Innovation around VR controllers is an ever-evolving conversation and Valve revealed prototypes for a new style of input in October of last year and, in a hands-on report with the prototype, people reported an intuitive way of input that focused on manipulating a virtual world and virtual objects without pressing buttons. Valve has continued working on the Knuckles prototype and, contained within an update for SteamVR Home, there appears to be a look at a virtual model for Knuckles in its current form.
Last night’s SteamVR Home update added models for Valve’s “Knuckles” controller prototype. pic.twitter.com/b0nXOuAaVP
— Steam Database (@SteamDB) June 20, 2017
Knuckles is expected to recognize finger positions and allows users to realistically grab, grip, and release virtual objects without dropping the controller. The new model simply looks like a more polished and well-designed version of the rough mock-up shown before. There looks to be a Steam home button but, otherwise, it looks to employ the same intuitive design that promotes immersion in VR rather than breaking it with button input.
For comparison, feel free to read our Oculus Touch review and learn why we think it’s the best VR controller on the market. Also, take a look at how the Oculus Touch was modified to make them similar to Valve’s early Knuckles prototype.
