Gunfighter controllers

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5 products

The Gunfighter Mk.IV features VKB's latest proprietary controller technology and provides a professional level, full metal gimbal flight control system for pro simmers. The modular design and small size allows seamless desktop integration and perfect cockpit mounting. Five grip variants are available that can be swapped on one common base.

Gunfighter Mk.IV base

New generation dry clutch
No stiction soft start, and extra smooth movement.

Swappable Springs and Cams
Multiple spring tension options.
Spring pre-tensioners provide more wide, yet precise control.
Exchangeable Avia and Space cams for progressive or linear tension profiles.

Blackbox Mk3
This is a new version of our powerful external controller. Increased frequency and on-board firmware algorithms drastically boost productivity. The Blackbox automatically detects connected devices and configures them.

New Grip to base connector type (Rev. C)
Its round shape allows rotation of the grip without the risk of damaging the contacts. Gold-plated contacts provide extended longevity.

Swappable grips
Grips can be swapped on one common base.

Stick extensions
For extra control precision stick extensions of 100mm and 200mm are available for all Gunfighter grips.

Gladiator vs Gunfighter comparison

Please click here to see a comparison between the Gladiator and the Gunfighter.

Grip comparison

Features MCG Pro /
MCG Ultimate		 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 No Yes - click here No No
Description / Technology

24-32 programmable buttons, based on the Hat module installed
5 analog axes (2x slew control mini stick axes / 2x trimmer mini stick axes / 1x brake lever axis)
Dual-stage trigger (trigger 1)
Metal folding trigger (trigger 2) with two-position sensor (flipped up/down)
Mini stick module
Hat switch module
Extra button caps (black)
1 Built-in, lockable twist adapter (Twist version only)

 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 Users		 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
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 Users
Buttons and switches

24-32 programmable buttons, based on the Hat module installed (24 only for MCG Pro)
5 analog axes (2x slew control mini stick axes / 2x trimmer mini stick axes / 1x brake lever axis)
Dual-stage trigger (trigger 1)
Metal folding trigger (trigger 2) with two-position sensor (flipped up/down)
Lockable Twist z-axis

MCG Ultimate only:
1 Mini stick module
1 Hat switch module
Extra button caps (black)

1 Dual Action Trigger
1 Rapid Fire Trigger (Premium only)
3 Hat switches with centre push (4-way)
3 buttons
1 analog mini stick with center push (8-way) (Premium only)
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-axis

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 buttons

1 Folding trigger (metal)
1 Pinky lever (metal)
1 Bomb release button
1 8-way HAT switch
1 Side button
Stick extensions

100mm straight or 200mm curved

Same as MCG Pro / Ultimate

Same as MCG Pro / Ultimate

Same as MCG Pro / Ultimate
Material

MCG Pro:
Industrial-grade ABS (injection moulding)
Made with OMRON and ALPS precision buttons and switches
Base plate: Steel

MCG Ultimate:
Lightweight, durable aluminum alloy
Base plate: Steel

Grip:
Industrial-grade ABS
Base plate: Steel

Grip:
Industrial-grade ABS
Base plate: Steel

 Grip:
Industrial-grade ABS
Base plate: Steel
Comfort

Adjustable palm rest (25 mm range)
Ergonomic grip angle (can be rotated left up to 15 degrees)

 2 interchangeable palm rests (total 3 palm-size adjustments) 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:
Short arm (UCM-S GF) suitable for no extension or 100mm extension
Long arm (UCM-L GF) suitable for 100mm and 200mm stick extension

 Same as MCG Pro / Ultimate 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 Gunfighter Mk.IV base
  • All-metal gimbal with next-gen adjustable axis dampers
  • New and improved grip connector (Rev.C)
  • Swappable cams and springs
  • Spring pre-tighteners to easily remove, loosen, or tighten springs
  • Avia cams with progressive loading (soft and hard center)
  • Space cams with linear loading (soft and hard center)
  • Cams made of hardened stainless-steel alloy
  • Wide stance tabletop baseplate
  • BlackBox 3 with 32-bit ARM MCU Hi-Speed USB controller
  • Set of springs (#20, #30, and #40)
  • Spring installation tool
  • 50 cm (1.6′) interface cable
  • 180 cm (6′) USB 2.0 cable

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.

Installation and setup videos

Gunfighter Mk.IV quick start:
Please click here to watch on the VKB YouTube channel.

Gunfighter Mk.IV base setup:
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 1383 reviews
GNX Side Extension Module Vertical (GNX-SEM-V)
Great addition to any SIM setup

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.

Sol Jones
T-Rudder Mk.V Pedals
Just what I wanted

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.

Anonymous
My trigger spring broke and support sent me two springs free

My trigger spring broke and support sent me two springs free, paying only the postage cost which is fair. Great and fast response too!

Anonymous
Gladiator NXT to EVO Upgrade Kit
Perfect upgrade for the NXT

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.

Lee Walker
Gladiator EVO Omni Throttle
Perfect upgrade

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.

Lee Walker
Gladiator EVO 'Space Combat Edition' Premium
Really enjoying it! Huge step up from my T16000 joystick

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!

Mark Foley
STECS Throttle System Mk.II - Standard

Best value for money

Jack
Gladiator EVO 'Space Combat Edition' Standard
AMAZING

AMAZING

Ashton Shields
GNX Front Switchboard Module – General Aviation (FSM-GA)

Great quality

Teagan
Gunfighter Mk.IV (Rev.C) Stand-alone Grips without base
Surprisingly premium feel for a non-metal grip

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.

Danial Yazdani
Excellent customer service and support

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.

Danial Yazdani
STECS Throttle System Mk.II - Max
Velvety smooth! Kick-ass! Beautfully modular!

I am absolutely blown away by the STECS Throttle System Mk.II - Max. It is an incredible piece of hardware that has completely transformed my flight simulation experience.

I paired this throttle with my VKB Gladiator NXT, and the combo is unbeatable. They look, feel, and perform brilliantly together. The level of control and precision I have now is next-level.

Out of the box, the setup was surprisingly easy. VKB has done a fantastic job making the physical configuration and software integration straightforward, so I was up and flying in no time.

The build quality is top-tier, the customisation options are endless, and the physical response of the throttle is pure luxury. I cannot recommend this system highly enough to anyone looking to upgrade their setup.

This throttle has completely sold me on the VKB ecosystem. I will definitely be building my entire cockpit using VKB modules!

Jase N
STECS Space Throttle System - Standard
I had been using an X52 for a long time

I had been using an X52 for a long time, finally took the plunge and ordered the Space Edition STECs…. OMG !

An amazing difference, so smooth, the detent personalisation, the set up was simple.

I was able to configure buttons very similar to a layout I have used on the X52. The multi direction control on the top is perfect for thruster control in Elite Dangerous.

Highly recommended….

Paul Riggs
Gladiator EVO 'Space Combat Edition' Standard
Extremely well made with precision

Extremely well made with precision. Great price

Anonymous
Fighter Pilot | BEST BUDGET FLIGHT SIM (5% Discount)
Great quality

Awesome products works like a dream Stecs mk2 has so many buttons it’s very good

Anonymous