In the world of VR, your controllers are your main method of interaction with the virtual world. And with the unfortunate, yet amusing, trend of controllers becoming projectiles, controller grips have become more than just an accessory – they’re a necessity. Enter ZyberVR’s Knight Direct-Charge Controller Grips for the Meta Quest 2.
These grips are touted to be more than just a protective measure; they promise an upgraded VR experience with improved grip, enhanced comfort during marathon gaming sessions, and a practical solution to pesky battery replacements with their integrated batteries.
However, do these controller grips from ZyberVR live up to the hype? Are they the much-needed enhancement to your Meta Quest 2 experience or just another flashy gadget? In this comprehensive review, we delve into the ins and outs of these controller grips, exploring everything from design and functionality to value for money. Buckle up as we critically examine ZyberVR’s innovative offering to the VR realm.
Specifications
Key features of the ZyberVR Knight Direct-Charge Controller Grips for Quest 2 include:
- Non-Slip Design: Designed for maximum comfort and reliable hold, even in sweaty gaming sessions.
- Impact-Proof Controller Protectors: Combines a grip cover and protective ring for comprehensive protection of your Quest 2 controllers during VR gameplay.
- Simplified Charging: A split USB-C cable charges two controllers at once, reaching full power within an hour.
- Durable Battery Life: Utilizes 1000mAh Ni-MH rechargeable batteries, delivering 20-24 hours of gameplay per charge and over 2000 charges per battery.
- Comfort and Adjustability: Extended controller length (4.76 to 6.97 inches) and adjustable knuckle straps to suit various hand sizes for a secure and comfortable grip during intense VR sessions.
- Optimized for Larger Hands: The elongated and curved grip design ensures a comfortable fit for those with larger hands.
What’s In The Box?
- 2 x Quest 2 controller grips cover
- 2 x transparent halo protector
- 2 x 1000 mAh rechargeable NI-MH batteries
- 1 x charging cable
- 1 x user manual
Design And Features
ZyberVR’s Knight Direct-Charge Controller Grips provide a blend of design and functionality. Made from silicone, these grips slide over your Meta Quest 2 controllers, providing a sturdy yet comfortable cover. In addition, a transparent silicone tracking ring protector ensures protection for the controllers, save for the operational buttons.
Upon inspection, these grips are well-built and aesthetically appealing. The hand feel is reassuringly solid, promising a secure grip even during the most energetic VR sessions. The grips also house batteries that can be charged via an included USB-C cable, without needing to remove them from the controllers.
Adjustability features prominently in the design of these grips. The hand straps are versatile, offering the flexibility to fine-tune the tightness to your liking, using an elasticated loop and a quick-release button. This design ensures a snug fit, reducing the risk of unintentional slips or drops during play.
The ZyberVR Knight grips extend the length of the controllers noticeably, a design tweak that seems tailored to those with larger hands. Though this increase in size adds some weight to the controllers, it doesn’t majorly impact function. It may require an adjustment period, but I feel the benefits likely outweigh the downsides.
One minor issue arose with the strap-adjusting elastic loops. When tightened, these loops dangle freely and can become distracting during high-intensity games, slapping against your hands with each swift move. A temporary solution was to wrap these loops around my little fingers, but I believe a design refinement should address this in future iterations.
The ZyberVR team has thoughtfully included color-coded markers to differentiate between the left and right controllers – a small but incredibly useful detail. These red and blue indicators were much appreciated by someone who often finds himself lifting the controllers with the wrong hands.
Setup
Setting up your ZyberVR Knight Direct-Charge Controller Grips for the Meta Quest 2 is straightforward, requiring only a few simple steps. Even if you’re not a tech guru, you should have no trouble getting these grips ready for action within a couple of minutes.
Here’s your step-by-step guide:
- Prepare Your Controllers: Begin by removing the battery cover and the existing battery from each of your Quest 2 controllers.
- Insert Batteries: Slot in the custom Ni-MH batteries provided with the grips into each controller. Be sure to check the marking indicating the correct orientation for installation.
- Fit the Grips: Now, align the controller grip so that it matches the button holes on your controller. Push the controller into the grip until you hear a satisfying click, signaling that the controller is securely housed and the battery is snugly seated.
- Install Ring Protector: Next up is the clear silicone ring protector. Align the cut-out section towards the trigger button and fit it over the tracking ring.
- Secure the Grip: Proceed to stretch the controller grip over the thumbstick area. Secure it in place using the silicone fasteners. Once correctly installed, the grip and protector should resemble the image below.
Repeat these steps with the second controller. The initial installation may take a few minutes, but once you’re familiar with the process, subsequent removals and installations should be a breeze, taking no more than a minute.
Performance
Over the past few months, I’ve put the ZyberVR Knight Direct-Charge Controller Grips for Quest 2 through their paces, and my verdict is one of measured appreciation. These grips offer a host of commendable features, but they also leave some room for refinement in subsequent iterations.
At first touch, the ZyberVR Quest 2 grips feel great and you instantly feel confident in the additional grip they provide. Functionality remains unobstructed – all controller buttons are readily accessible, and the halo protectors do their job commendably without compromising the precision of tracking.
The textured surface of the grips introduces a good balance of enhanced grip and comfort, managing to be both grippy and smooth.
Among the standout features is the direct charging capability. This feature makes it so convenient to charge the controllers post-session and eliminates any worry of battery replacement mid-play.
The hand straps offer security against inadvertent controller drops. However, they’re not without their drawbacks. A tightly fastened strap can somewhat restrict the freedom of your thumb movement, making the transition between the thumbstick and other buttons slightly awkward.
Compared to the default Quest 2 controllers, the ZyberVR Knight grips add a noticeable heft. While this took some getting used to, it did make certain fast-paced games like Beat Saber or fitness titles feel a bit more strenuous. I didn’t notice any significant impact on my performance, but I did end my sessions with a slightly more tired set of arms. The ZyberVR grips for Quest 2 bring the total weight of the controllers to 236 grams, compared to 150 grams for the controllers without the grips
The grips’ silicone cover increases the thickness of the controllers, which posed a minor issue for me. I’ve always found the dimensions of the Quest 2 controllers to be ideal, and the additional layer made the controllers feel somewhat oversized. Over time, I adjusted to this change, but it’s worth noting that those with smaller hands may find the enlarged form factor challenging to navigate.
What I Like
The ZyberVR Knight Direct-Charge Controller Grips for the Quest 2 offer a solid experience that warrants high praise, provided the additional weight does not deter you or if your hands err on the smaller side.
These controller grips achieve what they’ve set out to do: improve your grip, guard your controllers against potential harm, and remove the need to swap out batteries.
Given their numerous benefits, their price point is very competitive, standing toe-to-toe with other similar products on the market. The ZyberVR Knight Grips are a great option if you’re looking for Quest 2 controller grips, provided you are comfortable with the additional weight and larger size.
What Needs To Be Improved
The ZyberVR Knight Direct-Charge Controller Grips for Quest 2 do come with some room for improvement in the next product cycle.
For starters, an adjustment in the positioning of the hand straps would be beneficial, allowing for enhanced thumb mobility, particularly when the straps are tightened. It would also be good to have a better solution than having the elasticated loops hanging freely, where they can be a bit annoying.
Additionally, a more streamlined design for the silicone cover would make it more accommodating for those with average-sized hands. As it stands, the grips feel a little oversized.
Also on the wish list would be a reduction in weight. Lightening the load would ensure that extended play sessions remain enjoyable and less physically taxing.
Nevertheless, it’s clear ZyberVR has devoted significant thought and effort into these Quest 2 Grips. Despite the room for improvement, I’d definitely recommend this product to any Quest 2 users in the market for reliable controller grips.