KupVR Guide: New VR Hand Controller Review

KUPVR VR hand controller
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Virtual reality hand controllers have been subpar for most people. A new solution called the KupVR aims to solve all of the problems and make VR games even better.

In this guide, we will walk you through KupVR, which launched in March on Kickstarter. We’ll show you how it works, its features, price, and how it compares with Oculus Touch Controllers, Vive controllers, Index controllers, and VR gloves.  

What is KupVR?

kupvr logo

KupVR is a VR hand controller that lets you get more out of your virtual reality games. This open-source 6DOF controller is plug & play. It supports VR and non-VR applications. 

The Kup-Controllers track the movement of your fingers and rotation of your hand. The Kup-Belt tracks the position of your hands and orientation of your body.

Together, the system aims to create a more accurate VR control system than ever before.

Simply put the belt and controllers on and you are ready to play games with full virtual hands. Each controller has IR sensors, haptic actuator, accelerometer and gyroscope, and Bluetooth. 

How does KupVR work?

kupvr vr hand controller

Although there are already VR systems that track what each of a user’s fingers is doing, they are usually expensive gloves. KupVR is designed to be a low-cost alternative and it leaves the user’s fingers open and free.There are three main parts to the system:

  • Two Kup-Controllers that are mounted across the palm of each hand 
  • A Kup-Belt that’s worn at the waist.

Infrared sensors in the Kup-Controllers continuously track the positions of all of the fingers on each hand. An integrated IMU (inertial measurement unit) notes the rotation of each hand. The Kup-Belt, meanwhile, tracks the orientation of the body. It also keeps track of the location of each hand relative to it.

There are haptic actuators in the Controllers and Belt, which buzz users according to what’s happening within the game. The three devices wirelessly communicate with each other and your nearby VR headset via Bluetooth LE. 

KupVR Features

Easy Setup

The KupVR is very easy to set up up. It doesn’t require technical expertise to couple it. Plus, you can complete the setup process within 10 minutes. 

Works with Smartphones

KupVR integrates smoothly with various smartphones on the market. It connects via the same Bluetooth LE standard as your VR headset.

Gamers can now experience games in a whole new way with their smartphones.

TV Compatible

These VR hand controllers can work on a virtual reality mode, using a TV screen as a regular console. Or, it can connect to your PC to enjoy the high-end titles out there that require all the juice.

Compatible with VR Headsets

The KupVR is compatible with most VR headsets on the market. They are also a lot more accurate than other VR hand controllers, which we’ll show you below!

Full Finger and 6DoF Hand Tracking

KupVR offers full finger tracking and 6DoF features. You can walk around an item in a 360-degree circle. Bend over and view it from the top down, or crouch down and view it from the bottom up. This gives you more accuracy that other VR controllers.

Haptic Feedback

Haptic feedback is the ability to touch objects within the virtual space. KupVR guarantees that, by giving you sensations that make it seem like you are feeling a solid object.

Here are some other features:

KupVR Guide: New VR Hand Controller Review

KupVR Cost

KupVR Guide: New VR Hand Controller Review

The earliest chance to own these controllers are through Kickstarter. The team has a bunch of different packages available, depending on your price point. The following are each of the packages you can get:

Kup C Kit – $69 – SAVE 18%

  • Kup-R-Controller
  • Kup-L-Controller

Kup V Kit – $89 – SAVE 25%

  • Kup-R-Controller
  • Kup-L-Controller
  • Kup-Belt 

Kup VR Kit – $129 – SAVE 19%

  • Kup-R-Controller
  • Kup-L-Controller
  • Kup-Belt
  • Kup-Dock

Kup VR+ Kit – $139 – SAVE 18%

  • Kup-R-Controller
  • Kup-L-Controller
  • Kup-Belt
  • Kup-Dock
  • Mobile VR Headset

Kup VR Lover Kit – $279 – SAVE 17%

  • 2x Kup-R-Controller
  • 2x Kup-L-Controller
  • 2x Kup-Belt
  • 2x Kup-Dock
  • Kup-T-Shirt

KupVR vs Other VR Hand Controllers

KupVR is different from other VR hand controllers like Oculus Touch Controllers, Vive controllers, Index controllers, and VR gloves. It is superior in the following 5 areas:

KupVR Guide: New VR Hand Controller Review

Finger Tracking

Oculus Touch and Vive Controllers don’t have this feature. Finger tracking is only possible with these, the Valve Index controllers, and individual VR gloves. In the future, finger tracking will be expected in VR games for the highest accuracy.  

Affordability

KupVR is very affordable compared to the rest except Oculus Touch Controllers. You can get them for as low as $69 via the Kickstarter project.

Ergonomics

These VR hand controllers are all ergonomically-friendly. They offer a comfortable fit and maximum efficiency for players.

6DoF

Users can walk around an object in a 360-degree circle. This kind of positional tracking leads to a much more engaging experience. 6DoF is critical to realistic simulation inside of virtual reality games.

Open Source

KupVR is an open-source VR hand controller. This means you can modify it to suit your needs. Games can be built to be compatible with the controllers.

How to Buy the KupVR

The only way to buy the KupVR currently is on Kickstarter. Click here to access the Kickstarter page for more information.

When does the KupVR ship?

KupVR Guide: New VR Hand Controller Review

These hand controllers ships out to your home in August 2020. Early buyers get a discount, so hurry up while the Kickstarter project is still on.

How to Help Promote KupVR

You can help promote the KupVR and earn 5% of each sale for doing so! To help KupVR out:

  1. Click this link and register as a Booster.
  2. Share your unique Booster link on your Facebook, Twitter, Blog, Website, or wherever you’d like!
  3. Refer to your Kickbooster dashboard and watch your commissions roll in!

What do you think about the KupVR? Share your thoughts with us using the comment box below.  

Author

  • Ryan William

    With over 7 years of hands-on experience in the dynamic world of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR), Ryan is a recognized authority in the field. His collaborations with industry giants like Meta and HTC underscore his expertise in shaping the AR/VR landscape. Ryan has written over 2,000 blog posts, offering in-depth insights, reviews, and analyses of the latest mixed reality technology. From groundbreaking games to cutting-edge hardware, Ryan's extensive knowledge ensures readers are always at the forefront of AR/VR/MR, as well as Steam Deck, news.

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