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VKB · stick
Gladiator NXT EVO 'Space Combat Edition'
The default first buy for anyone building an affordable HOSAS rig who wants boutique sensor quality without boutique pricing.
~$119 approx 2026 street price (Standard right-hand US; Premium ~$139)
The canonical affordable on-ramp into a 'real' magnetic-sensor stick, and the single most-recommended HOSAS building block for Star Citizen and Elite Dangerous. It pairs an all-metal-internals gimbal with contactless sensors and VKB's self-centering twist mechanism at a price that lets you buy two for a full twin-stick rig. The Space Combat Edition adds a space-friendly button cluster and is fully buildable as a left- or right-hand stick. The trade-off versus the Gunfighter tier is a non-adjustable cam/spring feel and a smaller, lighter footprint.
Buy with confidence
This is one of the cleaner buys in its lane if the price and platform fit your setup.
Known caution: Cams/springs are not swappable like the Gunfighter baseIgnitionSim is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you — it never changes our verdict or your price. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Specs
| sensors | Contactless magnetic on X/Y axes (drift-resistant) |
|---|---|
| twist | Self-centering twist Z-axis (the 'sixth axis' for HOSAS) |
| controller | 32-bit ARM |
| buttons | ALPS/OMRON switches, space-oriented button layout |
| handedness | Available as dedicated left or right hand |
| config | VKBDevCfg software (deep, steep learning curve) |
Pros
- Magnetic sensors at a budget price — no potentiometer drift
- Twist axis covers all six axes when you run two as a HOSAS pair
- Clear upgrade path into the VKB Gunfighter ecosystem
Cons
- Cams/springs are not swappable like the Gunfighter base
- VKBDevCfg software is intimidating for newcomers
- Compact base benefits from a clamp mount under combat input
Common questions
Can I make a HOSAS pair from two of these?
Yes — buy one left-hand and one right-hand 'Space Combat Edition', and the twist axis on each gives you enough analog axes to cover all six degrees of freedom plus throttle.
Is it good enough or should I save for a Gunfighter Mk.IV?
For most pilots the Gladiator is genuinely good enough; it already uses magnetic sensors. The Gunfighter base is an upgrade for adjustable cam/spring feel and heavier combat grips, not a fix for a deficient stick.
Does it work on Xbox?
No. Like all VKB hardware it is PC-only. For Xbox space combat the Turtle Beach VelocityOne is the main licensed option.
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