The Joystick/Controller discussion thread
Welcome to the forum Fred T.A and thank you for supporting the game! 
With regards to joysticks, there is a great many on the market across a wide range of budgets. Speaking for myself I use a reasonably priced Speedlink Black Widow, however I would really like a nice HOTAS setup once my finances permit. We have a lot of joystick discussion on the forum so dive in and join the fun.
With regards to joysticks, there is a great many on the market across a wide range of budgets. Speaking for myself I use a reasonably priced Speedlink Black Widow, however I would really like a nice HOTAS setup once my finances permit. We have a lot of joystick discussion on the forum so dive in and join the fun. 
My favorite for buying just one unit would be the Thrustmaster T.16000M, based on fairly extensive research. Hall effect sensors and TARGET software for really getting into the config
I'm thinking about getting the Saitek Cyborg F.L.Y. 5 for this game when gamma rolls out. Looks pretty ok for a reasonable price.
But I don't have any experiences with joysticks, has anyone tried this one out with the alpha so far?
But I don't have any experiences with joysticks, has anyone tried this one out with the alpha so far?
I have that stick and its perfectly adequate for the game. A lot of people on here have the X52 pro which is very popular indeed with more buttons than the Fly 5. Only issue with it that I can see compared to the fly 5 is the price. I got my stick for £44 and although I only had a very quick look the cheapest price I could see for the x52 pro was £154 which imo is way too much to pay for a joystick even if it is a very good one.
If you want a budget HOTAS, I'm hearing good things about the Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas which can be separated.
Myself, I use a ten year old Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 and I'm sticking with it. Works great, really comfortable. Sadly Microsoft no longer make them.
Myself, I use a ten year old Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 and I'm sticking with it. Works great, really comfortable. Sadly Microsoft no longer make them.
You can get the X52 Pro for around £118 at scan.co.uk and other online shops. The X52 is just as good imo and can be purchased for under £90 at scan or overclockers, even some PC World stores stock it at £99. If your going for the F.L.Y 5 at £40 believe me its worth the extra for the upgrade.
Like I said I only had a really quick look. Speaking for myself I think that even £118 is way too much to pay for a joystick even if your a serious gamer.
I'm on the lookout for a new stick for the Beta too, my Black Widow feels more like I'm controlling Pac-Man than a star-fighter.
Really does seem like there is a shortage of sticks in the £100-£150, requires an explanation but not a divorce, range. X-52 Pro and CH Throttle and Combat Stick have gone up a lot.
Really does seem like there is a shortage of sticks in the £100-£150, requires an explanation but not a divorce, range. X-52 Pro and CH Throttle and Combat Stick have gone up a lot.
Could you give more e-tailers? Amazon.co.uk gives a price of £150-160, scan.co.uk has a price of £119.99 as you said, however it is available for pre-order only due on 26 of June, i.e. in almost 2 months.
Stachel
Banned
I've tried a few now courtesy of some friends. The only setup I wouldn't use is mouse. Pretty much any stick with a modicum of accuracy will be fine. A friend of mine even prefers xbox controller sticks to a flight stick.
Its all highly personal and subjective though ..
The one I enjoyed the most was the Saitek X52 pro throttle in conjunction with a CH products flight stick (a very elderly one all covered in crusty man sweat I might add). Some jigger was poked to get it to register as a single device, of which I am largely ignorant. So perhaps not the best for the uninitiated.
If you are on a budget I would recommend the Thrustmaster Hotas X (£30 online). If you have cash to splash get an X52 Pro (although beware Saitek quality control!) and if your yacht is berthed next to Mr. Braben's, get a Warthog.
Pretty much any stick with a modicum of accuracy will be fine. A friend of mine even prefers xbox controller sticks to a flight stick. Its all highly personal and subjective though ..
The one I enjoyed the most was the Saitek X52 pro throttle in conjunction with a CH products flight stick (a very elderly one all covered in crusty man sweat I might add).
Some jigger was poked to get it to register as a single device, of which I am largely ignorant. So perhaps not the best for the uninitiated. If you are on a budget I would recommend the Thrustmaster Hotas X (£30 online). If you have cash to splash get an X52 Pro (although beware Saitek quality control!) and if your yacht is berthed next to Mr. Braben's, get a Warthog.
Flossy
Volunteer Moderator
I use the Thrustmaster Warthog HOTAS which has more than enough programmable buttons! I have customised the default Warthog profile by using rudder pedals for Yaw and adding the alternative keystrokes for many of the button commands - that way I can use keyboard and/or Logitech G13 for some of the commands, especially for negotiating around the side panels easily.
Stachel
Banned
I use the Thrustmaster Warthog HOTAS which has more than enough programmable buttons! I have customised the default Warthog profile by using rudder pedals for Yaw and adding the alternative keystrokes for many of the button commands - that way I can use keyboard and/or Logitech G13 for some of the commands, especially for negotiating around the side panels easily.
Yes a word of warning about the cheaper Thrustmaster Hotas X. It isn't programmable, although you can use 3rd party apps to remap keys etc.
Captain Zoe E Summers
Banned
Can't praise the thrustmaster warthog hotas enough. Fab purchase!
Just wish I'd got the MFG pedals and not the saitek ones... Gutted about that decision.
And I never thought it was worth it, but track ir really makes a HUGE difference, and combined with a good hotas, makes ED come alive.
There is a post about a DIY head tracker if you can't afford track ir.
Just wish I'd got the MFG pedals and not the saitek ones... Gutted about that decision.
And I never thought it was worth it, but track ir really makes a HUGE difference, and combined with a good hotas, makes ED come alive.
There is a post about a DIY head tracker if you can't afford track ir.
Last edited:
I have Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas X and for me works well, very well. Connect and you can play. The default settings for Hotas-X are very good. In Poland I bought it for 200 zł, In UK pounds is 40 pounds.
I am currently using it in Alpha 1.1 and joy check very well in the fight !!!
I am currently using it in Alpha 1.1 and joy check very well in the fight !!!
Last edited: