Valve has detailed the functionality and potential applications of the Steam Controller's Grip Sense feature, a set of capacitive touch sensors embedded within the controller's handles. These sensors detect when a player's hands are gripping the controller, and Valve suggests they can be utilized for a variety of in-game shortcuts and functionalities.
The primary proposed use for Grip Sense is in a technique Valve calls "ratcheting," which is designed to work in conjunction with the controller's gyro controls. This feature allows players to toggle gyro input on and off simply by lifting their fingers or hand from the controller. Valve likens this to lifting a mouse to reposition it on a mousepad, suggesting it offers a more natural way to recenter gyro aiming when the player's body or hands are at an awkward angle. The activation threshold for Grip Sense is adjustable, allowing users to customize whether a slight lift or a full release triggers the input change.
Beyond its use for gyro recalibration, Valve has identified other "cool use cases." One example is using Grip Sense to bring up a weapon wheel or map. By lifting fingers from the rear grips, a menu can be summoned, and placing fingers back down can confirm a selection, streamlining inventory management or tactical choices without interrupting gameplay flow.
Implementing Grip Sense for these functions, or any other keybind, involves assigning a command to the "Press and Hold" setting within the Steam Controller's layout editor. Players can then select Grip Sense as the trigger for this action. For instance, to assign Grip Sense to toggle gyro controls, players would navigate to the layout editor, enable the "Gyro To Mouse" option, select the button selector, and then choose Grip Sense. This process can be replicated for any function that can be mapped to a "Press and Hold" input.
While Grip Sense could theoretically be used for actions like jumping or shooting without a hold, the article notes this may be inefficient for rapid-fire gameplay. Adjusting the sensitivity of the Grip Sense sensors is also possible, offering players further customization. The article suggests that with practice, this feature could significantly enhance the natural feel of gyro-assisted gameplay.