I don’t argue “if it breaks” thats just a side effect of the design the modules are switchable but in case it really breaks you just can pop it out and replace a simple module.
But can it break does it rattle? Sure it can break everything can, if you drop or smash it, it will break sooner or later. Have you seen the beaten Pimax Controller? Its a Solid Design and it was broken and it rattled like a Snake.
If it rattles out of the box production failed, simple as that. The Sidepanels of my Vape are secured by 4 tiny neodym magnets and for over 2 years daily abuse those sidepanels stay in place without the slightest rattling.
Before this thing starts to rattle the electronics inside the Vape will die.
For production and tooling i don’t see why it should be more expansive to produce 2 different small modules for 1 Controllerbase compared to run 2 Production lines for 2 complete sets of controllers (Remeber they would need to run 2 different Controllers for left and 2 Different Controllers for right Hand.
And really what is more likely if you want to have Touch and Trackpad that you buy 4 Controllers that costs you 400+ Dollar or that you buy 2 modular controllers with the option to just switch Modules that only cost a fraction of a complete Unit.
Much easier and cheaper for Pimax to store Replacement parts. You only have to hold one Set of Basecontrollers and 2 kinds of modules.
Edit: By the way no one is crying that the Pimax HMD is modular it is actually a feature other HMD lack. So it would be only consequent when they keep this feature throughout their whole Productline including the Controllers.
injection moulding costs are not small, making moulds is a pricey investment and to make an extra set of moulds just for the 2 different modules will add to the overhead costs. Even small moulds cost thousands which will eat into pimax’s profits. It will also make everything a little more bulky as you need support structure for the separate modules instead of just having them as part of the controller. You are also adding to part costs for more screws, adhesive and connectors.
The argument for people wanting both is not a very strong one as even if half the people wanted it you are sacrificing durability for the other half. Its cheaper for pimax to make the inside modular and carry spare boards and such instead of whole extra products. Just look at phones. Project Aria seems to have died because its simply easier and cheaper for a manufacture to make the insides a bit modular for repairs instead of making the whole phone modular for the user to be able to customise it.
They will need to have 4 moulds for 4 different Controllers so your argument actually is moot. And if they don’t have the money left for moulds of tiny modules you now already can say your pledge for the HMD goodbye.
You have read how many modules for the HMD there already are and how many new modules they already plan?
Since Pimax is so modular, why not add a module to replace just the thump part of the controller?
Make a Trackpad or Thumbstick module to add, instead or two different controllers (or four, for the left handed)
In SteamVR the Trackpad is used for multiple uses apart from joystick. So make just 2 modules that can be purchased separately, so that you could play in both ways and be compatible with everything.
Do you mean like a little ‘optional extra’ joystick module that could clip onto the side of the thumb operated trackpad controller? So it can be taken on/off when we want to use it?
This would be useful as if we can take it off, our thumb won’t accidentally bump into the joystick, which might affect immersion in VR, if we are going by ‘touch’ alone.
Or two different modules that you can swap. Or just like you said, a module with the Joystick over the Trackpad, but then one could damage the other, or not get enought energy.
I’m wondering if this may actually be a good idea as it may save on manufacturing costs of making two separate controllers and having to over stock. Managing controller inventory would be much better to have a two in one controller design.
