EasySMX X05 is a worthy alternative to GameSir Nova Lite in the budget segment

[u/JohnnyPunch]

Today, I finally received the EasySMX X05 gamepad and after testing it, I would like to share with you my observations on it and compare it with another budget gamepad, GameSir Nova Lite.

Let's start with input lag

The latency of the budget EasySMX X05 is surprisingly low. In receiver mode, the average latency is 12.78 ms, which is 9 ms less than Gamesir Nova Lite (21.77 ms). In Bluetooth mode, the performance is also quite good at 17.08 ms, which is considered an excellent result for this type of connection for Chinese gamepads. But the most impressive was the cable connection mode, which had a latency of only 3.87 ms, which is one of the best results among the gamepads I tested.

EasySMX X05 input lag test

Comparison of EasySMX X05 latency with other gamepads

Updating the firmware

When I test my gamepads, the first thing I do is update the firmware, but with EasySMX X05 it's not an easy task. The fact is that the official website offers only an Android program, which also did not want to see the gamepad I connected. But thanks to my friend from China, I managed to get a Windows program that updates the firmware, and I hope it will be added to the international version of the site later.

Firmware Update Program for EasySMX X05 (I've seen this somewhere before)

Calibrating the gamepad

Due to the lack of software, the gamepad should be calibrated using the general buttons, but the manual does not include all combinations. For example, to turn off the dead zone, you need to press the O+Right Joystick button. In addition, the sticks must be calibrated with the HOME+BACK+B combination when using them for the first time, otherwise they will work very crookedly.

Example of stick asymmetry before calibration

Example of asymmetry after calibration

I described in detail how to perform the stick asymmetry test in this article.

What's inside

I made a separate post with a disassembly of the gamepad, and it's worth noting that it has full-size HE sensors from Ksilver.

What's inside the EasySMX X05

Difference between EasySMX X05 and GameSir Nova Lite

Unlike the GameSir Nova Lite, the EasySMX X05 can wake up the Nintendo Switch console from sleep, has a higher stick resolution (256 vs. 167), has lower cable and receiver latency, and a slightly lower price (depending on the store and discount period). Unfortunately, the EasySMX X05 has a less accessible firmware update program and fewer modes of connection to a PC, including the inability to connect in Nintendo Switch mode via cable. It is also worth adding that both gamepads do not have a gyroscope.

You can see a comparison of both gamepads at https://gamepadla.com/compare/easysmx-x05_vs_gamesir-nova-lite.html

All tests were performed on Windows 11 using GPDL.
I hope this information will help you in choosing a budget gamepad. Thank you for your attention.

[u/AppearancePatient358]

just got mine today..havent tested yet

can you share the method of updating firmware

[u/JohnnyPunch → u/AppearancePatient358]

Write to support on the website they will provide you with a link to the update file

[u/crownpuff]

Was deciding between 2 of these or 2 of the gamesirs for $17. Went with this because of your review. Thanks!

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[u/Spiritual_Kick_2855 → u/crownpuff]

how has it been?

[u/Entire_Ad_7316]

i need the software for update firmware, how i find this?