Quick answer
If your PS5 controller drifts without you touching the stick, plan on a DualSense TMR joystick replacement rather than a cosmetic fix. A touchpad cover swap only solves a worn or scratched touchpad surface and will not correct stick input errors.
Why drift and touchpad wear are separate repairs
Stick drift comes from the analog stick module reporting movement when the stick is at rest. Touchpad wear is a surface problem: scratches, shine, or a loose cover change how the pad looks and feels, not how the sticks read. Treating them as one repair leads to buying the wrong part.
The Gulikit TMR Electromagnetic Joystick is listed as a direct replacement for PS5 DualSense and Edge controllers, built to eliminate stick drift through electromagnetic sensing rather than wear-prone resistance. The eXtremeRate touchpad cover is a durable ABS plastic shell piece that fits flush on all sides and sits on the existing clips. Neither part fixes the other's symptom.
When a touchpad cover is the right purchase
Buy the touchpad cover only when the touchpad itself is the complaint: the surface is worn, the original cover is damaged, or you want a different color. It is not an official Sony product and the controller is not included, so it is a cosmetic and feel upgrade, not a drift cure.
If your only issue is that the touchpad looks tired, this is a low-cost way to refresh the controller without opening the stick modules.
The point where you should stop and choose another option
Stop before ordering either part if the controller is under warranty, if the drift is accompanied by trigger or button failures, or if you are not comfortable opening a DualSense. In those cases, pursue warranty service or a professional repair instead of a DIY parts swap.
Also stop if you expect a TMR joystick to change trigger feel or touchpad response. It addresses stick drift only; other faults need their own diagnosis.
Drift diagnosis: symptom, cause, action, stop point
- Symptom: stick moves on its own: The camera or character drifts with no thumb on the stick. Likely cause: worn analog stick module. Corrective action: plan a DualSense TMR joystick replacement with the Gulikit part. If the drift disappears when you slightly move the stick, the module is still the likely cause.
- Symptom: touchpad surface is scratched or loose: The touchpad looks worn or the cover does not sit flush, but the sticks behave normally. Likely cause: cosmetic or clip wear on the cover. Corrective action: replace the cover with the eXtremeRate touchpad cover. Do not buy a joystick for a touchpad-only complaint.
- Symptom: drift plus trigger or button faults: Stick drift is combined with trigger, bumper, or face-button failures. Likely cause: multiple faults, not a single module. Corrective action: stop the parts-only plan and seek warranty or professional repair. A joystick swap will not resolve combined input failures.
- Stop point: warranty or comfort limit: If the controller is under warranty or you are not confident opening it, do not order either part. Choose service first; a DIY swap can affect warranty coverage. Confirm warranty status before buying parts.
Parts that match these symptoms
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TMR Electromagnetic Joystick for PS5 and Edge Controller - Gulikit: Gulikit TMR Electromagnetic Joysticks are engineered to eliminate stick drift on PS5 DualSense and Edge controllers and are listed as a direct replacement installation. This is the part to choose when the symptom is unwanted stick movement, not touchpad wear.
TMR Electromagnetic Joystick for PS5 and Edge Controller - Gulikit
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PlayStation 5 Controller - Touchpad Cover Replacement- eXtremeRate: The eXtremeRate touchpad cover is made of durable non-toxic ABS plastic and fits flush on all sides, sitting properly on all the clips. Choose it only for touchpad surface or appearance issues; it will not correct analog stick input.
PlayStation 5 Controller - Touchpad Cover Replacement- eXtremeRate