hall effect potentiometers

What are the benefits of Hall Effect Joysticks?

Finally! A solution to the age-old problem that has plagued gamers for generations is here! Pretty much every serious gamer has encountered the “drifting” or “stick drift” problem with their controllers before.

TRADITIONAL “CONDUCTIVE” SENSORS

This problem is inherently caused by sensors that are destined to become faulty after so many cycles because the part eventually wears down over time and use.

All controllers have this issue as the part called a potentiometer is a standard piece used for all kinds of controllers.

To counteract this, the manufacturers build in “dead zones” into the inputs that negate small movement errors from the potentiometers. 

INTRODUCING THE MAGNETIC SENSORS

A new type of potentiometer has been developed and is slowly making its way into the market, with the promise of never wearing down - making stick drift a thing of the past! This is due the electromagnet inputs that replace the traditional metal rings that wear down over time.

Not only do these new types of potentiometers have vastly improved lifespans, they also offer improved accuracy and sensitivity. The new inputs are so accurate that there is no need for the  dead zones anymore, giving the joystick more room to travel. Now the slightest of movements can be registered as true inputs from the user.

PLAY MORE WITH HALL EFFECTS

As a player, the investment into a pro/competitive level controller can be steep when knowing that the controller can start giving stick drift issues at almost any point in time. It makes the controller almost unplayable and not worth the hefty price tag.

Hall effect sticks will give the player piece of mind, knowing that their controller will have virtually endless playable hours. When investing in a controller they are definitely worth considering, as these offer a much longer life span, as well as more accurate inputs.

INSTALLING THE NEW SENSORS

The new sensors are built in the same form factor as the traditional sensors, allowing them to fit inside almost any controller. For the installation to completely work, a circuit board has to be fitted underneath to translate the new inputs properly. Once installed, the circuit can calibrate the new sensors for a near perfect read out (see pictures of before and after calibration).