Razer Kishi V2 vs BackBone One – Which iPhone Controller to Buy? – TouchArcade

If you play games on the iPhone, you’ve probably heard of the MFi controller program at Apple. This has evolved quite a bit over the years and finally Apple has allowed manufacturers to release decent hardware in the last few years. Older iPhone-specific controllers never felt as good as traditional console controllers, but Backbone One changed a lot of things on the iPhone controller side. Since that release, Razer’s new Kishi V2 has also arrived which makes it another great alternative. Both controllers are quite expensive compared to buying a PS5 or Xbox controller, so I wanted to compare them to help you find the controller that works best for you.

Razer Kishi V2 vs BackBone One features

While both controllers offer similar features in general, there are a few differences that could decide which one you choose from the start. The Razer Kishi V2 has two reprogrammable buttons located near the trigger. They are not present on Backbone One. The latter has a 3.5mm jack output, which the Kishi V2 does not have. If you value gaming with wired headphones, your decision has already been made.

The final difference is that the controller supports a cased iPhone. I use an official silicone case from Apple for my iPhone 11 and 12. Neither works with the BackBone One, but removing the little rubber inserts in the Razer Kishi V2 allows me to play without removing the iPhone cover. This is important for anyone using a case.

Razer Kishi V2 vs BackBone One comfort

Hand-held comfort is something that will vary, but after using both controllers extensively over the past few weeks, the Razer Kishi V2 feels nice, but the BackBone One feels much better thanks to the grip. The Razer has a textured finish, but it reminds me of using a Switch or Switch Lite, while the Backbone One is more comfortable overall thanks to more plastic on the bottom on both sides.

Another aspect of comfort that I appreciate is how the buttons, sticks, and d-pad feel. When it comes to buttons and shoulder triggers, the Razer triggers have more travel, but the triggers are smaller thanks to the placement of programmable buttons on each side. The shoulder buttons look similar to the Joy-Cons, which aren’t great on either controller, but they get the job done.

I don’t like the face buttons on the Razer Kishi V2 compared to those on the Backbone One. Razer’s are pretty cheap compared to the Backbone One face buttons. In other buttons, Razer wins with better triggers and shoulder buttons. The d-pad on both controllers is very good, and I had no problems playing fighting and retro games with them.

Both controllers have similar analog sticks. If you’ve been using the Joy-Cons, you’ll be right at home here. Finally, I’d like to see Razer or BackBone make a larger controller grip similar to the Hori Split Pad Pro that offers more comfort for larger hands.

Razer Kishi V2 vs BackBone One applications

The Razer Nexus and BackBone apps have two aspects. The latter requires a subscription to use after the first year, while the former is free for life. The difference is that the Razer Nexus app looks like a launcher and hub while Backbone is a great looking and feeling app with more features.

This won’t be a problem if you just want to use the controllers for gaming and don’t care about streaming and social features, but if you do, the Backbone app is miles better, but it’s locked behind a subscription after the first year. Check out the Razer Nexus app below:

Another thing to keep in mind is that you can’t actually use the record button on the Backbone One without registering with the app. The screenshots will work for free, but you need a paid subscription (one year included free with the controller) to do more as detailed on the website.

Razer Kishi V2 vs BackBone One compatibility

The new Backbone One purchase includes an adapter that allows use with the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro models, but does not work with the case. This is currently only possible with the Razer Kishi V2. I tested both controllers with the iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Plus with no problems.

Razer Kishi V2 vs BackBone One – what to buy?

If you value customization and the ability to use an iPhone controller while the phone is in the case, the Razer Kishi V2 is for you. It works flawlessly with all four iPhone models I’ve used including the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Plus. The controller has nothing locked behind a paid subscription, and has two customizable buttons that can further enhance your experience.

While the Razer Kishi V2’s face buttons aren’t as nice as those on the BackBone One, the latter can’t be used with your iPhone in a case. In terms of comfort, everyone’s hands are different, but I like the feel of the BackBone One better than the Razer Kishi V2.

We hope this has helped you decide which controller is best for you if you want to improve your iPhone gaming experience. I’m looking forward not only to what both companies are up to, but also how the apps will evolve over time. I’ll be testing all games that support controllers on the iPhone with both in the future.

Amazon link: Backbone One PlayStation Edition

Amazon link: Razer Kishi V2