My Xbox One controller's right trigger feels completely smooth, but the left trigger seems to catch or press through a rubbery resistance partway down. The controller still works, but the sensation and sound make it feel like something is rubbing, misaligned, or damaged inside. I have some electronics repair experience and could open it up if the trigger assembly is reasonably straightforward to reassemble. Would it be better to inspect and repair the hardware, or should I simply compensate with trigger deadzone settings in emulator software? The games I use do not really need variable trigger sensitivity, so a more binary software workaround would be acceptable if opening the controller is likely to cause more trouble.
2 Answers
Software deadzone settings can hide the behavior, but they will not fix the underlying rubbing or catching. They may also make the trigger act less smoothly or interfere with how some games recognize the controller. Since the issue is physically noticeable even without power, a careful hardware inspection is the better long-term option. Use a proper opening guide and check for clearance problems or broken plastic before deciding whether to replace anything.
If you can feel the problem while the controller is powered off, it is almost certainly mechanical rather than an input-calibration issue. Open it using a reliable teardown guide and look for debris, a shifted part, rubbing plastic, or a cracked piece around the trigger and bumper assembly. These controllers are generally manageable to disassemble, though the trigger mechanisms can be fiddly during reassembly. If you find a broken plastic component, replacement parts are usually available.
That makes sense. I was mainly worried that the trigger mechanism would be as awkward to put back together as the ones in some PlayStation controllers. I may inspect it first and only use a software deadzone as a fallback.