Introducing the Modke Mimic, a groundbreaking PC gaming peripheral designed for professional Fortnite players. This innovative joystick controller for keyboards combines exceptional ergonomics with optimal keybinds, promoting pro-level mastery of complex gaming mechanics. By replacing the traditional WASD movement keys with an adjustable joystick, the Mimic offers the comfort, control, and responsiveness of a console controller, allowing gamers to explore new techniques and play styles, enhancing their reach and speed on the keyboard.
The PC gaming industry has seen a significant increase in both youth and adult players, particularly with the popularity of games like Fortnite. Despite this growth, designing for a fixed keyboard presents challenges, as many players desire a more comfortable and effective joystick control. Many companies have attempted to bridge this gap but have failed due to a lack of understanding of thumb anatomy and the proper biomechanics of using a joystick. Transitioning between console and PC gaming setups often proves difficult for players as they struggle to replicate the joystick experience with a keyboard. A major challenge in designing a new accessory for PC is accommodating the variation in hand sizes, necessitating a fully adjustable solution.
This design project emerged from the client’s passion for PC gaming and his desire to create a product he would love to use. His early experience of controlling Mario with a joystick on the Nintendo 64 was a monumental moment for him—one he has never forgotten. As a lifelong gamer and now a father sharing his love of gaming with his son, he dreamed of developing a product that would enhance his own play and revolutionize PC gaming. Many of the most competitive games are on PC, and serious gamers often transition from console to PC for the flexibility to map more key binds. However, this flexibility comes with ergonomic inefficiencies and sub optimal key binds, which this project aims to address.
Our client approached us with a rudimentary prototype, and while we recognized its significance, we initially underestimated the transformative potential it held. The initial quest was to craft a "mouse-like" accessory with an attached joystick for the left hand of PC gamers. At first, we thought we were on the right path, but in reality, we were far from understanding the intricate mechanics needed to create such a revolutionary and versatile PC gaming accessory.
We embarked on our journey by sketching out concepts, focusing intensely on the palm-rest component and the fully adjustable joystick attachment. Each sketch unveiled the complexities of the design; even slight tweaks in ball joint dimensions posed formidable challenges. The "bent-arm" double ball joint used to adjust the joystick housing demanded precise calibration to ensure all players could keep their thumb's tip, just above the center of the thumbprint, directly on the joystick's sweet spot. The thumb's nerve-rich tip was pivotal for receiving superior feedback, ensuring peak responsiveness in joystick maneuvers. It became a game of millimeters – height adjustments affected wrist angles and reach, and tiny shifts in the jointed arm could throw off the thumb's centered stance on the joystick. After numerous cycles of feedback, sketches, and CAD iterations, we zeroed in on the "Optimal Thumbstick Positioning (OTP)" design of the Mimic.
Understanding the joystick's versatility was one thing, but devising a fail-proof mechanism to lock it in position was another challenge altogether. Aiming to disrupt the design and hand surface as little as possible, we crafted minimalist set screws that securely locked onto the ball joints, engineered for effortless adjustment and maximum grip. We even integrated a stealthy slot for a hex wrench into the Mimic, ensuring players could always fine-tune for comfort and control.
After several prototype iterations and rigorous user testing, it became clear that we had crafted something truly innovative. The process then involved detailed CAD work, surface design, electronics integration, material optimization, thorough testing, and preparation for manufacturing.
After working with several consultants and meeting with a couple top design firms, I decided to contract Trig for this project and I firmly believe that they are the only ones in the country with the talent, dedication and attention to detail to bring this impossible vision to life. The successful integration of joystick and keyboard has finally be achieved after dozens have failed, and Trig was the one to do it.
Modke's flagship product is a high-quality, customizable, and ergonomically-designed keyboard joystick for competitive FPS PC gamers. This innovative joystick, featuring a patented double-jointed mechanical arm, delivers unparalleled control and tactile feedback compared to current PC accessories. By tailoring the joystick's positioning to the user's individual thumb anatomy, it offers an immersive gaming experience that must be felt to be fully understood.
Positioned for seamless access to keybinds, gamers can explore new techniques and play styles previously unattainable with standard mouse and keyboard alone. The intentional bilateral symmetry mirrors the grip of both hands, reducing stress and cognitive load, facilitating easier entry into a 'flow state.' This intuitive design encourages gamers to personalize their in-game key binds, opening avenues for innovative gameplay techniques.
Modke's product addresses long-standing ergonomic issues in the gaming industry, enhancing users' performance and enjoyment. By empowering gamers to delve into unexplored gameplay dimensions and cultivate unique play styles, Modke is poised to revolutionize the PC gaming landscape and elevate the gaming experience to new heights.
Introducing the Modke Mimic, a groundbreaking PC gaming peripheral designed for professional Fortnite players. This innovative joystick controller for keyboards combines exceptional ergonomics with optimal keybinds, promoting pro-level mastery of complex gaming mechanics. By replacing the traditional WASD movement keys with an adjustable joystick, the Mimic offers the comfort, control, and responsiveness of a console controller, allowing gamers to explore new techniques and play styles, enhancing their reach and speed on the keyboard.
The PC gaming industry has seen a significant increase in both youth and adult players, particularly with the popularity of games like Fortnite. Despite this growth, designing for a fixed keyboard presents challenges, as many players desire a more comfortable and effective joystick control. Many companies have attempted to bridge this gap but have failed due to a lack of understanding of thumb anatomy and the proper biomechanics of using a joystick. Transitioning between console and PC gaming setups often proves difficult for players as they struggle to replicate the joystick experience with a keyboard. A major challenge in designing a new accessory for PC is accommodating the variation in hand sizes, necessitating a fully adjustable solution.
This design project emerged from the client’s passion for PC gaming and his desire to create a product he would love to use. His early experience of controlling Mario with a joystick on the Nintendo 64 was a monumental moment for him—one he has never forgotten. As a lifelong gamer and now a father sharing his love of gaming with his son, he dreamed of developing a product that would enhance his own play and revolutionize PC gaming. Many of the most competitive games are on PC, and serious gamers often transition from console to PC for the flexibility to map more key binds. However, this flexibility comes with ergonomic inefficiencies and sub optimal key binds, which this project aims to address.
Our client approached us with a rudimentary prototype, and while we recognized its significance, we initially underestimated the transformative potential it held. The initial quest was to craft a "mouse-like" accessory with an attached joystick for the left hand of PC gamers. At first, we thought we were on the right path, but in reality, we were far from understanding the intricate mechanics needed to create such a revolutionary and versatile PC gaming accessory.
We embarked on our journey by sketching out concepts, focusing intensely on the palm-rest component and the fully adjustable joystick attachment. Each sketch unveiled the complexities of the design; even slight tweaks in ball joint dimensions posed formidable challenges. The "bent-arm" double ball joint used to adjust the joystick housing demanded precise calibration to ensure all players could keep their thumb's tip, just above the center of the thumbprint, directly on the joystick's sweet spot. The thumb's nerve-rich tip was pivotal for receiving superior feedback, ensuring peak responsiveness in joystick maneuvers. It became a game of millimeters – height adjustments affected wrist angles and reach, and tiny shifts in the jointed arm could throw off the thumb's centered stance on the joystick. After numerous cycles of feedback, sketches, and CAD iterations, we zeroed in on the "Optimal Thumbstick Positioning (OTP)" design of the Mimic.
Understanding the joystick's versatility was one thing, but devising a fail-proof mechanism to lock it in position was another challenge altogether. Aiming to disrupt the design and hand surface as little as possible, we crafted minimalist set screws that securely locked onto the ball joints, engineered for effortless adjustment and maximum grip. We even integrated a stealthy slot for a hex wrench into the Mimic, ensuring players could always fine-tune for comfort and control.
After several prototype iterations and rigorous user testing, it became clear that we had crafted something truly innovative. The process then involved detailed CAD work, surface design, electronics integration, material optimization, thorough testing, and preparation for manufacturing.
The Modke Mimic may appear straightforward, but it embodies a remarkable degree of mechanical complexity. Initially, our client had developed an unrefined palm rest prototype using molding wax, with exposed wiring and a fixed joystick, tailored to his own hand but not adjustable for others. To address this, we engineered multiple rounds of surface-designed palm rests, 3D printed them, and conducted user testing. Through meticulous adjustments, we created a comfortable platform accommodating both large and small hands.
Additionally, he had separate prototypes demonstrating ball joint movement that lacked electronic connectivity and secure usability. By analyzing his previous work, we devised a hollow ball joint arm, enabling electronic integration and secure use. Initially planning to push wiring through a single channel, we pivoted to a two-part arm design for more streamlined manufacturing and assembly. Our initial push-button release design for "on the fly" ball joint manipulation led to uncomfortable protrusions and wiring obstructions. We replaced this with a simple set screw system, prioritizing a secure hold over "toolless" adjustments. Early plastic injection molded housings cracked under the pressure of the set screws, so we re-engineered the parts with CNC aluminum housings, providing a secure hold and a premium feel.
FPS (first person shooter) gaming requires extensive keybinds, so we positioned the Modke Mimic below the keyboard at an ideal height for comfortable key access. Custom keycaps for the Wooting 60HE keyboard (for initial launch) allows users to rotate the joystick into a perfect "claw" position, freeing up the keyboard for new techniques and play styles. It was named Mimic due to its bilateral symmetry, mirroring the ergonomic comfort of the opposite hand on a PC mouse, thus streamlining and enhancing movement.
After working with several consultants and meeting with a couple top design firms, I decided to contract Trig for this project and I firmly believe that they are the only ones in the country with the talent, dedication and attention to detail to bring this impossible vision to life. The successful integration of joystick and keyboard has finally be achieved after dozens have failed, and Trig was the one to do it.
Modke's flagship product is a high-quality, customizable, and ergonomically-designed keyboard joystick for competitive FPS PC gamers. This innovative joystick, featuring a patented double-jointed mechanical arm, delivers unparalleled control and tactile feedback compared to current PC accessories. By tailoring the joystick's positioning to the user's individual thumb anatomy, it offers an immersive gaming experience that must be felt to be fully understood.
Positioned for seamless access to keybinds, gamers can explore new techniques and play styles previously unattainable with standard mouse and keyboard alone. The intentional bilateral symmetry mirrors the grip of both hands, reducing stress and cognitive load, facilitating easier entry into a 'flow state.' This intuitive design encourages gamers to personalize their in-game key binds, opening avenues for innovative gameplay techniques.
Modke's product addresses long-standing ergonomic issues in the gaming industry, enhancing users' performance and enjoyment. By empowering gamers to delve into unexplored gameplay dimensions and cultivate unique play styles, Modke is poised to revolutionize the PC gaming landscape and elevate the gaming experience to new heights.
Introducing the Modke Mimic, a groundbreaking PC gaming peripheral designed for professional Fortnite players. This innovative joystick controller for keyboards combines exceptional ergonomics with optimal keybinds, promoting pro-level mastery of complex gaming mechanics. By replacing the traditional WASD movement keys with an adjustable joystick, the Mimic offers the comfort, control, and responsiveness of a console controller, allowing gamers to explore new techniques and play styles, enhancing their reach and speed on the keyboard.
The PC gaming industry has seen a significant increase in both youth and adult players, particularly with the popularity of games like Fortnite. Despite this growth, designing for a fixed keyboard presents challenges, as many players desire a more comfortable and effective joystick control. Many companies have attempted to bridge this gap but have failed due to a lack of understanding of thumb anatomy and the proper biomechanics of using a joystick. Transitioning between console and PC gaming setups often proves difficult for players as they struggle to replicate the joystick experience with a keyboard. A major challenge in designing a new accessory for PC is accommodating the variation in hand sizes, necessitating a fully adjustable solution.
This design project emerged from the client’s passion for PC gaming and his desire to create a product he would love to use. His early experience of controlling Mario with a joystick on the Nintendo 64 was a monumental moment for him—one he has never forgotten. As a lifelong gamer and now a father sharing his love of gaming with his son, he dreamed of developing a product that would enhance his own play and revolutionize PC gaming. Many of the most competitive games are on PC, and serious gamers often transition from console to PC for the flexibility to map more key binds. However, this flexibility comes with ergonomic inefficiencies and sub optimal key binds, which this project aims to address.
Our client approached us with a rudimentary prototype, and while we recognized its significance, we initially underestimated the transformative potential it held. The initial quest was to craft a "mouse-like" accessory with an attached joystick for the left hand of PC gamers. At first, we thought we were on the right path, but in reality, we were far from understanding the intricate mechanics needed to create such a revolutionary and versatile PC gaming accessory.
We embarked on our journey by sketching out concepts, focusing intensely on the palm-rest component and the fully adjustable joystick attachment. Each sketch unveiled the complexities of the design; even slight tweaks in ball joint dimensions posed formidable challenges. The "bent-arm" double ball joint used to adjust the joystick housing demanded precise calibration to ensure all players could keep their thumb's tip, just above the center of the thumbprint, directly on the joystick's sweet spot. The thumb's nerve-rich tip was pivotal for receiving superior feedback, ensuring peak responsiveness in joystick maneuvers. It became a game of millimeters – height adjustments affected wrist angles and reach, and tiny shifts in the jointed arm could throw off the thumb's centered stance on the joystick. After numerous cycles of feedback, sketches, and CAD iterations, we zeroed in on the "Optimal Thumbstick Positioning (OTP)" design of the Mimic.
Understanding the joystick's versatility was one thing, but devising a fail-proof mechanism to lock it in position was another challenge altogether. Aiming to disrupt the design and hand surface as little as possible, we crafted minimalist set screws that securely locked onto the ball joints, engineered for effortless adjustment and maximum grip. We even integrated a stealthy slot for a hex wrench into the Mimic, ensuring players could always fine-tune for comfort and control.
After several prototype iterations and rigorous user testing, it became clear that we had crafted something truly innovative. The process then involved detailed CAD work, surface design, electronics integration, material optimization, thorough testing, and preparation for manufacturing.
The Modke Mimic may appear straightforward, but it embodies a remarkable degree of mechanical complexity. Initially, our client had developed an unrefined palm rest prototype using molding wax, with exposed wiring and a fixed joystick, tailored to his own hand but not adjustable for others. To address this, we engineered multiple rounds of surface-designed palm rests, 3D printed them, and conducted user testing. Through meticulous adjustments, we created a comfortable platform accommodating both large and small hands.
Additionally, he had separate prototypes demonstrating ball joint movement that lacked electronic connectivity and secure usability. By analyzing his previous work, we devised a hollow ball joint arm, enabling electronic integration and secure use. Initially planning to push wiring through a single channel, we pivoted to a two-part arm design for more streamlined manufacturing and assembly. Our initial push-button release design for "on the fly" ball joint manipulation led to uncomfortable protrusions and wiring obstructions. We replaced this with a simple set screw system, prioritizing a secure hold over "toolless" adjustments. Early plastic injection molded housings cracked under the pressure of the set screws, so we re-engineered the parts with CNC aluminum housings, providing a secure hold and a premium feel.
FPS (first person shooter) gaming requires extensive keybinds, so we positioned the Modke Mimic below the keyboard at an ideal height for comfortable key access. Custom keycaps for the Wooting 60HE keyboard (for initial launch) allows users to rotate the joystick into a perfect "claw" position, freeing up the keyboard for new techniques and play styles. It was named Mimic due to its bilateral symmetry, mirroring the ergonomic comfort of the opposite hand on a PC mouse, thus streamlining and enhancing movement.
After working with several consultants and meeting with a couple top design firms, I decided to contract Trig for this project and I firmly believe that they are the only ones in the country with the talent, dedication and attention to detail to bring this impossible vision to life. The successful integration of joystick and keyboard has finally be achieved after dozens have failed, and Trig was the one to do it.
Modke's flagship product is a high-quality, customizable, and ergonomically-designed keyboard joystick for competitive FPS PC gamers. This innovative joystick, featuring a patented double-jointed mechanical arm, delivers unparalleled control and tactile feedback compared to current PC accessories. By tailoring the joystick's positioning to the user's individual thumb anatomy, it offers an immersive gaming experience that must be felt to be fully understood.
Positioned for seamless access to keybinds, gamers can explore new techniques and play styles previously unattainable with standard mouse and keyboard alone. The intentional bilateral symmetry mirrors the grip of both hands, reducing stress and cognitive load, facilitating easier entry into a 'flow state.' This intuitive design encourages gamers to personalize their in-game key binds, opening avenues for innovative gameplay techniques.
Modke's product addresses long-standing ergonomic issues in the gaming industry, enhancing users' performance and enjoyment. By empowering gamers to delve into unexplored gameplay dimensions and cultivate unique play styles, Modke is poised to revolutionize the PC gaming landscape and elevate the gaming experience to new heights.
