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Modding Game Controllers For Greater Grip
japala writes "Fast-paced videogames require a steady hand and great reflexes, it's generally agreed. But some game controllers and pads just don't seem to fit in your hand, and sometimes they slip and slide, making you miss the action. So Metku.net has tried coating videogame controllers with chemical rubber - it seems to improve grip, and possibly even your score."
Again, the similar kind of problem that I had with the ShinyShuttle article. Mod or a Review? In the end, a stock product gets to be something different than what it was when we started, so I think that it justifies this to be a modding article. :)
Not so long time ago, one of our forum members suggested for me to take a look at the product we are about to test in this article; Plasti Dip. Article title says Super Grip but that just felt a good name for the article and have nothing to do with the Plasti Dip Internation's Super Grip product that is mainly used for fabrics. Anyway, in this modding article we will see what these rubber coating products can offer for modders, gamers and DIY people in general. As Corpes0 from our forum told us, Airsoft enthusiasts have been using similar products to improve grip on their airsoft guns. It should be only natural for this stuff to work on computer input devices too. Read on and see how it turned out.
The productSpray or not to spray?
Plasti Dip can be bought in two different forms/containers; Liquid and Spray. Both of them are available in different colors though not all retailers stock all of them.
Colors available are:
Black Red Blue Yellow White Clear / TransparentThe store that I visited had Clear in spray and Black, Blue and Red as liquid. I ended up choosing one spray can (clear) and one can of liquid rubber coating for this article. Price for the products were around 15 euros for each can.
Dangerous?
"Haitallinen" = Harmfull, "Erittäin helposti syttyvä" = Extremely flammable and finally "Ympäristölle haitallinen" = Danger to environment. Fish swimming with backstrokes should be a pretty clear sign that these products are dangerous if not handled properly. In fact so dangerous that they can't be sended via regular post. As always, I don't take responsibility if you manage to harm yourself with these chemicals so read the label carefully and follow the instructions to the letter.
First testDipping
As a first test subject I decided to use a regular adjustable wrench. This is one of the targets that these rubber coating products are meant for. Non-slip handle will make the tool easier and safer to use. Just take a piece of string or wire and dip the item inside the can so that all the areas you want to get covered are submerged. You could use for example a brush to apply the coating to the item.
Result
After at least four hours of drying you get a smooth and rubbery finish on the tool. The coat isn't too thick but you can build up the thickness but dipping the tool to the can several times. Surface feels, well, rubber and it makes the handle and the tool very comfortable to use. A good result with metallic tool, what about input devices made out of plastic?
Nowadays I use just a keyboard and mouse for my games, as I got tired of dealing with a joystick. A product like this just might make me switch back.
You can buy a can of that rubber stuff at home depot. You dip your (all metal or grips worn off) tools into it and it coats it.
You hardly need to be a hardcore modder to do this. If you had sense, you'd get a roll of the grip tape skaters use and it'd be cheaper and faster.
Has anyone ever had a problem with the controller flying out of their hands?
I don't need no instructions to know how to rock!!!!
Long ago, a company called Redz Comfort Gear made neoprene game controller covers for the PS2, Dreamcast and GameBoy that saved my thumbs many times from blisters after hours of playing my favorite games. They can still be purchased here.
Drummers are always concerned with grip on their sticks. I know numerous ones who prefere Gorilla Snot to keep a hold on things. I'm sure it could be used for controllers for a cheaper and less perminant solution.
I know for a fact that Halo tournaments usually require you to use a un-modded controller. The extra grip, specifically on the right thumnstick could have a serious effect on your aiming ability, plus decrease the time it takes you to use your thumb for the gamepad buttons and switch back to the stick again.
Organic rubber, aka natural rubber. I even heard they have trees.
I've had to underclock a few computers before so they didn't overheat or undergo other weird problems. Not to mention that underclocking notebook computers can often save precious battery power.