Gladiator 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!

• 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

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.

No, stick extensions are only available with the Gunfighter controllers.

Please click here to watch on the VKB YouTube channel.

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..

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!

VKB controllers are compatible with Windows PCs.
They are not compatible with Xbox, PS5, Apple or any other platforms.

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.