My first impressions of the Steam Deck OLED

I haven’t played yet, so let me share my first impressions of the Steam Deck OLED:

-The x, b, y, a buttons are slightly smaller in the same hole, which is why I think some assemble worse or looser. The buttons feel BETTER when pressed than on the LCD model. However, unlike the A and B buttons, which feel more or less as fixed as on the LCD, the Y is a bit loose, and the X is quite loose. The X produces a slight rattling or loose piece sound when moving the deck a bit, and I’m not talking about shaking it; just lifting it from the case and moving it or putting a thumb on it is enough to notice that it’s looser.

-The trackpads and haptic feedback feel better. When I type with them, they feel more “defined.” I’ve also tried the desktop mode, and they feel slightly more precise. No issues in this aspect. The mouse-like click is also better on the left trackpad, sounding less than on the LCD but feeling more defined without defects.

-The screen has impressed me more for the black level than the color. The color is very good, don’t get me wrong, but perhaps having an OLED TV or phone, or Valve introducing improved color in the 3.5 on the LCD, makes the change less noticeable in that aspect. I haven’t tried games yet, so analyzing the color will take more time. The blacks are impressive, going from grays on the LCD to a damn pure black. And yes, my model is anti-glare, and the black looks pure, not gray. Anyone saying otherwise on the internet was spreading fake news and manual misinformation.

-The RB and LB buttons feel more “clicky,” not as loose, stronger to press, but not in a bad way. They make more noise than the LCD model. The left one makes a “tiny” bit more noise when pressed than the right one, but part of it, I think, is because the sound is always different on the left side than the right side of the console. The same happens with the trackpads; the right and left sides don’t sound or feel the same on all decks.

-The triggers feel good, nothing strange. Maybe the left one rubs a bit, not exaggerated, but I might file the casing a bit to improve it.

-The touchscreen feels more precise and recognizable when using the keyboard.

-The sound hasn’t seemed better than that of the Ally (so far), but it feels good, with a different frequency than the LCD.

-The fan is a GREAT improvement. I already had the LCD upgraded with ptm 7950, jsaux case with better cooling, good huaying fan… well, this fan not only sounds less in the installation, but the sound frequency is less annoying than the LCD model. A top-notch change, I think.

-I notice that the console and the feel of the plastic are a bit better built and with a better texture.

-Whether it hurts the eyes or not, I have to give it time; I haven’t played yet. I have to play a few rounds and give it some time. I would regret it if it didn’t work for me because I’m liking it.

-Ironically, the 90Hz in game mode is what I’ve noticed the least in the menu. My TV is 120Hz, and my monitor is 165Hz. Maybe I’m used to it.

-I connected my Pulse 3D headphones from my PS5 with a jack, and there’s no background noise; they work perfectly.

-Yes, indeed, it feels lighter than the LCD model.