TourBox Neo controller device for shortcut functions

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D.T. Nethery
Posts: 4125
Joined: 27 Sep 2006, 19:19

TourBox Neo controller device for shortcut functions

Post by D.T. Nethery »

Looks like a piece of hardware that could be useful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTKhjR0cyic



(note in the video description there is at 10% discount code)

https://www.tourboxtech.com/en/

Animator, TVPaint Beta-Tester, Animation Educator and Consultant.
MacOS 12.7.1 Monterey , Mac Mini (2018) , 3.2 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i7,
16 GB RAM , TVPaint PRO 11.7.1 - 64bit , Wacom Cintiq 21UX 2nd Gen.
,Wacom Intuos Pro 5 , Wacom driver version 6.3.39-1
inkner
Posts: 3
Joined: 06 Dec 2020, 12:17

Re: TourBox Neo controller device for shortcut functions

Post by inkner »

For the DYI / Linux I use a common game controller

https://www.8bitdo.com/zero2/

small, 20gr, 12 buttons, cheap, fits in your palm which I like, lasts quite a bit (would say 4-6 hrs).
Downsides are that Bluetooth signal is OK 90% of time. The other 10% it does not register the key (might be hardware related).

in Linux keys can be remapped from their default based on the unique device id. Mine are like this.
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schwarzgrau
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Joined: 23 Jan 2012, 22:08
Location: Offenbach / Germany
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Re: TourBox Neo controller device for shortcut functions

Post by schwarzgrau »

I'm really into input devices, especially for controlling TVPaint. It started with the Logitech G13, than the Razor Orbweaver, followed by an Ergodox and ended by building and modifying custom split keyboards.
A regular keyboard is in the way, you can't set up the shortcuts like you want etc. so something like the tourbox is a step forward, but even a numpad, just with shortcuts is. But as mentioned in the video it isn't ergonomic at all, which can produce stress on your wrists and takes you much more time to operate it. Something like a one hand gaming keyboard may be the better solution, some even have mouse wheels (which comes in handy for some actions, but from my experience you only need one or two)
I myself use one half of a Kyria Split Keyboard, which feels amazing and is so customizable, that I have any possible action mapped onto it. The inventor will release a version with an additional row on top, which doesn't need to be soldered by the end of the year. This version will also be available as single piece (only one half).
I also built a really minimal one hand keyboard for a friend using some spare parts and he loves it. He told me that he can't imagine animating ever again without all the shortcuts under his fingertips.

So I would say the TourBox Neo is a really good idea, but a one hand gaming keypad may be the better (and maybe cheaper) solution. Something like the Razer Tartarus, which software is highly customizable too.
Windows 11 22H2 / TVP 11.7.0 PRO WIBU / Cintiq 22HD
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Xavier
Posts: 1852
Joined: 01 Oct 2019, 11:08

Re: TourBox Neo controller device for shortcut functions

Post by Xavier »

Well, there are tools which turn joystick buttons into key strokes. For instance : https://rigorousthemes.com/blog/best-jo ... ternative/

As for me, I think i would go for a cheap arcade usb joystick, one you don't need to hold. For instance :
USB-Fighting-Stick-Arcade-Joystick-Gamepad-Rocker-Controller-with-4-Axes-For-PS3-PC-For-PS.jpg
USB-Fighting-Stick-Arcade-Joystick-Gamepad-Rocker-Controller-with-4-Axes-For-PS3-PC-For-PS.jpg (59.2 KiB) Viewed 13301 times
Sorry for bouncing in anyway :mrgreen:
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