Conclusion & Final Comments April 29th
So after spending additional time giving both these products equal testing and questioning some friends on their initial impressions now I am ready to give my comments.
Both these models use quality switches/buttons and components. Of course these are sourced from manufacturers that specialise in their manufacturing so the functionality and usage of them are to a high standard.
Buttons
My own personal preference is for the larger rounded buttons, I’m not as found of the smaller ones used on the GT1-FVS while they work fine I just prefer a larger contact area and the feedback the larger buttons give is more satisfying.
The usage of coloured buttons can of course be handy for easy detection for the desired function particularly if you game in a darkened room. Yet some people may like the appearance more of just the black finish that Derek also offers on his models. A nice option might I add across his range. Remi’s model do use this same button (in black) and the response/feel is identical.
Switches
With Remis V2 model the switches are one direction only. They have a spring back function making a quality click when used. The user can decide to have the orientation either way. So you can have it that the switches are at the bottom requiring a “push” action or the switches at the top requiring a “pull” operation.
On Derek’s GT1-FVS model the switches are 2way offering both “push” and “pull” functionality giving of course the ability to map 2 functions to each switch. I found that it was better to map these to functions you would not need to use so often or do not need repeated usage. They suit more of an on/off function and button presses are much quicker and easier to do than using a switch repeatedly.
While the GT1-FVS model does not have any rotary functions Derek Speare’s does have models with rotary functionality. I did find that the rotary switches were superb particularly for adjusting views within pCARS. If there is a function you would need a wide range of button presses then this is an excellent usage for rotary switch. With a quick dial you can generate multiple presses rather than having to hit a button repeatedly. These also do not have a lock-lock like say a volume knob but rotate continually. One friend did comment however he felt the stems looked rather bare as if they were missing a knob or cover. Personally I quite liked their minimalist appearance.
Rotary Usage Example:
Project Cars allows for the following options in altering your view. Now just by chance we have 3x rotary switches on Remi’s design so guess what I did? Okay you guessed it, I set each of the rotary switches to alter the below.
• Seat Position Up / Down
• Seat Position Forward/Back
• Field Of View Increase/Decrease
Additionally each rotary switch has a push button feature as well. I just added the following:
• Look Left
• Look Back
• Look Right
In general I really liked the ability to use these rotary switches and having 3 was perfect for pCars and setting up the viewpoints needed over my triple monitors was now so simple.
Switch Options
Doing some research I came across a multitude of options available to customise a control box such as these. If some people like the idea of the colour coding then it is possibly a good idea to check out some caps/covers available on some internet stores and ebay.
Derek uses ABS plastic boxes on most of his current range. These are a tough plastic very lightweight and of course ideal to work with. This particular GT1-FVS model is a much deeper unit than some of his other designs and as I highlighted this is because of the rather long “Start” button.
Now I did notice some minor dipping of the plastic if you push rather hard on the buttons and because these boxes are rather empty inside with the depth of this model it does have a slight tendency to sound a bit hollow. This is nit picking but I wanted to bring it to people’s attention even if it is not likely to be such an issue or apparent on other models in his range that have a thinner casing.
The metal construction of the Remi’s V2 product is rather superb. It has to be said that the quality is excellent, very heavy too and it feels solid with a nice painted finish. I have to admit that pressing the buttons hard has no issues of the case dipping. Button presses feel more solid because of the metal case and of course there is no evidence of a hollow sound. I do personally prefer the tactility of a metal construction in an age of “plastic everything” but it adds a kind of “back in the ole days” retro and satisfying feel.
One concern however is that the beautiful finish will be prone to scratches coming under attack of constant or long-term usage. The ABS plastic would not show the same degree of wear/tear in its finish and be much more resistant to scratches.
Appearance
Personally I love the look of both of these, the classy and elegance of the V2 but also the racer look of the GTF1. If anything the majority of people I asked liked the appearance of the GT1-FVS, perhaps it was that start button or the colours (well that swung it for my daughter, lol) but I guess looks are always a more personal thing.
Recommendations
I do think it would be a great idea for anyone manufacturing “Control Boxes” such as these to design and offer printable templates. What about the idea of an overlay that can easily be removed. You print out your template with the functions for the buttons which would be a good idea particularly if you do not like or want the bother of doing self labels. Also what happens when labelling if you want different functions in different games, well come guys this should be something to consider offering?
I would also suggest that instead of having such boxes with a USB cable hanging out the side to consider a design that has a bay on the underside which allows the USB to connect and not be protruding out. Again just an observation which may be nit picking again but I believe some would welcome such.
Future
Perhaps in the future we may see a model that includes illuminated buttons or switches, although it may be best to enable these to be turned on/off. I know some other manufacturers offer models with illuminated buttons and with kits becoming available and I think we may see more people crop up offering similar products due the minimal manufacturing these require to make.
So which of these products do I prefer eh?
Well it isn't a clear cut decision as really I feel my own personal ideal "Control Box" would have features of each and I still like the idea of illuminated switches, even buttons.
I am more impressed with the feel of the metal construction, it offers a more substantial tactility and it also includes its own mounting holes. Many of Derek's models I believe need a "Ram Mount" fixing. While instructions were included my own purchase certainly didn't include any fixings. The round hole for the USB connection does not seem to be on other models of Derek's range so I do not know for sure or if it is related to just the GT1-FVS but that is something he could easily rectify as it does look a bit tacky on the unit I got.
While it is not a big factor on the units I got and as can be seen above Remi's internal wiring seemed neater finished with cable ties while on the GT1-FVS it wasn't so tidy inside. Ahh not seen you say and yes your right but it shows the workmanship or care and attention to detail taken.
It would be nice to see the V2 with 2-way switches perhaps to increase it's functionality even further. The design and layout is great but I still have concerns over scratches. The model I received didn't have all the nuts aligned straight while credit to Mr Speares on his GT1-FVS they were.
I would say that both are indeed great little boxes, using them is certainly much better, easier than a keyboard and indeed they look good too. Value for money has to go to Derek with the GT1-FVS and well I'm a sucker for red lights so that "Start" button and safety/missile toggle switch just look superb.
Credit is indeed due to Remi for creating a simplistic, functional and very stylish model which of course has to be more expensive due to it's construction and rotary components. Lets not forget this is the first model he has made and I look forward to him doing future models and getting a proper website and means to purchase these.
If I had to say goodbye to one however I do think in this case it would be the GT1-FVS because I think those rotary switches are fantastic and well the metal finish suits my preference more. Perhaps Derek will take onboard a similar configuration using triple rotary switches but also a unit with the start button, illuminated switches and a metal construction like his upcoming "Trackboss Champion". Now that may be worth looking at in the future, mmmm.
I hope this (now pretty much completed) comparison is useful to some of you and encourages anyone interested to purchase one in the future.
Mr Latte
(prices and specs to be added)
(links to be added, awaiting website for RMK)
