Gladiator NXT Hat Customization

[eskander]

Regarding Gladiator NXT:
As I understand it, currently grips are only swappable on the gunfighter platforms, not the NXT yet.

That said, I have desire to change one of the hats: The A4 hat, I would much prefer a hat cap/cover that better resembles the trim button on some real joysticks -- the conical 'nipple' looking design. Would think this would feel better with the thumb placement for that area and would better match what I'm using it for.

Does VKB have any similar hat parts from other lines? Are hat forms/designs swappable? Would be willing to buy a part like this.

And as for anyone else, anyone see hat customization options out there or success with this?

[fallout9]

Take a look at VKB's caps and if you see one that you like write to sales@vkb-sim.pro for a quote. There are also some talented people into 3D printing on r/hotas.

[eskander]

Update on this:

1) VKB sales was unable to quote/reference a compatible solution.

2) A reddit user of u/Froggerdog in the r/hotas community does some 3D printed custom hats. We coordinated; I merged his models with a trim hat design and he did the printing.

The result is great; briefly testing how it feels, I have the following conclusions:
-The default a4 hat is too protruding for my tastes; this custom hat is more depressed and is easier to transition the thumb to/from for my hand size.
-The overall lack of ridges compared to default hat also makes this transition of thumb easier without losing leverage or function of control.
-Stylistically, this better matches a trim button on some real control sticks.
-I do not believe there is any loss of function from the lack of defined tactile directional ridges seen on the default hat; with a 4 way hat in the thumb position that it is in, it is easy to know the feeling of up/down vs left/right.

Likewise, u/Froggerdog mentioned he likes the idea of using it for the A3 hat instead. The circular edge around that slot makes it a good fit stylistically as well.

Images of result:
https://imgur.com/a/Qv0TfJr

.stl file:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4863704