Steam Controller bumper / should / trigger mechanism

youmagine

The Steam Controller from Valve is a groundbreaking biometric device designed for precise gaming experiences. It features two programmable trackpads and a stick with an internal gyroscope that enables smooth rotation in X, Y, and Z axes. What's more, Valve has made the entire 3D model available for users to easily create custom mods and repair their devices if needed. However, there's a catch - or rather, two catches. The trigger/bumper mechanism below the buttons is missing from the published files, which may seem puzzling given its critical role in device functionality. This oversight becomes even more concerning when considering that my own controller broke exactly at this point. Living in a developing country where the device costs three times as much as it does in the US, and earning significantly less than those in the US, it's unrealistic to expect users like me to buy an entire new device just for a single broken part. Therefore, I took matters into my own hands. I carefully disassembled the controller, took photos of the damaged area, and used freecad, an open-source solid modeller, to model the missing part based on caliper measurements and reference images. After numerous iterations - 22 to be exact - I finally managed to create a functional replacement using polycarbonate as the printing material. However, even with these efforts, the part isn't perfect. Its performance may vary depending on how it's assembled onto the controller, and some tweaking might be necessary to achieve optimal results. For instance, you may need to heat and bend the part slightly if it doesn't 'click' or press the bumper button correctly. I also encountered issues with the trigger feedback, although the spring action is generally acceptable. I've made available the design file for modification, and its permissive license allows users to improve upon my work. Perhaps someone can address the missing trigger click feature? Interestingly, Valve's 3D model files lack not one, but two critical parts - the trigger/bumper mechanism and another component that connects via a metal rod. While I was fortunate enough to avoid breaking this second part, I understand the value of having complete designs for repair and customization purposes. If someone can create these missing components, it would be greatly appreciated by users worldwide.