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Top 10 joysticks
Manual control wizards: choose the best joystick for PC
Author: Stepan Kagner
Inevitably, speaking of joysticks, flight simulators come to mind - if you distinguish trimming from tailing, then using a mouse and keyboard to control a virtual plane will not be particularly convenient. Moreover, the joystick can only be the beginning: then a throttle (engine control lever), pedals, Stuka-Tabletten packaging (as censored by Roskomnadzor) will appear next to the computer. Moreover, especially for virtual pilots computer control wheels are being released - in fact, it’s not a car steering wheel that can be used for flying on an electronic Boeing! Nobody will interfere with using your favorite joystick to control other types of virtual equipment: in games like War Thunder, where you can ride, fly and swim, such a manipulator will be quite convenient in any type of combat.
It remains only to choose the joystick or a set of manipulators, which not only suit the price, but also satisfy the functionality. Naturally, let's not forget about reliability: at the manipulator that “started” at the most inopportune moment, the probability of flying out the window is close to one. Read about our best PC joysticks in our ranking.
Top Joystick 2019 Ranking - Top 10
| Category | A place | Name | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best cheap PC joysticks | 1 | Logitech Extreme 3D Pro | 9.8 / 10 | 2 930 |
| 2 | Thrustmaster T.Flight Stick X | 9.6 / 10 | 3 990 | |
| 3 | SPEEDLINK DARK TORNADO Flight Stick | 8.9 / 10 | 1 730 | |
| The best high-end joysticks | 1 | Logitech X56 H.O.T.A.S. | 9.8 / 10 | 17 490 |
| 2 | Logitech X52 H.O.T.A.S. | 9.6 / 10 | 10 160 | |
| 3 | Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS Hotas | 9.4 / 10 | 11 195 | |
| 4 | Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas 4 | 9.0 / 10 | 7 990 | |
| Top Xbox Joysticks | 1 | Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One | 9.8 / 10 | 7 466 |
| The best gaming aviation controls | 1 | Logitech Pro Flight Yoke System | 9.9 / 10 | 7 466 |
| Top Extra Panels | 1 | Logitech Flight Instrument Panel | 9.7 / 10 | 10 222 |
Best cheap PC joysticks
|
2 930
This joystick is still the best “state employee” in our market, but with one “but” - if you are not left-handed. Alas, the asymmetrical lever was designed specifically for the right hand, and the free reassignable buttons on the base - for the left. Therefore, we cannot give it a full-fledged “ten”. But for right-handers this is an excellent choice "for inexpensive." The lever moves elastically, with pronounced, but not interfering resistance. In addition, it provides for a twist (the ability to turn), expanding the possibilities of maneuvering (especially convenient for helicopters). Under the fingers, in addition to the obvious trigger, there are five programmable buttons (four on top, one on the side) and an 8-position cockpit view switch. Everything is in its place, everything is convenient and accessible, except that the trigger could be made harder. Under the left hand, we have a thrust regulator (“petal” below) and 6 more buttons. A good set for all occasions, as they say: for the initial acquaintance with virtual flights this is enough with the head. But not without its drawbacks. The main thing is that the analog axes here on potentiometers, which is expected by price. That is, over time, the joystick will start to lose control accuracy as the tracks wear out. You will have to spend a significant amount of time on the initial setup - no matter what you say, this is not XInput, where you can simply “stick and play”. And, of course, left-handed play is very uncomfortable. There is no feedback in this model, but it is not so important. If you want to have a vibration output - look at the Logitech Force 3D Pro model, which is ergonomically absolutely identical and costs only 300 rubles more. Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
 9.8 / 10
Rating
Reviews
More than two hundred battles on it flew, the feeling is excellent.Surprised by the quality at this price. |
|
Thrustmaster T.Flight Stick X
3 990
Universal joystick for PC and Playstation (admittedly, only 3 series support is declared, and this is at a time when PS4 owners are already waiting for a new series). His grip, again, is designed exclusively for right-handers, and left-handers will be even less comfortable than Logitech. But on the basis of the back side there is a stiffness regulator - plus to the possibilities of fine tuning for yourself.
There are also fewer controls on the lever: under the thumb there is a small eight-position review lever, again playing in the convenience of you-know-what, a striped button-button and a pair of programmable buttons (one on top, the second on the bottom — and this second one is never convenient). And, of course, the trigger gets under the index finger. In principle, this set is enough for a full-fledged separation of weapons and the IL-2, which drags bombs, missiles, and the cannon with machine guns on it. An added bonus is War Thunder promotions traditionally offered by Thrustmaster (sometimes overdue, but this is a claim to the game developers). On the basis of the left, there are 6 more programmable buttons, a sector for controlling the load, conveniently lying under the left thumb. Additionally, there is a button to quickly override control settings. The two programmable buttons placed to the right can be considered useless: the left one cannot reach them, while the right one can be pressed only with a detachment from the lever. It seems to be a good set, right? But in comparison with Logitech, the dead zones near the “zero” and in extreme positions that interfere with precise maneuvers immediately become noticeable. At the same time, Logitech is cheaper and more functional. So the arrangement of these models in the ranking is clear. Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
 9.6 / 10
Rating
Reviews
The lever is thick, it sits well in my hand. Resistance is configured, there are enough buttons. In general, an interesting joey for War Thunder (besides, the 20-day premium coupon was in the box, but it costs 1000 by itself). |
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SPEEDLINK DARK TORNADO Flight Stick
1 730
The easiest and cheapest joystick in this section of the rating is the option “to try” or with an extremely limited budget. Let's start with the lever: it fits comfortably in the hand, but the lack of the usual trigger under the finger confuses at first: instead of it, the recessed button. Three more buttons on the "hut" lever, plus four on the ground. Traditionally for the models of this class there is also a checkbox. And in addition, vibration feedback is also provided.
But, if the previous models were quite suitable for entering simulation games, then this one is more like an arcade game. It is not only a small number of buttons, but also a worse sensitivity to precise lever manipulations, and there is no twist on the lever. The working angles at the lever are small with a wide zero zone, in short-stroke it somewhat resembles a stick of gamepads. Another disadvantage is the narrow base, which is why it has to be attached to the table on suckers. And the build quality is no longer what Logitech or Thrustmaster has: you can see at least the junction of the two halves of the lever. Of course, the price has nowhere less, so why be surprised? Give a verdict: for casual flyers, the choice of Speedlink can be considered, not forgetting the design of its tabletop. But for games with more pretensions to simulate, definitely choose Logitech or Thrustmaster. Main advantages:
Minuses:
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 8.9 / 10
Rating
Reviews
In World of Warplanes or the War Thunder arcade mode, it is quite possible to play, and more comfortable than on keyboard mice. |
The best high-end joysticks
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Logitech X56 H.O.T.A.S.
17 490
The chopped forms of levers here are much more convenient to the tactile, than can be assumed in appearance.A rich set of programmable buttons that are physically impossible to randomly confuse, two separate ores (with a lock that allows them to move strictly synchronously), many toggle switches - a set for all "occasions".
Non-contact analogue sensors are accurate and durable; their characteristics do not “float” as they are worn, as with potentiometers. The lever has adjustable elasticity - both smooth, with a wheel at the base, and a four-stage one - by installing one of the 4 springs of different stiffness included in the kit. In general, on the possibilities of customization and the wealth of functions available, the X56 has few competitors. And the seemingly strange at first “inconsistency” of the design of controls will be primarily appreciated by the owners of virtual reality helmets: they have to be controlled by touch, and with the choice of the right button, the X56 will not have problems. Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
 9.8 / 10
Rating
Reviews
Very handy set, perfectly assembled, all the buttons where necessary. The settings of the sea, justifies its money for all 200! |
|
Logitech X52 H.O.T.A.S.
10 160
Logitech again? Well yes. However, in fact, their line of joysticks was originally developed in Saitek, which, having lost its independence, was bought in 2007 by Mad Catz for 30 million, and in 2016 it became the property of Logitech (and only 16 million). So do not be surprised to see an absolutely identical manipulator called Saitek X52: this is the same joystick, it was just made before 2016 and was “stuck” in the store.
We note the excellent possibilities of physical tuning: you can adjust the resistance of not only RUS, but also the throttle. The lever twist can be blocked if pedals are acquired to control the radder, as it should be for an airplane. There are few additional buttons here, the kit will be liked primarily by virtual pilots of combat aviation. They especially like the fact that most of the controls are available without interruption from the levers. About the button settings immediately give all the necessary information LCD screen next to the throttle. If we recall that the X52 is almost two times cheaper than the top-end X56, it also has a weighty trump card in the form of price. So the popularity of this model is not surprising. Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
 9.6 / 10
Rating
Reviews
The best set in terms of price and quality. Moreover, since the time of Saitek all the nuances sucked on the forums. |
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Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS Hotas
11 195
ENG and RUD are qualitatively assembled, fit well in the hands. Provided and the ability to connect the pedals. It is curious that the joystick here (which can be purchased as a separate element, without the ORE) is practically ambidextracted: the buttons are located symmetrically both on the “hut” and on the base. Why practically? Because the stops for the hand and the thumb are still designed for the right-handed person, as always. Hall sensors, designed to read the movements of the levers, are fairly accurate and linear.
For ease of use, the kit loses to “Lodzitekam” - the buttons on the levers are unnecessarily small, they are not very conveniently located. So getting into third place is inevitable. Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
 9.4 / 10
Rating
Reviews
I like it, there are enough buttons for flying, and the accuracy is excellent. |
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Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas 4
7 990
This joystick is one of the most accessible options to try controlling two levers in games on both a PC and a PlayStation 4.Both blocks can be connected if desired (thus improving stability) or installed separately, having separated them by the length that the cord allows - more realism.
The location of the buttons on RUSE is traditional for Thrustmaster. In RUS, they are, in our opinion, not enough - they are not very convenient for the thumb. It plays a set of more expensive “Trusters” and positioning accuracy: the beginner whirl may not notice it, but in comparison with the top-level models there is a difference, and to demonstrate refined piloting you will have to work and get used to some kind of gumming. Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
 9.0 / 10
Rating
Reviews
I tried in WT and on the curling, and on the PC. It is quite convenient, I will not say that the assembly is perfect, but the price is much less. |
Top Xbox Joysticks
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Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One
7 466
Well, in this section of the rating of the best joysticks, Thrustmaster will recoup: only the quality “monoblocks” are made. Well, specifically, this model, the newest in the series, is unique at all: it is the only joystick that works through XInput, that is compatible with games on the Xbox and perfectly suitable for Windows. The vast majority of other models continue to use the old DirectInput, so the owners of the "X-box" did not have many options to fly with the "correct" control: exactly zero!
Another advantage of the model is that it is not a “real” monoblock, as it may seem: the part with the throttle can be separated and placed on the table separately at its discretion. Buttons (in the amount of 14 pieces) are placed on the levers logical, although traditionally small in size: T.Flight Hotas 4 has a similar problem. Well, if you find flaws, Thrustmaster still has no competitors for Xbox ! Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
 9.8 / 10
Rating
Reviews
Finally, you can use the joystick on the ixbox. It is even strange that Microsoft themselves did not release anything like it. |
The best gaming aviation controls
|
Logitech Pro Flight Yoke System
7 466
It's time to warm up the engines! The set from Logitech, which occupied the current rating, is still the best choice for Microsoft Flight Simulator fans, offering both a steering wheel and a building block of levers on which you can “hang” the engine controls, flaps and other aircraft controls that need to be fixed in a certain position If three levers are missing, you can purchase another Throttle Quadrant. Removable nozzle levers of different colors and shapes make it easy to choose the right in the most intense moments of the game. As for the steering wheel itself, it is already constructively inspiring respect. Steel axis on precise bearings - yes, and this is just a computer accessory, and not a detail of a real aircraft. Additional buttons are installed on the “horns” of the steering wheel, so that everything you need is always at hand. An additional feature is the presence of a USB hub built into the case: if the physical ports on the computer have run out, you need not deny yourself an additional panel or controller. Setup of all controls through proprietary software is as complete and convenient as possible. You can create several profiles of settings and instantly switch them from the steering wheel - for example, before landing or taking off. In short, the honor of the Logitech brand does not disgrace, and the wealth of the “aviation” periphery will, starting from the helm, allow us to collect a complete instrument cabin at home. Main advantages:
Minuses:
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 9.9 / 10
Rating
Reviews
Top thing, completely different sensations and control in flight. |
Top Extra Panels
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Logitech Flight Instrument Panel
10 222
Well, let's continue to equip a home plane.After all, seeing “almost real” devices in front of you is better than looking at them on the screen? The panel offered by Logitech is one of the "bricks" that allow you to build a full-fledged cluster of control devices. It has the ability to display on the LCD screen of any of the 15 virtual instruments - artificial horizon, compass, and so on. That is, having bought the necessary number of such panels, you can not only thoroughly punch through the family budget, but also configure an informative set of devices for you.
Fasteners here as in a designer - panels can be connected to the most bizarre designs, connecting them to each other and with other Logitech aviasimulary accessories (among them there is even a radio station!) Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
 9.7 / 10
Rating
Reviews
Well ... not the most necessary purchase, but sometimes you want to pamper yourself. Flight simulators are a progressive disease)) |
How to choose a good joystick?
In the article about top gamepads We have already mentioned the existence of two communication protocols with game manipulators and their features, so we will not repeat. For joysticks, the main one still remains DirectInput - both because of the inertia of the developers and because of the greater number of axes and buttons available (although this is relevant only for top models, basic level joysticks and XInput gives channels with a margin). Hence the first advice: ask how your favorite model behaves in specific gamesbecause “mixed” axes and buttons in different games for DirectInput-devices, alas, are not uncommon.
Sure to check ergonomics: like a lever (or levers) are in the hands, are the buttons and knobs comfortable on them? Each button should be clearly selected, without random "left" clicks.
Plays a very important role the quality of the mechanism itself and the sensors on the levers: no mechanical backlash, exact zero with a minimum dead zone around it, linear readout of movements. Checking linearity is simple: describe with the lever several circles of different diameters — on the settings screen, the cursor displaying the movements of the lever perceived by the computer should also draw a circle, and not an oval or a rhombus. Joysticks on optocouplers or Hall sensors are best and most durable, but low-cost models with potentiometers can be quite good (although they will definitely give way to a resource).
And, of course, do not neglect reviews on profile forums: in the gaming community, the Simmers are considered to be a “separate sect,” but they have an adequate example of communication on the Web, and they will always give advice there.
Have a good shopping!
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Updated: 06.02.2019
Rating in categories:
