HOTAS + Oculus (What have you found most comfortable/Easy to use?)

Trenma · Dec 24, 2015

Hi Lads,

I've been looking around for the past few days and comparing testimonials on HOTAS setups as i'm currently just using a thrustmaster 1600m.

So far i've come down to the X-52 pro or X-55 by Saitek but can't quite decide.

Ergonomics aside, my main interest with anyone elses experience with this is how well they find the buttons on the Throttle of both HOTAS setups, as when you're in the Oculus, anything that isn't directly on the controller itself becomes a bit difficult to master.

So if there is anyone out there that is using either the X-52pro or the X-55 with the Oculus Rift, would you mind sharing your experience with the general ease-of-use when it comes to hitting the myriad of buttons these devices come with?

Cheers

Mazhurg · Dec 24, 2015

X52 owner here.

Overall, anything that is within finger reach from a hand rest homepoint (essentially anything on the joystick or throttle itself) is more or less automatic - feels natural after a very short period of time. The bases buttons, on the other hand, while fairly easy to reach take quite a while to master.

I personally find that the X52, combined with Voice attack is about the best way to manage the systems in the game.

Raptoyd · Dec 24, 2015

X52 with voice attack also. Agreed with Mazhurg.

Nightbringerx · Dec 24, 2015

Logitech Extreme 3d pro and CH throttle pro.
So many buttons at your fingertips, you don't really have to worry.

rkodey · Dec 24, 2015

I switched from a X52 to a X55, and found the X55 to be much better, IMO. Mostly because of the additional assignable buttons. Specifically, the Throttle has more 4-way hat switches for your thumb. It's VERY useful for directional thrusters. There's also an additional 4-way hat on the stick, which is super useful as well. That extra hat on the stick is a bit of a stretch to reach with your thumb, so I use it for non-critical things like System Map, Galaxy Map, Lights, and Cargo Scoop.

Personally, as a DK2 user, I would recommend the setup with the most number of buttons (that you can afford).
Note: I do not use Voice Attack - everything is assigned on the X55.

rohirm · Dec 24, 2015

I also recommend the X55. I can do everything with it, except type the system name in the galaxy map.

jumbobreakfast · Dec 24, 2015

X52 is great for maneuvering but aiming accurately takes a while to get used to. I don't use voice attack as I play with my friends on TS but I do use an xbox controller for the galaxy map and SRV.

The buttons on the x52 are all within easy reach except for the buttons on the base of the joystick so I just assign those to lesser used tasks like accepting chat messages, cargo scoop, frameshift etc

Beavis Tingleball · Dec 24, 2015

X52 here.. by far the most comfortable hotas you can get. that goes for the x52 pro as well. i have mapped every function of the game and still have some to spare. like the X55 owner above, I only touch KB to type system names. search youtube for the x52 magnet mod..very easy to do and really enhances the range on your stick axis's.

Trenma · Dec 24, 2015

Thanks for the feedback everyone, specially the mentions for the available add-ons.

The girlfriend surprise bombed the X52 as a christmas present so the choice was made

Won't have much time to use it yet but we will see how it plays out, worst case scenario I'll just look into it again when the CV1 is due to hit.
(Next step: Need to make some comfortable chair mounts for the new setup).

Cheers again everyone.

Hope you have a good christmas

razalom · Dec 25, 2015

Bought myself the X55 a couple of days ago and with Voice Attack it has transformed my gameplay. Yes I did use a keyboard and mouse before so this rocks!

dutchy2000 · Dec 25, 2015

I got a TM Warthog, with a saitek pro flight rudder paddle set. I wouldn't play this game without either one.

grammatonfeather · Dec 25, 2015

Trenma said:
Hi Lads,

I've been looking around for the past few days and comparing testimonials on HOTAS setups as i'm currently just using a thrustmaster 1600m.

So far i've come down to the X-52 pro or X-55 by Saitek but can't quite decide.

Ergonomics aside, my main interest with anyone elses experience with this is how well they find the buttons on the Throttle of both HOTAS setups, as when you're in the Oculus, anything that isn't directly on the controller itself becomes a bit difficult to master.

So if there is anyone out there that is using either the X-52pro or the X-55 with the Oculus Rift, would you mind sharing your experience with the general ease-of-use when it comes to hitting the myriad of buttons these devices come with?

Cheers

I've only ever had Saitek HOTAS going back to the days of Jane's F15.

No issues except have to put windies into test mode in order to get full programming functionality working on the mad katz drivers (relating to key-presses assigned to HOTAS).

HOTAS is absolutely essential for VR and for realism.

Also use body vibration too.

flint read · Dec 25, 2015

i manage fine with my X52 non pro and my oculus with clever mapping of buttons i never have to take hands of the controls unless i want to type.

grammatonfeather · Dec 25, 2015

Oh,

I forgot to answer your question really:

X-52 Pro:

I find it perfect with regards to Elite.

The rear throttle hat-switch controls the thrusters typically used when landing (left/right strafe and up down): left index finger.

I use the big round E button on top of throttle to BOOST but I set a secondary function too... When I use the Joystick pinkie shift switch in non-latching mode and press the Big E on throttle that disables the flight assist.

That same pinky shift switch on joystick together with the joystick main fire switch Jumps in and out of super-cruise.

In order to use the pinky shift switch in combination with another switch u have to assign a key press to the x-52 pro using the software.

Given that u also have a 3 position mode wheel switch allowing you to have 3 separate configurations for each switch then that's a lot of options.

It really is hands on throttle and stick. I don't need to use the keyboard at all.

Sanderson · Dec 26, 2015

X52pro, just remember there's a 2 year warranty so keep your receipt, you'll need it.

grammatonfeather · Dec 26, 2015

Sanderson said:
X52pro, just remember there's a 2 year warranty so keep your receipt, you'll need it.

I've never needed my warranty with X-52 pro.

More than 3 years already. I did note someone else on this forum admitting rough handling during combat though which equates to pushing the stick with some force. So I wonder how many of these units are under this kind of abuse.

Edit:

Checked with a friend and he purchased his X-52 Pro in 2011. Has never had an issue despite hundreds of hours flying on Battlefield 2 and DCS.

I purchased mine before him so I've maybe had mine since 2010.

rj16066 · Jan 1, 2016

Same setup here: also Voice Attack w/HCS voicepacks is a must, just for the immersion. I have the Saitek combat flight rudder set..

Raptoyd · Jan 1, 2016

jumbobreakfast said:
X52 is great for maneuvering but aiming accurately takes a while to get used to. I don't use voice attack as I play with my friends on TS but I do use an xbox controller for the galaxy map and SRV.

The buttons on the x52 are all within easy reach except for the buttons on the base of the joystick so I just assign those to lesser used tasks like accepting chat messages, cargo scoop, frameshift etc

I agree and was wondering is there a way to adjust that sensitivity in the Saitek software I have not looked at it. It seems like you have to move the stick too far to get movement them the cursor goes flying across the screen really hard to get used to would prefer the sight to move slower even when I hammer the stick

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Beavis Tingleball said:
X52 here.. by far the most comfortable hotas you can get. that goes for the x52 pro as well. i have mapped every function of the game and still have some to spare. like the X55 owner above, I only touch KB to type system names. search youtube for the x52 magnet mod..very easy to do and really enhances the range on your stick axis's.

Going to look at that magnet mod today was not aware of it thank you

Raptoyd · Jan 1, 2016

Beavis Tingleball said:
X52 here.. by far the most comfortable hotas you can get. that goes for the x52 pro as well. i have mapped every function of the game and still have some to spare. like the X55 owner above, I only touch KB to type system names. search youtube for the x52 magnet mod..very easy to do and really enhances the range on your stick axis's.

Easiest mod ever and big difference went to local Home Depot bam put them on in 5 minutes, great. Wow they are strong too hard to get apart. Thanks cmndr and rep.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Master-Magnetics-1-2-in-Neodymium-Rare-Earth-Magnet-Discs-6-per-Pack-07046HD/202526367

[url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JGZSx7UaVU
[/URL]

rich_hard1 · Jan 1, 2016

X55 user here, super comfortable, no longer have to see anything to press or slide what I need. Totally VR Friendly. Never looked back. I use the standard x55 Elite button layout, but change 'joy 6' for super cruise functionality.

This game was made for Hotas and VR, period. (AMD Please release those Supercruise Drivers if your reading this).