XIM Matrix vs Cronus Zen: Which One Should You Get?
XIM Matrix and Cronus Zen both plug in between your inputs and your console, so they get compared a lot. They are built for different jobs, though. Here is the short version, then the detail.
Short answer: if you want to play console shooters with a mouse and keyboard, look at XIM Matrix. If you play on a controller and want scripts (mods) running on it, look at Cronus Zen.
What XIM Matrix is
XIM describes the XIM Matrix as a multi-input adapter for shooter games. Its main features are Smart Translator, which turns mouse movement into precise aim on console, and Smart Actions, its macro engine. It works with Xbox Series X|S, PS5, Xbox One, PS4 and PC, and accepts mice, keyboards, controllers (including gyro and cross-console controllers) and joysticks, alone or combined.
You set it up in the XIM MATRIX Manager app on Android, iOS or Windows, which connects to the XIM over Bluetooth. Configs hold your aim and button settings for each game.
What Cronus Zen is
Cronus Zen, made by Collective Minds, is a controller adapter that runs scripts. You load scripts into its memory slots from Zen Studio on a Windows 10/11 PC, then switch between them on the device. Scripts can add things like anti-recoil, aim assist tweaks and button macros on top of your normal controller.
On PS5, Collective Minds lists full native controller features (rumble, adaptive triggers, touchpad, gyro) as needing its Zen LINK Wi-Fi module.
Side by side
| XIM Matrix | Cronus Zen | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Mouse and keyboard on console | Controller players who want scripts |
| Set up with | XIM MATRIX Manager (Android, iOS, Windows) over Bluetooth | Zen Studio on a Windows PC over USB |
| What you load | Configs | Scripts in memory slots |
| Firmware updates | XIM MATRIX Firmware Flash Tool (Windows or Mac) | Collective Minds web update tool in Chrome or Edge |
Which one should you get?
- You already aim with a mouse on PC and want that on console: XIM Matrix.
- You love your controller and want anti-recoil and mods: Cronus Zen.
- You want mouse and keyboard and controller in one setup: XIM Matrix handles mixed inputs natively.
Either way, check the rules of the games you play. Publishers treat adapters differently, and that is your call to make.
Set up either one with us
XIM FORGE builds configs for XIM Matrix and scripts for Cronus Zen, and gets on a live 1-on-1 call to set them up with you.
- XIM Matrix setup help and XIM Matrix 1-on-1 Call Help
- Cronus Zen setup help and Cronus Zen 1-on-1 Call Help
Device details come from the official XIM guide (guide.xim.tech) and Collective Minds guide (guide.cronus.support). XIM FORGE is not affiliated with XIM Technologies, Cronus or Collective Minds.