Razer Kishi vs Backbone One: Features, Design, Compatibility, and More
By Naila Syifa
Updated September 2023
Mobile gaming controllers allow you to take your mobile gaming experience to the next level, providing console-like gameplay with the convenience and portability of a smartphone.
In this article, we'll be comparing two of the most popular mobile gaming controllers on the market: the Razer Kishi and the Backbone One. Which one is a better option? Let's find out.
| Specs | Razer Kishi | Backbone One |
|---|---|---|
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | |
| Price | $69.99-$99.99 | $99.99 |
| Dimensions (Collapsed) | 94.3 x 134.1 x 37.3 mm | 93.9 x 176.2 x 32.6 mm |
| Weight | 163 g | 138 g |
| Connectivity | Lightning or USB-C | Lightning or USB-C |
| System Requirements | iOS 9 or higher, or Android 8.0 or higher | iOS 13 or later, or Android 10.0 or higher |
| Audio Jack | No | Yes |
| Pass-Through Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Ultra-Low Latency Gameplay | Yes | Yes |
| Game Recording | No | Yes |
| Live Stream | No | Yes, Twitch |
| Mobile App | Razer Kishi | Backbone |
Key Takeaways
Backbone One is better than Razer Kishi. It has more features like recording and sharing capability, wired headphone support, and Twitch integration. However, Razer Kishi is cheaper and supports older smartphone models. Razer Kishi also has a special Xbox Edition, while Backbone One offers a PlayStation Edition.
Razer Kishi
Standard Features
✓ Compatible with Android and iPhone
✓ Ultra-Low Latency Gameplay
✓ Special Xbox Edition for Android
✓ Pass Through Charging
Backbone One
Advanced Features
✓ Compatible with Android and iPhone
✓ Ultra-Low Latency Gameplay
✓ Twitch live streaming
✓ 3.5mm Headphone Jack
#1 Price
Backbone One
Razer Kishi comes in 3 different versions: Android, iPhone, and Android Xbox. The Android version is priced at $79.99, the iPhone version is priced at $69.99, while the Android Xbox version is priced at $99.99.
On the other hand, the Backbone One comes in 4 different versions: Android, iPhone, Android PlayStation Edition, and iPhone PlayStation Edition. However, all versions are priced at the same rate of $99.99.
#2 Design
Razer Kishi
The Razer Kishi and Backbone One features a similar collapsible design that you can extend to snap your phone into place, and then contract when you're done playing. Such a design allows for easy portability and storage, making it convenient to take with you on the go.
Both controllers also feature a Lightning/USB Type-C Connector (depending on your phone model) that you can connect to your phone's charging port. This ensures Ultra-Low Latency Gameplay experience with fast response and minimal input lag, better than other Bluetooth or wireless controllers. A charging port is also available in both devices, so you can connect your charging cable to the controller while playing to keep your phone charged.
Razer Kishi
The Razer Kishi and Backbone One are designed ergonomically, with comfortable grips and responsive buttons that provide a tactile feel. Buttons on both controllers are placed in a similar manner, but Backbone One features an additional Backbone Button to automatically open the Backbone App, and a record/screenshot button for capturing your gameplay moments.
The Backbone One is also equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is missing in the Razer Kishi. This allows you to plug in your headphones and enjoy your game audio without disturbing those around you.
#3 Smartphone Compatibility
Backbone One
Both the Razer Kishi and Backbone One come in Android and iOS versions, so you can purchase a model that's compatible with your device. The iOS version of Razer Kishi supports devices running iOS 9 or later, while the Android version supports smartphones with Android 8.0 or later. Besides the system requirements, also take note that Razer Kishi supports devices with a width range of 68.2-78.1mm, a length range of 145.3-163.7 mm, and a thickness of up to 8.8mm.
On the other hand, the Backbone One is compatible with iPhones running iOS 13 or later, including iPhone 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 12 mini, 12, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, 11, SE 1st and 2nd generation, XS, XS Max, XR, X, 8, 8 Plus, 7, 7 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus. For Android phones, you can purchase the Android version of Backbone One, which supports devices with Android 10.0 or later.
#4 Supported Games
Razer Kishi vs Backbone One
Both the Razer Kishi and Backbone One are compatible with a wide range of mobile games that support controllers, including popular titles such as Fortnite, PUBG, Call of Duty, Diablo, Minecraft, and more. You can also play cloud games with Xbox Game Pass, Google Stadia, and NVIDIA GeForce Now, among others. Streaming games from your PC or console is also possible.
Both controllers support Xbox and PlayStation, but the Razer Kishi has a special Xbox Edition for Android, which features View, Menu, and Nexus buttons typically found on an Xbox controller. On the other hand, the Backbone One offers the special PlayStation Edition for both iPhone and Android, which features buttons with PlayStation's shapes instead of Xbox's letters (ABXY). You may consider between the two controllers based on the gaming platform you prefer and the games you mostly play.
#5 Features
Backbone One
Both the Razer Kishi and Backbone One support Pass Through Charging. If you're using the controller and your phone starts running low on battery, you can plug in a charging cable to the controller and your phone will start charging while you play.
Both controllers also have their own mobile apps that you can download to customize your gaming experience. The Razer Kishi app lets you launch your favorite games quickly or discover new and popular titles. On the other hand, the Backbone app does not only allow you to access the game library but also lets you connect with friends or stream on Twitch.
Moreover, with the record/screenshot button on the Backbone One, you can also record, edit, and share your gameplay moments easily with friends via the Backbone app.
Razer Kishi vs Backbone One
Final Thoughts
Razer Kishi
The Razer Kishi and Backbone One are great mobile gaming controllers that offer console-like gameplay with portability and convenience. Both support a wide range of mobile devices and games, but the Backbone One seems to have more to offer with its headphone jack, gameplay recording features, and Twitch streaming capabilities. However, Razer Kishi is generally cheaper and supports phones with older systems.
If you like to read more about Mobile Gaming Controllers, check out our other relevant guides here:
Razer Kishi V2 vs Backbone One
Razer Kishi V1 vs Kishi V2
Backbone One (1st Gen) vs Backbone One (2nd Gen)
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