It might feel weird to get a mixed haptic feedback response from your handheld gaming console while gaming. Steam Deck gamers experience a similar issue of weak haptic feedback on trackpads, which occurs either due to a software glitch or a hardware issue. To help you improve the weak haptic feedback on Steam Deck trackpads, we have found some tried-and-tested solutions that will surely help. So, let’s get right into it.
Solution 1: Change Haptic Feedback Settings for Trackpad
Steam Deck allows you to adjust haptic feedback intensity for trackpads in the left and right sections. Here are the steps you need to follow to adjust weak haptic feedback for trackpads on Steam Deck.
- Open the General Settings on your Steam Deck console.
- Select ‘Controller’ from the left side menu.
- Make sure the Steam haptics are enabled.
- Select Calibration & Advanced Settings.
- Here, you will find the haptic settings for the left and right trackpad.
- Adjust the left or right haptic feedback intensity based on which trackpad had the weak haptic feedback.
Here is a video guide on how to adjust the haptic feedback for trackpads on Steam Deck:
Solution 2: Fix the Weak Haptic Feedback Glitch
A curious Reddit user discovered that a software glitch causes the weak haptic feedback for trackpads on Steam Deck.
The weak trackpad vibration on Steam Deck can be fixed by simply adjusting the haptic feedback settings on Steam Deck while repeating the sequence in the following way.
- Open the General Settings on your Steam Deck console.
- Select ‘Controller’ from the left side menu.
- Make sure the Steam haptics are enabled.
- Select Calibration & Advanced Settings.
- Here, you will find the haptic settings for the left and right trackpad.
- Â Set the left trackpad to 10 and the right trackpad to 1 (if the left trackpad is weak).
- Restart the Steam Deck console.
- Again, open the haptic feedback settings set them both back to 5 and then turn off the haptics completely from universal settings.
- Restart the Steam Deck console.
- Now again go to the haptic feedback settings for one final time and switch ON the haptic feedback.
- Restart the Steam Deck console for one last time and you’re done!
Applying these steps as mentioned will surely help you to fix the weak vibration feedback on the trackpad issue for Steam Deck.
Solution 3: Check the Hardware
If the software solutions to fix the weak haptic feedback on the trackpad for Steam Deck have worked for you, then it’s probably time to do things the hard way. Take the screwdriver and make sure to higher every internal and external screw on your console properly.
You can also try dissembling and reassembling the trackpads on Steam Deck to see if that helps to adjust the options. In the worst-case scenario, you may have to replace the Steam Deck trackpad.
Not Satisfied After Applying the Fixes? Go for the RMA
If you are not satisfied with the fix and think taking the Steam Deck apart to replace the trackpad is too technical, it is best to get the RMA on your Steam Deck console.
The refund policy of Steam Deck gives the owner complete rights to return the product within 14 days of purchase (or the date from receiving Steam Deck if you ordered online) to get a replacement by contacting Steam Support.
However, keep in mind that you’ll have to return the Steam Deck to Valve in its original condition, with all the tags, unopened, unused, and in its original packaging. Under these conditions, you can ask for a refund to get a new Steam Deck console.
Final Words
Weak haptic feedback on trackpads can be a concerning issue for Steam Deck players as it ruins the immersive experience. Sometimes, it’s hardware issues like sticky triggers, rattling buttons, or stiff d-pads on Steam Deck. On the other hand, you can always change the haptic feedback settings to adjust the suitable level for your gaming experience. We hope this guide was helpful. If you have any questions, let us know in the comment section.
