Updated: 19 September 2026.
What are TMR sticks in a controller?
TMR sticks are joysticks that measure their position using magnetic sensors. TMR stands for Tunnel Magnetoresistance. Their position measurement does not require the electrical sliding contact found in traditional potentiometers. This guide explains how TMR differs from Hall Effect and what that means for stick drift.
Short answer: TMR and Hall Effect are different magnetic sensing technologies. Both can measure stick position without a potentiometer's electrical sliding contact, avoiding one common source of wear-related stick drift. Depending on the sensor, TMR can offer advantages in magnetic sensitivity, signal quality and power consumption. Actual controller performance also depends on the module, mechanical design, centring, calibration and firmware.
What is stick drift?
Stick drift occurs when a controller registers stick movement even though you are not deliberately moving the stick. Worn or dirty electrical tracks are known causes in traditional potentiometer joysticks. Mechanical centring, calibration and other components can also cause unwanted input.
How do traditional potentiometer joysticks work?
A traditional controller stick typically measures its position using potentiometers. An electrical contact moves along a resistive track. This established, affordable design relies on physical contact for measurement, and that sliding electrical contact can deteriorate with use.
What are Hall Effect joysticks?
Hall Effect sticks use a magnetic field to determine position. They can therefore measure position without the electrical sliding contact of a potentiometer. Hall Effect is an established magnetic sensing technology used in many technical applications.
What are TMR joysticks?
TMR stands for Tunnel Magnetoresistance. Like Hall Effect, it uses magnetic fields, but the underlying physical sensing principle is different. TDK describes its TMR sensors as contactless solutions for position and angle measurement, including gaming applications. The manufacturer highlights sensitivity, low power consumption and precise measurement.
Technical source: TDK InvenSense – Tunnel Magnetoresistance Sensors.
TMR vs. Hall Effect: comparison
| Feature | TMR | Hall Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Magnetic position measurement | Yes | Yes |
| Potentiometer sliding contact required | No | No |
| Sensing principle | Tunnel Magnetoresistance | Hall Effect |
| High magnetic sensitivity possible | Yes, depending on the sensor | Yes, depending on the sensor |
| Low power consumption possible | Yes, depending on the sensor | Yes, depending on the sensor |
| Results depend on calibration and mechanics | Yes | Yes |
The sensor name alone does not mean that every TMR stick is better than every Hall Effect stick. The design and implementation of the complete joystick module matter.
Why is TMR relevant to PS5 controllers?
Contactless measurement removes the traditional electrical contact track as a potential wear point. Sensitive magnetic sensors can also detect small changes in the magnetic field. This is useful for position measurement, but does not automatically give a player better aim: calibration and the complete controller design still matter.
Does TMR completely prevent stick drift?
TMR removes the potentiometer's sliding electrical contact as one common cause of drift. A joystick contains more than its sensor, however. Centring mechanisms, springs, plastic parts, assembly, magnet position and calibration can still affect its neutral position. The accurate claim is that TMR helps avoid potentiometer-related stick drift. It does not make a complete controller immune to every cause of unwanted input.
Already experiencing unwanted input? Our guide to PS5 stick drift troubleshooting, reset and repair takes you through the checks and explains when a repair assessment may help.
How do calibration and deadzones affect performance?
A magnetic joystick module depends on correct calibration. A deadzone that is too large can ignore small inputs, while a very small deadzone can expose existing centring or calibration errors. For competitive gaming, a stable centre and repeatable movement are important alongside the sensor technology.
PS5 controllers with TMR in Switzerland
SwissAimController offers custom PS5 controllers with TMR joysticks and other pro-controller features. Depending on the model, these include four back paddles, OLED profiles, switchable instant triggers and modular thumbsticks. Check the individual controller page for its exact specifications.
Explore custom PS5 controllers and TMR models in Switzerland
A PS5 SCUF controller alternative with TMR?
People searching for a PS5 SCUF controller often want features such as back paddles, short trigger travel and precise joysticks. SwissAimController is an independent brand offering its own custom PS5 controllers in this segment. Read our guide to a PS5 SCUF controller alternative from Switzerland.
TMR and Hall Effect FAQ
Are TMR and Hall Effect the same?
No. Both can use magnetic fields for contactless position measurement, but they rely on different physical effects.
Is TMR always better than Hall Effect?
No. Depending on the sensor, TMR can offer advantages in sensitivity, signal quality or power consumption. Actual stick performance also depends on module design, mechanics, calibration and firmware.
Why can magnetic joysticks help with stick drift?
They do not need a potentiometer's sliding electrical contact for position measurement. This removes one common source of wear-related drift.
What does TMR PS5 controller mean?
It means a PS5-compatible controller whose stick position is measured using a TMR-based magnetic joystick module.