G13 + Cyborg V.1 = My Setup
My setup is probably kind of unique. I classify my setup as a HOTAS, but it's not actually a HOTAS stick.
I utilize a Logitech
G13 Gamepad as my "Throttle Unit". The gamepad has 22 buttons that your hands can rest on very easily and an analog thumbstick similar to that of an XBOX or Playstation controller.
The thumbstick is fully analog and recognized by Elite as a joystick (You have the use the Logitech G Software and right click the thumbstick in it and select "Use as Joystick" to enable it though). I bound the thumbstick for forward/reverse thruster and lateral thrust so I can control forward/backward/left/right thrusters with one finger. I feel that it is far superior to a single axis throttle unit.
I have the 22 keys on the G13 bound to various ship functions, power management and even some macros for power profiles (pre-set arrangements of power PIPs). I also pre-programmed Elite with custom keys for every single function in the game that can be bound and added them to a custom profile in the G13's profile. When I want to change bindings on the G13 I just drag and drop the action I want to the key. There is also three "tabs" of commands you can switch between on the G13 at the flip of a switch enabling up to 66 key combinations at the push of a button and that's not counting the two buttons next to the thumbstick (Which I use for 75% & 100% throttle). This of course is not even counting what you can do with modifier keys, which Elite supports very very well.
For my joystick I utilize a
Cyborg V.1. It is an ambidextrous joystick with a single POV hat on the top center accompanied by 5 buttons. There is also a 'pinkie switch' (button) on the front near the bottom of your hand which is easily pressed that I use for "target highest threat" so I simply squeeze my hand and instantly target my agressor, be it in a supercruise interdiction or combat. There is also a throttle slider, however I have no need for it and leave it unbound.
On the Cyborg I have several functions bound to the buttons and HAT on the top. UI navigation functions are entirely programmed into the joystick (with exception of buttons to open each UI panel, I do that with head tracking via TrackIR and my G13). I also have every single targeting feature (including targeting wing mates and their target) bound to the POV and 5 buttons available, partially using modifiers and still retain full ability to map all of my weapons controls to the stick fully, including prev and next weapons groups.
I have had the Cyborg V.1 for several years. Many of which it has been in a box of electronics POORLY STORED with it being in a constantly "bent" position and I only just took it out a couple months ago to play Elite and it still functions and centers perfectly. Being that the Cyborg V.1 is ambidextrous you could theoretically use two and combine them with modifier keys and be able to run all ships features off of them with a little ingenuity and a lot of modifier buttons. This is something I've actually considered doing but have yet to try.
I also use a set of
Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals. I however do not use the rudder feature of them as my muscle memory is so trained from years of using joystick twist for rudder that I gave up on trying to train myself to use the rudder pedals. I do however use the toe brakes for thrust up and down (think of the toe brake as if you were pushing the gas pedal/brakes in a car). This leaves room to program in the rudder as well if you want, but the ultimate result is that you have COMPLETE control of all of your ships thrusters in analog. I can't even begin to explain how big of an advantage this is and how much it improves the flight experience of the game. The fact that you have lateral control on one hand, rotation on another, and vertical control on your feet seperates them and allows for simultanious control and input to ALL of your ships thrusters simultaneously. It simply cannot be beat in my opinion. This to me is the centerpiece of my setup as I have found no HOTAS on the market capable of doing the same as my full setup, and even with rudder pedals it's still not very intuitive and most still have you controlling at least one set of thrusters with digital ON/OFF giving you no granularity on that field of movement.
I paid the following in USD for these pieces of equipment for myself:
$80
G13 Gamepad (I bought mine "Open Box" and got it for $60.)
$25
Cyborg V.1 (It's a very basic entry level joystick, and quite cheap but EXCELLENT quality. You can subsitute this joystick with any other stick of your choosing for my "NATAS" setup. ('Not A Throttle' And Stick))
$150
Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals (They are sturdy and responsive. You will probably need to create some way to keep it stationary on your floor but it does come with Velcro)
TOTAL COST: $255.00
The handle on the Cyborg V.1 is 4 inches tall before the controls start and the hat is at 5 inches. My palm is nearly 3.75 inches wide and the stick is comfortable for me and I only ever experience discomfort when using the "pinky" switch as a button, which is why I "Squeeze" it. Photograph attached so you can see the measuring tape on the stick for reference.
Other notes:
Do not buy an X65F. That joystick is EXTREMELY difficult to configure properly, the throttle unit is factory over tightened and the screw strips easily so adjusting it without disassembling it isn't possible. After spending probably about 15-20 hours combined tweaking the settings of the X65F I took it back. I got it working perfectly but after 30 minutes of use it would forget its dead zone and when I let go it would act like it was being pushed into "drifting lazily to the left". It knew some maneuvers. It was however one of the most responsive and fun to fly with joysticks I've ever used though. It was hell a hard to aim fixed weapons with it though.
I am a self declared power gamer. I do everything I can to ensure that I have the best possible advantage short of cheating. I may not be the best pilot, but I ensure that my systems are as fast to use, and as ergonomic as possible. This means that on top of ensuring that I have full analog control over all of my ships thruster axis I also have spent an extensive amount of time tweaking my key bindings to ensure optimal performance with minimal effort and hand movement.
I hope my thoughts give you some ideas at the very least. I look forward to seeing what you choose.
EDIT: The G13 is also great because it can be used with any other game you want and I will say, analog thumbstick in shooters is NIIIIICE for character movement.
