Exploring Impact Haptics with the New Carlton Development Kit

The Carlton Development Kit provides a straightforward, hands-on introduction to TacHammer Carlton—a haptic actuator that provides both vibration and impact, featuring adjustable mechanical components and multiple operating modes. It enables developers to easily switch out impact materials and experiment with a variety of tactile feedback options in real time.

What sets the TacHammer Carlton apart is its impact mode, which allows it to create a tangible sensation of tapping or striking. This quality makes it especially suited for scenarios where a tap or knock feels more natural—such as gaming, where its mechanical force and accompanying sound add realism and immersion. It also excels in touchscreen or UI applications by simulating the clarity of a physical button press.

Carlton’s flexibility is another key advantage. By swapping out caps or using different impact materials, you can fine-tune the feedback experience to match specific requirements. For broader experimentation, the actuator can be reconfigured into a dual-array mode, introducing entirely new dimensions of haptic interaction.

What’s in the Kit

• TacHammer Carlton actuators
• TITAN Core haptics evaluation board with Vector Haptics firmware
• Swappable soft and hard impact disks
• Spare caps and magnets for creating custom setups

Capabilities

• Impact, Pulse and Vibration Modes
  Generate sharp clicks, subtle pulses, or patterned vibrations by adjusting how the actuator is driven.
• Mechanically Tunable
  Fine-tune the haptic profile by changing caps, disks, or other material inserts.
• Dual-Array Configuration
  Combine the actuator with magnets and caps for alternative actuation modes.
• Low-Latency Response
  Experience snappy, near-instant feedback suitable for real-time interactions.
• Flexible Effect Playback
  Control haptic effects using TITAN Core via USB, Bluetooth, or serial.

Carlton motor is designed for building and testing tactile feedback in devices where physicality and sound play a central role. It’s well suited for gaming controllers and handheld input devices where mechanical cues enhance immersion. In touchscreen and trackpad applications, it can replicate the feel of a button press with a sharp, localized response.

For additional details, learn more about Carlton here and TITAN Core here. You can buy a TacHammer Carlton Development Kit here. 

This kit is part of a broader family of TITAN development platforms. If you’re deciding between actuator types or use cases, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help.