This is really useful info guys, and a massive thank you to all who posted. It is great to get an opinionated thread without all the for a change, so nice one 
Joystick / HOTAS recommendation
- Thread starter Bottom Hat
- Start date
This is really useful info guys, and a massive thank you to all who posted. It is great to get an opinionated thread without all the for a change, so nice one
I've found over the years that the community has a huge common bond when we talk kit outside the game. Nobody wants crap controls, but everyone's needs and means are different and for once everybody gets the "different strokes for different folks" on this one. This is like, the one thing we don't argue over and just discuss with sense and I agree that it's enjoyable.
As much as I <3 the CH kit forever and will probably be able to give it to my kid when I can't game anymore and she's an adult (the lastgen CH controllers only got shelved by users because the hardware connection architecture evolved beyond their original plug arrangement even with adapters), it's still more expensive than a pair of T16000s even with adding a Power Grid or Razer keyboard to the twinstick mix. Tons of options, right down to Ye Olde Mowse and Keyes, which is still a popular and accurate choice.
There are tons of optimal-per-pilot controller options out there, and some things to be aware of for various reasons on each selection even beyond quality; CH has no twisters in their lineup at all, and the sometimes-mentioned heavier touch needed for a Warthog due to its solid construction and characteristics, for examples. Knowing more about the kit you're going to work around with your hands for hours on end is also important to prevent injuring your actual limbs while pretending to be a spaceman.
Yes, there are a lot of controller options these days. If the conversation is moving beyond HOTAS and joysticks, I'd like to recommend VoiceAttack, which I use for "less time critical" tasks, like requesting docking. I also have an uncommon accessory: A 3 pedal foot-switch which acts like a keyboard. I use it for Shift/Ctrl modifiers for my joystick buttons, to access "less frequently used" commands (that need to be immediate) like ejecting chaff or heatsinks.
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I have the same sort of precautions in place.
My Logitech Extreme 3D Pro joystick has 12 buttons, which is not nearly enough for ED, so I use the Shift and Ctrl keys (on the footpad) so that I have an expanded set of combination commands. I've set it up so that the button alone is the primary, the shifted button is the auxiliary command, and the ctrl button is the uncommon command. For example, one button is Stop (throttle at 0%), shifted is landing gear, and ctrl is heat sink. Another is UI focus, galactic map, and system map. Another is boost, target next system, and chaff. Eject all cargo is especially hard: shift+ctrl+button, with no action assigned to ctrl+button, shifted is toggle cargo hatch.
It all makes logical sense, but at this point, with all of these learned responses, I'd have a really hard time switching to another controller setup. (That's the downside.)
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Yeah, your brain wires in with your custom setup after a while. I've recently had to change up my setting and I'm still getting used to it. I must have received the only faulty ch gear in existence and from Australia it's too expensive to return so I've downgraded to a T16000m and kept the ch throttle but don't use the busted throttle slider. The buttons all work though so until I can afford a new set (same as before CH Pro Throttle and Fighterstick) I've had to gimp myself.
Eventually it's ok and the muscles memory adjusts.
True. It took me months to get to where I didn't need to refer to my "cheat sheet" on the control layout, at least occasionally. I'm sure you'll get used to the new configuration in time; it's amazing how your body can adapt.
Agreed on Saitek's build quality, the wires are damn thin in the X55. However since the X56 is now under Logitec's umbrella, personally I'd give it another chance.
As an aside, I highly recommend an extra standalone stick (similar to the Logitech attack 3) for SRV use.
Very intuitive after 5 minutes of driving, with and without turret active.
o7
As an aside, I highly recommend an extra standalone stick (similar to the Logitech attack 3) for SRV use.
Very intuitive after 5 minutes of driving, with and without turret active.
o7
Seriously, if you're worried about the CH sticks not having twist for yaw then you need to think about the addition of peddles for YAW. I found it easier to bind both toe brakes to one axis and use them for YAW instead of the traditional yaw axis. You can also use this for steering the SRV, while leaving the joystick for in-air SRV thrusting. Don't let the lack of twist on the CH sticks stop you from enjoying them, assuming you can afford them along with the pedals.
TLDR: Twist on a stick is NOT a pre-requisite for a joystick in Elite Dangerous!
TLDR: Twist on a stick is NOT a pre-requisite for a joystick in Elite Dangerous!
I wish I had room under my desk for one of those, and the CH pedals are pretty small but no go. Totally agree with you on twist. In fact, I refuse to bind anything to the twist on my T16000m. Once you get used to the pitch + roll with yaw on a separate controller its hard to go back. You just have finer control without twist.
I've shifted controllers four or five times now, it's always fun (in a "pressing all the wrong buttons" kinda way), and usually best done by logging into the training exercises, and just flying around the asteroid fields for a while.
Amen. The beauty of ED, is I actually think they got the controller balance pretty much right. There seems to be about as many skilled pilots using KB+M as HOTAS, and then you have plenty who can stick with the best of them using XB controllers.
Also, seeing peoples unique controller layouts is always interesting, and often makes me consider new ideas. and then... We have the folk who make monstrous Frankencontrollers™, ugly beast that appear almost glued together with cables taped together in a "forever beta testing" kinda way, and some of those look truly awesome!
Z...
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Yeah, that's the Monstertech.de desk mounts I saw...expensive, but with shipping to NZ they'd work out cheaper than the VPC ones from Virpil (who want to charge just over 200BYN for the mounts and >300BYN for shipping to NZ)
:-(
Clicker
Yeah, that German build quality along with quick release clamp...Actually, you probably do. Those babies changed my life As for the price, it hurts, granted, but you'll never need to buy them again : german große Qualität and all ...
I don't "need" them either.
But boy, do I want them!
{looks at exchange rate for the 20th time today}
Clicker
I was SERIOUSLY considering these.
Then I took one look at the exchange rates, and immediately they become "luxury items"
I was SERIOUSLY considering these.
Then I took one look at the exchange rates, and immediately they become "luxury items"
They look very nice.. But... That price point really is at "make them myself" area. I'm pretty sure that boxed aluminium section stuff is fairly easy to buy. Though, if that price includes shipping, then... not so bad.
..wow.
I think I'll make my own, thank you very much.
I'm making my own "Coffee table sim pit", so, I guess I'm half thinking about it...
This could be an interesting resource for any DIY'ers out there.
T-slotted framing, I think it is called.
When it comes to spending close to $400 for metalwork, I do start to wonder if I prefer to buy the tools that let me do that, and other stuff, too.
Z...
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Shipping not included, about €240 (or $280) in total for two of them with shipping for me.
It's a very simple construction indeed with some extruded aluminium, two plates, half a vise-grip and some machine screws.
Coffee table sim pit? I admit I have no idea what that is I'm afraid.
The link is not working by the way, I assume it's Etsy or something similar? Although I'm not really a DIY'er, more of a.. disgruntled machinist.
Shipping not included, about €240 (or $280) in total for two of them with shipping for me.
It's a very simple construction indeed with some extruded aluminium, two plates, half a vise-grip and some machine screws.
Coffee table sim pit? I admit I have no idea what that is I'm afraid.
The link is not working by the way, I assume it's Etsy or something similar? Although I'm not really a DIY'er, more of a.. disgruntled machinist.
Link fixed. It's a link to a company that does T-slotted framing and bits. The once you know what it's called, you can source it from wherever is easiest.
Making a "really nice" base plate is probably the hardest part, as I suspect it's laser cut, but not like laser cutting is essential. I made my own base plate for my Warthog, as the one on it was too huge for my sim chair. I used a battery operated drill and a couple of metal bits (one for the hole, one for the counter sink bit). I did screw up one of the holes by about 1mm, bit it wasn't that hard to fix it.
Now that I think of it, I am starting to wonder about PC operated drill press mechanism for this sort of thing.
I'm a tragic when it comes to good quality tools... In our apartment that is being renovated (SE Asia) I have been teaching the tradesmen how to use my tools - because theirs suck. I have a Bosch blu 18V kit (Destroyer hammer drill, impact driver, multi tool, rotary hammer drill, jigsaw...). It actually blew me away that they were trying to use my hammer drill with a screw driver bit to put screws into wood - when the impact driver was right there.
They had no clue what an impact driver was, and spent a good 15 minutes trying to explain it, and showing them how awesome they are for screwed/nuts/bolts etc.
Love my tools. Probably why I love a good quality HOTAS... I really appreciate good engineering.
As for coffee table sim pit - yes. The concept is that it folds up and is not recognisable as anything but a coffee table. When it opens, the HOTAS, pedals, chair all swing/pull or slide into place.
I've pretty much decided on the rear seat of a Hyundai Santa Fe as the chair, as they fold up really nicely, perfectly flat...
Still figuring out if the frame will need to extend, but I'll need to do a mock up first, once I draw up a concept in Sketchup. It'll be primarily for VR (ED and DCS) so will likely actually have 2 sticks (a VKB Gunfighter and the VPC Mongoos T-50) to allow for choppers, old school and also modern jets. Also figuring out how to get a collective and also a throttle to work. The screen will be the TV screen and audio provided by my 5.1 surround system. Cabling will be... Interesting, and I'm still working out the best solution - perhaps the PC will end up living int he coffee table *somehow*, then it's just power and HDMI to connect....
Z...
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This is fascinating Z - you must let us know how it goes, as I a very intrigued with it!! I sometimes fall into making these ideas in my head or with a 2B pencil, but never end up getting round to making them or even starting on the actual 'building' part of the process, but maybe that is just me :/ [or a lack of disposable income for most of the time! It has been a year I imagine to save up the cash to get he new HTOAS btw
]The Hat