Ever since we got our Valve Index Controllers one thing we have loved is how the controllers are strapped to your hands, rather than attached to your wrist. Since then a number of modders and companies have tried to bring this sort of attachment for other VR companies controllers. KIWI Design have joined in doing this with Knuckle Straps for Oculus Rift S and Quest – we have now had some hands-on time with them, so what did we think?
What’s in the packet?
In the packet you simply get the two straps to connect to your controllers. This means the product needed very minimal packaging – which is always good in this day an age.
Attaching them to the Controllers
The straps come in two parts, one to connect to inside the controller and one with the a rubber ring on the end. Attaching them to the controllers is really simple.
For the part without the rubber ring and the little tab on the end, as mentioned this will go inside of the controller. This is the part you will need to install first. To do this you will need to remove the battery cover, take out the wrist straps that are supported and put the tab on the end of this strap in it’s place. When you do this make sure the Velcro is on the outside of your hand. Once this is in place put the battery cover back on the controller.
Now all you need to do is put this part of the strap through the rubber ring, making sure the Kiwi Designs banding is on the outside and the Velcro on the inside. Continue up the controller to just over the menu button or the Oculus button (depending on the controller).
That is it, the straps are now attached to controllers and your ready to go.
Quality
Each part of the strap is made of a decent quality pu (Polyurethane) material, which means the strap is not only comfortable against your skin, but is durable and non-slip. With the Velcro used to keep the straps together being securely attached – meaning the straps are well put together with a good choice of materials.
The rubber ring used to go around the controller for one of the straps is durable enough for the job is has to do. With the quality of it allowing for it to be removed and replaced without causing any lasting effect or damage so it doesn’t lose any tightness around the controller. Of course if you are trying to overly stretch it or snap this it would be possible, however, I don’t understand why anyone would want to,
The Benefits
Why we became so fond of the Valve Index Controllers, is being able to release your grip on the control and them not flop down from your wrists, which makes for better immersion. This is exactly what the KIWI Design Knuckle Straps is now bringing on both the Rift S and the Quest. This is something I really like, and glad to be getting the feeling when jumping into games on the Rift S and Quest,
When playing more active games that require a lot of arm movements like Beat Saber, I had a lot more confidence to go over the top with the controllers being strapped around my hand. Then when playing any game for those longer sessions and you need you quick relief from your grip, it’s nice to know you can just open your hands and re-adjust knowing the controller is not going to move and drop around your wrists.
Another nice little benefit we found from the rubber ring is, it solves the issue of the battery cover sliding off mid-session. We have found many time when playing sessions on games like Beat Saber, Racket NX and Box VR after a while the battery cover can move down the controller and in some cases come off – and that’s not good when the game requires you full attention. When putting these straps through the testing and playing Beat Saber and Racket NX the battery cover stayed in place. When noticing this and taking a close look, I noticed part of the rubber ring is placed over the cover, thus keeping it in place.
For the purposes of transparency, this review was created using a sample provided by the company or their respective PR company. The use of a press sample does not affect my judgement of the product.
