In the area of game pads for PC, there are a lot of options. There are those who are content to simply sit and attempt to conquer all with a bargain basement controller, but then there are those who can’t sleep at night if they don’t have the best. That is where Saitek’s latest game pad comes in.

The Cyborg Rumble pad by Saitek introduces a whole new level of customization to the PC controller. It offers the ability to swap where the left analog stick lies in relation to the right. Some people may express a fondness for the more classic approach and leave both sticks right next to each other, while others may want to defy convention and push the left stick upwards. This option lies available to those who want it, and it doesn’t diminish the functionality of the controller whatsoever. Swapping these positions merely lets the control-freaks out there have their way.

Another useful function of this is in the field of game-play prevention. If you are one of those who are forced to share a computer, then take the opportunity to be diabolical and remove the d-pad and analog stick before you leave the house. Your buddies may think they are being slick when they creep up to the computer after the door has shut behind you, but you’ll definitely get the last laugh when you hear them shrieking in dismay on your way out the driveway. Parents could also look into this, so when little Jimmy misbehaves the analog stick goes bye-bye, leaving him with the empty shell of a controller to make him rethink his actions.

On top of this innovative feature, the FPS button makes its return on this controller as well. This makes for an almost instant conversion of the controller to the game’s keyboard setup. This saves a lot of time in trying to customize the control scheme of both the controller and of the game. While this feature isn’t limited to first person shooters, it also won’t work with all of the games you would like it to. This is a minor setback in the Cyborg Rumble’s design, and won’t hamper anyone who has had to deal with these issues before.

The feel of this controller is one to be rivaled. The smooth grips fit perfectly into your palm, and won’t leave you rubbing your hand in pain after a particularly hairy firefight. The buttons are well laid out, eliminating the need to look down mid-game to figure out what to press. Microsoft fans will feel right at home as this controller bears some striking similarities to the controller currently in use with the Xbox 360.

In addition to excellent placement, the buttons all flow beautifully, eliminating the worry of any sticky buttons hampering game-play. The rumble function also works exceedingly well without being distracting.

Another plus is the ease of which this controller will integrate into your system. There are no tiresome manuals to read through as installation is as simple as plugging it in. A quick spin of the included disc will merit you the full customization you gamers are yearning for and allow full use of the FPS button’s functionality. Drivers and software updates are also available through Saitek’s web site so you disorganized gamers won’t have to worry if the install disc becomes lost in the abyss that is your room.

Saitek has brought an excellent offering to the table here. Those of you considering a new controller should give this one a whirl and experience the joy of nearly unlimited control at your fingertips.