Gladiator Controllers
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The Gladiator EVO is the affordable entry-level series of our modular VKB flight control system.
Featuring technology usually only found in high-end controllers, EVO controllers come with a variety of grips and optionally as right or left handed.
The Gladiator EVO base - the heart of your controller
New STM Arm 32-bit Cortex-M4 CPU with FPU:
Double the frequency of older chips affords a lot more computation capacity and better handling of trigonometrical algorithms due to on-board mathematical hardware accelerators.
This greatly increases the potential expansibility for future gaming applications.New high-precision gimbal:
Made of glass fiber enforced plastic.
With ball bearings...yes, ball bearings on a budget joystick!
Adjustable dry clutches for user-tunable load. What?? - Yes, adjustable dry clutches on a budget joystick. Welcome to the world of high-end budget game controllers!
Y axis boasts a double clutch for extra stamina when working with the omni-throttle.
X axis can be blocked now. This together with the omni-throttle adapter will effectively turn your joystick into a fully functional throttle. (and into a collective, for the lovers of helicopters).Extensive compatibility:
Needless to say - everything is compatible and retrocompatible across the whole GNX lineup. SCG, KG12 and F-14 grips can be swapped on one common base.
SEM, THQ, FSM modules are 100% compatible and switchable between original GNX and EVO.Gladiator vs Gunfighter comparison
Please click here to see a comparison between the Gladiator and the Gunfighter.
Grip comparison
Features SCG Premium SCG Standard F-14 WWII KG12 Ideal for Flight & Space sim - all types Flight & Space sim - all types Flight sim - modern fighter jets Flight sim - Warbirds Omni Throttle option Yes Yes No No Description / Technology 32-bit ARM Controllers inside base and grip
ALPS buttons (Japan OEM) for extended longevity
Contactless MaRS sensors with High Resolution
Plug & Play with Driver-Free Installation
Firmware Upgrade via USB
Onboard Memory for Storing Profiles
Optional Programming Software for advanced UsersSame as SCG Premium F-14 replica grip
Metal ammo switch, hat, and emergency-autopilot-disable-trigger
Long travel, soft-click buttons
Modular hat design (fully dismantlable, all buttons user replaceable)
Ammo switch design based on contactless sensor
Spring-loaded, self-centreing DLC (Direct Lift Control) manoeuvre wheel design based on contactless sensor
Two-step trigger design based on cam mechanism – similar to that used in real life war planes
32-bit ARM controller as the brain of the grip32-bit ARM Controllers inside base and grip
ALPS buttons (Japan OEM) for extended longevity
Contactless MaRS sensors with High Resolution
Plug & Play with Driver-Free Installation (Recommended for Most Users)
Firmware Upgrade via USB
Onboard Memory for Storing Profiles
Optional Programming Software available for advanced UsersButtons and switches 1 Dual Action Trigger
1 Rapid Fire Trigger
3 Hat switches with centre push (4-way)
3 buttons
1 analog mini stick with center push (8-way)
Programmable red colour LED
Programmable RGB LED
Extra button module for C1 position
Extra hat switch module for A1 position
Trigger cover
Lockable Twist z-axisSame as SCG Premium excluding:
1 Rapid Fire Trigger
1 analog mini stick with center push (8-way)1 Twist z-axis (lockable)
1 DLC (Direct Lift Control) axis
1 Hat Switch with push
1 Dual-stage trigger
1 Four-stage ammo selector with safety lock and push
4 Programmable buttons1 Folding trigger (metal)
1 Pinky lever (metal)
1 Bomb release button
1 8-way HAT switch
1 Side buttonMaterial Grip: Industrial-grade ABS
Base plate: SteelSame as SCG Premium
Same as SCG Premium
Same as SCG Premium Comfort 2 interchangeable palm rests (total 3 palm-size adjustments) Same as SCG Premium Rubber inserts for a no slip firm and handy grip with handrest No slip grip with handrest Mounting options Table-top with heavy duty metal base plate
UCM Desk mount - height adjustable (UCM-S GL)
Same as SCG Premium Same as SCG Premium Same as SCG Premium What is so special about VKB flight controllers?
VKB is the world's premier manufacturer of flight & space sim controllers for any type of virtual aircraft and spacecraft.
Our controllers are of the highest quality, extremely versatile and many simmers use them for flight & space sim games and multiple sub-genres like general aviation, military combat flight as well as space combat and exploration.
Thanks to their superior engineering, full modularity and high-level customisation, VKB controllers provide an industry-leading immersive and realistic flying experience with high precision controls.
Take to the skies with ultimate control!
Technical specifications Gladiator EVO base
- 2 Contactless MaRS sensors on X and Y axes
- 1 Auto-centreing 3-position switch
- 1 Throttle wheel
- 1 Rotary encoder
- 3 buttons
- Gimbal with ball bearings
- Adjustable dry clutches for user-tunable load
- 2 Programmable single-color LEDs
- Tabletop base steel plate
- Operating manual
- Set of soft springs
- Set of strong springs
- Spring extractor tool
- Set of screws
- Screwdriver
- USB cable (180cm/70inch)
- Cable holder tool
I am new to flight & space simulation. Which controllers should I choose?
In very simple terms you should choose a flight stick, a throttle and ideally rudder pedals.
1. Joystick
You have the option between the Gladiator EVO series and the premium Gunfighter Mk.IV series.
The Gladiator EVO is a fantastic mid-priced controller with high-tech features. It comes with multiple grip options.
You can adjust the gimbal to adjust the stick movement extension exactly how you like it.
You won’t find a better controller in this price range.
The Gladiator EVO is by far the most popular joystick!For general aviation, military aircraft and space sim purposes we recommend the ‘Space Combat Grip’ SCG grip unless you specifically want to fly the F-14 or WWI/II warbirds only in which case you could opt for the F-14 grip or the WWII Combat Edition KG12 grip.
The Gunfighter Mk.IV series was released in 2023 and boasts the ultimate in joystick technology.
You get the full gimbal adjustability with ultra-precise movements.
And you can add stick extensions if you want to strive for the very best stick precision.We recommend the MCG grip as it is the most versatile and perfect for all types of aircraft.
The MCG Ultimate – an all-metal grip that is clearly the king of joysticks in the market.You can’t go wrong with any of the suggested options and it may well come down to how much you like to spend.
Throttle
Please see the Throttle page for further information.
Rudder pedals
Please see the Rudder pedals page for further information.
Desk mounts
For the optimum ergonomic setup please see the UCM Desk mounts page for further information.
Are stick extensions available for the Gladiator?
No, stick extensions are only available with the Gunfighter controllers.
Installation and setup video
Please click here to watch on the VKB YouTube channel.
Which games can be played with VKB controllers?
VKB controllers work with most PC sim and other games, including all popular flight & space sim games such as Microsoft Flight Simulator, DCS, X-Plane, IL-2 Sturmovik, War Thunder, Star Citizen, Elite Dangerous etc..
VKB controllers may even be used for games such as Farm Simulator, Train Simulator, Battlefield, etc..Can VKB controllers be mixed and matched? Are there any limitations?
Yes, you can choose any combination of VKB controllers / hardware.
Want a Gladiator flight stick with a STECS throttle? No problem.
Upgrade later to the Gunfighter and keep your Gladiator grip? Sure, with a low-cost adapter that's no issue.
Playing flight and space sims but want to only use one Gladiator or Gunfighter base? Yes, all that can be done!When it comes to hardware, VKB has carefully considered the compatibility of all components for current and future modularity.
This is the VKB Universe where you build your own personalised cockpit!
What platforms are VKB controllers compatible with?
VKB controllers are compatible with Windows PCs.
They are not compatible with Xbox, PS5, Apple or any other platforms.What setup do you recommend for gliders?
The best option is a Gunfighter stick with 200mm extension mounted on a UCM desk mount, plus T-Rudder pedals.
The Gunfighter base allows to tweak the dampeners and spring tensions exactly at the resistance that most closely resembles the real-life situation.
The Gunfighter platform is extremely sturdy and perfect for the most-immersive flight sim experience.
The Gunfighter stick extension augments the Gunfighter’s already unparalleled precision.
A stick extension is preferred by our sim customers who are seeking the best
possible control precision.The UCM mount provides an ergonomic and height adjustable setup, ideal for your setup that suits many different pilots.
The T-Rudder is an all-metal low-profile rudder pedals that is durable and extremely sturdy.
The pedal tension can be adjusted to your needs.This is a fantastic sim cockpit configuration and will last for many years to come.
Let customers speak for us
from 1134 reviewsMy first joystickMy first joystick, absolutely love it. All buttons are easy to learn and find with VR on. It just feels very good in hand. Well build.
The only issue I had (but don't think it's critical, that's why still give it 5 stars) is that it slides and tips on my cheap Ikea desk. Mounted it on desk mount and the issue disappeared.
This product got me into VKB, already got their throttle and can't be more happy with it.
Also worth mentioning that they ship like only an hour or two after the order has been placed. Express delivery with AusPost to Brisbane was next day (and you only pay like 7 AUD more fr express)“Hooked on VKB – My Setup Just Keeps Getting Better!”Starting out my flight sim journey with VKB gear has been the best decision. The Gladiator EVO 'Space Combat Edition' Premium joystick is super precise, comfortable, and just feels great to fly with. I first paired it with the GNX Throttle Quadrant, which was an awesome starter throttle—smooth and easy to use—but I’ve since upgraded to the STECS Standard and wow, the quality and functionality are on another level. It’s completely transformed my setup.
All together, these products make flying so much more immersive, and you can really tell the care and craftsmanship VKB puts into their gear. I’m already thinking about my next purchase—the Gunfighter joystick and rudder pedals—so time to start saving up, but I think it will be worth it though, lol.solid desk mountsolid desk mount, solid attachment. No wobbles, fits together perfectly.
workssolid desk mount, solid attachment.
makes it easier than keyboardVery handy gadget to have for sims, smooth control on the throttle, extra buttons would be nice, for the money good value.
Setup is easy compared to other sim brandsVKB is good geargood feel in the hands, smooth tracking
This gear is amazing!I bought the Gladiator Evo Space Combat and the left handed omni throttle. I also added the GNX-SEM module onto the throttle. It was easy to assemble and they are amazing to use in game. I am still experimenting with springs and clutch settings but the fact you can do this is awesome. The GNX-SEM adds heaps of buttons and its really fun to use. These are not cheap peripherals but they represent extremely good value for money. The nice folks even part shipped my order for no extra.
Really delighted with this purchaseReally delighted with this purchase. Love all my VKB gear but this one is especially awesome. Firstly, it dramatically improved the ergonomics of my setup. Secondly, it was easy to install and reasonably priced.
Great quality and customisationGreat quality and customisation.
Heavy enough to stay put in intense dogfights without mounting.A great addition to my Space Sim Cockpit.This is a great addition to my Space Sim Cockpit. It replaced my old X56 Throttle, which while it worked ok, didn't seem to be intuitive to use. This is not the case with my VKB Omni-Throttle. It fits my hand and feels smooth and natural, and very responsive. I thoroughly recommend this or indeed any VKB product. They are made of the best quality parts and in Australia, the only place I can be authoritative about, the after sales Support in superb.
I bought this Gladiator EVO Space Combat Edition (Left Handed) by accidentI bought this Gladiator EVO Space Combat Edition (Left Handed) by accident. I already owned a Right Handed VKB, and was looking to buy a Spare. However, in my haste, I did a MAN look, and bought a left handed one. Turns out it was exactly what I needed, I turned it into an Omni Throttle, and it is so smooth and precise, I just love it. Anything VKB is good, as is the Service and backup. I really recommend VKB products to anyone needing a Hotas or Stecs controller
Quick and EasyFast delivery, no hassle ordering. Product is superb. I am running Linux and it took some effort to get it up and running BUT that is a steam issue NOT a VKB issue.
I will snagging a throttle from them next!
I have both the STECS Space Standard as well as the gunfighter stickI have both the STECS Space Standard as well as the gunfighter stick. Having the stick before hand and now the throttle makes a massive difference. From a hardware standpoint, it's great. Metal base, clicky buttons and a smooth precise throttle makes it worth its price tag. There is a slight learning curve with the configuration software but that's fine come from Logitech and their ancient "software".
10/10
Premium productAfter reading and watching many reviews I finally decided to upgrade my old CH Products joystick for the VKB Gunfighter Mk.IV Combat Edition Ultimate. To say it was an upgrade is an understatement. VKB have absolutely nailed it! The product is premium in both quality and feel. From the cool feel of the aluminium grip and smooth tactile buttons and levers to the variation of springs and cam levers for the perfect feedback, this is a complete joy to use.
I only wish I upgraded sooner!Legit StickSolid, Technical, Comfortable, Legit
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