Greetings,
OK, after using the X-55 for three years and the X-56 blue for 19 months I finally replaced it with the X-56 grey to see what happens. I am pleased with the results.
1. The grey uses the X-56 blue drivers and software (nothing new for the grey) so power off the PC, replace the HOTAS, PC on, calibrate in Windows, select your favorite lighting with the software, run ED and ready to go without losing any of your previous program commands in the ED/Options/Controllers page. When I replaced the X-55 with X-56 drivers I had to work the in-game programming.
2. No squeaking when using yaw on the joystick. This was apparent on both the X-55 and X-56 blue.
3. Releasing the joystick going to zero centering now actually works. This is a biggie as the X-56 blue at 0% left yaw then back to 50% centering would only get 46%. Full right then left would do 51%. The X-55 had similar issues. ED in-game dampning controls don't effect this much if any including the grey version. It seems more a Frontier issue.
4. New the throttle movement is still stiff but half the resistance of the previous controllers. Figuring a lot less grease on this one. Eventually all versions break in but the grey will be a lot sooner. With previous versions I moved the thtottle back-n-forth to get it loose before even leaving a station.
5. The grey screen graphics are now solid and sharp versus a 'wear and tear' look introduced with the X-56 blue. Given the controller problems I wasn't sure if this was by design or cheap screening.
6. I still use a powered USB hub versus directly connecting to the computer. Motherboard USB amperage was a big deal with previous models as some designs didn't provide the power. So I'm not testing that.
With the X-56 grey the flight controls are finally much more accurate and predictable. I had to play with them between the Windows calibration, X-56 software (I like green lights) and dialing in a few parameters on the ED controllers page. It now works perfectly and I don't need Logitech software. Everything can be setup in-game. With proper centering it is also much more responsive I'll have to relearn this precision I didn't have before.
When these controllers work they are the definitive HOTAS for ED. Nothing else comes close as the designers really nailed interfacing flight controls with a computer and never having to use supporting software to get it to work with a program. In X-Plane 11 I can fly a Cessna or a highly advanced tutorial Airbus, Boeing or Embraer understanding how to they fly in the real world. It was never about the programming design but the mechanical quality control.
But will it last? Switches and buttons tend to gradually get 'loose' over time we will not always notice. All that moving around in ED menus takes a toll on the hats. After three years changing out my X-55 (the yaw spring finally broke) to an X-56 blue I was shocked to see the difference and what I was flying with. Even 19 months with the X-56 blue I saw differences after installing the grey. It is very tight on joystick centering which makes me a better pilot but who knows in two years. Even players using the Warthog considered by many as the best built HOTAS on the market have issues after a few years.
Being silly about ED I also own the Warthog, TFRP Pedals, T.16000M FCS, T.Flight Hotas 4 (PS4) and even an old Cyborg joystick. Sorry I never did an X-52 but Frontier liked them and in the early ED years offered a protional sale. I've reviewed them all on the Forum but from my perspective playing the game. That is the blessing and curse with ED as everyone has a different perspective. So give me another two years and I'll report on how the Grey works out.
Regards
Ok, good list, but I'm going to play Devil's advocate here:
