After reports that Valve had received shipments of the accessory, a Steam Controller review has appeared. Deleted ahead of a likely release date update, a YouTuber praised its responsive dual trackpads. Even so, the price may make it more difficult to discount the Steam Machine.
The track pads are for sure unique and cool. The lack of proper adjustable short-throw triggers and the non-mechanical buttons will feel bad to what I am used to. I may still get one for the reason you point out though, I could play Age of Empires with it and further embrace my casual nature.