Gladiator Controllers SCG + OTA + Omni Throttle
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 |
Same 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 grip |
32-bit ARM Controllers inside base and grip |
| Buttons and switches |
1 Dual Action Trigger |
Same as SCG Premium excluding: 1 Rapid Fire Trigger |
1 Twist z-axis (lockable) |
1 Folding trigger (metal) |
| Material |
Grip: Industrial-grade ABS |
Same 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 1387 reviews
Bought this alongside a gladiator Evo premium and I cannot recommend this as well as the aforementioned combo 10/10 for both.
Coming from a cheap T-flight hotas this thing married with the STECS that I also bought is a game changer cannot recommend enough.
It has been a while since I used a flight stick. My first impressions after a few weeks are that this is an accurate and comfortable flight stick. I look forward to many years of use and to adding to my VKB controllers.
The delivery was quick, and the instructions easy to follow. I feel good about this purchase.
Stunning piece of kit. Well built, sturdy and giving a very premium feel. For the price, its definitely the best in its class of rudder pedals. Most of my simming peripherals are VKB and I seem to keep going back for more. Their quality in unbeatable.
Really enjoying my SEM Module - adds an extra layer of interest to my SIM rig, great build quality and features. The VKB support team were incredible at troubleshooting when I had an issue and took the time to help me get set up.
Just what I wanted, very accurate compared with other pedals, real move movement that you require in flying helicopters. Very easy to make slight movements, no jerking movement. Also these pedals take up less space compared other more expensive type of pedals. I highly recommend these pedals.
My trigger spring broke and support sent me two springs free, paying only the postage cost which is fair. Great and fast response too!
This is a perfect upgrade from an NXT gimble to an EVO gimble that is stronger, with ball bearings and 3x adjustment clutches. The process to exchange the parts is quick and easy, with YouTube guides to help.
I finally made the upgrade to VKB, and I'm glad that I did. This EVO Omni Throttle is a joy to use, and the clutches make it perfect for a no-spring flight style throttle. Although, I do think it needs some kind of external pin that when engaged, will create an indent mid-throttle travel so the user can keep the non-spring action whilst having a space style throttle.
Really enjoying it! Huge step up from my T16000 joystick. All the buttons are just so nicely accessible. I just wish you guys would release a 'slide style' throttle - it would match the in-game throttles in Elite Dangerous, but more importantly I find it a lot nicer ergonomically to slide rather than have your hand up in the air or start using undermounts. So - Joystick amazing! But now I have a hankering for a matching throttle!
Best value for money
AMAZING
Great quality
I am usually not a fan of non-metal flight sticks, but there was no real metal alternative for the F-14, so I decided to give this one a try. To my surprise, it does not feel cheap at all. It feels solid and comfortable in the hand, and I really like the buttons, switches and overall design.
My only complaint is the second stage of the trigger. This is completely down to personal preference, but I prefer triggers that feel tactile and clicky, while this one is very soft and feels almost the opposite. Apart from that, I am very happy to have it in my collection and have really enjoyed using it.
There was also a small delay with the order, but the VKB Australia team went above and beyond by arranging international delivery at no extra cost so I could receive it as quickly as possible. Excellent customer service and overall a very good purchase.
I have had a very good experience with VKB Australia. Their customer service has always been responsive and helpful, and they have consistently taken the time to answer my questions properly.
I also had to return an item, and the process was smooth and handled quickly. On another purchase, there was a delay, and after I raised it with them, they went beyond what I expected and arranged international shipping at no additional cost to get the item to me as quickly as possible.
Overall, they have been reliable, helpful, and easy to deal with. I would be happy to purchase from them again.
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