Setex Technologies, a developer and manufacturer of gecko-inspired gripping and adhesive products, has signed a partnership with one of the most competitive eSports teams, the Pittsburgh Knights, to bring controller Thumbstick Grips to gamers across America and the world.
““The Knights love to unite and celebrate all of the best that Pittsburgh has to offer from sports, entertainment, and technology,” said Knights president James O’Connor. “Setex is a company that speaks to all of these things - their products are for casual and pro gamers alike and we’re proud to partner with another innovative team in Pittsburgh.”
Under the Setex brand since 2020, the company has successfully gained a leading market share on Amazon with its anti-slip eyewear nose pads. In 2021, Setex launched grips for gaming consoles and Thumbstick Grips, which have been getting outstanding traction in Amazon and on its own website at www.setexgrip.com.
Partnering with the Knights is a natural step forward for Setex as it seeks to raise brand awareness among gamers and the Knights are one of the most credible and reputable teams in eSports. The fact that both are Pittsburgh-based, technology-driven companies, further strengthens the narrative of the partnership.
Over 240 million Americans play video games. Gaming consoles come with all the necessary hardware, but they don’t include gripping accessories. As the game intensifies, gamers get sweaty and their controllers and thumbsticks tend to slip, decreasing gamer control of their devices. Setex Thumbstick Grips add comfort, increased height for a higher radius and accuracy, and, thanks to their patented gecko-inspired materials, unprecedented grip for users.
“The nature of gaming controllers made it a natural fit for our technology,” commented Nicholas Kuhn, CEO of Setex Technologies. “Our products can tangibly affect the performance of casual gamers, as well as athletes. And the size of the market makes for a very attractive, scalable business.”
Setex Technologies is a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based Carnegie Mellon University spin-off that developed patented technology that mimics the microfibrillar “hairs” on geckos’ toes, which help them stick to surfaces and defy gravity. In testing, Setex’s technology grips 356% better than any competing products, which allows players to up their game. The product is available for all the most popular controllers, including Xbox, PS4, PS5, and Switch Pro and it comes in various color combinations and three heights: two Low-Rise, two Mid-Rise, and a combination of one Low-Rise and one High-Rise. Unlike all competitors in this space, all of Setex’ products are made in the USA, powered by a rapidly-growing in-house manufacturing operation.
Paul Glass, CTO and Director of Consumer Products for Setex Technologies pointed out, “we are very excited about the early traction we’ve been gaining within the gaming community through working with influencers. Our partnership with the Knights will take our gamer outreach to the next level,by connecting with Knights fans and followers across the country and beyond.” Selected Knights athletes will be using and endorsing the product in both their social media feeds and Twitch streams. Setex is celebrating the partnership with the upcoming launch of their black and gold Thumbstick Grips, the official colors of the city of Pittsburgh and its professional sports teams, including the Knights.
About Setex Technologies, Inc.
Setex Technologies, Inc. is a privately held developer and manufacturer of gecko-inspired gripping and dry adhesive technology used in applications ranging from eyeglass nose pads to semiconductor and glass handling to automotive upholstery fastening. The company was spun out of Carnegie Mellon University in 2009. It occupies over 12,000 square feet of space in Pittsburgh, PA and makes all of its products in Western Pennsylvania. For more information about Setex and Setex nose pad products visit http://www.setextechnologies.com. For wholesale information, visit http://www.setexwholesale.com. For consumer product information and purchasing, visit http://www.setexgrip.com.
ABOUT THE KNIGHTS
The Knights are a pro esports team and gaming lifestyle brand based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, developing innovative products to inspire competition and create community. Founded in 2017, alongside partners like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Wiz Khalifa, and the Pittsburgh Penguins’ Evgeni Malkin, the Knights are forging a new path in disrupting the current esports industry landscape. By championing their values of ambition, integrity, resiliency, and responsibility to the team and the community, the Knights strive to thrive as a recognized category leader. Learn more at knights.gg
