Is there and easy way to turn of gravity while still using character controller and rigidbody?
rigidbody.useGravity = false;
You can turn of the Gravity at the Character Motor script. Its under Movement\Gravity. Just put that one to 0
And in case you're using a rigid body there's a checkbox that youl see in your inspector, just uncheck gravity and you' be good to go.
This also might be helpful:
rigidbody2D.gravityScale = 0f;