In the budget gaming scene, tri-mode controllers (Bluetooth + 2.4 GHz + wired) are a sweet spot for versatility. in this guide Two contenders often Debate wildly between the Kreo Surge XB vs Cosmic Byte Ares Pro which one is better. Both units equip magnetic (Hall-effect) sticks, thus have no loss in signal quality and offer feature sets that are quite compatible with the both the competitive and the casual gamers — but which one is fit for your purpose the most? We at this article, analyze each and every point: specs, ergonomics, performance, and, indeed, reliability, as well as community feedback to help you figure it out by yourself.
In addition, we will point out trade-offs and who should pick what based on the usage in the real world.
Products compared:
Kreo Surge XB vs Cosmic Byte Ares Pro Key Specifications Comparison
Here is a close look at major specification differences that are most significant for gamers:
| Feature | Kreo Surge XB | Cosmic Byte Ares Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Connectivity Modes | 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, USB-C | Same tri-mode (dongle, BT, USB-C) |
| Polling Rate / Latency | Up to 1000 Hz on 2.4GHz & wired; ~300 Hz on BT | 1000 Hz polling rate on 2.4 GHz as well. |
| Joysticks & Triggers | Hall-effect (magnetic) for both sticks & triggers | Hall-effect joysticks & triggers too. |
| Battery | 800 mAh, up to 25 hours per charge | 700 mAh battery, ~12 hours continuous play |
| Additional Buttons | 2 programmable rear macro buttons | Macro button + Turbo function |
| Rumble / Vibration | Dynamic asymmetric rumble, 4 levels | Vibration / dual motors (though not very strong per some users) |
| Weight / Ergonomics | Xbox-style ergonomic grip, anti-slip texture | Ergonomic design with textured, rubbery grips on sticks |
| Price (India) | ~₹ 2,199 (often discounted) | ~₹ 1,979–1,999 |
| Warranty / Support | From Kreo / Lukus Brands; limited user feedback on long-term build | 1-year manufacturing warranty per Cosmic Byte retailer listings |
Performance & In-Game Experience
Precision and Stick Drift
- Kreo Surge XB: The Hall-effect joysticks and triggers of the Surge XB are the main reasons that the device is able to offer control without friction and be resistant to stick drift over time.
- Ares Pro: Similarly, it uses magnetic sensors that help to lower drift. Reddit users have referred to this as a “killer feature” for device longevity. (Flash AI Assistant)
Advantage: Draw, as both are excellent – however, the real-life durability will still be a matter of build quality.
Latency & Competitive Edge
- Both have 1000 Hz polling in 2.4 GHz mode which enables them to have very low-latency inputs, thus making them suitable for fast-paced games of a competitive nature like FPS or racing.
- The Surge’s 300 Hz polling rate through Bluetooth is quite good and can be efficient in less latency-sensitive games.
- Moreover, the Surge’s high polling in wired mode may allow it to have a very slight advantage if one uses a wired connection during critical gaming.
Button Customization & Macros
- Surge XB: Rear two macro buttons, which in simple terms are excellent for binding combo moves, constructing actions (in battle royales), or shortcuts.
- Ares Pro: Provides macro functions with the addition of turbo mode (speed can be adjusted), which is very effective in arcade, fighting, or rapid-fire games.
An extensively usage of programmable combos gives you the edge where Ares Pro possesses a more enriched macro / turbo feature set.
Haptics & Vibrations
- Surge XB features 4 grades of asymmetric rumble that permits you to adjust the feedback according to your liking.
- Ares Pro does have vibration as well, but that a few users expressed the strength of its motor to be rather modest when compared to some high-end offerings.
For the most invigorating feedback, the Surge can be a little stronger or more customizable.
Battery Life & Charging
- Surge: 25 hours full capacity is what the battery life is, which is amazing for long sessions; The recharge is done through USB-C. (Kreo)
- Ares Pro: Battery life of approximately 12 hours which is quite good, however, it will limit very long wireless sessions. (Mehta Brothers)
In case you play for several hours straight without charging often, the Surge XB is the winner in terms of battery life.
Build, Comfort & Ergonomics
- The Surge XB is a very ergonomic and comfortable Xbox-style design controller equipped with an anti-slip grip and a well-balanced weight of 198 g per Kreo
- The Ares Pro features a matte-finished body, and its grips (sticks) are made of a textured rubber material and have a nice feel.
- But some of the Reddit users express worries about the after-sales service and the quality of the Cosmic Byte by saying things like “They put their serial number … the ink is very weak and easily will wear off … I have been denied a warranty claim because the serial number wasn’t visible.” (Flash AI Assistant)Another: “Whenever I use the dongle, … it keeps connecting in switch pro mode … Only solution … is to use in wired mode.” (Flash AI Assistant)
Imagine that the creation of a product and the support of that product are things that matter a lot to you, then that feeling would be something to really consider.
Reliability & Community Feedback
Kreo Surge XB
- Several users on the IndianGaming subreddit raise doubts and warn that “I don’t trust Kreo as a brand … They do a lot of marketing … makes me wonder about the quality.”
- Conversely, some of the earliest users are reporting quite good responsiveness and very low latency.
- There is sparse information about the warranty and the support experience leading to slightly more risk from a trust-of-the-brand perspective as compared to Cosmic Byte.
Cosmic Byte Ares Pro
- Positive: A large number of people express their delight with the price that they pay for the hall-effect sensors, tri-mode connectivity, and macro/turbo options.
- The Problem: Per Reddit: The dongle sometimes switches to the “Switch Pro” mode, thus causing incorrect button mapping. (Flash AI Assistant)Warranty issues if the serial number is fading. (Flash AI Assistant)Some users have reported that their sticks have started drifting and that they have had issues with connection after a long time of use, whereas other users have not experienced these problems.
- Per Reddit: The dongle sometimes defaults to “Switch Pro” mode, which results in incorrect button mapping.
- If the serial number is fading, there may be some minor difficulties in the warranty process.
- After some users have been reporting stick drift and connectivity issues for a long time, while others have not experienced it.
- Support: The retail pages of Cosmic Byte indicate a 1-year warranty.
Target Use-Cases: Who Should Pick Which?
Select Kreo Surge XB if
- You want to have a battery that lasts for longer than 25 hours is great for long sessions.
- Choose extremely low latency wired or 2.4 GHz if that is your preference.- 1000 Hz polling is what enables this.
- By using M1 and M2 at the rear for your macro keys, you will be able to have a simpler and cleaner layout of your macro keys with the rear “M1/M2.”
- You are playing competitive games like shooters or racing where latency plays an important role.
- Your first and foremost concern should be the elimination of controller drift with your control being of decent durability and using magnetic sensors.
Risks / Trade-offs: A brand with less exposure, support/community trust which is still in the process of building, and a few user reports of durability in the long run.
Coscic Byte Ares Pro if you:
- Maximum value is your first priority – Hall-effect + tri-mode + macro + turbo @ ~₹2,000 is great.
- You use the macro + turbo features extensively – perfect for fighting games, arcade, or fast-press scenarios.
- You want a better grip – the rubberized stick texture will be of great help if you need high control.
- You prefer a compact price-friendly wireless + wired hybrid with good battery for the middle of the game.
- You don’t mind the battery life being moderate (12 hours) and that there may be support incidents from time to time.
Risks / Trade-offs: Some reliability problems,. The reports regarding the dongle connection are that it is non-linear, and there are issues with warranty-tracking, and possibly weaker vibration.
Kreo Surge XB vs Cosmic Byte Ares Pro Conclusion & Final Verdict
- Technically, both the controllers are almost equally good, and they are both great under-₹2,000 choices with tri-mode connectivity and Hall-effect sensors — which is very rare and mighty for budget gaming.
- Kreo Surge XB wins out in power-life, polling-rate uniformity, and a more straightforward macro setting. But the trust of its brand is still evolving.
- Cosmic Byte Ares Pro comes with a more luxurious feature set (turbo, macro, textured grip) for a pocket-friendly price — however, a couple of users have reported difficulty with the support department and some minor hardware issues.
- If you are a fan of the brand and therefore confident in it, you can opt for Surge XB to be on the safe side for long-term or very competitive gaming.
- If you want the maximum number of features for your money then you can hardly find a better option than Ares Pro — provided that you are willing to take the trade-offs to support and quirks.