NEW VKB Single/ Twin Engine Control | First Impressions and Thoughts 

It’s probably my half ass tightening. Again, I don’t really use it so I probably did it wrong.

Looks like the screw just wasn't tightened enough, you can see it moving up and down on the left side.

He totally messed up the installation of that detent frame. Not sure how, because it's super easy to do correctly on mine. Rock solid, no flex at all. The front edge slides under a lip, and the back screws down with a thumb screw. And he didn't even tighten the metal detent either, as you can see it move relative to the frame too. Zero attention, I guess?

Thanks, good to know VKB did a good job there! That looks like one of the best detent-solutions on the market right now. 👍

If you tighten it down properly, it doesn't move at all

Good call there, Matt! Have a nice weekend.

Wish you would do this for the Saitek X56 Rhino so I didn't have to make my own profiles for every new aircraft.

Good idea, but there's only 4 spare frames that come with the throttle/kit, and dozens of different AB locations for various DCS modules. Would it be possible to make a series of pre-made user-loadable throttle curve profiles within DCS itself, so the user can easily import them for each module to match up to the same physical AB detent location, say 75% or whatever. This would be a huge time-saver compared to the individual manual tweaking method that people are doing now, and as a bonus usable for all of the different throttles out there too. Some food for thought anyway.

Speaking of which, why all new devices I tested have axis binded for yaw, roll, rudder and throttle ? It doesnt matter if it's a joystick, throttle or pedals. All major axis are binded by default. It's time consuming to correct for every module, and confusing for new players. For instance, why TPR has throttle axis binded by default ? Idem for Wwing joystick.

The M2K 😅

I just really hate doing these kinda vids so I just wanna get it over with. 🤷🏻‍♂️

@@CasmoTV 😳😉

Brisk pace maybe good for Texas cattle auctions but not necessarily here where clarity is prime, not speed. UMMV ✌

@@pdep Haha. Yeah, i hear you. Fast but not to fast is all relative. I often rewind RU-vid videos in 10 sec chunks to repeat key points and watch WHERE in the cockpit the clicks were made.

Get a Winwing 10th anniversary throttle with any of the grips. Tactile feddback shape 2 and 3 way switches which you can operate without even looking at the throttle. Very immersive. They are visually stunning and use all the latest tech in their sensors and buttons.

Yeah it’s literally my only real gripe. Everything else is superb and for the price… fuggitaboutit

@@CasmoTV yeah .... that price can make people overlook a number of issues.

@@MisterMannIndy Came from Warthog with the awesome Deltasim mod. I've pretty much gotten used to the thumb slew already after a few days. It's very comfortable to use. I do use the concave hat for it though, from the MCGU - it wouldn't surprise me if VKB started adding it in the box, but it can be ordered separately for very cheap. The STECS hat moved to MCGU isn't all bad - certainly a good swap.

@@JSmith73 thanks!

This is why I'm really waiting for the rail version. A linear throw instead of an arc will fix that issue of the thumb stick alignment I think.

@@Banzai431 I think my first attempt will be swapping the cone type top for a castle type, so I can always feel the cardinal directions. Still going to keep an eye on the premium rail version, and I'm pretty sure I can get rid of the stecs if necessary, but upgrading from the TWCS feels pretty timely. =)

Sounds like you are all set.

Hate it.

Agreed, love the side thumb, HATE the slew on my index finger.

I'm getting used to it very very quickly, coming from the DeltaSim Warthog. I did put my concave MCGU hat on it though, it honestly makes a big difference and ought to be provided in the box. (Great video Cosmo! I was slightly triggered by the roll over the untightened profile though :-) Tightened down, there's no flex in the profile at all)

I use a TWCS mounted to an IKEA stool which was about £8. No need to put anything on your desktop especially because it 's totally the wrong height.

@@jonathanclarke4529 lots of manufacturers sell HOTAS mounts that bolt to your desk, if you need something more specific that you can easily move around.

I wasn’t getting that. Atleast not enough that it made a difference to me.

@@CasmoTV I thought that setting was turned on at startup, but it can also be set in the software which I had to do when I accidentally deleted the axis once.

Yeah idk. Wouldn’t really change my opinion. I just personally really don’t like having to rely on my thumb to slew since most of the other buttons are also for the thumb. If it’s a finger slew then I can dedicate one finger to that job and be done with it.

no I’m not making a series of videos about a gadget. This isn’t a tutorial. It’s a first impressions review.

@@CasmoTV Oh, OK. I misunderstood your video description text I guess: "A new video (one of many) on the new Throttle from VKB."

@@Darrylx444 nope. Just means everyone with a camera and a RU-vid channel has already made a video on the thing. But they asked me to and so I have.

Yes Virpil are the best but vkb is meant to be cost efficient and they dons good job with their quality.

I have all virpil sticks and bases and decided to go with thr stecs max because the versatility of this thing is absolutely insane and not to mention all the customization is the best bar none. Was a tough decision because I'm very pro virpil but absolutely glad I went with this instead

I’d probably bolt it down to something

Haven’t touched it since.

It was a gift

@@CasmoTV Dang it! I figured haha. I have looked them up and never found one that looked like that. Need one for my helmet...

11th.

Good question. I believe no but I didn’t try. I’ll have to look.

@@CasmoTV Much appreciated. Even if its not, Im sure somebody will come up with a solution eventually.

@generic_luke, the concave one from the MCGU fits perfectly.

Already did one.

@@CasmoTV oh thanks i will do a search

Idk I haven’t used it since.

That’s a hard question to answer. Too many variables. Both are excellent but one has a thumb slew…

@@CasmoTV 👍

Not sure.

@@CasmoTV haha too bad. Thanks anyway for the reply. That is one crucial information that I was not able to get a definitive answer yet.

⁠​⁠@@uglyigor3055I have the exact same question as you do. I love the lever axis on the front of the TWCS throttle, it makes a great rudder control, but the throttle slider is way too sticky to allow any fine throttle control, and it especially sucks when used for a helicopter collective. If you can use the front levers on the VKB as axis controls then this would be the perfect throttle for me.

just loosen the screw a little clean of any grease from the rails an finger on some regular ol vegetable cooking oil on the rails an on the plastic bits that slide move it back an fords a few times to spread it an done . ive had my second hand when i got it twcs for over a year i use as a cyclic smooth as silk never had any of the sticking problem people complain about @@tripleheart2970

Downgrade isn’t the word I would use. I personally don’t like the Orion, but it does have more buttons. As for the grip; again other than the thumb slew I find it a superior design in that you can easily swap around the buttons.

A VKB stick with virpil base? I don’t believe so

You’re gonna love my nuts.

Idk about that opinion.

hmm i checked again after your comment. the price has gone down from 1000aud here in Australua to half that for the standard edition which is more reasonable.

I mean… plastic isn’t always indicative of cheap. 🤷🏻‍♂️

The detent holders are plastic, but the detents and the rollers on the arms they contact are metal alloy.

Well it’s considerably cheaper than WinWing so…

Plastic might be cheaper than metal, but don't think this is "cheap plastic". Even their lowest end Gladiator is made to be really sturdy, with tough, precision made plastic parts. It's much more like the fiberglass reinforced plastic you see in powertools than what is used in for example all the Saitek/Logitech stuff or the T16000M stick. I've taken my Gladiator apart and put it back together about a dozen times by now (button/joystick module swaps, gimbal upgrade when the EVO upgrade kit came out, experimenting with half a dozen different greases just to sate my curiosity, stock ended up being the best btw), and I have also taken apart and rebuilt various Logitech, Thrustmaster and Saitek joysticks over the decades, and the quality of the construction and plastic parts is almost incomparable. The Logitech, TM and Saitek stuff always requires you to pull, twist, bend and jam stuff around, with snaps and pops galore. By comparison the Gladiator's pieces slot in and out of their place smoothly, and everything fits perfectly. All the structural screws in the grip also attach to threaded brass inserts rather than tapping to plastic. Everything is thought out properly and easy to work on, with no ratsnests of wires around (looking at you, Thrustmaster). It really feels like working with a good quality tool, rather than a cheap toy. Also on the throttle, the actual axis are set on proper ball bearings, when for example the Warthog throttle uses a plastic shaft between plastic clamps, so that friction wears it out. VKB didn't cheap out on this, or the Gladiator. They did a lot of engineering, used quality materials, and focused their efforts on making a great product at a price point where nothing else touches it for price to performance. Sure, if you want all metal and are willing to pay for it, Virpil and WinWing will cater to you, and maybe VKB later as well, they still seem like they're going to come out with the premium models later on. That's fine, to each their own. I'm just happy that finally there's an upgrade from the TWCS that's reasonably priced, well made and full of functionality, the bang for buck accompaniment for the leading bang for buck joystick. =)

@@CasmoTV Not really. The new F15e Orion 2 throttle combo is $235 right now and you can also get the Orion 2 throttle base with a F-18 throttle handle for around $200. But I still like this throttle for low end/starter especially with the button options (ability to move them around with spares). That's pretty awesome. Great review regardless. You covered everything well. Its good that there's more options than there used to be in the throttle/hotas market.

@@jubuttib Yup, have the STECS rig mounted next to my Warthog as an experiment - the STECS feels *way* better in my hand; the throttle movement is superb, the movable detents are next level good for multi use - and all the switches are awesome. The STECS feels very premium to me - and is a perfect match for the MCGU. The fingerlift buttons are extremely good for things like sidewinder uncage + depress buttons too, there's just so much flexibility here.

FWIW VKB's 2 year warranty is twice as long as WinWing's. Seems like they must have some faith in their construction.