Gamepad

I can only recommend to never listen to madness for hes a noob.

I can recommend the x360pad. It works perfectly with many games out of the box (no configuration). I had some other gamepads before, but they only work with manually configuring, had problems with the vibration or only worked when i emulated a x360-pad with them...

I personally like the xbox one myself. The only other one I've seen compared in performance/durability I can't remember the name but it was double the price.

edit: the 360 pads are sweet if you get the wireless usb adapter [oem no longer made, but plenty of knock offs] otherwise they make wired pc models.

Xbox controller 4 life

PS3 gamepad emulated as 360 gamepad.

Go for the XBOX360 controllor. It is the best. I have also used PS3 gamepad and it works ok too.

As far the the wired 360 controller goes it's pretty damn light. Lighter than the official PS2 controller because of the PS2's huge rumble motors.
Rather than that those Logictech controllers are really really good. I had a RumblePad 2 for years and it has never failed on me.

Really don't know any smaller controller that's are as good as those.

Logitech F series are good if u like that shape, work both D- and X-input

Logitech F710 is the best choice IMO! You have 2 mode to choose: 1 fully editable and an other that acts like a 360 controller (and games WILL see it as a 360 controller).

It's light, very similar to a PS3 controller, vibration enabled and wireless...
10$ less than the official MS wireless pad.

Xbox one feels like shit to me compared to a PS3 controller (played a lot of PS1 and never had a Xbox), but when Im purchasing a controller soon myself I might go with the wired (no batteries and no lag) Xbox 360 for Windows due to compatibility and price. But if you feel like blowing a bit more money on your controller I think you would be happier with the feel of the PS controller. But I don't know how smooth the setup and configuration is, you might want to research it a bit and see whether people have had success with it in the games you plan on playing first.

I like turtles.

the gamepad on the steam page thats having the big picture mode sale is the one i have, from logitech. its the best.
wireless and has a switch for xbox or logitech input. so u get complete compatibility over other controllers.

i would suggest buying wireless xbox 360 controllers (however many is the desired amount, up to four) and getting a usb hub for it... mine has worked perfectly with 4 controllers plugged in (i got mine with the usb hub and my friends brought round their controllers they got with the console and they all worked without a single hitch) and i have had my controller for about 3 years now with the most damage i have had is that if you leave the hub on for long amounts of time (40+ hours) it stops receiving the signal until you unplug it and replug it in... but that is a minor problem in the grand scheme

There's really no reason not to get a Xbox controller. Windows native support, most games natively support it. Extremely cheap prices. Both wired and wireless options. Huge range of accessories.
Sure it's not my preferred shape of a controller but the ease of use and price generally make up for it. I liked the original Xbox controller since it was massive and wasn't made for little bitch hands.

I have a PS2 Controller connected in my pc through USB, How? I bought an adapter PS2-USB and done, cheap and good.

logitech Rumblepad2.

why? i just own this one and can't say something about an other one.

if it would be damaged one day i would buy a xbox 360 one because of the better game support(press x).

I've recently bought and XBOX 360 controller and I'm delighted with it. It works just by pluging it, it's supported by almost all the games that support a controller (and most of the times the key mapping is designed for it) and it's ergonomical and light. Besides it looks beautiful.

I don't regret buying it at all, although I've ALWAYS played with keyboard and mouse. Game experienced is really improved in games like Dark Souls, otherwise unplayable.

Recently I bought Speedlink Strike FX Wireless (clone of Dualshock, also integrated battery) for 25EUR and im satisfied with it. Only thing thats better on X360 gamepad is two analog triggers, especially good for racing games and inverted D-pad/Left analog layout, but thats more thing of personal choice, which layout you like more.

Before that i have Speedlink Bullfrog Blue Touch edition and Trust Dual Stick Gamepad for PC & PS2.
Bullfrog was quite good, but it has rubber texture, that would go of after a year of gaming and the gamepad get sticky. Also it has horrible unusable D-pad.
Trust have shitty deadzones of sticks and no force feedback on PC

Game pad or play bat?
There's something else out of logitech, xbox, ps3?????
Edit: thanks Sterbi for adding options

Hmm, I use the Xbox 360 one because most games that support controllers will automatically work with it, I've heard about 3rd party controllers having issues and having to reprogram keys and stuff. I dunno, just more hassle than I'd care for, and I only use the controller when I'm lazy or playing Single Player games (Fallout 3 and stuff, fun to sit back on the couch and play).

I vote (and currently using) the XBOX 360 controller but in case you have another controller there's still hope to make it compatible by using this: x360ce

It works perfectly with Steam games and my old trusty Logitech Wingman Rumblepad!

3rd Party Xbox360. Don't buy the expensive one from Microsoft, 3rd party works fine

get the xbox 360 controller as madness suggested. It is really the best controller you can get atm and even if you have a bit smaller fingers or hands it is awesome to use!

Logitech F710

great design, very comfortable, has good range and signal, supports Xinput (Xbox controller mode) in hardware, and Logitech's profiler software is good too to assign keyboard/mouse actions to the gamepad for any games that don't have controller support

The F310 is the same, minus wireless and vibration feedback

P.S. - what happened to the F510, did they discontinue it?

I tried the XBOX360, PS3, logitech and wii controllers. For me I love the Xbox controller. It fits nicely in my hands and is sturdy. Had one for more than 3 years and still without any complains from it. The logetich might seem better for you if you want a lighter version though, but I didn't really like it. you can also try the PS3 or the wii classic controller or wii pro controller . The wii controllers are a pain to get though. You will need bluetooth on your pc, a wiimote and the controller itself. It is nice and I like it. but would be a bit expensive for 40$ wiimote and another 40$ for the controller not mentioning the bluetooth. Look for reviews online is my suggestion, but that's what's on my mind for now :)

Good luck :D