Hardware & Technical Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS 4 or X?

Spud Munky · May 26, 2016

Hi Folks,

I'm struggling with finding info on the differences between these two versions of the joystick. The 4 is new out but more expensive and both are currently available. I will mostly be using it for ED on the PC but I have both PS4 and PS3 so could use it on those too. The HOTAS 4 says it's "Compatible with PC" but is there any PC functionality I'd loose by choosing the 4 over the X? Conversely, is there anything I'd gain?

Thanks for any insight you can give.

h347h · May 26, 2016

The 4 is made for the PlayStation 4 in mind while HOTAS X is more for the PC? I can recommend the X hands down. Well worth the money.

TinyPwny · May 26, 2016

X has red buttons, 4 has blue buttons. You'd miss the functional redness of X.

tombrooks178 · May 26, 2016

I have a ps4 also which is why I chose the 4 over the x. I've had it for about two weeks now and it has been excellent.

Para Handy · May 26, 2016

The 4 doesn't have the preset and mapping buttons on the joystick base though?

Not that that makes any difference and I remember reading that F D were going to include a default bindings set for the 4 - in 2.1 /1.6 maybe?

CMDR MAIN SEQUENCE · May 26, 2016

I doubt if there is much difference other than to add the PS4 compatibility and change the colour scheme, especially seeing as they have a new joystick and throttle coming out later in the year. One would hope that they have improved the durability of the micro-switches (and the supporting plastic bracket) for the "thumb buttons" on the throttle unit but who knows.

Remember the X is compatible with the PS3 as well as the PC (switch on the back of the throttle). EDIT: oh and I think the HOTAS 4 is not compatible with the PS3.

I would base your decision purely on whether or not you need PS4 compatibility. Personally the colour scheme would put me off but that's just me

MalcYorks said:
...and I remember reading that F D were going to include a default bindings set for the 4 - in 2.1 /1.6 maybe?

Correct, they have.

Spud Munky · May 26, 2016

MAIN SEQUENCE said:
Remember the X is compatible with the PS3 as well as the PC (switch on the back of the throttle). EDIT: oh and I think the HOTAS 4 is not compatible with the PS3.

I would base your decision purely on whether or not you need PS4 compatibility.

Oh, I thought the X was designed for the XBox. The 4 not being backward compatible with the PS3 is a disappointment, but then I'm not seriously likely to buy many more games for the PS3 ...I might even retire it in due course.

Thanks for the replies! [up]

ExoForce · Jul 7, 2016

I was digging dip into the internet for this. So:

They have the same functionality except that PCB (motherboard inside) is different - new version.
In theory, new one has smaller deadzones (could not find the proof yet).
There is a lot of examples on internet about modding Hotas-X(well documented).
If You need Hotas NOW or You a low on budget (or dont want to invest), buy Hotas-X and wait for the winter sales on Elite Thrustmaster.
I have Hotas-X revision 2 (only 1 center detent, version 1 has two), I enjoy it very much. I will buy Elite Hotas on Black Friday.

https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php/246121-Thrustmaster-revealing-new-joystick-lineup-today

Cmdr Nemo · Apr 3, 2017

DaveJFT said:
Hi Folks,

I'm struggling with finding info on the differences between these two versions of the joystick. The 4 is new out but more expensive and both are currently available. I will mostly be using it for ED on the PC but I have both PS4 and PS3 so could use it on those too. The HOTAS 4 says it's "Compatible with PC" but is there any PC functionality I'd loose by choosing the 4 over the X? Conversely, is there anything I'd gain?

Thanks for any insight you can give.

The x will work on the ps3 but not the ps4. The t flight 4 will work on the ps4 but not the ps3. The 4 has a blue ring around the sticks bottom, the x has a silver ring around tge bottom. Thought the names (PS3, PS4 and t-flight x, t- flight 4) are simular and pretty much accomplish the same things, they are different. Does your ps3 contoler work on your ps4 or the reverse, I think not, for the ssme reasons, they are two different devices. HOWEVER, both hotas will work on a pc.