The Joystick/Controller discussion thread

[Morandor]

Using the Thrustmaster T-16000M joystick that I just received today, but I was using the Xbox 360 controller. I do like the feel of the joystick, but it seems like I'm using the keyboard more now than I was when I was using the xbox controller.

 

[TheAncientOne]

Using a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro (Pretty sweet bang for buck flight stick so far, working great after some fiddling around with the key binds). I had an older Thrustmaster but it has seen its better days long ago so it was time to upgrade. Used a wired XBox 360 Controller while I waited for the new stick to arrive in the mail.

 

[Chemicalgibbon]

Saitek X55 hotas. The MadCatz software is rubbish but the joystick is easy to configure. Can't play ED without it now.

 

[SnuggleViking]

Currently very much in love with my X52 pro, especially with the detents yanked out of the throttle. I keep meaning to go back and try the X55 now that I'm more comfortable with the game, but I suspect I'll have a full set of CH before that happens.

Also, why is the Logitech Extreme 3D pro not listed up there? It's a perfectly serviceable piece of kit, and affordable for the cheapskate hobbyist.

 

[LXIV]

An X55 with one of the rotaries on the throttle set as the yaw axis makes docking a Type-9 a breeze. Between that and a Logitech G13 I don't need to touch the keyboard proper anymore and only need a mouse for outfitting.

 

[Grumbleweed]

By popular demand (BudBomberz), here are some pics of my home made x52 Lap Pad. The central 'tablet' slope/box keeps all the cables together and contains a 4 port usb hub into which my headset, EdTracker, x52 and a micro usb power cable to power my tablet/phone whatever in emergencies. So it just plugs into a single usb port (via an extender) and can be put into a cupboard when not in use.

Its made from painted 18mm ply, (4mm ply for the slope top and back). The black stuff is a cheap rubber mat from my local hardware store. The x52 is fixed to the base with m6 bolts, which are sunk into the base with 10mm washers. If you use m5's they'll just drop straight through, the m6's allow you to 'screw' into the rubber grommet inside the housing.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4k-VhTS_hl0amtJNWUxQmJkd2s/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4k-VhTS_hl0NXBuLWVFcXBDMlk/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4k-VhTS_hl0SEVqdGpBbGhRZUU/view?usp=sharing

Its good for sitting on the sofa and playing.

 

[DCMSTech]

X52

I'm going to be using my old Saitek X52 but since I recently moved I don't have a desk at my new place yet so finding a away to use it will be a challenge. This is gonna be fun

 

[Fragmeat1]

anyone have a nice profile for the X55 from Saitek?

 

[TheNameIsJambo]

I have the T.16000m and CH Pro Throttle.

The analogue joystick on the Pro Throttle is amazing - You can control your lateral thrusters with it.. It makes a lot ​of difference

 

[AstroCat]

Do you all recommend a Joystick for this game?
Perhaps Thrustmaster, perhaps which model?

I really enjoy playing these types of games with a Joystick and throttle so hopefully this is recommended.

I've been happy with my X52.

 

[Ravenov]

anyone got problems with the hotas x? i knew this would happen, it felt suspiciously good for the money but only after 10-15hrs of use the slider is malfunctioning. my ship started tilting to the right, so i had to rearrange it for vertical thrust, now i get a 1-2 speed going for the roof when docking. i can sometimes jiggle it left-right to remove it, but its hard to tell if its there or not while flying in open space.
the anoying part is having to return it for a replacement and not know if a new unit will get the same or a different problem.

Have you tried recalibrating it in windows?

 

[Sernimble]

Absolutely love my Saitek X52 Pro. Been flying with it since Alpha. Would definitely recommend it to anyone.

 

[Mortumm]

X55 finally here, only 3 or so hours flying with it and I'd never go back to my gamepad. HUGE difference, although that wasnt a surprise ...

Oh and point taken on that throttle rotary to yaw-idea.

 

[Bigcheese]

It's sad that an old Logitech Extreme 3D pro is a better joystick than most of those more expensive options. That and a keyboard is really all you need and the stick itself appears to be as good or better than everything except CH (no yaw) or Warthog. Obviously you won't have as many buttons, I'm talking about the feel of the stick itself. x52 and x55 sticks are not that great, no idea why they cost what they do. I was disappointed with the HOTAS options currently available. I guess CH are really good, but they look like Atari controllers.

 

[WoeHorn]

Using the Thrustmaster T-16000M joystick that I just received today, but I was using the Xbox 360 controller. I do like the feel of the joystick, but it seems like I'm using the keyboard more now than I was when I was using the xbox controller.

I just ordered my T-16000M today, and I was just thinking I would need to do the same thing....use the keyboard for some functions so everything isn't bound to my right hand. Thanks for posting your thoughts on the 16000.

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Is it even worth trying to play with a basic xbox360 controller? Still fighting myself over new gear purchases...

As others have mentioned, fine control in tense situations is more difficult w/ the thumb-sticks, but I've been using one since launch and I believe many others do as well.

 

[iTrooper]

I was looking to get an X52 Pro, but most shops didn't have it in stock (at least for immediate same day walk-in / walk-out pickup)

But one of the shops near home had the X55, and the irony is that their price for the X55 was cheaper than most other shop's price for the X52-Pro.

Since it was a birthday gift, my girl brought it for me. I had my heart set on the X52 Pro, but I'm warming up to the X55, and after reading people's reviews and comments about it, it was probably the better choice due to additional/more sensitive hall sensors, extra buttons, dual thrust (good for other games, or maybe Elite if they ever add a feature for it).

Either way, it's still a great joystick and definitely trumps my old Logitech Extreme 3D Pro. So what if it doesn't look like a XMas tree like the X52

 

[Red-i]

Budget minded

My weapon of choice. This only cost $9.99US and has been a great device. Unlike standard gamepads, this one has 6 right-side thumb buttons instead of just 4. Only downside I've seen is the Mode button indicates whether it's analog or digital (digital has a red light indicator that must be lit up for this game) and the Turbo and Clear buttons do nothing and don't get any recognition from ED.

All the other buttons work quite well and are customizable. I started with a keyboard and mouse set up, originally, and have been able to transfer all the keyboard/mouse commands into this little controller. Now the keyboard is only used for chatting and to exit to the game menu and the mouse isn't used at all.

Feel free to PM me if you're interested in my keymap.

 

[Remiel]

I use a Logitech Attack3. $30 & 100% reliable. No need to spend hundreds more on overkill unless you really want to.

 

[Shotgun2097]

i like this , i take it the thumbs click too
i could have dropp out of sc on pad and jump .. think they are only ones a really miss im using std 360 plenty fun

 

[Remiel]

Logitech Attack3. Because nothing says "I love you" like shooting everything with a $30 joystick because you can't be bothered spending more than that on something less reliable from Saitek.