MoveMaster is a thoroughly odd, unique and very interesting device that you might want to take a look at to change the way you game. I've had one for a little while now, donated thanks to a reader, and I honestly think it's awesome. One of my favourite gadgets to hook up for a gaming session, although it does depend on the game.
You would use the MoveMaster in place of a keyboard, for smoother movement and interactions with the game. It takes some getting used to, but it really can making gaming feel not just different but a little bit more exciting.
Using it is really simple. You rest your palm on the top of it, and simply move your palm around on it for the movement. It's weirdly smooth and actually feels a lot more natural in certain games compared with pushing down keys on a keyboard or flicking sticks with your thumbs on a gamepad. Highly configurable in the software, which directly supports Linux too, which is pretty rare for a hardware vendor.
If you have small hands (like me) you can move up the buttons on the front of it too, getting that perfect fit, which is a nice touch. Same with the bottom thumb button.
They also recently announced a version for left-handers too, that has the two thumb buttons on the opposite side of the unit.
Direct Link
Corben on Twitch has a video of it in action on Linux with Everspace 2. Unfortunately, I forgot to save the previous livestreams with it on I did on the GamingOnLinux Twitch, because I'm a true professional of course.
Their team just announced a brand new easier to use website, and they can now ship directly to the UK. Want to get it a bit cheaper? They have a 10% discount code "Launch10" right now.
See more on the website.
Quoting: sonic2kkQuoting: CorbenIt's detected as a USB Keyboard, it sends keypresses, so it works with any 3rd party marcro software that works with your normal keyboard too.
Thanks! I specifically bought a keyboard that does not have any such software, but this leads into my questions of longevity with regards to software.
Note that the software is only needed to change the configured keys. You can technically use the device without ever touching the software and use in-game keybinds to set it up.
With this, since the movement takes away WASD, that would mean it's down to 20 keys in my macropad cluster compared to the 10 on this device.
Let's take a single game for example. Right now I'm playing Dragon Age Veilguard (not sure for how much longer its just so depressing) and for calm exploration parts, it would be okay to move my hand away from this device to use extra buttons (like inventory, or map), but during combat, that's not possible. I'd die standing still. So right now, during combat, on my macropad I use:
WASD movement
CV rune selection/activation
1234 abilities
TAB issue companion orders
X swap weapon set for range vs melee
E finishing move / activate things
R heal
SHIFT run
SPACE dodge
I think I'm forgetting something, but anyway, that's MOSTLY what I use constantly. So taking away the WASD since that's by physical movement, there's 12 keys there that are essential for real time combat. I don't think it'd be possible to do without any of those. And this is a pretty basic kiddified combat game, others I use way more buttons like F, ALT, Q, Z, etc...
With this device, unfortunately I would have make healing, or dodging or whatever a double tap button press, which during combat might be tricky? Just not sure about that.
Does anyone have a link to the additional module with more buttons and how that would connect to this and how it would be used and what it looks like? I couldn't find it on their site.
Quoting: JarmerDoes anyone have a link to the additional module with more buttons and how that would connect to this and how it would be used and what it looks like? I couldn't find it on their site.I don't think there is even a mockup visible. In the news section, you can see an announcement with a picture of a pcb.
Quoting: KlaasQuoting: JarmerDoes anyone have a link to the additional module with more buttons and how that would connect to this and how it would be used and what it looks like? I couldn't find it on their site.I don't think there is even a mockup visible. In the news section, you can see an announcement with a picture of a pcb.
okay thank you. I will wait for them to announce/release this, and if it works well with more buttons avail, I think I'd get it right away. Hope it comes soon because the concept looks awesome!
Quoting: JarmerQuoting: KlaasQuoting: JarmerDoes anyone have a link to the additional module with more buttons and how that would connect to this and how it would be used and what it looks like? I couldn't find it on their site.I don't think there is even a mockup visible. In the news section, you can see an announcement with a picture of a pcb.
okay thank you. I will wait for them to announce/release this, and if it works well with more buttons avail, I think I'd get it right away. Hope it comes soon because the concept looks awesome!
Corben has the 1.0 version of the set (3d printed version), so I'm sure he can provide you with some imagery.
Does look worryingly short on buttons though.
Last edited by ExpandingMan on 15 November 2024 at 8:17 pm UTC
Last edited by Chrisznix on 16 November 2024 at 11:11 am UTC
My use case is an alternative to "throttle stick", although it can reliably replace most of the basic shooters.
It is especially handy in games where your torso/hull is decoupled from turret/cockpit (e.g. Mechwarrior, Warthunder, Descent/Overload, etc). Note, the device is not analog, so it cannot fully replace joypad/joystick if that is your use case.
I do not play competitive games, so I can not argue about the performance. Maybe there is a slight advantage, but probably not.
But there is an advantage, device is more comfortable for the hand compared to a classic keyboard. The heights for palm and positions of finger buttons are fully customisable, so you can configure it to your hand.
There is a software configuration manager (AppImage) and you can save your presets for specific games. It works.
However, there are some downsides (YMMWV). You can struggle with games where you have to press complex combinations (shift+alt+numbers), since there are 4+4 buttons for your main fingers and 1+1 button for your index finger. You may need to rebind everything, so that you can actually reach the buttons.
You will also struggle if you need more advanced keysets with more than 10 keybinds, or when you need access to more than 4 weapons/quickslots (1,2,3,4).
Unfortunately the installation was not hassle-free. I had to process couple of commands (usermod [...] dialout) in the terminal, otherwise device was not recognised. I still have to do it for every OS update/reinstall and firmware update.
Overall, expensive, niche, but very handy device.
Last edited by FerroTiC on 16 November 2024 at 3:57 pm UTC
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