With the rise of VR headsets, a whole new industry of accessories has appeared almost overnight—from prescription lenses to fancy gun stocks (both of which I’ll be reviewing shortly).
Today, I’m checking out the Mamut Touch Grips for the Oculus Rift S and Oculus Quest. These little bits of plastic aim to bring the standard Oculus controllers more in line with Valve’s high-end Index Knuckle controllers.
In other words, the Mamut Touch Grips allow you to let go of the controllers entirely without dropping them. But are they worth the cash?
Design: Simple but Effective
The Mamuts are essentially two rubber grips that slide onto your existing Oculus Touch controllers. They extend and widen the handle, providing a bit more surface area which is excellent for those with larger hands. On the outside, a textured surface helps improve your grip.
While the standard Oculus controllers are already quite comfortable, the Mamuts add a nice layer of bulk and texture, though the difference in pure handheld comfort isn’t massive.
The “Knuckles” Experience
The real selling point here is the strap system. Two “shoe-lace” style strings weave through holes in the grip and tie around the circular tracking ring of the controller. An anchor on the bottom lets you adjust the tightness for a snug fit.
Why does this matter?
- Let Go Completely: The straps hold the controller firmly against your palm, meaning you can completely uncurl your fingers.
- Better Immersion: In-game, this allows you to naturally grab and release objects. Instead of constantly holding a plastic handle, you can just wrap your hand around a virtual sword or release a grenade naturally.
- Throwing Mechanics: Throwing items in VR becomes much easier to judge when you can physically open your hand rather than just lifting a trigger finger.
The Drawbacks: Comfort and Price
My one real complaint regarding the design is the strap itself. I would have preferred a single, thick padded strap. The current design uses two thinner laces, which create two distinct pressure points across the back of your hand. It isn’t painful, but a single wide strap would distribute the force more evenly.
Then there is the price. Currently, a set costs $37 (approx. £31). Considering these are essentially shaped plastic and shoe laces, they don’t exactly feel like a bargain.
The Verdict
All in all, the Mamut Touch Grips are a solid addition to an Oculus setup. They are a relatively small upgrade, but one that is hard to give up once you have tried it.
Now that I have them on my controllers, I don’t want to take them off. The added immersion of being able to “let go” of your virtual hands is fantastic. If you have the cash to spare and want that Valve Index feel on an Oculus budget, these are worth the buy.
Also Read : 5 Cheap Gaming Microphones You Can Grab
