Virtual reality has been impacting many industries and has been a sensation in 2024. Whether it’s the employees or workers, companies are encouraging about the technology.
To experience virtual reality, one must have two devices: a virtual reality headset and its controller. If you are new to virtual reality, this guide about virtual reality controllers is for you.
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What is a VR Controller?
A VR controller is a device that is used to move and interact with the virtual world. It typically consists of buttons, triggers, sensors, and thumbsticks that track your hand movements to mimic your actions in the virtual world. The best VR controllers are lightweight and comfortable to hold.
The buttons are used to perform basic interactions, such as selecting objects or navigating menus. Triggers are used for more precise actions, such as picking up an object or shooting a virtual gun. Thumbsticks provide the analog input that makes these smooth and precise actions possible in the virtual world.
Lastly, sensors track the position and orientation of the controller in real time. This technology allows for accurate and responsive interactions and thus, users can feel as if they’re truly present in the virtual world.
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Importance of a Good VR Controller
A VR controller can either make it the best virtual reality experience for you or degrade it, depending on its quality. Thus, a good virtual reality controller is important for a seamless and immersive experience. It not only makes the whole experience great but also keeps you comfortable.
Ergonomics play a crucial role in a controller. To put it together simply, the controller should fit comfortably in your hands and should be lightweight. It’s an important factor because you can’t use the controller for long sessions if it’s heavy. A well-designed controller will make you forget that you’re holding a device.
Another aspect of a controller is its responsiveness. The sensors and tracking technology should be accurate and reliable to accurately translate your hand movements into the virtual world. Precision is important here to perform tasks such as moving small objects or performing delicate tasks.
Additionally, the layout of the controller and the placement of buttons and triggers should be ergonomic. Hence, allowing for quick and effortless access to different buttons and functions. A well-thought layout design can enhance the overall user experience.
In short, a VR controller is important to bring a virtual world to life. But, a good controller is even more important to uplift that experience.
Key Features of Top Controllers
When choosing a VR controller, you should consider these three factors: Comfort and ergonomics, tracking accuracy, and battery life. These factors greatly impact the controller’s longevity and suitability for your needs.
So, let’s have a quick look at all of these factors, one-by-one.
1. Comfort and Ergonomics
Some of the important factors you should first check in a VR controller are — comfort, weight, and ergonomics.
VR sessions can often be lengthy and so, it’s important for the controller to feel natural and not strain your hand or wrist. You should go for controllers with an ergonomic design, adjustable straps, and a comfortable grip.
Some controllers also come with customizable options, allowing you to adjust the size and shape to fit in your hands perfectly. This type of controller feels like it’s made exactly for you as it gives both comfort and control.
2. Tracking Accuracy
A high level of tracking accuracy in controllers is essential for realistic interactions with virtual objects. In simple words, it means that the controller should be able to reflect your hand movements into the virtual world without any lags or delays.
The best suggestion would be to look for controllers with advanced tracking technologies such as optical or inside-out tracking. Controllers with such advanced tracking technologies use a combination of sensors and cameras. Hence, they allow you to interact with the virtual world and manipulate virtual objects in real time.
3. Battery Life
Last and another factor that you should consider is the battery life of the controller. You should look for controllers with an extended battery life that can stay charged for multiple sessions.
Some controllers also come with innovative charging solutions, such as fast charging capabilities or removable batteries. Hence, ensuring your time in your virtual sessions.
While choosing the right VR controller, you should consider these three factors. If you are new to virtual reality, we have listed our top 4 picks below that you can consider.
Top 4 VR Controllers: Our Picks
Here, we have listed our top 4 VR picks, including the headsets that have the best controllers.
1. Meta Quest 3
The Meta Quest 3 headset comes along with its controllers. Starting with the headset itself, it has a sleek design that features an ultra-high-resolution display. The best part about the headset is its real-life-like visuals.
Speaking of controllers, the controls are really at your fingertips. These controllers allow you to experience seamless interactions with the virtual world. Being lightweight, they’re also comfortable in your hands.
2. HTC Vive X12 Elite
The HTC Vive X12 Elite focuses more on the tracking technology and sensors than the visual quality. Undoubtedly, the headset has great visuals too. However, the level of immersion is amazingly fascinating.
The controllers have a 6DoF (degrees of freedom) with ergonomically placed buttons, triggers, and touch sensors. The Vive Controller for XR Series is compatible with Vive Focus 3 and Vive XR Series.
3. Oculus Touch
Oculus Touch is great at finger movement-tracking sensors. However, it’s sensitive as well. For instance, if you move your thumb even a little bit around the stick or buttons, you can see the sensors working. They’re incredibly sensitive.
However, Oculus Touch is a simple controlling system that can manipulate objects easily. These controllers work well with SteamVR, like the Oculus Rift. When you play SteamVR games, the analog sticks work as the touchpads, and similarly, the functions of other buttons and triggers change.
In conclusion, the controller tracks motion perfectly and feels intuitive and natural in the hand.
4. Valve Index
The Valve Index controller is one of the best controllers out there, and that’s why it’s in our top 5 list. It has been designed in a way to comfort you for long VR sessions, and keep the interactions natural.
Each controller has 87 sensors that track hand position, finger position, motion, and the grip’s pressure to determine the user’s intent. For instance, you can not only easily throw or grab objects, but also squeeze or crush them.
A Short Recap
To sum up, while choosing the right VR controller for yourself, consider these factors: comfort and ergonomics, battery life, and tracking accuracy. Additionally, confirm if the controller fits with your device and platform.
If you have a higher budget, you can look for controllers with adjustable straps. However, you must note that different controllers have different layouts, shapes, buttons, triggers, sensors, and haptics. So, don’t expect the same from every controller that you see out there.
If you are new to the world of virtual reality, go and check our full introduction guide on virtual reality.