Hardware & Technical [Hardware] Buttkicker and Subpac

Zephyriel

Zephyriel
I'm interested in getting one of these devices, but before I make any decision I'd like some more information from people who have tried one or the other, or both. So here are my questions :

1) How accurate are these devices with Elite Dangerous ? Do you get the vibration when you need it, or do you get too much "parasite" vibrations, for example from in game music ?

2) What are the respective advantages and disadvantages of Buttkicker and Subpac ?

3) Apart from ED and racing/flight sims, do you effectively use those devices with any other game or does the musical score pose a big problem ?

4) I live in a small flat in an old building with creaking inlaid wooden flooring, and my computer chair stands on a rug. Is the vibration going to cause problems with my neighbors with either of these devices ? If so, if I turn down the intensity, can I still get a satisfying effect without causing a ruckus ?

Thanks in advance! Right now I think I might go for a Buttkicker Gamer 2, due to its much more reasonable price than Subpac... My main concern is the noise it might cause.
 

Tony Spaniels

Tony Spaniels
I have a buttkicker gamer 2 and have been using it with ED and several other games this last month. To jump straight into your questions..


1) How accurate are these devices with Elite Dangerous ? Do you get the vibration when you need it, or do you get too much "parasite" vibrations, for example from in game music ?

Unless you are running buttkicker with software like simvibe http://simxperience.com/Products/SimVibe/SimVibeSoftware.aspx which allows you to separate different vibration feeds then the transducer rumbles generically from the bass/sub, so yes you will get vibrations from in game music as well as everything else. Having said that the fidelity of the rumble irs pretty damn good and can certainly pack a punch when needed.


2) What are the respective advantages and disadvantages of Buttkicker and Subpac ?

Ah, cant help you here, sorry!

3) Apart from ED and racing/flight sims, do you effectively use those devices with any other game or does the musical score pose a big problem ?

I use it with quite a lot of games, from strategy games like Rome II (the rumble of your army on the move is wicked!:)) to FPS's like Half life 2 and Arma 3. I tend to turn the music off in games myself unless its particularly good but yes when its on there is some vibration with music. I am personally not bothered by that.


4) I live in a small flat in an old building with creaking inlaid wooden flooring, and my computer chair stands on a rug. Is the vibration going to cause problems with my neighbors with either of these devices ? If so, if I turn down the intensity, can I still get a satisfying effect without causing a ruckus ?

Hmm this could be a tricky one. Do you live above or below your neighbours? If you are above them and you are sitting on creaky wooden floorboards I think you may have issues yes. You could get some thick foam padding and stick it underneath your rug or something like that to be safe. Yes it still works when you turn the intensity down to a satisfying level but the fun might be dampened if you are worrying about annoying your neighbours.
 

Zephyriel

Zephyriel
Thanks a lot for your reply! That pretty much covers all the issues. I'll just get some simple thick foam and strap it to my chair's wheels whenever I want to use the Buttkicker.

Right now, apart from ED (which I don't have yet), I could use it with Titanfall in which I disable the in-game music. For other games like X Rebirth, Mass Effect, Assassin's Creed and the upcoming big titles, I'll just have to try it out! Luckily, the Buttkicker is easy to buy in France :D
 

Tony Spaniels

Tony Spaniels
Zephyriel said:
Thanks a lot for your reply! That pretty much covers all the issues. I'll just get some simple thick foam and strap it to my chair's wheels whenever I want to use the Buttkicker.

Right now, apart from ED (which I don't have yet), I could use it with Titanfall in which I disable the in-game music. For other games like X Rebirth, Mass Effect, Assassin's Creed and the upcoming big titles, I'll just have to try it out! Luckily, the Buttkicker is easy to buy in France :D
Click to expand...


You're welcome o/ :)

Mass Effect will definitely rock! (You might lose a buttock after that hyperspace jump sequence)
 
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