Cloud KeysTHE SHORT ANSWER
Open a controller tester, let go of both sticks, and read how far each one rests from centre. Under 5% is normal. 5 to 15% is mild drift: set a deadzone just above the measured value. Over 15%, reconnect the controller first, and consider calibration or repair if it stays.
1. Measure the drift
Open the free controller tester in the browser you play in. Press a button so the browser detects the controller, then let go of both sticks and press Test stick drift. It measures the largest resting offset of each stick over a couple of seconds and suggests a deadzone.
Test more than once. Drift can depend on how the stick was last released, so flick each stick and let it snap back before measuring again.
2. Read the result
| Resting offset | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5% | Normal | Nothing. Most games ignore it. |
| 5–15% | Mild drift | Set a deadzone slightly above the value |
| Over 15% | Severe drift | Reconnect first, then calibrate or repair |
Only a problem that happens while the stick is untouched is drift. If the stick reads correctly at rest but a game still moves on its own, check for another program sending input (see buttons firing twice).
3. Rule out a connection glitch
A stick can report an off-centre value when a controller connects while the stick isn't resting in the middle. Unplug or turn off the controller, leave the sticks alone, reconnect, and test again. If the reading returns to near zero, it wasn't hardware drift.
Cloud Keys protects against this automatically. When a controller connects with an off-centre stick, it keeps that stick neutral until both sticks rest near centre.
4. Set a deadzone
A deadzone makes a game ignore small movements near the centre. Set it just above your measured drift. For example, 8% drift needs roughly an 11% deadzone. A bigger deadzone than needed makes small aiming movements feel sluggish.
- In the game: many games have a stick deadzone setting in their controller options. Try that first.
- In Cloud Keys: open Controls, choose Gamepad, and adjust the deadzone for the drifting stick. Each stick has its own deadzone, so a drifting left stick doesn't have to slow down your aiming stick. See remapping a gamepad.
5. When it's the hardware
If drift stays above about 15% after reconnecting, or keeps getting worse, the stick itself is likely worn or dirty. Check the manufacturer's calibration or support options, and whether the controller is still under warranty. A deadzone hides drift but can't fix a failing stick.