Unlock Your Editing Potential: The Best TourBox Controller

_{*_{This post contains affiliate links. I receive a commission if you visit a link and buy something on my recommendation. Purchasing via an affiliate link doesn’t cost you any extra.}}

For those involved in creative workflows, especially video editing, having the right tools can make all the difference. TourBox offers a range of controllers designed to enhance efficiency and streamline the editing process. I personally received the TourBox Lite as a gift last year, and after initial hesitation, found it to be a valuable addition to my setup. You can find my review of the Lite here. However, I was curious to see if the Neo or Elite models would better suit my professional needs. Here’s my comprehensive comparison.

A Quick Overview of the TourBox Controllers

Let’s start with a brief breakdown of the three TourBox controllers we’re comparing: the Lite, Neo, and Elite.

TourBox Lite: Designed for beginners and those new to creative consoles, the Lite offers essential control functionalities. It features a knob, scroll, and customizable buttons, making it the most budget-friendly option.
TourBox Neo: Aimed at professionals, the Neo provides a more ergonomic design and expanded control options compared to the Lite. It retains the core knob, scroll, and buttons of the Lite but adds a D-pad, shuttle wheel, and additional buttons. This significantly increases the number of assignable functions per preset, effectively doubling the Lite’s capacity. The Neo also boasts a more robust build quality and feels more premium. Like the Lite, it uses wired USB connectivity and the same TourBox Console Software.
TourBox Elite: The premium model targets advanced professionals and power users. It maintains the same number of controls as the Neo but feels noticeably heavier. The primary differences between the Neo and Elite are Bluetooth connectivity and haptic feedback for enhanced control. The Lite and Neo are available only in classic black, while the Elite offers two additional colors: ivory white and smoky translucent. Personally, I prefer the classic black, which blends well with my other peripherals.
TourBox Elite Plus: It’s worth mentioning the TourBox Elite Plus, which is compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and iPad OS. It’s the most expensive model in the lineup. Since I don’t edit on an iPad, I didn’t include it in this comparison.

Design and Build Quality

All three TourBox controllers are exceptionally well-made with a substantial weight that feels good in hand. The build quality improves as you move up the price range, but even the Lite feels surprisingly sturdy.

The weight and build quality of all 3 controllers feels high quality

The Lite is slightly smaller and has a more rounded design, while the Neo and Elite share the same size and design. In my initial review of the Lite, I mentioned it felt a bit compact for my hand, and I was eager to try the larger Neo and Elite. After using all three, I found the size difference to be minimal.

The most significant design difference is between the Lite and the other two models. The Lite has a simplified layout with fewer controls. It lacks the dedicated flat, round wheel at the bottom left and the four D-pad style buttons found on the Neo and Elite.

Initially, I didn’t think these additional controls were necessary, but they’ve become crucial for my workflow, especially for timeline navigation. The wheel makes it easier to scrub through footage frame by frame, and the D-pad allows for precise frame advancement or quick jumps between edit points.

While the Neo and Elite share the same control layout, the question then becomes: what justifies the price difference? The two main distinctions are Bluetooth connectivity and haptic feedback on the Elite.

Connectivity

The Lite and Neo connect via USB-C cable, while the Elite offers both USB-C and Bluetooth connectivity. I’m generally not a fan of Bluetooth peripherals for desktop use and prefer wired connections. However, Bluetooth proved useful when I traveled with the Elite and paired it with my MacBook Pro. It made setup quick and easy in various locations. For a dedicated workstation, though, I don’t think Bluetooth is a must-have feature unless you truly dislike wires.

Haptic Feedback

The haptic feedback on the Elite was a surprising standout. Many users who chose the Elite over the Neo raved about this feature. After experiencing it myself, I understand why. Users familiar with the Lite or Neo will likely find the Elite’s haptic feedback indispensable.

All three controllers have excellent build quality, but the firm action and lack of feedback on the buttons and dials can be a drawback. It’s easy to overshoot settings when adjusting exposure or audio levels. The haptic feedback on the Elite changes this entirely.

The subtle vibrations from the built-in linear motor provide immediate physical confirmation when turning a dial or scrolling. Instead of relying solely on visual screen changes, the haptics provide a sense of increments, leading to more precise adjustments. This creates a direct connection between physical actions and digital results, allowing you to “feel” the changes.

You can also customize the intensity of the haptic feedback in the TourBox software, choosing between “Off,” “Weak,” and “Strong” modes. You can even set action-specific feedback, adjusting intensity levels for different tasks. Strong vibrations are great for precise adjustments like frame-by-frame editing, while weak vibrations are suitable for faster, broader adjustments like scrubbing through footage. You can also turn haptics off for certain functions.

Setting the haptic intensity for a function in the TourBox software

TourBox Console Software

Despite the differences between the controllers, all three offer profound customizability through the TourBox Console software. You can map almost any button, dial, or scroll wheel to various tasks. Pressing a button on the device highlights its assignment in the software, making customization straightforward.

Beyond simple shortcuts, you can create complex macros, custom mouse actions, and on-screen panels called “TourMenus” for quick access to frequently used tools. A Heads-Up Display shows assigned functions in real-time, helping you learn the layout.

The software also detects which application you’re using and automatically switches to the corresponding preset. TourBox provides various default templates to get you started.

Which TourBox is Right for You?

The TourBox Lite is the easiest for beginners with simpler workflows and is the most affordable. Its fewer controls make it less overwhelming and a great starting point. I’m glad I started with the Lite, as the more advanced models could have been daunting initially.

The Neo and Elite are better suited for professional projects with a larger control set. The Neo offers a good balance of performance and affordability, while the Elite provides top-tier features with precise control.

Initially, I struggled to justify the Elite’s higher price, as Bluetooth connectivity wasn’t a priority for me. However, after using the Elite alongside the Neo, it’s now my favorite. The haptic feedback is a game-changer, allowing me to work faster and more accurately.

Conclusion

If you’re considering a creative controller and are on a budget, the TourBox Lite is an excellent choice. If you need more advanced features, I recommend the Elite over the Neo. The haptic feedback and additional controls make it worth the extra cost. I’m excited to continue using my Elite and exploring its full potential.

A Quick Overview of the TourBox Controllers

Design and Build Quality

Connectivity

Haptic Feedback

TourBox Console Software

Which TourBox is Right for You?

Conclusion

Buy the TourBox Lite:

Buy the TourBox Neo:

Buy the TourBox Elite:

Buy the TourBox Elite Plus:

Leave a Comment Cancel