Newcomer / Intro Joystick & Keyboard?

[Karnack]

Hi all.
Been away from ED for some time now. Just starting to get back into it again even got Horizons installed!
The thing is with this game is getting used to the controls all over again, theres soo many! Ive always used my keyboard and mouse for any game ive played but feel its all a bit clunky and weird with ED. I kind of like the throttle controls with the keyboard but just cant seem to get used to the yaw and having to move the mouse frantically all over the place when I'm in a dog fight !!
So I was thinking of getting a joystick simply for the yaw movement. Can this be done? Also is this game better with joystick? I basically would like to use both but not sure if this can be done ??

Thanks for any advice

 

[Dommarraa]

Lots of options, all of them suit different people and setups:
Mouse/Keyboard is supposed to be the most accurate way to play, and CoD experts will probably find it easy
HOTAS ("Joystick" to you) is supposed to be the most Immersive, but you do really need then nailed down, so can be restrictive about where you play
Gamepad is not to be sneezed at, even on PC. Gets much of the benefit of HOTAS while allowing you to sit back on the sofa and relax
Keyboard only. Yes it works well! You will never be a FA-OFF ninja using it, but if you have a laptop, its a great choice allowing you to play anywhere. I can, and have once or twice, play sitting on the loo (too much information?)

 

[Maenden]

I'm using a Thrustmaster T.16000M with my keyboard and I'm really happy with it.

I still use the mouse for fast access to some of the menu items in space stations but I find the joystick much more intuitive for flying.
The joystick comes with software so you can set analogue curves for better response and some other things.

Make sure when you alter your bindings that you set the axes in the analogue boxes not the digital.

This joystick allows you to rotate on all three axes because as well as push-pull for pitch and left-right for roll you can twist the handle for yaw.

I use two buttons on the stick itself for primary and secondary weapons and the hat switch for moving the pips for sys/eng/wep.

There are buttons at the bottom of this joystick which I don't use, but I am hoping to set those to use macros.
I'm still working on that bit.

 

[Para Handy]

Hi all.
Been away from ED for some time now. Just starting to get back into it again even got Horizons installed!
The thing is with this game is getting used to the controls all over again, theres soo many! Ive always used my keyboard and mouse for any game ive played but feel its all a bit clunky and weird with ED. I kind of like the throttle controls with the keyboard but just cant seem to get used to the yaw and having to move the mouse frantically all over the place when I'm in a dog fight !!
So I was thinking of getting a joystick simply for the yaw movement. Can this be done? Also is this game better with joystick? I basically would like to use both but not sure if this can be done ??

Thanks for any advice

I don't think "just yaw" from a joystick would be a great idea. Maybe use a joystick with twist so you have the three axes of movement (Thustmaster T-16000 seems popular) but whatever control method you decide on, make a point of getting a printable reference card from this site:

https://edrefcard.info/

Follow the instructions on that page.

Personally I use HOTAS (no twist) and much prefer it, you make up your own mind.

 

[Nero Tacitus]

HOTAS ("Joystick" to you) is supposed to be the most Immersive, but you do really need then nailed down, so can be restrictive about where you play

I think nailing a HOTAS (Joystick + Throttle) down, or rather that it needs to be, is a bit of an over-statement I use the Thrustmaster T-Flight and neither pieces slide during play, and it's hardly a top-tier HOTAS.

I'll +1 to the immersion however, very happy with my (small) investment. Mouse + Keyboard is likely more accurate, but it's hard to beat a HOTAS for the 4D element.
I will add however that I raise my chair a reasonable amount to get a comfortable angle for using the joystick and throttle; only thing I'd be hesitant about is that having one arm low for the keyboard and one higher for the joystick might get uncomfortable. Could be completely wrong however, just a thought.

 

[Para Handy]

I think nailing a HOTAS (Joystick + Throttle) down, or rather that it needs to be, is a bit of an over-statement I use the Thrustmaster T-Flight and neither pieces slide during play, and it's hardly a top-tier HOTAS.

........

Agreed - I use CHPro Throttle and Fighterstick and neither budges even in RES (just remember to clean dust off the rubber feet from time to time).

 

[Dommarraa]

I wasn't actually suggesting you needed REAL nails in your HOTAS, more that you need a desk or gaming chair, so for many people would be banished to the Man Cave
I think its most useful to choose your control method for the environment that you will be playing it in.

 

[Karnack]

Lol, don't worry I wasn't about to start hammering nails into my table !
Thanks for all the advice guys. [big grin]

 

[aRJay]

As an alternative to nails or suction cups I use that grip mesh that you can get to stop things sliding about on shelves in cars, it stops my Saitec X52 pro sliding unless I get into a real panic.

 

[Matt Hawkins]

I found using a mouse to be impossible (for me). I've got a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro and it was a massive difference. Roll, pitch and Yaw are easy and I use the little thumb-stick thing for thrusters. Two fire buttons and buttons on the top for targeting and boost. Keyboard for everything else.

The mouse can still be used for some of the menu options.