News for hackers. Stuff that matters.

A comment on Ask HN: Why is precision mouse pointer control not possible sitting on a couch?.

Re:Ask HN: Why is precision mouse pointer control not possib... by DoktorDelta on Monday December 05, 2022 @01:19AM (#33862129)
Valve attempted something like this with the steam controller, which features touchpads instead of joysticks. I've never used one myself so I can't vouch for its effectiveness.

Corsair makes a small keyboard and mouse surface that you can rest on your knees while sitting on a couch, they call it the Lap Dog. It might be the best option at the moment for using a mouse from a couch.

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Ask HN: Why is precision mouse pointer control not possib... by ok_dad on Monday December 05, 2022 @02:31AM (#33862616)
The steam controller was awesome, to me, but a lot of people hated it. I think it was ahead of its time and I think they abandoned it too soon.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Ask HN: Why is precision mouse pointer control not possib... by likeclockwork on Monday December 05, 2022 @02:45AM (#33862706)
The steam controller touchpad in trackball mode for coarse look(and quick spins) plus gyro for fine aim work really well.

I think it works so well because both are direct like a mouse, unlikely a joystick which is good at setting a rate of change.

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Ask HN: Why is precision mouse pointer control not possib... by goosedragons on Monday December 05, 2022 @05:41AM (#33863821)
Steam Deck is the refinement of this control scheme. Unfortunately they don't offer and nobody else does either a standalone controller with the layout.

Gyros also work well for aiming with mouse-like precision. Especially with the "Flick Stick" layout. You can set this up with a PlayStation 3/4/5 or Nintendo Switch controller on PC.

https://youtu.be/PJIqEX93vL8

[ Parent | on HN ]