Controller vs. keyboard is a long-running debate among PC gamers. The former is usually more comfortable to hold and can be helpful with games that require specific kinds of fine or rapid movements. These factors make controllers the go-to for driving and third-person action games. However, mouse and keyboard remain the king and queen of precision inputs, making them invaluable to fans of first-person shooters. Various companies like Razer have attempted to bridge the gap with specialized gaming keyboards, though they’re generally not the most ergonomic of designs.
Now, former Razer designer Edward Larkin thinks he has the solution. His company recently unveiled the new Alt Motion Controller, which Larkin hopes will revolutionize PC gaming by finally offering gamers the best of both worlds.
The PLA Labs Alt Motion Controller almost resembles a trackball replaced by a central joystick and two smaller joysticks on either side. The three analog sticks work just like those on a handheld controller, with the added benefit that players can use all three at once. In addition, users can map whatever controls they want to the sticks, offering PC gamers hundreds of possible combinations. The Alt Motion even includes a built-in analog steering wheel for driving games. While Larkin doesn’t expect the controller to replace the player's mouse and keyboard completely, it certainly seems capable of a lot.
Of course, cost and ease of use are significant factors in any new piece of hardware. One can glance at the alien-looking device and assume it might have a substantial learning curve. According to Larkin, however, the slope isn’t as steep as one might think. He claims that a newcomer can master it after as little as 15-24 hours of use. This is reportedly because Alt Motion users don’t need to worry about repositioning their fingers.
As for the price, the Alt Motion will go for $250 once it starts shipping later this year. That’s about the same as a Razer Huntsman V2 or Logitech G915 Lightspeed gaming keyboard. However, given the Alt Motion novel design, it’s hard to say what an appropriate price would be.
Unfortunately, the controllers are not available quite yet, and PLA Labs have yet to announce a release date. The company plans to start taking preorders in March, though prospective buyers can still sign up for PLA Labs’ mailing list. Doing so also automatically enters customers in a raffle to win a free controller once the product finally launches. Many PC gamers will undoubtedly be waiting to see if the Alt Motion tech lives up to the big claims on the product’s website.
Source: PLA Labs