Alpakka 2 Gyro-to-Mouse Controller

Table of contents

Alpakka 2 Gyro-to-Mouse Controller – Crowdfunding campaign launched on Indiegogo

Heute wurde bei Indiegogo ein für Simracer sehr interessantes Projekt vorgestellt. Mit dem Alpakka 2 Gyro-to-Mouse-Controller bringt der Hersteller Input Labs sein erstes kommerzielles Produkt auf den Markt. Es verfügt über verschiedene Eigenschaften, die es insbesondere für Simracer interessant machen könnten.

The new controller represents a significant advancement over the first version, which we have already presented in detail in this blog: DIY project: Alpakka controller by Input Labs – Review. New features include the OLED display and the option to operate the controller both with (~0.5 ms latency) and without a cable. The controller is particularly attractive for sim racers thanks to its four integrated gyro sensors, which work together to enable significantly more precise control. Like the first version of the controller, this makes it a real alternative for sim racers who are traveling or unable to use regular hardware.

Input

Single-piece cross dpad.
4 Face buttons (ABXY) with Thumb-sense touch surface.
4 Select/start buttons.
2 High quality thumbsticks.
2 Scrollwheels (mouse-like).
2 Bumper buttons.
2 Swappable triggers (mouse-like click or analog).
4 Back buttons.
[We will investigate using mechanical switches]
[We will investigate using hall-effect / TMR thumbsticks]

Output

1000 hz polling rate wired (~0.5 ms latency).
Wireless dongle with 2.4 GHz protocol (~2 ms latency).
OLED 128×64 display for profile preview and config.
USB-C connector.
Multi-protocol output:
- HID mouse.
- HID keyboard.
- HID gamepad / DirectInput (+generic steering wheel).
- XInput gamepad (Compatible with Steam Input).

Firmware

12 customizable profile slots in the controller memory.
Compatible with 100% games and launchers.
No drivers required.
Operating System support:
- Windows 10/11.
- GNU/Linux (distros with xpad).
- Android (limited support / experimental).
- Steam Deck / Steam Machine.

App

Available on browsers or as PWA native-like app.
Cross-device mappings (mouse, keyboard, gamepad).
Long-press and double-press mappings.
Gyro touch-on and touch-off modes assignable to thumb-sense or any button.
Gyro steering-wheel and plane-joystick modes.
Thumbstick deadzone, anti-deadzone, and saturation.
Thumbstick 4 and 8 button-pad modes.
Glyphstick and daisywheel keyboard typing modes.
Many more Ctrl app features.

Internals

4 high quality IMU sensors (working in parallel).
Rechargeable 1200 mAh LiPo battery.
Raspberry RP2350 microcontroller:
- 150 MHz core frequency.
- 520 KB of SRAM.
- FPU co-processor (floating point unit).
- 2 ARM Cortex-M33 cores.
- 2 RISC-V Hazard3 cores.

Here you can find some test laps in Assetto Corsa Competizione using the first version of the Alpakka controller:

DIY or Pro

Unlike the Alpakka 1 controller, the new version is now available in two variants:

DIY: In the DIY version, you can still build the controller yourself. To do this, you print the housing yourself (the STL files are provided) and install the finished PCB and the core module in it. You will also need a battery.
- Alpakka 2 PCB (fully soldered), Quantity: 1
- Marmota 2 (core module), Quantity: 2
Pro: New is the Pro version of the Alpakka 2 controller. It is sold as a finished product to end customers and is equipped with a higher-quality housing that has been manufactured using injection molding.

Prices and availability

Input Labs is using the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo to finance the new controller project. Interested parties can now pre-order the controller in various versions and bundles on the platform. Input Labs expects delivery to begin at the end of the year. However, buyers should always be aware of the risks associated with this type of financing.

Alpakka 2 PRO (220,00 € ~~300,00 €~~)
- Fully assembled Alpakka 2 PRO controller, with firmware installed, and ready to use. Wireless dongle included.
(2x) Alpakka 2 PRO (420,00 €~~600,00 €)~~
- Share an Alpakka with a friend! 2 units of a fully assembled Alpakka 2 PRO controller, with firmware installed, and ready to use. Wireless dongle included.
Alpakka 2 DIY (110,00 € ~~145,00 €~~)
- Build your own Alpakka 2 with the included electronics. 3D-print case and buttons yourself with the provided models.
(2x) Alpakka 2 DIY (200,00 €~~290,00 €~~)
- Share an Alpakka with a friend! Build your own Alpakka(s) with the included electronics. 3D-print case and buttons yourself.

In addition, there are several stretch goals for the financing, which will be achieved once various amounts have been reached.

300.000 € pledged
- Color variants for case and buttons
- Color variants for case and buttons
400.000 € pledged
- Long and short thumbstick caps
- Long and short thumbstick caps
500.000 € pledged
- Vibration motors
- Vibration motors
600.000 € pledged
- Transport case and stand (Extra rewards)