Introduction
Flight simmers today have an abundance of hardware options compared to previous years, with choices that cater to various types of simmers and budgets. However, the bulkiness of some options can deter potential users who prioritize storage space or desk size over desired functionality. One company, known for its high-end military flight sim hardware, has sought to strike a balance between functionality and compact design. While not widely recognized in the civilian flight sim community, VIRPIL Controls is familiar to many in the military and space flight sim sectors. They recently launched their latest product as part of the new “CADET Series,” claiming that these items focus on smaller form-factor designs while maintaining high functionality and the same quality as their other offerings.
Packaging and Inception
I received this unit directly from a VIRPIL representative at the 2024 FlightSimExpo in Las Vegas, NV. Unfortunately, this means I don’t have the original packaging to comment on. The representative mentioned that this product originated as a joke. On April 1, 2023, VIRPIL shared a post on social media:
Interestingly, the response was an overwhelming demand for the product to be produced. A little over a year later, VIRPIL delivered, releasing the product for $249.95 in their US store and €229.95 (excluding VAT) in their EU store. Setting aside the clever marketing, does the VPC CDT-VMAX Throttle live up to these ambitious goals, or is it a joke itself?
Functionality
Over the months since I returned from Expo, I tested the unit extensively across various simulators and games, primarily MSFS, DCS: World, and Elite: Dangerous. Setting up my control profile was straightforward, allowing me to quickly get down to the serious business at hand.
My entire hardware setup consists of VIRPIL products, so I was already familiar with their quality, which made transitioning to the new throttle relatively easy. The main challenge was adjusting to the lack of control assignments on the throttle base. Notably, the CDT-VMAX throttle features no buttons, knobs, or switches, contributing to its low profile. My previous throttle, the discontinued MongoosT-50, has numerous controls on the base in the form of buttons, momentary switches, rotary encoders, and more. Transitioning from many controls to none required some reconfiguration of my profiles.
Once I adapted my slim profile, I enjoyed operating the throttle while hauling passengers, freight, ordinance, and Hutton Orbital mugs across both the globe and the galaxy. The throttle levers offered the same smooth response I was accustomed to, and the auxiliary axis functioned well for speed brakes or flaps. I observed no noticeable delay between pressing a button or moving an axis and the corresponding action on-screen.
One standout feature of this throttle is the adjustable detents, which make locating FADEC positions or afterburner gates straightforward. These detents can be adjusted using a 2.5mm hex head bolt within a slotted channel. However, full adjustability is limited, as there are only two screw holes for detent placement, with each slot offering a maximum length of 15mm of motion. The pre-installed detents provide two bump locations, and an additional plate with a central detent is included. Users with access to 3D printers or basic woodworking skills should find it easy to create custom detents. Having more threaded holes for placement options would be a nice change.
In comparison, the MongoosT-50CM3 throttle offers more detent options and uses actual lift gates to move between them. The CDT-VMAX’s detents most closely resemble the aerobatic and CosmoSim styles from the MongoosT-50CM3. However, without lift gates, the throttle just requires a bit more force to push through or out of a detent. The friction of the throttles can slightly affect how easy it is to escape a detent. Once I had the throttle friction set where I liked, I could easily find the detents and push through or out of them.
VIRPIL’s configuration software can be a love-it-or-hate-it aspect of the product. The utilitarian UI may feel overwhelming in PRO mode, but it offers powerful customization options. Users can adjust virtual detents, custom axis ranges, encoder timing, and more. For those seeking basic functionality, the LITE mode simplifies the experience by removing advanced menus. I personally didn’t feel like I needed to adjust much from the configuration that I already had setup on the controller. From prior experience with the software I definitely needed to watch a number of tutorials to figure out how to accomplish what I wanted, and even then I’m only scratching the surface. There’s a lot going on and it is not easy to come to grips with. An overhauled UI that is easier to understand for more users without sacrificing what it is capable of would be great to see.
A notable feature within the software is the control over the magnetic sensor on the slider connecting the two throttles. When engaged, the throttle outputs synchronize to the same value, preventing mismatches in throttle alignment that may come from mechanical means. When disengaged, they operate independently. This was a nice feature to see since I’ve used throttles in the past where a minor desync in position, despite physically being almost fully aligned, would cause issues.
Build Quality
The unit’s base is made of steel, and its substantial weight is immediately noticeable. The weight, combined with four rubber feet, ensures stability on most surfaces I tested. However, on smooth plastic, there was slight movement depending on the angle and amount of throttle friction applied. The wide stance of the legs prevents any tipping.
The handles are molded plastic with rubber grips, while screws, lever arms, and detent mechanisms are metal. The stationary detents are plastic, secured by 2.5mm hex bolts. The extra lever is a fully metal arm with a rubber grip and a molded plastic shield at the base. Everything felt great in my hand and the textured rubber of the throttle grips allows for a bit of breathability.
A commendable feature is the adjustable friction for the three levers, which can be adjusted with a 3mm hex driver conveniently located on top of the unit—an improvement over earlier models with side adjustment screws, though I’d still prefer one screw size for both of the intended user-adjustable aspects. Each of the three axes can be adjusted independently.
As a tinkerer, I opened the unit to inspect the internals. Four 3mm hex head bolts on the bottom plate provide access. Inside, the all-metal mechanism is compact and well-organized. I noted there might be room for additional buttons on the base with a slight reconfiguration.
I was impressed by the clean layout inside, with cables routed and secured to prevent rubbing or excessive tension. The lever positions are detected using contactless magnetic sensors, ensuring durability compared to traditional potentiometers. The friction mechanism and hard stops for each lever are simple yet effective, eliminating concerns about excessive force.
The position sensors and button cables connect to a central board with easily removable plugs. The main PCB features a smaller board plugged into it for the USB connection, allowing for simple disassembly for repairs. The USB cable connects to the unit via a removable four-pin XLR connector (Minsoo XS9JK-4P/Y), which only connects in one orientation. This connection locks in place, preventing disconnection during use. However, I would prefer a braided cable for improved durability. An additional five-pin auxiliary connection is available for daisy-chaining other VIRPIL devices, minimizing USB port usage on the computer.
While having a detachable cable is a big plus in my opinion, I could see some users preferring a standard USB-C connector on the throttle side given the growing adoption of the port type. While this wouldn’t lock into the plug and stay in quite as well as the XLR connector, it would allow users to use more widely available off-the-shelf cables.
The internal wiring of the hand grips is somewhat messier since there are no moving parts inside. However, the length of wire from each button to the main board facilitates easy access for repairs or modifications. I only disassembled the right-side grip; I felt hesitant to proceed further with the left grip to avoid damaging it. It’s worth noting that these grips are designed for left-handed use, which may be a consideration for airliner sim-captains accustomed to having throttles on their right.
The biggest drawback is the hat switches, which have considerable play before engaging the button. My older throttle had minimal travel before the button activation, while the CDT-VMAX hat switches have a few millimeters of play. However, the tactile feedback when pressing the button is clear. You will know when you actually press the button.
Both rotary encoders on the grips have limited travel; they do not spin indefinitely. The right grip encoder has approximately 180° of travel, while the left grip offers closer to 300°. Both encoders feature a detent bump at the center position and include push-in buttons. I would like to see possible hardware swap options for the left side encoder to replace it with a switch or an encoder with unlimited travel.
Conclusion
The VIRPIL CDT-VMAX throttle is a robust piece of hardware. Its solid metal construction and thoughtful design choices are evident during use. The throttle functions smoothly, and its contactless sensors should almost last a lifetime. The unit is ideal for smaller desks or those looking to dip their toes into the premium side of flight sim hardware without quite as large of an investment compared to larger throttles.
While the absence of buttons and switches on the base may frustrate users transitioning from more complex throttles, the interactivity offered by the grips should satisfy many users coming from less expensive options. My only significant complaint is the play in the hat switches; incorporating the switches from my older throttle would greatly enhance the experience. Other than that, the software used for all VIRPIL devices could use a more user-friendly refresh that doesn’t take away features that make it powerful.
From an accessibility standpoint, the left-handed design may exclude some users, though it aligns well with most of VIRPIL’s flight stick lineup, of which nearly all are right-handed. However, simmers with yokes may find this less of an issue.
