive edge. Numerous professional controllers continue to use Alps potentiometers because they are well-suited for traditional analog input processing in gaming consoles.

• On the other hand, if you're not a professional FPS gamer and simply want a durable controller, Hall Effect would be suitable for most people.

What is a TMR electromagnetic joystick?

• The TMR represents the newest commercial joystick available in 2024. It employs the same magnetic sensor method to detect movement but utilises advanced technology known as Tunnel Magnetoresistance. TMR offers advantages such as a long lifespan without stick drift, enhanced stick accuracy, and improved energy efficiency (67% better than Hall Effect). However, new technology typically comes with a higher cost. Tunnel Magnetoresistance (TMR) joysticks are generally four times more expensive than traditional Alps potentiometer-based joysticks.

TMR vs Hall Effect regarding to Stick Accruacy.

• In layman's terms, TMR joysticks provide more detailed position tracking and smoother inputs compared to Hall Effect. TMR sensors detect much smaller changes in the magnetic field compared to Hall Effect sensors. This allows for finer control and more precise movements, especially in gaming and industrial applications.

• In technical speaking, Hall Effect sensors measure the perpendicular component of a magnetic field, where TMR sensors detect changes in resistance due to tunnel magnetoresistance, which is a much more sensitive effect.

TMR vs Hall Effect regarding to Battery Consumption.

• TMR joysticks are generally 67% more power-efficient than Hall Effect joysticks.

Hall Effect Joystick: 5VDC @ 10mA (typical value)

TMR Joystick: 3.3VDC @ 5mA (lower power design)

ALPS vs TMR regarding to Battery Consumption.

• ✅ ALPS joysticks are 97% more power-efficient than TMR joysticks!

  💡 Why?

  • ALPS potentiometers are passive components (low current draw).

  • TMR joysticks require active sensing (higher current usage).

  • ALPS is better for ultra-low-power applications (e.g., battery-powered controllers).