The device can usually be purchased for $1,299 but is currently $200 off until December 31, 2022.
The KAT Walk C 2 is an easy-to-set-up omnidirectional treadmill compatible with major VR headsets like the HTC Vive, Valve Index, and Meta Quest 2 via Air Link. According to the manufacturer, the consumer-friendly device is compatible with any VR game or app with support for free locomotion.
Over the past few weeks, we tested the KAT Walk C 2 with a variety of VR games and apps. So we thought it’d be nice to break down the device in detail to help those on the fence decide whether or not they need a VR treadmill in their life. Here are some of our thoughts.
The Set-Up
The KAT Walk C 2 is a consumer-friendly VR treadmill, and so is the setup. Overall, it only took me a couple of hours to get the device up and running, and that was with me really taking my time. Each purchase comes with all of the tools and all of the parts you need to get the device up and running. And while you can set up the device on your own, I highly recommend getting a friend or family member to assist. The device isn’t exactly light, so you’ll want to decide ahead of time exactly where you want to place it in your real-world space.
The device itself is composed of several components. There is the base platform upon which you stand, and attached to that are two brackets leading to a harness system, which is what you strap yourself into to stay centered on the platform. Now, this is where things get interesting. The KAT Walk C 2 features a special back brace that can be adjusted to your height. The device allows you to crouch comfortably while in VR, so this is an important part of the process.
Be sure the back brace is calibrated properly to your height before playing. Once you’ve installed the sensor onto the back plate, you can then insert the additional sensors into each KAT VR shoe. Each KAT VR shoe comes with a sensor that tracks the position of your foot in real-time. So, you slip on the KAT VR shoes, step onto the platform, attach yourself comfortably using the four-system harness, and boom, you’re ready to rock! Each KAT VR shoe features several velcro straps that can be removed individually to reduce the friction between the shoe and the platform.
The Performance
As previously mentioned, the KAT Walk C 2 features support for any VR game or app that supports free locomotion movement. That said, some games and apps definitely work better than others. For instance, I thoroughly enjoyed my time using the KAT Walk C to explore VRChat but found the system a little difficult to use with Fallout 4 VR. We also tried Requisition VR, Half-Life:Alyx, and a bunch of other VR games and apps with support for free locomotion. And again, nine times out of ten, we thoroughly enjoyed using the KAT Walk C 2.
You can comfortably walk, run, and even sprint in 360 degrees. The device also allows you to crouch comfortably in VR, which is a huge bonus. All in all, the KAT Walk C 2 doesn’t take up that much space for a VR treadmill. I was able to slip the device pretty comfortably into my existing living room setup.
Personally, I recommend starting with all of the straps attached. That way, you can get more comfortable with the device. From there, you can begin to remove each velcro strap depending on how much friction you want. By the end of testing, I had each and every strap removed, but that’s just me.
Now, let’s talk about price.
The Price
Now, obviously, your average VR treadmill ain’t cheap. This is a complicated device, after all. That said, the KAT Walk C 2 is definitely one of the more affordable VR treadmills we’ve seen so far. The device can usually be purchased for $1,299 but is currently $200 off until December 31, 2022. So if you were thinking about picking up a treadmill, now is the time. This same discount also applies to the KAT Walk C 2 Plus, an upgraded version of the KAT Walk C 2 that features additional improvements, such as a dedicated vehicle hub as well as fancy LED lights.
Long story short, we thoroughly enjoyed our time with the KAT Walk C 2. Is it 100% necessary in order to enjoy your favorite VR games and apps? No, not really. That said if you’re a dedicated VR user looking for an additional way to upgrade your current setup you can’t go wrong with the KAT Walk C 2, especially if you are already interested in picking up a VR treadmill. This is definitely one of the more approachable, affordable options currently available on the market.
The company also sells a device called KAT Nexus, which is an adaptation solution that allows you to use the treadmill with standalone games and apps available on headsets like the Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest Pro, Pico 4, or PlayStation VR.
*VRScout was provided a sample of the product from KAT VR for the sake of this review.*
Feature Image Credit: VRScout
