VKB "WWII throttle"

[Sokol1]

 

A combo of their THQ+SEM molules and the "WWII throttle" grip - "inspired" in Fw 190 Gashebel knob. $169.00

 

THQ+GNX USB controller+WWII throttle grip (70+15+25) result in an "WWII Throttle Lite" for $ 110.00

With 2 axes, 14 buttons - 8 in base, 6 in grip.

 

Knob only for THQ module owners is 25.00. How install:

 

 

By adding the WWII knob, the THQ axes is reduced for two, due stability issues.

 

Edited June 24, 2022 by Sokol1

[WallysWorld]

Thanks for posting.

 

I don't have the room on my desk for the combo, but the 'lite' setup would probably do the trick for me. My cheap Cobra Accelerator still works well, but once it starts to go, I'll definitely look at this to go alongside my Gladiator Mk.II.

[1Sascha]

4 hours ago, Sokol1 said:

A combo of their THQ+SEM molules and the "WWII throttle" grip - "inspired" in Fw 190 Gashebel knob. $169.00

Yeah... more like $215 (FedEx) to $235 (DHL) incl shipping.

 

Not available in the EU store yet, but looking at the closest NXT throttle combo set and its EU price (~€370 incl shipping), I reckon the WW2-setup they sell in the US ATM would be ... €270 to €300 in the EU. Not sure I'd want to spend that kind of money on this setup, but it would go very nicely with my KG-12 Evo ...

 

Not enough buttons on the grip for my taste though - I think I'd prefer something with lots more functions on the handle/grip(s) since now I have to worry about using my HOTAS in VR. Plus you'll effectively "waste" one of the module's three axes, sticking that grip on there. I think I'd prefer a big-boy throttle.. ?

 

S.

Edited June 24, 2022 by 1Sascha

[dburne]

Man and VKB has been talking about the new TECS Throttle for how long now?

[Dallas88B]

3 hours ago, dburne said:

Man and VKB has been talking about the new TECS Throttle for how long now?

 

Announced 2018. https://stormbirds.blog/2021/02/01/vkb-reveals-new-tecs-throttle-details/

Re-announced January 28, 2021.  https://vkbcontrollers.com/?p=153608 

 

Edited June 25, 2022 by Dallas88B
correction Feb 2021 to January 28, 2021

[1Sascha]

6 hours ago, dburne said:

Man and VKB has been talking about the new *censored* for how long now?

FTFY

 

Don't you know that every time the "throttle that shan't be named" is mentioned, VKB postpone its launch by another month?

 

S.

[kestrel79]

Looks nice, but does it have more buttons than the Warthog? I don't think I'm ready to replace that quite yet. That TECS on the other hand looks awesome. The more buttons and levers the better. 

[1Sascha]

1 hour ago, kestrel79 said:

That *censored* on the other hand ...

*sigh!* .. breaking out my calendar and adding yet another month of delay to that thing's release date.

 

1 hour ago, kestrel79 said:

does it have more buttons than the Warthog

Depends on what configuration of NXT modules you're getting I suppose. The only thing new here is that grip with its six buttons and all you definitely need for the grip is the THQ base-unit that they sell already. And you can expand it with more modules from there, but that will quickly get quite expensive and physically cumbersome.

 

That THQ base only has eight buttons - which will give you 14 buttons altogether (eight on the base, six on the grip). If I'm generous towards the VKB and count the one 8-way POV on my TWCS as a 4-way switch and ignore the fact that I can (and do) turn both the mini-stick and paddle-switch into up to six buttons, even the ~€80 TM TWCS I use has more buttons (17). Of course: Internals-wise I'd take the VKB over the TM any day of the week, but I fear if you want something rivaling the WH's number of functions, you'll be spending *quite* a lot of money with VKB and end up with a bit of a monster.

 

Since I'm in the EU and there are no EU prices yet ... adding up the individual EU-prices for the WW2 set:

 

GNX-SEM-V (vertical button/axes-panel) - offering either 24 logical buttons or 17 logical buttons plus 2 analogue axes: €104

GNX-THQ (base unit for the grip) - offering three analogue axes (one of which will be unusable with the grip installed) and eight buttons: €99

GNX-MFH (mount/holder): €35

WW2 Grip: six buttons. No idea on EU price... it's $52 incl shipping in the US, so I guess €40 to €50 in the EU? Perhaps a bit more.

 

That's €288 plus ~€10 shipping, so nearly €300. It'll probably be a bit cheaper as a package, but I doubt they'll sell it for less than €250 plus shipping in the EU. The WH is currently €239 on amazon in my country - €229 with a voucher I have.

 

Buttons-wise, the WW2 combo-setup as sold in the US has between 31 buttons and four axes or 38 buttons and two axes. Which sounds like quite a lot, but IMO some of these aren't conveniently placed, especially for VR. Where the WH and others like it have most of their functions sitting on their grips, it's just the opposite with VKB's WW2-combo. Plus it looks quite a bit bulkier compared to regular throttles - I don't think it would fit even that huge TM Flying Clamp I'm using as my throttle mount.

 

As stated earlier: Overall, it's a bit of a "meh!"-product for me. And I can't help but wonder if this was sort of a "quick and dirty" throttle project meant to tide people over who were (and still are) waiting for the throttle that shan't be named. I mean... like I said: The only truly new thing here is that grip. But I'm probably giving this too much thought.

 

 

 

 

S.

 

Edited June 29, 2022 by 1Sascha

[dburne]

Fwiw - I got tired of waiting on the so called TECS throttle from VKB and purchased the Virpil CM3 Throttle over a year ago. Very glad I did, I absolutely love this throttle. Don't get me wrong I do love and support VKB and get great enjoyment out of their Gunfighter Mk III with Ultimate Grip but for my needs Virpil had something already that fit the bill nicely for me in the throttle line. I am sure if and when TECS sees the light of day I will likely get one of those as well to compare. Maybe...

 

If I only did WWII sims then some of their other throttle offerings that are catered more to that era might interest me, but I enjoy much more than just WWII action. And I needs them buttons.

Edited June 29, 2022 by dburne

[LukeFF]

I just hope that whenever TECS and the WWII throttle is released they also include some other WWII specific items, like rounded black and red knobs for the throttle unit. I don't want controllers that are a mix of 1940s-style warbird design and modern jet design.

[kissTheSky]

On 6/24/2022 at 10:20 PM, dburne said:

Man and VKB has been talking about the new TECS Throttle for how long now?

Yeah, at his point it is almost vaporware. I lucked in a very well used GVL so I’m probably set for the future, but had I not, I would have been looking at a VPC instead of waiting for the TECS.

[1Sascha]

1 hour ago, dburne said:

and purchased the Virpil CM3 Throttle over a year ago.

If that thing wasn't so outrageously expensive, ... I mean... yes: having tried it, I'm not going to call it overpriced, because that thing is just friggin awesome and I'd love to have it. But  €500 is €500 ... for a PC peripheral.

 

S.

[Dallas88B]

2 hours ago, dburne said:

TECS throttle from VKB and purchased the Virpil CM3 Throttle

 

I purchased the CM3 early this year. Best HOTAS component I have ever had.

I have the VKB Gunfighter Mk.III Modern Combat Edition and its a great stick with average software. Mind you, the average software doesn't really matter - it has plenty of buttons, switches and axis so I can fly anything on IL2 and the DCS F/A-18C and AH-64D Apache without needing to configure the VKB software (except for initial calibration)

The only thing close to the CM3 in terms of build quality and performance is the Crosswinds.

I purchased the CM3 and the GFE at about the same time - I suspect I would have purchased Virpil's stick (given CM3 quality and software that allows the CM3 to dance!) had I not already got the GFE. Mind you, the metal GFE is terrific, way better than plastic.

All this is good but as mentioned elsewhere in this thread its $$$$. But its my only hobby these days so what the heck.

[kestrel79]

Yes more round knobs please? Would love some for my CH Throttle Quad.

[Denum]

Isn't Jason our VKB rep for NA?

 

Wonder if he has any insights ?

[dburne]

6 hours ago, Denum said:

Isn't Jason our VKB rep for NA?

 

Wonder if he has any insights ?

 

No he dissolved that some time ago. Our VKB Rep for NA is rrohde.

NA site: https://vkbcontrollers.com/

 

http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=2430

Edited July 2, 2022 by dburne

[LukeFF]

On 6/29/2022 at 2:40 PM, kissTheSky said:

Yeah, at his point it is almost vaporware. I lucked in a very well used GVL so I’m probably set for the future, but had I not, I would have been looking at a VPC instead of waiting for the TECS.

 

Yes, yesterday, VKB kind of finally gave an update when pressed for more info about what's going on. They say TECS is "almost there", so take that for what it's worth. ?

Edited July 2, 2022 by LukeFF

[kissTheSky]

Just now, LukeFF said:

 

Yes, yesterday, VKB kind of finally gave an update when pressed for more info about what's going on. They say TECS is "almost there", so take that for what it's worth. ?

Saw that. Didn’t want to comment on there, since it looks like quite big pile up on them. Deservedly so. 
 

Only thing I wonder is whether the electronic detents are changeable on the fly without going into their less than stellar configuration software. Not that they’re needed that much in the warbirds we fly. 

[dburne]

TECS is in the " I will believe it when I see it" department.

[firdimigdi]

54 minutes ago, LukeFF said:

They say TECS is "almost there"

 

"Yup, almost there - I can see it clearly now"

[1Sascha]

18 hours ago, dburne said:

TECS is in the " I will believe it when I see it" department.

I'm kinda in the same camp, but I'd probably put it more like "If I'll still need a new throttle, I will buy it when I see it".

 

Because I'm fairly certain they will release it eventually. I mean.... even Duke Nukem Forever and Daikatana eventually saw the light of day - although that's probably not a very flattering comparison, considering the quality of those two games when they finally did come out .. ?

 

 

S.

[DragonDaddy]

Does anyone know the dimensions for this?

Edit: I found them:33 × 17.5 × 18.5 cm

Edited January 7, 2023 by DragonDaddy
Answered my own question!

[354thFG_Drewm3i-VR]

I have this throttle...love it and highly recommend!

[1Sascha]

On 6/29/2022 at 11:58 PM, 1Sascha said:

If that thing wasn't so outrageously expensive, ... I mean... yes: having tried it, I'm not going to call it overpriced, because that thing is just friggin awesome and I'd love to have it. But  €500 is €500 ... for a PC peripheral.

Oh sweet, innocent and nonsense-spewing me from June 2022....

 

 

 

 

Just my kinda luck though that the throttle itself is ready to ship and the €20 T-50 to WHT mounting/adapter brackets aren't ... ?

 

And in fairness to past me: This was during a sale and I think Virpil have actually lowered the price of the throttle a bit in the meantime, so I did not have to pay €500 for it.

 

 

S.

Edited January 8, 2023 by 1Sascha

[Customizer171]

2 hours ago, 1Sascha said:

Oh sweet, innocent and nonsense-spewing me from June 2022....

 

 

 

 

Just my kinda luck though that the throttle itself is ready to ship and the €20 T-50 to WHT mounting/adapter brackets aren't ... ?

 

And in fairness to past me: This was during a sale and I think Virpil have actually lowered the price of the throttle a bit in the meantime, so I did not have to pay €500 for it.

 

 

S.

What happened?

I thought you were happy with the TM Warthog you bought not that long ago?

[1Sascha]

1 hour ago, Customizer171 said:

I thought you were happy with the TM Warthog you bought not that long ago?

I was and still am, but ...well.. you know.

 

I could probably start nit-picking the WHT and criticize its sub-standard slew-control ... or the fact that those toggles on the base aren't ideal in many of my sims... or that TARGET is like an enigma wrapped inside a riddle for me ... but all that would probably just be finding excuses. It's still a very good product, especially given its price, but 2022 was a rather sh!tty year and I just felt I had to treat myself.

 

Choices were either to upgrade my VKB MCG Pro to the all-metal Ultimate - but, as others also pointed out to me, that would only have been a "cosmetic" upgrade (both grips offer more or less the same functions). Or to upgrade from the WHT to the Virpil throttle - which is definitely an upgrade in quality and functionality as far as I can tell.

 

What clinched it for me was a long YT-review that showed the insides of the Virpil throttle, and... man.. that thing is just built so beautifully. No plastic internals or hot-glue like on the Warthog. Well... the Christmas sale with 10% off everything also helped ..

 

EDIT: That YTer has set all his videos to "private" for some reason, but I found another one showing the internals. Had to take a screengrab because plain old pictures of the interior seem to be scarce on the web ...?

 

 

 

Again: I would still recommend the Warthog to anyone looking to enter the higher-end segment - especially if you can find it on sale for around €/$200 or so. But the Virpil is just in a different league, IMO and while its price is kinda scary, it is worth the money as far as I can tell. I should add that I did get to try it last year, so I'm not just going by recommendations or YT-videos.

 

Plus their customer service seems outstanding - they were super helpful in all my interactions with them (long before I even became a customer with them) and that mail I posted further up came just 15 minutes after I sent my request for information last night (a Saturday) and it did come from a real person.

 

 

 

S.

 

Edited January 8, 2023 by 1Sascha

[Customizer171]

24 minutes ago, 1Sascha said:

I was and still am, but ...well.. you know.

 

I could probably start nit-picking the WHT and criticize its sub-standard slew-control ... or the fact that those toggles on the base aren't ideal in many of my sims... or that TARGET is like an enigma wrapped inside a riddle for me ... but all that would probably just be finding excuses. It's still a very good product, especially given its price, but 2022 was a rather sh!tty year and I just felt I had to treat myself.

 

Choices were either to upgrade my VKB MCG Pro to the all-metal Ultimate - but, as others also pointed out to me, that would only have been a "cosmetic" upgrade (both grips offer more or less the same functions). Or to upgrade from the WHT to the Virpil throttle - which is definitely an upgrade in quality and functionality as far as I can tell.

 

What clinched it for me was a long YT-review that showed the insides of the Virpil throttle, and... man.. that thing is just built so beautifully. No plastic internals or hot-glue like on the Warthog. Well... the Christmas sale with 10% off everything also helped ..

 

Again: I would still recommend the Warthog to anyone looking to enter the higher-end segment - especially if you can find it on sale for around €/$200 or so. But the Virpil is just in a different league, IMO and while its price is kinda scary, it is worth the money as far as I can tell. I should add that I did get to try it last year, so I'm not just going by recommendations or YT-videos.

 

Plus their customer service seems outstanding - they were super helpful in all my interactions with them (long before I even became a customer with them) and that mail I posted further up came just 15 minutes after I sent my request for information last night (a Saturday) and it did come from a real person.

 

 

 

S.

 

 

It's never wrong with new toys ?.

 

I was only curious because I remembered that you bought the WTH not too long ago.  I was also considering buying it at that time, but I passed, and quite frankly, my TWCS is still okay for me.

However, the day I upgrade, I will go for what I really want and don't look too much at the price.

I agree with those who say, it's better to buy once and cry once.

[1Sascha]

12 minutes ago, Customizer171 said:

However, the day I upgrade, I will go for what I really want and don't look too much at the price.

Well... seeing how you are in Sweden and that I'll get a new throttle within the next few weeks... I might have a slightly used WHT on offer for you... ?

 

I did also come from the TWCS and the WHT is a huge upgrade over that thing.

 

S.

[Customizer171]

51 minutes ago, 1Sascha said:

Well... seeing how you are in Sweden and that I'll get a new throttle within the next few weeks... I might have a slightly used WHT on offer for you... ?

 

I did also come from the TWCS and the WHT is a huge upgrade over that thing.

 

S.

 

Thanks, I am sure it would be perfectly fine for me but I will pass on your offer.

My dream throttle is a custom build from GVL.

I really hope that he will get back in business one day.

[DragonDaddy]

17 hours ago, drewm3i-VR said:

I have this throttle...love it and highly recommend!

I really like the way it looks but it actually has more functionality than I need. And a little too big for my desk. 
 

So I bought the GNX THQ and the WWII grip. Should I need more buttons, or get a bigger desk, it’s modular and I’ll add on. I admit that I am a hardware junkie.

Edited January 9, 2023 by DragonDaddy
Typo

[354thFG_Drewm3i-VR]

57 minutes ago, DragonDaddy said:

I really like the way it looks but it actually has more functionality than I need. And a little too big for my desk. 
 

So I bought the GNX THQ and the WWII grip. Should I need more buttons, or get a bigger desk, it’s modular and I’ll add on. I admit that I am are hardware junkie.

It really isn't big at all...has about the same profile of my reverb g2 on the desk. 

 

I have it, the Gladiator VKB NXT EVO, and the VKB T Flight IV pedals on high tension and I love it all. It was huge upgrade over what I had before.

Edited January 8, 2023 by drewm3i-VR