VKB STECS Review: The Only Throttle With Swappable Control Modules!

VKB recently shook up the flight simulation gear market with their STECS system. It features variable programmable detents and swappable button modules. The STECS is some tough competition for WinWing, Virpil and Thrustmaster alike. Watch my thorough review to see if it fits your requirements of a throttle unit for your sim rig or desktop.
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[@WatchMysh]

Additions to the review I noticed after longer use or other helpful stuff: - The side mini stick is not very intuitive to use for lateral thrust in space games - The mini stick is also difficult to push without moving one of its axes (thanks to sthompson3) - Since the throttle grip is on the frontmost part of the base, your hand is far away from the buttons on the STEM while in full afterburner (thanks to sthompson3) - I sometimes happen to push the "C1" marking in VR because I mistake it for the A2 button. - Regarding ergonomics: My thumb is 6.5cm long measured from the center of the first joint until the tip(thanks to Spelljammer1 for asking) - The missing back light sometimes makes buttons hard to find / read (Thanks @ ILruffian)

[@rutrose2000]

The mini stick is def a problem with the OEM hat. If you have a 3d printer there are castle hats on Thingiverse you can print which combined with a healthy amount of curve solves the problem of moving an unintended axes completely. I also don't care for the position of the rotary axes which would normally be used for zoom view. It's just in an awkward position to feel natural in my hand. I use the front "triggers" to zoom in and out, and they work great. So far I'm really enjoying mine and glad I got one.

[@deekamikaze]

I do have to say that I love the throttle coming from a T16 throttle but I do wish there was even just a faint back light. I usually sim with the lights really low or in the dark because I love flying at night but when I go to hit buttons on the module, I have to feel around a bit to get an idea of what I'm pressing before I actually click down on it and I wish I could just glance down and know exactly what to hit. I'm sure over time I'll better memorize where things are though. Another thing I noticed is that the side stick seems to change axis if you're idle or in full AB since your wrist doesn't seem to stay in the same place. I have gotten used to that one but that was a big learning curve at first.

[@boblighthouse1552]

Look into "Dycem non-slip" material too keep the throttle from sliding around, great stuff.

[@Cesko_Plny_Fialovejch_Zmrdu]

What is STECS stands for? Seem like "Sold out simulator" to me

[@WatchMysh]

Demand seems crazy. People have been waiting for a VKB throttle for years and now every re-stock only seems to last several hours until it's all gone again.

[@virgo47]

I own the STECS Standard for a bit over a month, the air-shipped EU unit that was a bit more pricey - but let's not talk about that. ;-) I like it a lot and after a while I got used to some of its idiosyncrasies. Let's just make it into (hopefully) short points: - Build quality is great. No problem with plastics. - Standard has the throttle a bit away from you, when on the desk. Awkward at first, but I got used to it after a while. - Yes, it is tilted forward and many thumb buttons (and ministick especially) are harder to operate in the full forward position. That's a fact. - I was puzzled about triggers at first, but found good usages for them eventually. E.g. back triggers are for countermeasures, and front for lock/unlock. - Ministick is good, I also got used to its orientation faster than I expected (in spite of the rotation of the throttle). But the press is not very friendly - so I use it just to center the TDC. Hence the lock/unlock on the front triggers. - I managed to use the left throttle encoders as axes, but I find it suboptimal - it has steps, it's slower and/or less precises. I'd love to see REAL axes there, one of them spring-loaded as suggested in the video. Would be tons better. - I like the palette of buttons on the STEM module, I even like the tough metal switch - jettison for me. ;-) - Encoders on the STEM are great and much more useful than the ones on the left throttle. - K-switches have tougher middle press, strange, but usable. - The rest of the buttons are OK, but all the same, no pointy/touchy markings, that's a shame. "Me too" mistake the C1 label for a button quite often... that shows a tad poorer design of this part. Not touch friendly. Button action is otherwise OK. - Detent desing, on the other hand, is pure genius! Including the programmable options of generated button presses for the detents. Well done here! - Also, the modularity of the five buttons/hats is great. Just make up your mind before you start assigning the buttons, because they renumber after the module changes. Great flexibility! In general, I like it a lot. Would my dream throttle be a bit different? Yes. But this one is pretty close.

[@sthompson3]

Here are a few comments from someone who paid full price for the same unit and has been using it for about a month. (While I appreciate reviews of this sort, I can't help think that getting a free unit induces at least some unconscious bias in favor of the unit, even if the manufacturer did not put any restrictions on the review.) I have some problems with the ergonomics, even though my hands are not especially small. First, (1) The lowest button/hat on the right hand grip requires a significant amount of hand movement away from the natural placement. It is difficult to operate that while also operating other grip functions. It's also at an awkward angle which makes it hard to distinguish which way to push for up/down vs. forward/back. This is a problem for all of the RHS hats, but especially for this one. This was never a problem on my old throttle, which moved linearly instead of in an arc. (2) The arc of the throttle is biased towards the forward direction. That is, the arc is not symmetric with respect to the vertical direction with far more movement away from the user (relative to vertical) than towards the user. Furthermore, on the standard version, with its large STEM module in front of the grip, the throttle grips are actually quite a long way from you if you position the unit at the edge of a desk. These features together mean that it is a long reach to the grips when they are all the way forward, and they are at an awkward angle also at that point. As a consequence, it is difficult to find and operate the buttons and other controls on the back side of the grips (i.e. the side away from you) when in full afterburner. (3) The chrome plated "flip switch" is very stiff and hard to operate. It makes a very loud click when operated. The white one is much better. Some of the buttons on the STEM module also require a lot of force. (4) Two of the buttons on the back side of the grip (labeled ENT and RST) are almost flush and thus hard to find by feel. One of the encoder wheels is also hard to find since it is almost flush. (5) The press operation of the ministick requires quite a bit of force and the cap on the stick is very pointy. As a result it is essentially impossible to depress it without also moving the ministick along its axes. This means it is not really possible to use it as a TDC with associated TDC depress function since pressing the stick almost always moves it at the same time. (6) I bought this to supplement my VKB joystick. However, while the two units share a common configuration program, they do not communicate with each other in any way. My old CH hardware had an integrated app that let you program functions that used inputs from both CH units together. This is not possible with the VKB software, since all settings are in the hardware rather than in a common driver running on the PC. I don't want to sound too negative since the throttle has a lot of good points. The build quality seems excellent, and the programming functions are excellent apart from the one issue I raised above.

[@WatchMysh]

Thanks for the thorough comment, appreciate that! :) Let me address some of the points: 1) I have no problem with this single button/hat. Easy to reach and operate for me. 2) That's a thing. Will add to sticky! 3) I also stated that in the review 4) No problem for me finding the buttons and the encoder. 5) That's a problem I noticed after I used the STECS for a longer time. Will add to sticky, too 6) Legit. But what's the advantage? All other manufacturers handle it like VKB afaik (Virpil, Thrustmaster, WinWing). //edit: everything added to sticky. Thanks for your input! I always collect additions to my reviews and put them there. The community always sees more than I do since we all have different perspectives and hand shapes.

[@SIMRIG412]

lol you’re being a cry baby! I paid for mine and have no problem with it.

[@donrumsey7422]

HOW TO videos for HAT switch config would be AWESOME!

[@WatchMysh]

Hey :) What do you mean exactly? Like for specific games... or...?

[@Bronco-1776]

A shame it doesn't have a paddle in the front that can be programmed for the Rudder...... like the TWCS Thrustmaster.

[@WatchMysh]

@@Bronco-1776 Yep. I have no idea why no premium throttle just copies that.

[@SIMRIG412]

lol there are tons of options for use as a rudder obviously you didn’t watch the video or understand anything in the video 😂

[@Bronco-1776]

@@SIMRIG412 ... and none of those options is a paddle.

[@alonsoquijano9555]

It looks amazing in overall. We just hope in the next version that "5 position rotary switch" includes 5 different modes to multiply the functions by 5, like its virpil equivalent. Also some the "white plasticky" switches, buttons, and encoders could be substituted with more professional-looking components.

[@iontesu2911]

This means that I can’t use the 5 position rotary switch as a Modifier in DCS?

[@iontesu2911]

Great review, I have a question: can I use the white selector button on the right of the throttle as a Modifier in DCS? Thank you

[@WatchMysh]

Thanks :) Didn't test it out yet but I could quickly check in the test menu. The buttons stay pressed on all of the 5 positions. Should be usable then. You could also map a keyboard key like alt to one of the positions then I presume.

[@TheLoneLlama]

This is the best video I have seen about this, thanks for covering it.

[@WatchMysh]

Thanks! Putting a lot of effort into these videos and it's really nice to see them being appreciated. I'm editing 4 more flight sim hardware reviews at the moment! :)

[@on_wheels_80]

Just needs to get available in the EU. I'll then immediately, in the words of former Speaker of the House of Commons Jorn Bercow: "Order! Order! Order!"

[@WatchMysh]

Oh is it unavailable right now? Hope they'll restock soon. :)

[@Seekay_]

Watching this as I'm excitedly waiting for my STECS Standard to arrive. It's in my city already so I should be getting it today.

[@WatchMysh]

Nice! Did it arrive by now?

[@Seekay_]

@@WatchMysh Yep!

[@WatchMysh]

@@Seekay_ Let's go! And - what do you think? :)

[@Seekay_]

@@WatchMysh I don't really know what to think yet. I did one test flight on MSFS and everything seems to be working, but I still need to tweak the settings a lot.

[@WatchMysh]

@@Seekay_ I spent a few hours to tweak everything in IL2 Sturmovik. Haven't started with FS2020 yet because I'm lazy and I just use my already set up Winwing stuff. ^^ What exactly still needs tweaking and what plane are you flying primarily? I plan to configure the Kodiak tomorrow. :)

[@goncalorodrigues7548]

Great video! Hope you make one soon about the Virpil VPC CDT-VMAX Throttle (though it is small and has way less buttons... maybe comparable to the STECS Mini)

[@WatchMysh]

Never got anything so far from Virpil, so I don't think so. Maybe I can crowdfund one and then give it away within the community lol

[@goncalorodrigues7548]

@@WatchMysh Oh, alright, I think I haven't seen enough of the channel videos to noticed that ahah

[@WatchMysh]

@@goncalorodrigues7548 I have a video about the Constellation Delta and the WarBRD base, but that's it. Bought everything just as it was released.

[@kunnollinen8627]

I wish the company was closer for less shiping cost

[@WatchMysh]

Where are you situated?

[@uniteddrones7626]

I was gonna purchase both my sticks but once I saw the extra shipping price, I held off

[@loucksm1rpg]

​@uniteddrones7626 I did the same last year. But I just purchased this throttle and the ww2 stick for sim war thunder.

[@ludwig8334]

@@loucksm1rpg how does it work for war thunder?

[@loucksm1rpg]

@ludwig8334 I don't have it yet hopefully this week.

[@Spelljammer1]

Thanks for the good ergonomics overview. The sound test sounds bad in my opinion, more like the SCG grip buttons then the MCG-U buttons from the same manufacturer (i.e. less premium). However, those swapable detents totally have me won over. How long is your thumb? It would help us assess the ergonomics in individual cases when we cannot test the product in our hand.

[@WatchMysh]

You're welcome. :) I'll give you the measurement tomorrow. :) Yes, the buttons don't feel very premium. The hats and wheels do, though. The buttons on the NXT EVO Gladiator feel better, though.

[@WatchMysh]

My thumb is 6.5cm long measured from the center of the first joint until the tip.

[@Spelljammer1]

hey great many thanks for the response! funny, mine is almost exactly like that, which makes the video super useful too figure out the ergonomics. :) @@WatchMysh

[@WatchMysh]

@@Spelljammer1 happy to help! :) I've also added the measurement to the sticky! Thanks for the idea.

[@fishytails6639]

this seems like a great unit in general 👍

[@WatchMysh]

It is. :)

[@alpenfoxvideo7255]

if Winwing had this modularity, especially for the burner, it would be perfect... or if this had the Orion's buttons

[@WatchMysh]

I know right? A combination of these two throttles would be king.

[@lubosmartinkovic2549]

How did you activate the new HATs? I putt 5 way HAT in to Radio position and 3 way in to OP EXEC, but they don't work correctly. What i need to do to make them work.

[@WatchMysh]

You need to re-initialise the throttle unit. Check out the according video on VKB's KZbin channel. It's explained there. :)

[@WatchMysh]

It's called "STECS Button module swapping"

[@gavancorrigan8813]

Seeing as you have the Winwing and the STECS, can you say which one is your preferred daily driver? I want to but a throttle and stick but would prefer to be within the one ecosystem as much as possible. Although I am pretty sold on the Winwing pedals too…

[@WatchMysh]

For me it depends on personal preference. I use them both, but I like the placement of the mini stick on the front better than on the side - and I like the metal finish of the throttle grips. VKBs software allows for much more customization than Winwing's, but I don't tinker around with it a lot. I'd rather bind my buttons and just fly. If you're mostly into planes and you don't need twist I think the WinWing set is the better choice overall. Together with the pedals it's just great value overall. Otherwise the STECS also works great together with WinWing devices. If you're a fan of the interchangeable detents for example and you're okay with the sidestick then go for it. You'll just have two apps running instead of one.

[@ILruffian]

Excellent review, thanks for taking the time to share your insight. One thing I would add to the cons section is the lack of backlight on the buttons. Not necessarily a dealbreaker, but close.

[@WatchMysh]

Good point! Added to sticky. :) Thanks.

[@ILruffian]

Have to admit that I stole it from another review that was otherwise not nearly as thorough as yours. But it's a huge point. A lot of people play in the dark.@@WatchMysh

[@zealandwylie489]

Will this fit on an Amazon Hotas desk mount?? I’m trying to figure this out before I buy it

[@WatchMysh]

There are tons of different mounts on Amazon. Check the measurements of the STECS. There's a PDF on VKBs website.

[@zealandwylie489]

@@WatchMysh Yes I have the mount, I think they are all pretty much the same thing. The dimensions are in mm for some reason

[@bluetox6989]

top vid + greetz

[@WatchMysh]

Thanks :)

[@KSIREBEL]

Is there a way of getting that keypad shown in the thumbnail

[@WatchMysh]

These are the extra modules. They are included with the STECS Standard.

[@CAL1MBO]

Being that it features Siberian build quality, I can't honestly see those panels lasting more than 3 years of heavy use.

[@WatchMysh]

Would be the first time for any VKB product. But which panels do you mean exactly?

[@cloudk2088]

STECS Mini Plus will be my choice.

[@WatchMysh]

Good one :)

[@ODog2323]

What's a good throttle out there to use with the right hand??

[@WatchMysh]

Not a lot of options without modding. Maybe the VKB omni throttle or the Virpil options with Z-adapter.

[@MontSutton01]

Do the The triggers in the back work like a button making them no good for rudder control like my t1600 throttle

[@WatchMysh]

No. They are just buttons.

[@MontSutton01]

@@WatchMysh Turns out you can make the triggers into an axis. Works well for rudders. Not easy to change the programming, but I got it done somehow.

[@WatchMysh]

@@MontSutton01 How did you do it? They are still just buttons or not?

[@lucas9467]

if i buy throttle from virpila ,and the whole stick with the base from VKB, will it work together?

[@WatchMysh]

Sure. They use their own respective config software but can be normally bound within games.

[@DStanification]

Good tip on the double sided tape

[@WatchMysh]

"The poor man's quick release mounts" :D

[@odneil3420]

What are the dimensions of the box?

[@WatchMysh]

You mean the base? Or the box it gets delivered in?

[@GhostRecon2015]

5:37, dam your racist. 😂

[@WatchMysh]

Lol why?

[@GhostRecon2015]

Switch out the colored one right away. Lol​@@WatchMysh

[@WatchMysh]

@@GhostRecon2015 lol omg 🙈

[@crackensvideo]

What are the size dimensions? The size dimensions doc on the product page has numbers but doesn't bother to denote the unit of measure. :(

[@WatchMysh]

Centimeters in the STECS pdf

[@crackensvideo]

@@WatchMysh o.o the base is not 120 inches. (305 cm = 120 inches)

[@WatchMysh]

@@crackensvideo lol sorry. Millimeters. The base of the STECS Standard is 30,5cm long. Just measured it.

[@crackensvideo]

One last question: do these come with rubber soles of any kind? My desk is a glass surface and I really can't mound it to anywhere. :( @@WatchMysh

[@WatchMysh]

@@crackensvideo There are anti slip pads on the base plate. Can't test how they behave on a glass surface, though. You should be ok. And if not you can get sth stickier for a few bucks.

[@Avg_weeb]

Is it he same with the mini plus

[@WatchMysh]

@@Avg_weeb what exactly? The Mini Plus is the same grip but a different front module

[@Avg_weeb]

@WatchMysh no i meant does it come with detents and extra grips cus on the website it dosent say

[@WatchMysh]

@@Avg_weeb I don't know about NA but on the EU website you can find this: Includes 1 STECS base 1 MTG-L Grip 1 MTG-R Grip 1 Detent Frame 1 L-shape detent - regular 1 L-shape detent - large 1 V-shape detent - regular 1 V-shape detent - large 1 ATEM module 1 Phillips head screwdriver 1 Hex screwdriver 1 USB cable (180 cm / 6′) So you get 1 detent frame, 4 detents and no extra modules.

[@Avg_weeb]

@WatchMysh thank you bro 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@KsaltDin]

отличный обзор, спасибо! с нетерпением жду, когда РУД, после окончания всех сертификаций появится на складе в России, и можно будет заказать его курьерской доставкой в Беларусь. VKB Sim делает достойные продукты, очень продуманные с инженерной точки зрения. В наличии уже имеются РУС Gladiator MkII и педали T-Rudder MkIV + BlackBox, для полноценной сборки остался только РУД :)_

[@WatchMysh]

Thanks! Hope you can get one quickly! It's a great throttle unit and you won't be disappointed. :)

[@KsaltDin]

@@WatchMyshуверен в этом! :)