VKB STECS Throttle - Review

[@GeFlixes]

It's awesome that every throttle now has customizable detents. That's something I wish I had 10 years ago - even bought aftermarket detents for my Thrustmaster throttle back then!

[@9GLoco]

For the idle detent, setting it to < or less than and using the "OFF(hold)IDLE" will allow you to turn the throttle off by pulling it back past the detent. Basically the same as what you showed in the video, but with a bit extra functionality.

[@BlackjackTheLad]

Always appreciate your insights and thoughts on sim hardware, Jabbers. Glad we've got this one - hopefully more around the corner?

[@Jabbers]

Hope so

[@KevTCC]

Only 5 mins in and already the most helpful review of this throttle. Thanks!

[@gappleton8255]

This is the review I've been looking for! Well done!

[@bulversteher]

Thank you for bringing this product to my attention, been waiting for something like this from VKB for years! Put myself on the notification list - perfect companion for my Gladiator NXT.

[@PCPAyLOAD]

Love my VKB gear. Been using them since the first Gladiator Mk1. For mostly plastic devices its top notch quality. Thanks for the throttle review.

[@Jabbers]

Been a while since I posted a video, hoping to get back at it! Hope you guys enjoy, let me know if you have any questions! Some minor corrections: - 5:45 'recalibrate', should be 'reconfigure' - 8:08 about the detents per frame - officially there are 3, but 4 could be added (also, 10 frames instead of the default 5). To do this you just add PimpMySTECS for expanding the detents/frames this line: PimpMySTECS under the [USER] section in the file named zconfig.ini, which is located in the same folder with VKBDevCfg. Discord ► discord.gg/ZnkvumS

[@PilotPhotog]

Excellent review and demonstration of this throttle. I ordered one as soon as I finished watching your video. Great content and you deserve way more subscribers - count me as one of them now. Cheers!

[@andycozzens4107]

Been looking at upgrading from my Logitech X56 setup and I really appreciate your reviews. Very thorough, full of good information, and willing to address any shortcomings the product may have. Really helpful in making informed buying decisions. Keep up the amazing work!

[@thesquire5318]

Thanks Jabbers! My X56 throttle died after 3 loyal years and this was recommended...so after watching your review, I'm sold!

[@manizaeim]

Extremly impressive throttle, the level of customization is insane! I missed your DCS Videos, the dogfight series, Missios with Tricker, toturials and more ... All the best "ur best Maverick split throttle moment" 🤣

[@Tuuvas]

Nice review, Jabbers! I really hope VKB pushes out those smaller and more subtle detent options!

[@mvaldman2001]

Jabbers! Thanks! One of the best and most detailed reviews on the net! As always, great job!

[@SnowTiger45]

Great Review. VKB makes excellent products and at this price, I believe they will sell a ton of these throttles. I've been using a VKB Gunfighter MK II MCG Pro Grip for years and I LOVE IT. It has more 5-way hats than any other stick I am aware of providing tons of functionality which is required or at least extremely useful in many of DCS modules.

[@speed-of-heat]

nice to see you back

[@Jabbers]

I've been here, just lurking in the shadows 🤣

[@speed-of-heat]

@@Jabbers wel that's not at all creepy 🤣🤣

[@EZLogikal]

For anyone who wants a smaller or less aggressive detent - you can always file them down a little bit.

[@Mightymoose02]

Throttle looks awesome... Nice features and price. If the mini stick was movable as the other buttons, I would be totally sold. I like the mini stick on the index finger much more...

[@erichresko3523]

With respect to the mini-stick issues...if you happen to own an MCGU, you can swap out the module switch covers (both hats and mini-sticks) from the MCGU with the mini-stick on the STECS. I've found the castle switch hat cover from the MCGU works well since it has flats at each of the cardinal directions, so regardless of your thumb orientation, you can index your movement relative to the hat switch cover. If you don't have an MCGU you're kind of out of luck, but a lot of folks on VKB's discord have asked for this hat switch cover, so maybe soon they'll either sell it separately, or ship it with the STECS...

[@jubuttib]

Ooh, they're compatible? Nice. I think though that I'll just 3D print a new castle cap for it.

[@oldmanfunky4909]

I'm jealous he got it for free! But this throttle is on my xmas list. I already have the VKB Evo stick and this throttle will be a great addition!

[@bmbpdk]

Thank you for this video. A very interesting product, especially the modular buttons. It is always a pleasure to see manufactures experimenting with concepts like this, especially in a niche market as our. It either takes b*lls or some very thorough R&D to spent resources on things like this by a company. Having been flightsimming since the late 90´s, ive tried almost every brand out there, so i always recommends brands having stable and longlasting axis and software. So often bad/cheap axis and/or badly written software brakes the hardware. I dont mind spending half a day learning the software, as long as that software is stable and "just works".

[@Phipanjo]

The swappable design is very nice! Great and detailed video!

[@pip07200]

Got mine last month, worth the wait, fantastic value. Setting the detents up was easy : Instead of idle, it was bound to buttons, and used reversing thrust.

[@or10nsharkfin]

Hot damn. VKB's shooting for the stars with their gear. Having just gotten into DCS World and flying an F15E in it I might have to look into getting this in the near-future.

[@RoamingAdhocrat]

bought one an hour or two before watching this and feeling pretty confident I made a good choice!

[@dorfkind9825]

Just ordered one already got the MCG and SCG as HOSAS Setup

[@PolTen72]

"perform your best Maverick split throttle moments"... Genius 😀

[@eknib]

fantastic review, and appreciate the tutorial on setting up the dents

[@Jabbers]

Thanks for watching!

[@xaviersillen3428]

Great video and very nice, constructive review. Thanks in particular for discussing softer detents and multi-stage afterburners detents and providing this feedback to VKB.

[@notarokescientist3003]

bought it love it and the software gives amazing versatility

[@SkittZee]

Great video, review too, well done, yes we want more !

[@Jabbers]

Thank you!

[@myuw91]

Thank you for reviewing this, definitely going to order one soon!

[@VonHoffnung]

Thank you for the review - just ordered mine!

[@CaseyBartley]

Speed brake module more like WinWing's and the thumb analog to also be modular to the index finger position (or middle finger) would basically make this the best choice for price to performance.

[@303HOLYONE]

I almost forgot your sweet deep voice sir :) I hope you're good.

[@karlviargretarsson464]

Great review. This helped me a lot and I'm buying one soon

[@eddysouidi9263]

good review!! VKB is now on my List for Christmast 🙂

[@Darrylx444]

The software can also convert the rotary encoders into axes. Also, I made a single button into an axis (auto trimmer) using it. Very powerful.

[@Jabbers]

Ya the software is great but prob something for a separate video

[@JMAv8Tor]

LOVE THE DETENT SOLUTIONS!!!

[@johnsullivan676]

seems like it would be easy enough to make your own detents or "rumble strips". They don't need to be as fool proof and professional as the supplied ones, just add some tactile feedback as you say.

[@riku4441]

Very good review, thank you Jabbers

[@UraniumEagle]

I've posted to the VKB discord a 3D printable replacement HAT for the TDC that resolves the issue of losing your sense of orientation when moving the throttle through its axis.

[@Jabbers]

Oh neat! can you ping me on that? @Jabbers in that discord..

[@9GLoco]

What is your discord username so that I can find this?

[@Hardcover_Pilot]

One thing that could also help with the mini stick is a hat closer to the concave ones that came with the button modules - having a pattern to give you that tactile sensation of "this is X, this is Y." Some guys on the VKB Discord are already working on designing a 3d-printed replacement for the thumbstick hat, and honestly I wouldn't be surprised if VKB didn't offer an option as well in the future.

[@Jabbers]

Ya I actually had someone reach out and send me the design for a 3d printed replacement like that.

[@Hardcover_Pilot]

@@Jabbers Nice. I'm definitely looking to pick one up once someone throws them on Etsy or something. Haven't made the plunge on a 3d printer of my own yet.

[@marcquintin7855]

Got the mini a week ago and I just love it

[@Wh1terider]

Just some feedback. Great Setup (and review) Jabs. What turned me off from VKB and over to Virpil was the Materials of Construction of some of their higher ended products, in particular the metal assemblies. Secretly I've been waiting for the proper match to the VKB metal gunfire ultimate series. Also their buttons just feel better. I would like to see VKB incorporate modularity for swapping out buttons, axis points and various switches. Giving the user a more forgiving and cost effective solution. Once they do this, I'll give VKB another look. Thanks!

[@WhyitJellyDonut]

As some one who uses vr for dcs I wish this came out earlier as I have a lot wasted buttons that I simply cant reliably hit due to not being able to see them while having a headset on so I got a lot of wasted buttons(money) on my virpil.

[@tver]

Nice and clear review. 👍 Having (even) more input & detent options (Detent Pack 2?..) would indeed be nice. And not just a specific airbrake ON-OFF-(ON) switch, but als an ON-OFF-ON toggle for the F-16’s Dogfight switch or the F-15’s Gun-SRM-MRM weapon select switch. I’m also curious about the ATEM module. Especially about the jettison dial-alike. No reviewer has reviewed a Mini Plus or Max version yet..

[@Jabbers]

Ya more toggles would be great

[@jubuttib]

Afaik the round switch on the atem is a 7-way (simracers familiar with fanatec would say "funky switch"), so cardinals, push, and encoder. One guy has a review of the max out so went through the ATEM too.

[@mungo7136]

Myself, I'd like at least one encoders on the left to be changed for axis or be given and optional module to do so. Probably - if internal space allows for that - they should consider option to swap mini-axis on the right side with 4-way on the front as built-in interchangeable modules. Same as than button/4-way combo on the right already is.

[@jubuttib]

16:44 Until VKB comes out with something, the fact that they kinda don't pre-define the detents in software in terms of size (you set the deadzones during the wizard, and can adjust them later manually anyway) means that 3D printing different detent profiles should be a fairly simple thing. I might have to give that one a go at some point. =)

[@Jabbers]

I found out after making this video that the software engineer is always making changes and there are already some hidden features like adding a 4th detent and allowing for 10 frames instead of the default 5. You can changed the size of the detent manually so it is already possible to 3d print and then choose a stock detent in the software but adjust the size after.part of the wizard setup where you mark the front and back of the detent is actually letting the software calculate that size for you.

[@jubuttib]

@@Jabbers Cheers, and yeah they're definitely updating it. When the first detent guide came out I floated the idea of having different buttons trigger when below and above the detent (wasn't possible originally), and lo and behold by the time they were shipping that had been added. =) Btw I think you had the inside parts/nuts for the detents the wrong way around, the big flat area is supposed to be towards the detent. Might eke out a little bit more space, and get them closer together, at least I did with my viggen ground and air idles. =)

[@Jabbers]

Oh shit i didn't even think about that... You are probably right.. Spacing would still be an issue as the surface area is still the same, and if the backing plates overlap you would get some angular change on the detent on the top side of the frame. I think the real solution would be create a detent that is 1 piece, with 3 positions on it.

[@jubuttib]

@@Jabbers Yeah but having the nuts closer to the detent surface Vs far away from it can create a millimeter or two, since they're on an arc. I think I got mine a bit closer than you did. But yeah it's not a REAL solution, just something to think about. I wonder if you could alternate them for even more space, so that one flat area is against the detent, next is upside down and above that, then right way around again...

[@Jabbers]

Ya alternating might help. Definitly something to tinker with!

[@thepathnotfound]

I wondered about the quality of the buttons and switches. Do they have a "quality feel? The tall rotary white buttons looked like they might be wimpy? Is this the flight stick company that has an outlet or store in Fla?

[@S3NTRY]

Great stuff, thanks Jabbers!

[@Easyn_]

Great video, thank you!

[@h.y-chen]

you should able to setup button trigger at idle / cutoff position so no need click button manually , also , you can change the throttle axis range/dz by software so you can make after bunner trigger position without change physical detent position

[@ImpendingJoker]

Well if they sell additional detent markers, then it wouldn't take much to file one down to make it into the little haptic feedback you're talking about or if they don't take one of the included detents you are not going to use, and modify one of them. All in all, this is a nice bit of kit for a good price. I might have to look into this to replace my Saitek X56 Rhino.

[@4IN14094]

The analog stick problem can be a easy fix with a head model with more tactile features like a 4 way head and a extended lip on both side of the thumb, I hope they add those to the package.

[@lelv30superbus64]

FYI you can swap hats between VKB products; I replaced mine with one from MCGU and use it as mouse. I have TDC (throttle designator control) on the stick instead. That hat is an extra from the STECS standard kit. Works for me.

[@Enigma89]

Take my algorithm food 🙏

[@streetmachine8211]

Good review

[@milk4chillout]

Thanks for the review. Unfortunately they have massively increased the prices. The standard now costs 355 instead of 279. I find that extremely cheeky

[@Jabbers]

I just checked, it's 279USD on their North American site still

[@milk4chillout]

thanks for checking, than the european market is the cash cow :(@@Jabbers

[@DreadnautVS]

Well done video boss, thank you.

[@dealwolfstriked272]

16:00 I said a decade ago that the perfect setup for a desktop throttle is this. Make it so that the throttle uses the sliding rail style so it steers away from the issue you bring up here. I posted this to Virpil and VKB forums "a lot" but no take or responses at all. With slider instead of pivot you do not get a change in hand position and you do not get the mind fuck you get when the hand changes position. I also think that as low as you can make it benefits a desktop setup. Also, same for joystick I feel a system that utilizes as slider rail system would greatly benefit gamers as most play at their desks. Keep the joystick as low as possible and with the pitch on a rail slider system with role as pivot and you just made the ultimate HOTAS!! What do I know, I am just some idiot on a PC sitting in mom's basement?! Well decades ago I fought for the brake pedal that barely moves idea. No one could even understand what I was talking about and nowadays the market for this brake pedal is amazing. Such a simple concept....the human foot doesn't translate movement to the brain but the human foot translates the most miniscule variance in pressure. I got called an idiot for a year and gave up and today we have this. simucube.com/simucube-activepedal/?v=fa868488740a

[@thegamingshatt4758]

Looks pretty cool but here in Aus it's $520 for the standard and I can't see why I would pay for that over $400 for the winwing Orion 2 or $485 with finger lift

[@mofa1332]

Quality stuff Jabbers

[@xp_pk]

Overall good video, but you missed a few key features of the software that make it much more useful/customizable. For example, you should use the curve setting (crv%) for your AB detents. This allows your detent to stop at an exact value (like 75% for the F-16) even if the physical detent isn't exactly located at 75%. Although, I do acknowledge that the current lack of documentation should be considered in the review since not informing your customers of important features is effectively the same as not including those features in the first place.

[@Jabbers]

Wasn't missed, just looking for the happy oath without getting too in-depth with the software. The software could be a whole other 20 min video.

[@JulieanGalak]

I'm just getting into DCS and want to buy this throttle. I'm wondering, though, how useful the add-on modules are for DCS specifically. The ATEM doesn't looks all that useful to me, but the STEM does, so the "standard" is tempting. But I don't like the location of it, in front of the throttle. Seems like it'd get in the way. Anyone have thoughts on this for DCS specifically?

[@patrickmc8779]

I’m fucking sold. I just need to buy a pc and get this!

[@theforgedone]

This throttle looks awesome! Except for the number of encoders. I'd much rather have buttons or toggle switches.

[@HungLoo]

Does any of buttons writings have backlighting or luminscence to it?

[@spitfirefrench]

that extreme de-esser and gate tho lmao

[@Jabbers]

Hah I just had construction done and the room is empty and square as hell....tried everything to get rid of the ridiculous echo...hopefully the next video will be better since I have added sound diffusers to help with the echo.

[@spitfirefrench]

@@Jabbers no worries dude just yankin ya chain

[@Jabbers]

I'm mostly impressed you picked up on it, great ear tbh.

[@geologik7500]

My key-press on detent is wildly broken on STECS Mini+ running 2.165. None of the buttons are correct between the Detent page and Test page.

[@jroc6345]

Just wondering if there's any axis on there which could be used as rudder pedals (think of the TWCS) - since I do not plan on getting actual rudder pedals but I'm up for a throttle upgrade. Anyway, nice review. Thank you

[@Jabbers]

Only thing I can think of is the front paddle buttons, but it would be buttons, not an axis

[@jroc6345]

@@Jabbers yup, I'll keep on looking. Thanks

[@shadynasty69]

it looks as if some buttons aren't distributed well like if you press the A1 or B1 not exactly in the middle it wont register the press is that ever an issue?

[@Jabbers]

Have not had that problen

[@iontesu2911]

Any particular reason why you used button 16 (left paddle)? You could use a logic button like 65 (and automatically 66) for the same function without using any real throttle button. And yes, at least in DCS buttons 65 and 66 appear in the Combo selection.

[@Jabbers]

Ya I didn't realize, talked to VKB after and they showed me

[@BCSchmerker]

+jabbers *Thanks for the comparo.* The Virtual Engineering Bureau manufactures in the ST⚞ECSᵀᴹ Throttle Series an engine quadrant that trumps the VIRPILⓇ MongoosT-50CM3Ⓡ in certain models for Eagle Dynamics DCS:World. Personally, I'd buy the Mini-Plus for the port flat and the STEM Panel for the starboard flat, as VirPil trumps the Virtual Engineering Bureau in hardiness for Control Panels #2 (port angle) and #1 (starboard angle). Has the ST⚞ECS an "inverse hat" for the "OTS" ministick? As a fallback for unavailability of the Throttletek GF-14 Engine and Wing Quadrant, I'd like a 4-way with the default OTS cone in the "OP EXEC" position to control the Wing Sweep; the "RADIO" Stadium and "BRK" Jog heads are appropriate for the notional Heatblur F/A-14E/F. Also the mini-Castle head (low parapet up) and Pyramid head for the 5-ways in, respectively, "MB1" and "MB2." Haven't decided which rotary encoder to assign to Flaps.

[@blackhawk7084]

I think VKB STEC has some very nice features but all the videos make it look like cheap plastic construction, especially at the buttons and switches. I may be wrong. I havent seen one IRL. I think this could easily be a great replacement for the Warthog if the construction is good!

[@bruhinatorwastaken]

Can left handed people use this effectively? Seeing how most of the buttons are all on the right it seems like it wouldnt be ideal great, but im hoping someone can prove me wrong

[@Jabbers]

That'd be tough.

[@KyleFilms]

Hi there, for some reason when I throttle up, the throttle in game doesn't throttle up... I can only be able to do the Idle on and off. Please help!

[@Jabbers]

I am not a support channel for VKB please contact them directly.

[@KyleFilms]

@@Jabbers It is not the hardware. I'm new to DCS and I try to bind the throttle but I can only did what you did which is the idle but I can't thrust or throttle up/down so that is my problem right now. Anyway, thanks for your response

[@Topper_Harley68]

Must be good for VR.

[@stijnvandamme76]

Too bad they missed out the obvious feat of the Warthog, the zoom control to the right of the throttle.. That one is soooooo handy to have.. And I love the VKB rudder, its the best. But the throttle just looks cheap, like the buttons seems o be 3D printed or something.. Not sure this throttle stands up against the Warthog..

[@Scoobydcs]

the detent led is flashing red, any idea why?

[@iontesu2911]

Very nice review. Quick question: can I use the 5 position rotary switch as a Modifier in DCS? Thank you.

[@Jabbers]

Interesting, I don't really see why not but I've never tried, it does appear as 5 separate inputs

[@lelv30superbus64]

Yes you can - it's basicly 5 "buttons" only one of which is selected at any given moment. This would make most sense in a scenario where all five positions would be modifiers. I have such a rotary switch on another device but it has been unused for a couple of years. The only use I have for it is making a row of 4 radio frequency encoders serve 4 different radios - and flight instruments in the 5th position. Hardly optimal but saves a little space in my movable multi-a/c simpit.

[@MikeTaylor-tw5wb]

hi jabbers, how do you get the throttle to continue into the afterburner? mine wont engage.

[@lelv30superbus64]

Which a/c? HB will add F-4E afterburner control to the in-game axis settings in DCS in the next patch. Just like it's on F-14. Meanwhile you can use VKBConfigurator to create a button but that's a little too long an explanation for a yt comment.

[@jameskane3943]

Think I might like WinWing Orion 2.

[@PeteV80]

Is there no manual? Very confusing to update firmware and settings

[@Jabbers]

There are videos on VKBs KZbin page, also links on their support page

[@tsangarisjohn]

Awesome price for what you get.

[@Vireca]

Hi, the detents come in doubles? 2 of the same type. When i think about detents for idle and afterburn i want both feel the same

[@Jabbers]

An idle/off detent should not feel the same, it's extremely difficult to get over idle/off and would be annoying for an afterburner. That said there are doubles of the detents

[@Aurocia]

Can the throttle hold its weight without moving, under reasonable friction setting?

[@Jabbers]

The friction is really strong

[@jimmydesouza4375]

The three way "Up-Down" switch with the white cap, is it a 3 way switch or an axis? I saw another review saying it was an axis and it moved smoothly in their video whereas you say it is a 3 position switch and it has a very clear set of "positions". Is it something you can customize?

[@Jabbers]

It's a switch, the only axis are the left right throttle, the knob on the right throttle and the thumb stick

[@lelv30superbus64]

@@Jabbers It can be turned in to an axis by removing one part inside, VKB has a video on how to do it. As simple as switching hats and buttons.

[@simracer1256]

How many 5 way hats can this throttle have?

[@Nightdare]

Somebody with a few pieces of steel, a file, a drill and a wire tap set could start a small business making custom detents

[@donrumsey7422]

I just got my throttle. How difficult was it to config and align with DCS?

[@Jabbers]

Pretty easy, I show that in the video

[@lucamoccia8995]

hi, when possibility shippent in europe?

[@Scoobydcs]

can i swap the front 4 way for the analogue stick so its the same as the warthog?

[@Jabbers]

Nope

[@SonesBen]

I haven't used this throttle, but I had the same observation regarding that mini-stick just from watching videos about it. Putting 4-way or analog hats on the side of a rotating throttle handle is already kind of fraught, because the "up" direction changes as you push the throttle forward. You can account for it somewhat by using asymmetric caps on those controls; for example, my Virpil throttle has three hats on the side of the right throttle handle. One of them has a boat-style cap, and it's super easy to feel which way is "up" on that hat no matter how the throttle handle is rotated. But another of the hats has a pyramid-shaped cap, and I hate that hat. Every time I go to use it, I'm like "Which was is up on this hat again?" The cap on that VKB mini-stick is even worse, as it's a symmetrical cone that doesn't even allow you to parse where the X and Y axis are by feel. Hats on the front of a throttle handle don't have this issue, because you always pull back for up and push forward for down.

[@specter929]

wow that looks really cheap, the grey plastic also the lack of buttons and hats is a concern - I prefer Virpil myself

[@markegipto1462]

For the price, it's quite reasonable. The only thing preventing most people from buying Virpl products is the price and the fact that both base and sticks are separate purchases

[@Chasedtuna9]

Jabbers doing a hardware review sponsored by a flight sim company commonly associated with DCS? WHAT YEAR IS IT!? This might actually be something i grab to replace my X-56... I love that thing to death, but the potential for this could easily outshine it.

[@DanielDrake]

Excellent review, what are your thoughts on the set screws used in plastic?

[@Jabbers]

If you aren't constantly swapping them out over and over it's fine. But you do need to be careful.

[@Scoobydcs]

10:40 how do you set thatr?

[@fystikogiannopoulos]

As with any other VKB product, unavailable for EU customers.

[@nick11jl]

U know there is a eu cob store right?

[@nick11jl]

Bro I can’t with this autocorrect bro I meant to say cob in my last reply but it said covered, anyway I keep on replying because KZbin on mobile won’t let me edit because it’s goofy like that.

[@fystikogiannopoulos]

@@nick11jl Yeah and it's a 99% chance that when you browse the EU shop, almost everything is gonna be out of stock. Like what I mentioned in my first comment.

[@Scoobydcs]

how do i get hold of 1 in the uk?

[@-thegiggles-]

A new video? I thought you were retired and living in an old folks home.

[@Jabbers]

They kicked me out for rubbing my junk all over the windows... that place doesn't know what fun is. Anyway now I need to pay rent.

[@stargeezer8427]

I'm glad the VKB folks are finally getting some sort of TECS, but this is not what was promised, not what was supposedly taking so long. This was supposed to be a bar none top-tier GUNFIGHTER-class device (starting with metal construction, not plastics/composites), and specifically it was supposed to have some super-duper digital electronic magic detent system that required patenting before they could even think about releasing it.... There is no new tech here, this "TECS" is little more than an expansion of their existing GLADIATOR-class GNX module stuff. I'm sure it's nice and the pricing seems decent (just like the rest of the Gladiator line), and no doubt it will be popular (maybe even get Thrustmaster and Logitech off their asses in this segment), but there is no way this needed to take ten (?) years.