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Space/Flight Sim HOTAS
Space/Flight Sim HOTAS
Just to add some input here for anyone on a search, joystick needs vary heavily from game to game. The TM Warthog, for instance, is designed specifically to emulate the joystick of the A-10 warthog, so there is only 2 axes of control on the joystick itself - for pitch and roll. For yaw control, foot pedals are typically used.
For space games, yaw control on the stick, as well as a joystick on either the throttle or stick (preferably on throttle) is essential for 6Dof, or 6 degrees-of-freedom, which includes not only traditional forward thrust, but also reverse, vertical, and lateral thrust.
It is also important to note these are not high-end options. For HOTAS, the Thrustmaster T-16000M occupies a good low-mid tier option, at $150. The *Logitech* X56 and *Logitech* X52 Pro are mid-tier. I specifically mention Logitech because they bought the Saitek product portfolio from Mad Catz in 2016. Any product listed as Saitek is outdated, and the Saitek products had some design flaws and QC issues which seem to have improved somewhat with the Logitech buyout.
Between the X56 and X52, the X52 Pro is more ergonomic, but the X56 has many more functions. X52 Pro includes no analog joystick for lateral and vertical thrust, and the throttle has tactile bumps and extra friction towards maximum throttle to simulate afterburners in atmospheric simulators. Both are fairly light in construction, meaning they may move around in normal use without being secured to your desk. (Though the X52 Pro includes suction cups for glass-top desks.)
For high-end HOTAS setups, VPC and VKB are king.
i was told not to buy the warthog because it has a plastic gimbal. The Virpil and VKB sticks are way better. The t16000 is the best for cheap though.
(Edited)
Rebehle420
While that is true, I've had my warthog for almost 10 years and I've never had a problem. The Virpil has a far superior dual metal cam but you do have to buy the base and the grip separately. I know you can plug the warthog handset onto a Virpil base but I don't know for sure if they're 100% compatible.
(I also agree that for most people, the 16000 is really all you need.)
Thrustmaster Warthog 😍 Realllly want this to be a drop
FYI That Virpil handset does not include a base – It's sold separately but it's also compatible with the Thrustmaster Warthog's base if you already have one of those. Also, the Virpil is the only one other than the T16000 on this list that works for lefties.
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