if you like fumbling around with a keyboard and mouse go ahead. and stick to gimbaled weapons
The Joystick/Controller discussion thread
Personally, I find it a much better experience with a HOTAS, easier to control for me, easier to learn the 'keys', more comfortable. Equally, I would say a TrackIR adds a lot to the experience too!
It is a personal preference though at the end of the day.
It is a personal preference though at the end of the day.
Advantages of a joystick:
Here are some that are popular for less than $50:
I particularly like the 16000M listed above as it uses Hall effect coupling and so doesn't become "scratchy" or "juddery" after sustained use.
- Frees up the mouse for other things.
- Intuitive if you're used to flight simulators.
- Can also be used for flight simulators.
- Usually has assignable buttons for targeting, gear, jump, or whatever you like.
- Are usually multi-axis, so you can roll, pitch and yaw using the stick itself, and fire vertical and lateral thrusters with the hat-switch.
Here are some that are popular for less than $50:
- http://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-T-Flight-Hotas-Flight-Playstation-3/dp/B001CXYMFS/
- http://www.amazon.com/Hercules-2960706-Thrustmaster-T-16000M-Flight/dp/B001S0RTU0
- http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00009OY9U/
I particularly like the 16000M listed above as it uses Hall effect coupling and so doesn't become "scratchy" or "juddery" after sustained use.
The difference between joystick and mouse is day and night (imo at least).
I didn't bother with a full HOTAS setup, and use the keyboard for throttle, menu, and hotkey use.
The joystick I'm using is a Thrustmaster T.16000M and I love it. Main trigger, 3 thumb triggers,
POV hat (that I use for up/down/left/right thrusters both for combat and for landing), and 12 programmable buttons
that can be used for hotkeys (although I prefer the keyboard and don't really use those, ymmv though).
It was pretty reasonable too. If I remember rightly, it was about $40.00 during a sale on Amazon. I think it tends to run between 40-50 normally.
I didn't bother with a full HOTAS setup, and use the keyboard for throttle, menu, and hotkey use.
The joystick I'm using is a Thrustmaster T.16000M and I love it. Main trigger, 3 thumb triggers,
POV hat (that I use for up/down/left/right thrusters both for combat and for landing), and 12 programmable buttons
that can be used for hotkeys (although I prefer the keyboard and don't really use those, ymmv though).
It was pretty reasonable too. If I remember rightly, it was about $40.00 during a sale on Amazon. I think it tends to run between 40-50 normally.
one answer : get an X52 
I picked up a Thrustmaster T.16000m from the MS Store (Amazon was out of stock) for $50 (w/free shipping!) I wanted the next step up (better sensors and more buttons) over the entry level $20-$30 sticks, and really there isn't much selection in the $50 range. I also didn't want to pay for a full HOTAS setup. So for $50, I got a joystick with smooth action, lots of buttons, and a preset ED profile from Thrustmaster. Its also left-handed friendly, if you're a lefty.
Honestly, I'm not sure how to play games like ED with anything except a joystick. It just feels much more natural to me, certainly more so than KB/Mouse. I guess a gamepad would work in a pinch.
--Amigori
Honestly, I'm not sure how to play games like ED with anything except a joystick. It just feels much more natural to me, certainly more so than KB/Mouse. I guess a gamepad would work in a pinch.
--Amigori
Ahh yes... I had a sweet little 'stick with the BBC.
- - - Updated - - -
Not that I was growing up - already in my thirties back then.
It's really a matter of practise if the joystick is better. All control setups can get the job done, as long as you take the time to get used to them.
And yes, that even goes for a game with as complicated controls as Elite: Dangerous. Example: I used to play a fair bit of Freespace 2, including online multiplayer, and the best player I ever played with used exclusively the keyboard - no joystick, no mouse. The second best player used mouse + keyboard, and she was perhaps the most accurate long range sniper I ran into in the game (mouse was spectacular for that in FS2). And myself, I used a joystick (same one I'm using today, as it happens) but no throttle. If I had a good day and they keyboard player had a bad day, I could just about keep up with him. On any other day, he would wreck me.
It's definitely true that playing with a joystick is more 'realistic' and probably more immersive, too, but purely for getting the job done, it is no better or worse than the other setups. Still, I prefer it. If you ask me, it's just more FUN!
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I know there has probably been more than enough input here, but I use a Logitech 3d extreme pro and have just ordered an x55 hotas. I can't play with a keyboard and mouse. No auto centering is a major problem that I can't handle with a mouse. Throttle isn't nearly as precise with key presses as the are with a throttle. The list goes on but to each their own.
I would say by this joystick and use with a keyboard.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Thrustmaste...6846372&sr=8-4&keywords=t+flight+thrustmaster
I have this but with added throttle but I prefer to use the keyboard for the throttle.
The t-flight thrust master is a great one and much better than mouse or Xbox controller and I think nearly as good as the really expensive joysticks.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Thrustmaste...6846372&sr=8-4&keywords=t+flight+thrustmaster
I have this but with added throttle but I prefer to use the keyboard for the throttle.
The t-flight thrust master is a great one and much better than mouse or Xbox controller and I think nearly as good as the really expensive joysticks.
I use keyboard logitech 3d pro joystick think thats what its called.
It was 30bucks
I am goin to get the X-55 Rhino H.O.T.A.S. System when it comes out and use that with Voice attack wont need keyboard unless typing in name for a system.
It is much easier with joystick, if you aim for pvp then you may consider taking one. If you grind then i dont really see a reason...
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I have a Warthog HOTAS - joystick is closer to how the real thing would be piloted (if it handled somewhat like an aircraft). The joystick self-centres easily unlike the mouse, and you can train muscle memory for a number of landing and combat manoevres.
I love using the mouse to look down while waggling my joystick around - the in-game hand and joystick match the movement. Simple, but immersive.
I love using the mouse to look down while waggling my joystick around - the in-game hand and joystick match the movement. Simple, but immersive.
I use warthog rudder pedals and a oculus. It is so immerse and awesome. Only hiccup is the galaxy map.
Got my MS Sidewinder Precision Pro to play Descent and XWing back in the day... Dusted it off for this and love it. Added a T1600M for dog-fighting. Other than that I mostly use the Sidewinder and keyboard. I personally feel you are missing out at the very least in immersion if you aren't using some kind of joystick setup. Cheers !
