Valve Unveils Knuckles EV2 VR Controllers With Thumbsticks And Pressure Sensors

Valve has updated its Knuckles controller for VR control. Among other things, the controller has been given a thumbstick and the trackpad has been reduced in size. In addition, there is support for SteamVR Tracking 2.0 and there are pressure sensors.

The adjustments were made based on feedback the company received on its Knuckles EV 1.3, according to Valve. The company distributed that controller in a limited edition as a developer kit to developers last year. With Knuckles EV2, Valve has improved the ergonomics and tweaked the input set and layout. The controller should feel more comfortable in the hand, regardless of the size of the user’s hands. The wristband is now adjustable.

The large trackpad of the EV 1.3, on which the thumb rested, has virtually disappeared and a thumbstick has been chosen instead. According to Valve, the desire for this came as no surprise and there are certainly advantages to thumbsticks in indirect interaction. “When driving a third-person character, vehicle or yourself, having feedback is valuable, especially if your view is blocked.”

Since one of Knuckles’ goals was to allow for direct interaction, the trackpad has not been scrapped entirely. The surface has been greatly reduced, but it is still where users rest their thumb. In addition, a pressure sensor is placed underneath, which registers different levels of pressure. Pressure sensors are also placed in the grip.

The manufacturer has made finger tracking more accurate and the calibration for this is now automatic. Knuckles EV2 supports SteamVR Skeletal Input, for estimating entire finger positions. The battery capacity of the EV2 is six hours and the controller can be charged within an hour and a half via USB-C.

It is still a developer kit. It is not known when Valve will find the controllers good enough to release to the general public.