TourBox: Is This The Ultimate Controller For Artists? 

I was interested in the device then I click the link and saw the price, I was no more interested

as a lefty i personaly use an cheap numerical keypad combine with autohotkey for example 0=space 1=alt 2=ctrl 3=shift 4=LeftBracket 5=LeftMouseClick 6=RightBracket 7=ctrl+alt+z 8=H(horizontal flip) 9=ctrl+alt+y and I can also combine 2 or 3 keys for example hold 0 and press 5 = rightmouseclick, more complex macro etc...

you can buy a small 'programmable keypad' for under $50 US and program single keys to do any keyboard combinations you want. you could even do something crazy like Alt + Ctrl + Shift + D with a single key

Wow Boro, this tool is a MUST HAVE ! :) Cheers for the vid man

I use a Razer Tartarus. It has more buttons and a good system of macros

I use the Razer Tartarus v2. I love it for the ease of customization and confort. Would love to see a cheaper version with no RGB though.

Your reviews are spot-on for that perfect blend of technical detail, functionality and art. Love it!

i have a clip studio tabmate! it holds like a wii nunchuck and functions very well with clip studio, which is the primary software i use.

Oh man, finally seeing this in English. I've heard of the controller idea before trying to find examples in the manga scene. The thing that got me hot on the hotkey path is the Urasawa Naoki's Manben episode of Junji Ito ( Urasawa Naoki no Manben ). Ito's homemade hotkey pad is some both madness and the most beautiful I've ever seen. I use an extra number keypad (I'm right handed, keys usually on left), with basically 12 most used keys, CSP is really cool with its auto-actions, I assigned a button auto-action to do COPY and PASTE in one button.

The Nintendo Switch Joy Con makes for a pretty neat Shortcut remote too. I Personally recommend a 8BitDo Zero Gamepad with something like the "Joy2Key" Application or AutoHotkey. Both the, the 8BitDo and Joy Con, are made to fit into one hand comfortly and offer a lot of buttons.

A note on the idea with the controller, which leads me to want to try some things, is a program called reWASD. It offers a wide variety of key configuration support and device support. It's super in-depth and let's you map different profiles configurations. Granted you would "lose" a button, but you could map say, the trigger to switch into a different mode which would have all the other buttons available for a different set of tasks/hotkeys/etc.

Like many other artists I know, I am using a Razer key pad (mine is Tartarus v2). It has a wheel, switch and around 25 buttons. All keys can be easily modified with a free razer app. It's very comfortable to lay your hand on and you can use is for long working sessions. The pretty design, RGB light and the fact you can use it for gaming when you're not working is really cool. The only downside is that it takes some time to get used to and remember where you put each shortcut. Btw, I think it's still cheaper than the Tourbox...

I understand that the price has to be hight since its a niche tool, for a specific purpouse and since demand will be low it needs to pay itself, but its just not worth it, as cool as it is, hopefully one day, for now ill suffer with my keyboard still

I was thinking about getting myself a streamdeck for something like this, but I haven't tried it out yet. Apparently it's really powerful for macros and doesn't require you to be focused on a specific application. Normally it's made for streamers, so this example is for a streamer, but the video I watched showed that one push of a button could scroll back through the live video someone was streaming, grab the last 30 seconds, and upload it to twitter with a specific caption. I'm probably not describing it well, but it sounds really cool, and might be worth looking into.

Thanks for your enthusiastic review of the tourbox 👍🏼 . Your experienced advice on the functionality & potential of this device is appreciated.

I've set up my tablet's 12 hotkeys for photoshop like this: 1-mirror canvas hotkey, 2-S for smudge tool, 3-Undo (Ctrl+Z), 4-Alt key, 5-B (brush), 6- E (eraser), 7-Ctrl+T(free transform), 8-Ctrl+D (deselect selection), 9-Esc, 10-Enter, 11-Ctrl, 12-Shift. Also I set a sensor wheell on my tablet for R (rotation). On my pen I set bottom button to Z for calling zoom function, and I set upper button as a RightMouseButton. And that's all. I don't need keyboard at all while drawing... Except maybe when I am typing a name of a file for my new drawing when I am creating new file )))) (my tablet is Huion HS-610)

I use a old Wii Remote, with JoyToKey software to map each keys and it's very great. - JoyToKey let you assign profiles (e.g. per software) AND layers, like in programmable keyboards. I have mapped the B key (Big button behind, always accessible) to layer 2 while holding, layer 1 when released, so I have a total of 20 keys (10 layer 1 + 10 layer 2, even more with tap/hold function), if I click on the A button, it will CTRL+Z, if I hold the B button (layer 2) + click A, it'll redo (CTRL+Y). You can even access more buttons with tap or hold function, e.g. my left arrow, when tapped is the brush tool, but when holding it for more than 1 sec enable the eraser. - Only thing I'm missing is a joystick, I think a nunchuk can be connected and you can map it too but then it'll require two hands. A Nintendo Switch joy-con can be used with the same software, it's smaller, you still get access to 10 buttons + a joystick. It'll be my next remote but I don't have a Switch atm and can't find a solo remote for sale. - You can hold it in one hand and access all buttons. - The silicone case improves the holding experience. - It is bluetooth, so no files required. - You can buy an old Wii Remote second hand at a cheap price.

What I did, was I just used a Logitech game controller and Joy To Key to map the shortcuts to different inputs. It's actually really easy and allows any shortcuts in photoshop including mouse mobility. All possible keyboard combinations and works with any controller! It worked for me! Edit: It also solves the repeating command issue, as you have a press and hold to repeat option, where you can set the rate of repeating too. I think you should try the joytokey method. It's a bit bumpier, but it works and it''s a lot cheaper!

11 buttons for $150? I'm sorry little one, but I'll stick to G600 mouse which have 20 buttons for $40

It's nice of them to have given you this tool.

I used a flight stick Logitech G X52 a few years ago. It had a lot of stuffs for mapping like wheel, something to move the mouse, toggle button and some kind of mini stick to control the mouse. I used only the Throttle and wasn't really holding it in my hands but it was comfortable on the desk. It was pretty handy and since I used for sims also, it was worth it in my case.

Tourbox is good - i think it benefits most from constant dedicated use. The keyboard is so large and everything clearly labelled and you know it off by heart. Until you commit the tourbox controls to memory properly the keyboard is still a more pleasurable experience.

Joycon + Xppader is the best convo. 20+ shortcuts and everything works like a charm. Ps3 nav controller also works pretty well, for those with bigger hands.

I use the drevo keyboard and it has a wheel which is so convenient.

Mouse in right hand, pen in left, optimal choice for left handed person

I set one of my pen buttons to space and one to ctrl+space which does the scroll zoom most of the time! It's super nice to navigate the canvas while letting my left hand slack off haha Also, your idea to put the keyboard on top of the tablet is genius. I did it when I saw it on your last vid and it's been amazing. I personally think the keyboard is perfect for me but it's cool to know that there's stuff like this!

DAng thats look so handy! Im no illustrator, just a hardcore photoshop user, but this tech looks so handy for adding smoother workflow

thats a heavy pricetag. i just use a 10 dollar generic keypad and drew some pictures of the shortcuts on tape and placed them over the keys booted Hid macro and have a single setup for clipstudio and photoshop(i saw a video of someone doing this years ago on YT and just copied it).

You should look at the "macro king" video from linus tech tips, for me having a corsair keyboard as a secondary with fully customized key is a good equivalent too

I use Contour ShuttlePRO v2 for years, it is ergonomic for me just perfect.

My left hand is killing me trying to 'piano' the keyboard during art but man, these things are wayyyyy to expensive for a glorified controller. edit: I forgot I got to take the ShuttlePro from work home because nobody is using it! It has way more buttons (so great for hotkey users like me) , can definitely recommend this one. Fixed all my issues and the price is pretty good for what it is.

$25 left hand solution, the PlayStation mini controller is a good controller for this Im using it temporarily while I wait on my macropad since I had it anyway I mainly use zbrush but I turn the controller to the sticks facing my laptop and use only the right side of it right stick brush size (L to R), X Ctrl, Square alt, Triangle shift, Circle Brush, R1 Polyframes, R2 Symmetry and I have undo on my pen and it flows perfectly for me for now

Have you ever tried out the Wacom Express Key Remote? It seems to me like it'd give you pretty much what you tried to achieve with the PS4 controller. It has a lot of buttons that are configurable on a per-application basis, so you can map different shortcuts for each different software. It's also light and wireless, so you can rest your arm in any pose you like while using it. Sadly, the touch-scroll-wheel is pretty bad and I wish they'd used a physical wheel like on a mouse, because the one on the remote is very imprecise. I've never managed to use it well for things like brush size. On the other hand, painting software usually has options that let you hold down a button and then control the brush size by moving the Wacom pen. Basically, what I want to say is that the Wacom Remote doesn't have any sort of analog input... but for pressing shortcuts I find it a very good option. For me as a lefty the symmetrical design is a plus as well.

A one handed keyboard plus the shortcuts on your tablet does all the work you need

I’ve used some Wacom or another since the late 90s and I’ve always set the button on the pen to ‘pan’. Makes scrolling around anything painless.

im using a gamer one hand keyboard, those are available 15 bucks upwards. Razer has cool high end stuff with macros and joystick, but quite expensive

oh my, a digital pen with two buttons on top and a scroll wheel at 90° that goes through both sides would be pretty nice. one could use the thumb to press the buttons and index finger to scroll and it would be left hand friendly.

In my opinion hot keys are terrible for art as you have to memorize a lot more individual buttons to do very specific tasks rather than developing muscle memory to make a few buttons do a wide variety of tasks. The hands down best tool is a left side keyboard which is just a keyboard cut in half. The left side has just about everything, CTRL, ALT, Z, X, C, Z, Tab, Shift, Space, T, all of these things do everything you need it to do. I never touched those awful hot key rows with the little bumps on them so you know which one your hand is on or these macro boards with the dial.

I got myself a Koolertron key pad with 42 keys. It was really helpful! The only problem was that the software was not super convenient to edit.

I'd love some freeform lucidpixul-like content from you where you just paint whatever comes to mind and talk about irrelevant or partially relevant bullcrap

In my opinion nothing beats the Shuttle Pro :) that thing does the job for professionals in many creative fields and can be completely customized to individual programs (like wacom shortcuts). And it's cheap compared to all these new gadgets (there was another that costs several 100s...)

great video as always, thanks .👍

Is a nice controller. I think I would get annoyed with lack of buttons idk. Was using Razer Tartarus v2 for PC was quite nice with only downside for me was that it did not have on board memory and required software. So when I got iPad Pro it didn't work, but got a Koolertron 23 Keypad and have been using it with iPad Pro cause I can't escape keyboard modifiers in clip studio pro! D: Easily programmed it on a Windows PC via the software. Has on board memory so can plug into any device with same function effect. You can program it to switch to different layers. Was even able to have a layer for media controls that works on cellphone, pc, tablet. Does not have scroll wheel, but could always consider holding a key to modify and drag of the stylus to create effect you want, like increase brush size or zoom in. With iPad is not a problem as am usually using touch to navigate. Keycaps suck though, the texture wears off after few months and gets slippery and oily quickly, so might have to get a doubleshot pbt keycap set if you plan on using it. Can also consider a Planck EZ keyboard which is small form factor, but if you take time can make it full keyboard as well as marco keyboard for whatever you can think of with it being fully programmable and has so many layers. Is just tough moving on from one device to another when you get used to it. I often go back to my Koolertron Keypad, but still wish for functionality of the scroll wheel and thumb button stick of the Razer Tartarus v2. Anyways point is everyone has a different ultimate xD

To me that is awesome. I kinda want one now before I have the budget for it.

Nice! I'm pretty sure you can buy some cheap midi controllers with knobs and map it to some shortcuts!

I use a controller the Hyperkin x91. And map it to work with Clip Studio with JoytoKey. It's free, only the controller costs 29 but I had one laying around so.. I can do everything I need, from scrolling page, zooming, changing angle, changing and increasing brush size. I use all the buttons from the left side and its's wonderfull time saver.

Just get a PS Navigation controller and reWASD software. Totally customisable, single-handed design and cheap too.

I think it can be a lot more ergonomic and simple. my brain is already coming up with many different ideas that would expand its user-base and even make it cheaper to manufacture.

Boro what software do you use to visualize .psd thumbnails on Explorer?

which keyboard you are using in this video?

Wallpaper: www.wallpaperflare.com/nature-landscape-trees-water-cave-rock-lake-stones-sun-rays-wallpaper-znlcq

I would need like 10 more buttons for this price, its super high, and i need my buttons!

Lefty here, I use a streamdeck - works great! I do wish it had dials though.

Seen this thing before over at Adam from Lucidpixels too! This looks like an awesome device and i think i will get one in a while. I will still wait a bit though to see if support is doing some more extensions and especially if they keep it functional long term. I'm really burned by companys that throw great ideas onto the market and then abandon their product leaving you with a bad piece of hardware a year later. But in generel this is one of the best input devices i have seen since the graphic drawing tablet lol

Lol I am still playing around with a lenovo flex I bought last year. I can spin the canvas around with one hand and draw with the pen in the other. Since I am refreshing and learning new ways to draw/paint digitally, I'll stick with the simple bare bones things. I hate multi tasking. I got it over a drawing tablet simply because I like drawing. I enjoy doing it. I also like learning how to make software. So this was the best of 2 worlds lol.

I use a razer nostromo. I know it's not the cheapest option but it does everything I need it to.

I completely complete with you about Corel Painter. Please, for the love of god, better implemention in the Tourbox! (I'm not even using Painter yet, but I'm tin e Corel family, since PhotoShop, which I use a bit for drawing so far) Thanks in advance!

What about for left handed people as myself??

Would be great if all input devices and apps agreed on one generic input standard like the joystick HID stuff or OSC...

I'm using an XP-Pen AC19 pad which is similar but much cheaper,. It works pretty well and I'm using it on a Huion Graphic Display and Clip Studio etc with no problems!

Artstudio pro 3.0 out they change the brush engine again..... andd im confused again ....my old saved brushes dont work as they used to

They dropped the ball on this not being wireless. Most of us don't work at a desk like this. We work in an odd comfy chair in some weird position with our laptop folded into drawing mode. We don't need a wire to bend or break another usb port in that situation.

I tend to use GamePads for PC like the Razer Orbweaver, super customizable, they got rid of the scroll wheel for some reason but other gamepads can come with scroll wheels

there is a wacom pen with a scroll, think its called the wacom airbrush pen or something

I have a Deiyra mini mechanical keyboard, Razer Chroma green switch keypad and a clip studio tabmate for keys to use in art, as well as the included express key remote for the cintiq 24 pro.

...is there a "LeftHanded" version??

So, it seems to be designed for a right -handed artist. The device seem to be tailored for use with the left hand.

21:00 I think that can easily be solved with just choosing CTRL+ALT+Z instead of CTRL+Z.

the razer tartarous is the way to go.

I use a orbweaver personally, good for gaming and art.

If the PS4 dualshock somewhat works, I wonder if a Nintendo Switch controller would work too? 🤔

idk i have so many shortcuts on all the left side of my keyboard...

Great video, but I want to ask how could you display thumbnails for your PSD files

i have a surfacebook and a wacom cintiq 27... i think easiest is the keaboard LOL the wacom express remote is good but idk im not used to holding anything beside a keybaord in my hand... i also tried "radial menu" to get touch buttons on scree.. .its pretty good i almost like it better.... thought about getting a surface dial or a one hand gaming keyboard.. but idk i think i will just keep my keebaord on top with a keyboard holder.. i also have to say im only using the pen function to draw figures faces etc... for most illustration work like for example fonts or logos i mostly prefere the normal mouse and keybaord...

im surprised on the amount of short cuts i didnt know PS still had...then again i dont use PS that often but yeah i would soo get it if the price wasnt soo high D:

I actually tried to set up my xbox one s pad to control things in PS, as i thought i saw you were using one a few videos ago, but not get it to work :) . Have to look into this one.

My conundrum: TourBox or LoupeDeck? Has anyone tried both?

$170 seems like a lot for what is essentially a keyboard with very few buttons and a scroller. There are actual keyboards with scrollers on them out there for less.

always wanted a small device with a bunch of sliders and or dials for easily changing HSV Hardness Resaturation Blend etc while painting, but I cant find anything like this

Always wanted to try a Wii remote since they're meant for one handed use

I use Razer Tartarus V2, also lots of customizable keys and with scroll wheel for brush size

check out the azeron keyboard, they made a fucking crazy cool controller tool for gaming or even another editing apps

my dudes. Just get a Vr controller, you can use it with one hand and grab it ergonomically

I use JoyToKey + a joy-con in my cintiq.

We left handed are left behind once again ._.

Cool review, thank you! Have you tried it in CSP at all?

why is your monitor so small? does it make strokes easier?

Can you share your Blender settings for your Tour box?

I always was curious is it possible to use gamepad in any way in arts!

Idk man, $169 and no backlight? Hopefully the button feel is enough to distinguish clicks without looking at the device

I didn't know that ctrl + ass saves the document....

I tired the controller thing. But couldn't get any of the buttons or macros I made to work with photoshop . Something simple like 3 for trigger and crt+alt+z for bumper didnt register as a press

wait, is it possible to use joysticks on photoshop??????

it'd be awesome if they could get tourbox to run with linux too

Use a one handed keyboard thats targeted towards gamers, called the Red Dragon K585. Use the standard left-sided keyboard layout. Works great for me, even for a left handed user. My right hand is resting on the keyboard, even tho it’s not ergo made for the right hand. I think that keyboard for $40-60? Can’t remember

you said it feels cheap yet it's $170?! Σ(･口･) i would strongly suggest trying a maceoboard? there are versions with multiple scrollwheels and are cheaper!

Actually, I don't feel any need for anything else than the keyboard on my laptop, the tablet and a mouse. Would have to buy a usb hub to even be able to plug in more shit

7:50 Tap mate controller is it?

Does anyone know if I could get a simple numpad and set the numbers on that specific keyboard as hotkeys (copy, paste, back forward etc) or would that overwrite the settings on my normal keyboard too? Like, just pressing 2 would work as copy, would I be unable to type the number 2 on my normal keyboard then or can I have different settings for different keyboards?

what do you think about trackball mouse on left hand, i think you could do a work easyer