ALT Motion Controller Wants to Replace Gaming Keyboards

[Tsing]

Image: PIA Labs



Using a keyboard to play PC games is old news, according to Pia Labs, a company that is gearing up to take pre-orders for a novel new peripheral dubbed the ALT Motion Controller. Described as a gaming keyboard that’s “re-imagined for 21st century gaming,” the ALT, otherwise known as the Avatar Motion Controller, comprises a trackball-like base that features a trio of analog sticks, the directions of which can be mapped to over 100 key commands and macros. The ALT even features an analog steering wheel that makes it suitable for racing titles.



Image: Pia Labs









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[Burticus]

This could be a game changer for people with disability (ie - 1 hand) and it looks ambi so left or right.

 

[Dan_D]

I don't know how well this will work as the learning curve for it will be extremely steep.

 

[Burticus]

I don't know how well this will work as the learning curve for it will be extremely steep.

I know people that have been injured and lost use of a hand that have resorted to MMO gaming mice (like the logi g600 or the razer naga). Reprogram the macro buttons into keyboard keys like WASD etc, just so you can do SOME level of gaming with one hand. I have personally done this temporarily when I got injured (pulled muscles in my left hand making it basically unusable for a while) , but it was very awkward for me, it takes a long time to get the muscle memory down. But at least I could play some games. Some of these guys got really good playing FPS this way and even beat down on people with proper MKB or gamepad/controllers.

On the note of console controllers... one handers are basically boned. If this thing had any type of console connectivity, it could open up a lot of gaming to people who can't use 2 handed gamepads.

 

[SeymourGore]

I remember an article where a guy using a similar device (might be the same guy, actually) broke typing records. And I can see why, basically a single flick will take you to whatever key required. I do agree that it'd be a steep learning curve to learn, but probably worth it.

Looking at it, my issue is the lack of divots around the stick base. Instead of being circular, I'd prefer something like the N64 analog stick had, little divots so I knew exactly where the joystick position was.

 

[Grimlakin]

I don't know as a touch typist I kind of prefer the old school mkb combo. But I can see the utility for something like this, I just wonder how good it will actually be.

Oh and will it have clicky noises? It needs clicky noises.

 

[DrezKill]

On the note of console controllers... one handers are basically boned. If this thing had any type of console connectivity, it could open up a lot of gaming to people who can't use 2 handed gamepads.

I've heard this thing works really well for people with disabilities: https://www.xbox.com/en-US/accessories/controllers/xbox-adaptive-controller

 

[Brian_B]

I've heard it works well for people watching porn or driving a Tesla. Because it's important to keep a free hand.

 

[Burticus]

I've heard this thing works really well for people with disabilities: https://www.xbox.com/en-US/accessories/controllers/xbox-adaptive-controller

I have seen that before. I can see no way to that monster with one hand in any kind of fast/playable fps action. That is for people with special needs, not necessarily missing or non functional limbs.

 

[Burticus]

I've heard it works well for people watching porn or driving a Tesla. Because it's important to keep a free hand.

The fact that $$$ Tesla's don't come with an auto-attachment for that purpose is just insulting to my wallet. If it can auto drive, it should auto blow.