PXN P5 8K Initial Thoughts & Setup

PXN P5 8K – First Impressions & Setup Guide

Tried posting this earlier but format kept messing up here goes try number 3.

Just got my PXN P5 8K today! Bought it with my own money not sponsored in anyway. I purchased from AliExpress for only $38 USD. Shipping to the U.S. took a while, but I ordered during Chinese New Year, so that was expected. No issues with USPS handling the final delivery.

Initial Thoughts

  • Feels cheap but very responsive. I keep switching between this and the Blitz 2 and feel like I can tell a difference these sticks are faster (could be placebo).
  • No micro-switch triggers, but they’re light enough to shoot quickly.
  • Thumbstick rubber feels cheap – I’m using Skull & Co. PS5 thumb grips so no big deal.
  • Stick tension is slightly higher than the Blitz or Cyclone (which I prefer).
  • Back buttons feel similar to the Vader but are spaced better.
  • D-Pad is stiff and not clicky – some may not like that.
  • Bluetooth on iOS – Had to "Forget Device" and toggle Bluetooth off/on before re-pairing.
  • No PC app available.
  • Primarily play FPS, so keep that in mind.
  • After stick calibration, I got 0% on the circularity test.

I’ll be making a full review soon, comparing this to my other controllers and incorporating feedback I’ve received.

Getting Started: Firmware & Setup Guide

1. Download the PXN Nexus Global App on your mobile device

  • No PC app available, so you'll need to use the PXN Nexus Global mobile app.

2. Update the Firmware

  • Get the latest firmware from PXN's website: https://e-pxn.com.cn/firmware
  • Use Firefox or another browser to translate from Simplified Chinese if needed.
  • Click the controller icon to find the latest version (example: "PXN-P5 8K Firmware V0.28").
  • Download the .exe file.

3. Updating the Controller

  • Power on the controller by holding the Home button for 3 seconds (not the purple button).
  • Open the firmware update tool.
  • Keep the controller in default mode and run the update.
  • Wait for the update to reach 100%, then click OK.

4. Updating the Dongle

  • Hold the button on the dongle while plugging it in.
  • Click the .17 update (or the latest version available).

5. Bluetooth & App Setup

  • Switch the controller to the "Phone" icon mode on the back.
  • Power it back on.
  • DO NOT connect through the app first. Instead, go to Bluetooth settings and pair it (shows as "Xbox Wireless Controller").
  • Once paired, open the PXN Nexus Global app and start the connection. (If you start from the app, it may disconnect).

-Controller Customization:

-Polling Rate

  • Default was 2000Hz on mine, changed to 8000Hz

  • Back Buttons

  • Go to Function Settings in the app → Macro Settings.

  • Adjust button press duration:

    • Set to 20ms (default was 200ms).
    • Another setting at the bottom—set to 15ms (made button presses feel much faster).

  • Joystick & Trigger Settings

  • Function Settings → Joystick Settings

    • Adjust dead zones & curves (I left mine on eight)

  • Function Settings → Trigger Settings

    • Adjust trigger dead zones (I set mine to zero)

  • Stick Calibration

  • Hold the purple triangle button + the capture button (rectangle icon) for 3 seconds.

  • Rotate both joysticks slowly 3 times.

  • Place the controller on a flat surface, then press Start (three-line button).

  • Fine-Tuning the Response Curve

  • I tried matching a linear curve similar to my Blitz 2:

    • Blitz 2 Curve: 20,26 & 70,75

  • Downsides: No precise number input, just touchscreen adjustments.

  • Some recommend keeping it on Standard—I’ll keep testing and switching back and forth.

  • Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Overall so far I’m impressed especially at the price. If you have any questions, feel free to ask! I’ll be doing a more in-depth review soon, comparing this with my other controllers.

Thanks for reading! 🚀