The Joystick/Controller discussion thread

[BaldEagle]

I have been using my ancient MS Sidewinder Pro so far (18 months and Elite ranked Explorer). But, it just broke and although I have done some soldering I think it is time to move on
I like a simple joystick (such as the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro) but I think I would like to try the CH Throttle. Is it possible to map two devices such as that?
I am open to other suggestions as I find all the negative feedback on many products (Saitek?) confusing.

 

[willowfan]

Yes, you can mix and match different joysticks and throttles with no problems, as each is treated as a seperate device by Windows.

 

[BaldEagle]

Yes, you can mix and match different joysticks and throttles with no problems, as each is treated as a seperate device by Windows.

Great; thank you Commander
+1

 

[Nerwan]

Great; thank you Commander
+1

I do this, I use a Thrustmaster T16000 (since it has super accurate hall sensors at a nice price and still has twist yaw) and a CH Throttle. I love this combination

 

[BaldEagle]

I do this, I use a Thrustmaster T16000 (since it has super accurate hall sensors at a nice price and still has twist yaw) and a CH Throttle. I love this combination

Thank you, Commander. I have read mixed reviews on the T16000. I will look again - it seems similar to the Logitech.
+1

 

[Faybs]

For you who didn't see the news, Thrustmaster has a new licensing deal with Frontier. In September Thrustmaster will release the T.16000M FCS HOTAS . Below is a link with some more information. The throttle is new, and the stick is a slightly updated T.16000M.
http://www.thrustmaster.com/en_US/П...w-gameplay-experiences-announced-new-t16000m-

Big image (just linking it)
http://www.thrustmaster.com/sites/a...les/T16000FCS/Mapping-stationT16000MHotas.jpg

Throttle looks nice, I'm a bit disappointed that the paddle in front is not analog though.

 

[Ophion]

I don't know why FD isn't talking about this new partnership with Thrustmaster and a release of T.16000M FCS HOTAS. Or have I missed it? I visit forums often, read newsletters and updates but didn't know about this.

I was searching for a new hotas setup for weeks now, my current is T.Flight X, it's ok for the price but I need something a bit better but not too expensive. X52 Pro was an option (not so cheep one) but all that "poor quality control" stuff put me off.

Finaly a fiew days ago I've found out about this new T1600 version and was very excited about it, separate throttle with hats, yaw twist stick (hate pedals), lots of buttons, orange accents and lights, in my price range, can't wait for september to order one.

So, what's up with FD, why aren't they advertising this new joystick? I bet lots of people out there don't know about it like I didn't.

 

[Barmatyr]

Joystick are useless, expensive and only usable for fly simulation other interface are better, less expensive and can be use for nearly everything. Joystick is just fancy stuff.

G13 keyboard+ G600 mouse is best for everything and not expensive.

 

[WR3ND]

That certainly isn't true. Analog controls can be very useful and have their well deserved place, even if you don't personally care for them.

 

[ndrwc]

Joystick are useless, expensive and only usable for fly simulation other interface are better, less expensive and can be use for nearly everything. Joystick is just fancy stuff.

G13 keyboard+ G600 mouse is best for everything and not expensive.

HOTAS is one of the few options for VR because you can feel where everything is in relation to your fingertips. Not so with one hand on a keyboard and the other on a mouse, when you can't look outside the HMD to see what keys you are pressing.

US Air Force developed HOTAS concept for a reason, modern jets are not flown with a mouse and keyboard

 

[Cataclysm72]

Joystick are useless, expensive and only usable for fly simulation other interface are better, less expensive and can be use for nearly everything. Joystick is just fancy stuff.

G13 keyboard+ G600 mouse is best for everything and not expensive.

I notice a personal opinion here.

i'd say milage may vary.

 

[[VR] Mad Mike]

G13 keyboard+ G600 mouse is best for everything and not expensive.

I cant agree....... have you ever tried iracing on KB/M

as for Elite, and any game really, There are some players who would absolutely school me on my X55 and them on KB/M but imo that is not the point at all.

For me personally (note subjective view not objective) it is about enjoyment and immersion. The day I see an aeroplane flown using keyboard and mouse I may consider accepting your point. until then a hotas setup is more immersive, more realistic and for me - and this is the most important because it is why we are here after all - more fun.

indeed the fact that i feel star Citizen is easier on KB/M and despite what they say I feel is their primary control system - like freelancer - means that for me SC will never be the game that ED is.

PS my KB was a 5er, my mouse is 10 years old so is practically worthless, and you can get a hotas for £30.

therefore a imo way more fun and at least as effective setup for ED can actually be far less expensive than your set up for ED.

 

[BaldEagle]

Joystick are useless, expensive and only usable for fly simulation other interface are better, less expensive and can be use for nearly everything. Joystick is just fancy stuff.

G13 keyboard+ G600 mouse is best for everything and not expensive.

I use a G13 as I can tailor it to my various modes - mainly exploring, with some fighting.
Don't agree about the mouse though

 

[WR3ND]

I use a G13 as I can tailor it to my various modes - mainly exploring, with some fighting.
Don't agree about the mouse though

If I had a typical desktop setup for gaming, I might have well gone for the G13 and a joystick, though I wouldn't really want to switch back and forth for proportional analog throttle control though. Keyboard and mouse was never really a contender for me personally for this game, though I do very much prefer it for many other games over controllers, etc., expessial FPS style games.

For real flight controls, you just cant beat the analog stick controls... Seriously...

Hint: these guys don't use a keyboard and mouse for this, light years beyond what is possible in ED/H...

[video=youtube;l5FqYiZb_5s]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5FqYiZb_5s[/video]

[video=youtube;1DS6r-vfLqE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DS6r-vfLqE[/video]

 

[JSMosby]

X56 Rhino

 

[Spacecat]

When I first started playing, I got all excited about getting a flight stick and researched them and decided which one I was going to buy, then got lazy and decided that since KBAM was working ok, to just stick with it, and I still am.

 

[CMDR HomerNarr]

Joystick are useless, expensive and only usable for fly simulation other interface are better, less expensive and can be use for nearly everything. Joystick is just fancy stuff.

G13 keyboard+ G600 mouse is best for everything and not expensive.

To simplified and therefore wrong.
Certain games are played best with gamepad. Shadow of Mordor
Certain games are played best with gamepad, keyboard and mouse. (!) GTA5
Certain games are best played with Joystick. Elite Dangerous. / Given you get yourself a good HOTAS

They all can be played by Keboard / Mouse but the extra controllers can give you extra benefits.
In Shadow of Mordor the gamepad is optimal for the "flow" of techniques.
In GTA5 driving with gamepad gives you an edge, where running and shooting is better done by K/M

In Elite Dangerous?
I highly doubt that you could outmanouver an experienced HOTAS Pilot at any times.
As soon as the HOTAS Pilot switches Flight Assist off, he will dominate. Just because he has all the controls at both hands.
On an SaiteK X-56 Every Axis is linked to a Joystick axis.
Throttle , Roll, Pitch and Lateral Thrusters. You literaly can circle around any slower ship easily, pointing the nose at the target even flying backwards...
And somehow it just "feels" good.

 

[Insomnia]

Joystick are useless, expensive and only usable for fly simulation other interface are better, less expensive and can be use for nearly everything. Joystick is just fancy stuff.

G13 keyboard+ G600 mouse is best for everything and not expensive.

Joysticks are expensive and suits flight simulators, yes. Therefore it suits Elite Dangerous. And it does bring crap loads of immersion to the gameplay, and if you see that as worthless, well....

 

[Jockey79]

Joystick are useless, expensive and only usable for fly simulation other interface are better, less expensive and can be use for nearly everything. Joystick is just fancy stuff.

G13 keyboard+ G600 mouse is best for everything and not expensive.

Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS X for £30 online (half the price of a G13).
And way better for Elite: Dangerous (or any other space / flight sim).

Joysticks are not "just fancy stuff" - they are practical input devices when used for the correct genre of games and enhance your experience. Just like FPS games are better with keyboard and mouse rather than a game pad and racing games are better with a steering wheel / pedals.

The right tool, for the right job.

(and again, you can get a HOTAS cheaper than a G13)

 

[Ozram]

Lol, I don't think I could go back to kb&m with Elite Dangerous. I control every axis + panels, view, maps etc with my hotas. It's intuitive and at your fingertips and provides fine control over your ship in a way that would be extremely hard to match with any other setup. CH Pro Throttle and Fighterstick here.