Control Freaks: Weirdest and Most Unique PC Game Accessories

The more things change, the more they play out the same: As enthusiasts are well aware, even 40 years after home computing's dawn, a mouse-and-keyboard combo remains the de facto control standard for most PC games. Over the years, there have been many attempts (some wild, some wacky, and some largely WTF) to change things up, ranging from Smell-o-Vision style experiences to arcade-type joysticks. But while some of these devices managed to attract a cult following, the truth is that most were trying to fix something what wasn't broken — as a result, few ever caught on. Happily though, this hasn't stopped inventors around the globe from doing their damnedest to mix things up in recent years, and redesign the way we interact with our systems. (Often, way more successfully.) Following, you'll find several of the more inventive recent attempts out there — some fun, some far-fetched, and some downright goofy — but each nearly every bit as unique and engaging as the games they're designed to work with.

Simulation and racing controllers

When it comes to playing a hardcore simulation, oftentimes a mouse and keyboard simply won't do — especially for those who take their simulations seriously. After all: in real life, you don't drive a car with arrow keys or steer with the click of a button (at least, we hope not). So why would you want to play a driving game with a keyboard or fly with a mouse when you can have a luxury sports car steering wheel or faux tractor trailer (seriously, see below) to putter around in instead?

Keep in mind: when you're off to the races, there's no shortage of steering wheel controllers to choose from — and several providers have you covered, even to the most outlandish extremes. However, if you want to drive like an Italian sports car collector (and we mean that in a nice way), be sure to check out the Thurstmaster TXRacing Wheel Ferrari 458 Italia Edition for the PC and Xbox One. It features a 900-degree force feedback servomotor wheel base that can help you feel every bump in the road, while metal gas and brake pedals offer a responsive and oh-so-stylish way to floor it for the finish line on-command. Drive a Fiat, but dream of riding in luxury? This wheel controller may well offer an affordable alternative to the real deal that'll still offer plenty of authentic pedal-to-the-medal action.

While we're not sure a Ferrari wheel would be the first choice for those into farm and industrial simulations, the Saitek Farming Simulator Vehicle Side Panel for PC may make for a more well-received (and country-fried) stand-in. It offers more than 25 programmable buttons so you can feel like you're working in one of the industrial big rigs — fortunately, to the best of our knowledge, no one released the even more authentic smell of cow manure.

And from a 20,000 foot view, it pays to remember: flight sims are truly about getting immersed in the experience as well. The Saitek X52 Pro Flight System Controller could be the next best thing to climbing into the cockpit. It offers a fully integrated hands-on stick and throttle flight controller, as well as an upgraded multifunction LCD that displays in-game data in real time. Translated into plain English, its progressive throttle offers tension adjustment capabilities that help simulate the feel of flying and elevate you to a higher altitude.

 

Gaming keyboards and keypads

A full-sized gaming keyboard can be a godsend when it comes to playing complex games — but sometimes, you might not want to have to contort your fingers into pretzels just to access every hotkey imaginable. That's where the Logitech G13 Advanced Gameboard comes in, providing a handy tool in your arsenal if you're looking to quickly hop between functions, or quickly process more incoming information at a glance. It offers 25 programmable backlit keys, as well as a 160-by-43-pixel GamePanel LCD screen that displays live game stats, system info, and even messages from other players. It offers 75 unique functions across three different modes with three macros per key — and might just give you the edge that you need to dominate in your favorite titles.

If you really want to make a hardcore fashion statement, don't miss out on the ROG Claymore. It's a sick-looking gaming keyboard with funky red, blue, brown, and black mechanical switches, and an easily-detached numeric keyboard that you can use to mix and match placement options. Not only does the sucker stand out at a glance with its backlit styling, customizable keys, and Mayan-inspired detailing — it also proves a standout performer, since it can be synced with ROG motherboards so you can create hotkeys for managing everything from CPU and memory overclocking to fan speeds.

 

Gaming mice

In the 20th century, it might have been the goal of many an inventor to create a better mousetrap. But in the new millennium, the goal instead seems to be to invent a better gaming mouse. (Not that we blame anyone.)

Not meant for gaming cubs, the Cougar 700M MOC700B USB Wired Laser Aluminum Gaming Mouse also scores big points, because it looks like a transforming robot. And while it can't actually turn into a 10-ton, laser-spitting engine of destruction, it's apparently well-optimized for FPS, MMO, MOBA, and RTS gaming. Intriguingly, not only do you get an 8200 DPI precision gaming sensor in this sucker — you also get a built-in 32-bit ARM processor with 512 KB of onboard memory to save up to 30 functions on its three onboard profiles.

You'll definitely want to check out the ROG Sica mouse and Whetstone gaming mouse pad as well — specifically designed to give you an edge in all your gaming favorites. You'll note the hyper-precise Sica comes in sweet-looking black-and-red styling, and allows for all sorts of crazy ways to accommodate your favorite play styles, whether MMORPGs, MOBAs, FPS titles, or other top gaming genres are your preferred favorites. The Whetstone rocks the house with its firm and ultra-responsive surface, which is also easily rolled up and stowed away for transport.

And if you really, really want a mouse that looks like the love child of the Batmobile and a high-powered PC gaming rig, the ROG Spatha is also worth a glance. It features 11 programmable buttons, and plenty of profiles that'll allow you to change up all your favorite settings. With a bit of research on 3D printing, you can create the freakiest looking mouse ever.

 

Foot-powered controllers

Who says the PC is all about keyboards, mice, joysticks, or other handheld gamepads? There are also more than a few "unique" options designed to let your feet get in on the action. For example: you can get off the chair and into the game with the Whamo Soccer Kickpad for the PC or PS3, which simulates the motion of a mouse with your foot (don't ask us, we just work here). If you're a soccer fan, especially, who wants to put their best foot forward, well... we're guessing there's just no substitute.

The KingMas USB Game Foot Control Keyboard Action Switch Pedal HID isn't designed for multiple functions, but what it does do, it does very well. This controller essentially allows you to reproduce any keyboard shortcut or single key and control it with your foot. The accessory may seem like a small step for gamers, but — as with many of the other oddball and uniquely styled gadgets on this list — remember... When it comes to needing a HUD or power boost, it could be one giant step for gamer-kind!

 

By Scott Steinberg