The Best Joysticks for Planetside 2

[Zekeen]

Recently, I've been blown away by the new air combat of PS2. The turns they make... so incredible.... and so, I look at my joystick.

My joystick was bought back in the day to play Earthsiege. For those who don't quit get how old that is.... Earthsiege (1994) predates the game series Tribes (1998). You see, Tribes is a post-apocalyptic game really, based in the Earthsiege universe, a games of giant mecha and evil robots. Ever seen giant mechwarrior mechs in a Tribes game? No? That's how old my joystick is. It no longer works for many games.

A lot of players, like me, don't have a good joystick, or have one at all, or just need a better one to optimize air combat in Planetside 2. And so I have started this thread to gather the information to buy the best, economical joystick and spread the knowledge to others, so that when beta comes around, we're all ready!

So here is some questions I need filled, help me gather this information!

Give some suggestions on Joysticks you've heard are exceptional

Give some personal suggestions on what you use and how good it is.

Give some cheap alternative joysticks, and how good they are.

What is the very tip-top of the line far as Joysticks go?

Find out what the DEVS use!!! I really wanna know what joysticks the PS2 team are using. Without a doubt, any they use will become popular, since it's already used in game to produce such excellent videos!


Now, along with saying how good they are, please explain what special features they have, number of triggers, buttons, additional axis controls, ect. I want to get as much info for new joystick purchasers as possible. Also, less looked at info, such as the sticky pads at the bottom or any other way the joystick can be anchored, to ensure it won't just pop up into your face. Ease of positioning and removing the joystick from that position would also be good, since I doubt a joystick is as useful for infantry as it is with aircraft.

I am hoping to present good outsider reviews and links to each joystick.

[Zulthus]

Well... I'm not here to recommend a joystick... but before you go and blow upwards of $150 on a good joystick I'd recommend just using your mouse... it's much better for fine adjustments and doesn't take up a huge block of space on your desk.

I don't know if people just really suck at flying but in any Battlefield game I seem to always beat anyone else in the air. All usin' a Deathadder.

[Shott]

Have they confirmed joystick support for PS2?

[Zulthus]

Have they confirmed joystick support for PS2?

Yup.

[RSphil]

For my combat flight sims like aces High I use the x52 but battlefield I fly helicopters with my mouse and jets with the stick.
From what I've seen the aircraft in ps2 will be VTOL so untill I try it myself can't really say.

[KTNApollo]

If you're not used to using a joystick, now isn't the time to start. Modern joysticks typically come with a billion customization options that will take you forever to get used to, and when you need to run around on the ground you'll have a giant joystick cluttering up your desk (unless you have a big desk).

the X52 Saitek is a good, relatively cheap joystick with plenty of customization. I used it for a little while before sending it back because I just decided I didn't need a joystick.

[QuantumMechanic]

I just started using my Logitech Extreme 3D Pro joystick with Planetside 1 last night. It seems to be the most popular budget joystick out right now (was only $30 or $35).

I'm sure I need a lot more practice with it, but sofar I don't think it's particularly easier to fly with that thing than the mouse/keyboard. Then again I've been flying with mouse/keyboard for years.

It's more fun to use than the mouse/keyboard though. I feel like I'm prepping to fire the wave motion cannon each time I pull that thing out in front of me.

[roguy]

I can't fly planes for crap in battlefield (although I'm quite good with choppers).

How do Xbox360 gamepads do for controlling vehicles (especially air) in these games? Since I already have one lying around collecting dust...

[Zulthus]

I can't fly planes for crap in battlefield (although I'm quite good with choppers).

How do Xbox360 gamepads do for controlling vehicles (especially air) in these games? Since I already have one lying around collecting dust...

They're shit. Use it as a doorstop instead.

[Mastachief]

I think higby has this or something similar
http://www.logitech.com/en-gb/gaming/joysticks/devices/5855
http://www.logitech.com/assets/17262/17262.png


Personally i'll probably get
http://www.logitech.com/en-gb/gaming/joysticks/devices/291
http://www.logitech.com/assets/17356/17356.png
As its cheap and easy to move outta the way.

[ArcIyte]

http://www.logitech.com/assets/23385/23385.png

Ditch the stupid joysticks. This won't be a flight simulator.

[Zulthus]

Ditch the stupid joysticks. This won't be a flight simulator.

+1

[Zekeen]

Ditch the stupid joysticks. This won't be a flight simulator.

I hope you're TR or VS, so I can gun you down easier than your friends.

PS2 has 360 degree flight now. PS1 had a much easier style of flying. The problem with a mouse is you can't spin very easily, so in a dogfight, you're dead.

Even in PS1, I had a MUCH easier time with a joystick. It just gives you full control without the need to lift it up and put it back down to move it again. With so many things that can go wrong, a joystick allows you steer out of the way of so many hazardous obstacles in a fight and gives you a much more agile flight than with mouse and keyboard.

I've been using a mouse and keyboard for years, but I want every boost I can get with PS2, I'm too crazy about it to just play as is.

[Zulthus]

I hope you're TR or VS, so I can gun you down easier than your friends.

PS2 has 360 degree flight now. PS1 had a much easier style of flying. The problem with a mouse is you can't spin very easily, so in a dogfight, you're dead.

Even in PS1, I had a MUCH easier time with a joystick. It just gives you full control without the need to lift it up and put it back down to move it again. With so many things that can go wrong, a joystick allows you steer out of the way of so many hazardous obstacles in a fight and gives you a much more agile flight than with mouse and keyboard.

I've been using a mouse and keyboard for years, but I want every boost I can get with PS2, I'm too crazy about it to just play as is.

What'chu talkin' bout' Willis? 360 degree flight with a mouse is a piece of cake, and spinning is easy as shit. I don't even know how you managed to use a joystick in PS1... the way aircraft controlled in general would mean it felt like flying a turd with jets. Mice are much, much better at fine tuned movements and are better with accuracy than joysticks.

Joysticks, granted, have better maneuverability in the axes compared to mice, but it's not big enough of a difference to matter anywhere outside of a flight simulator. However, once you try to start shooting accurately, good fucking luck. :D

I mean, I know everyone is comfortable with different things, but don't be so hasty to judge keyboard/mouse users.

[ichebu]

xbox 360 controllers is where it's at - can't stand them for FPS, but for vehicles they're great.

[Psi]

While I agree that you won't need a joystick to be a better pilot in PS2..

There's a reason they don't let pilots fly their jets with a mouse and keyboard. :P

Either works. Whatever you 'grew up' with would be the better option.

[Zulthus]

There's a reason they don't let pilots fly their jets with a mouse and keyboard. :P



Because a keyboard takes up too much space in the cockpit and has too many unnecessary functions, and the mouse has to be on a flat surface with room to move. :cool: Joysticks are much more ideal for real life situations due to how compact they are.

[SKYeXile]

Yea id play with a mouse first, because it is afterall been designed with that primary in mind. also with a trottle, forget about it, thats a full motion to put it in reverse or on the brakes, with a KB is just S.

though there is rolling in PS2, i presume this means having 2 roll buttons, likly E and Q, these would be surly better mapped to a joystick Z axis so you have grater control, the other option is to map roll to foot pedals and just use a mouse.

on your mouse though you will want 2 buttons for flight raise and lower, you dont want that shit bound to your keyboard.

in the case you do go for a joystick, make sure it has a 8 way hat switch for flight raise and lower and left and right if you dont plan to use a KB for that.

also there is free look which i think was confirmed, you will want another hat switch for that.

[Purple]

While I agree that you won't need a joystick to be a better pilot in PS2..

There's a reason they don't let pilots fly their jets with a mouse and keyboard. :P

Either works. Whatever you 'grew up' with would be the better option.

what would happen if you drop the mouse in a jet? Im sure Clegg would know....

[Jownzorz]

N52te

/thread

[Zekeen]

It's nice and all to prefer mouse and keyboard, but I started this thread for us joystick users. If all you have to say is "mouse and keyboard", you're better off not even posting in this thread. I'd prefer to get lots of good joystick information than have a flaming war between joystick and mouse users.

You prefer mouse and keyboard, a lot of us prefer joysticks, and this thread is for joysticks.

[Sledgecrushr]

I guess just because I used to use a joystick on all of my old flying games (microsoft sidewinder 3d pro was my favorite) i will definitely be using a joystick to fly with in ps2. If I had the money I had read there was this really awessome joystick based off of the stick found in the f-16.


http://img.bhs4.com/36/5/3654BB3BAE2C30FD86D2AC468FB95DBB65F3A139_large.jpg



This thing is 200 bucks and one of the most precise flying sticks on the market.

[Psi]

Have a Saitek X45 that I use for some stuff.

http://www.360bin.com/images/thumbnails/11/300/300/x45.jpg

I love it, but not sure if I'll be using it or a mouse. I suppose it depends on how PS2 jets handle a joystick in general.

[psimonk]

I would personally recommend the thrustmaster t-flight, as it's one of the best as far as bang for the buck, well made and responsive: Amazon.com: Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas X Flight Stick: Video Games

The saitek x52 is good also, but more expensive and not worth it for just ps2 (personally anyway).

I think any more expensive joysticks, however well made would probably be overkill for something like PS2, and really only for those flight sim fans. I would get this especially if you're planning on playing vanu because it has a extra axis in the "twist" which some don't have (although some saiteks do too) and I imagine the scythe will be able to take advantage of that.

[Sledgecrushr]

Yup looks to me like a 50 dollar thrustmaster might be the best thing to start off with. Because if it flies like shit with a sick then i would be out a bunch of money and end up just using a mouse. This Thrustmaster I think is the way


http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_ylt=A0PDoYAg.MJPPQgAwKijzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBsNX NqYzdwBHNlYwNmcC10aHVtYnMEc2xrA2ltZw--?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearc h%2Fimages%3Fp%3Dhotas%2Bthrustmaster%2Bt-flight%2Breview%26ei%3Dutf-8%26fr%3Dsfp%26tab%3Dorganic%26ri%3D2&w=300&h=294&imgurl=www.ps3attitude.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2009%2F03%2Fhawx-thrustmaster-controller-300x294.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ps3attitude.com%2Fnew%2F2009 %2F03%2Fthrustmaster-tflight-hotas-x-review%2F&size=16.9+KB&name=Thrustmaster+T.Flight+Hotas+X%3B+the+PS3+Atti tude+Review+%7C+PS3+Attitude&p=hotas+thrustmaster+t-flight+review&oid=2bdde8e351624d250d85d7cc1b9fc15f&fr2=&fr=sfp&tt=Thrustmaster%2BT.Flight%2BHotas%2BX%253B%2Bthe% 2BPS3%2BAttitude%2BReview%2B%257C%2BPS3%2BAttitude&b=0&ni=128&no=2&ts=&tab=organic&sigr=12bm8aefj&sigb=13iiq4mk4&sigi=12nr8uht4&.crumb=uYi0vIiZccu

[Haro]

I'll probably be using my old Sidewinder Force Feedback 2. Old-school. Done me just fine so far, don't plan on changing.
http://images.techtree.com/ttimages/story/Microsoft-SidewinderFF2.jpg

[kertvon]

I just did some joystick bouncing a month or so ago and can give a few insights. As was posted earlier in the thread, Higby commented on reddit saying he was using the Logitech g940. The g940 has some solid reviews, but was flamed for having some driver issues in which the lights on the throttle would not work. All in all not a big deal. I used a logitech xtreme 3d pro for about a month and then returned it to pick up the saitek x52 pro. The x52 was sweet and since the throttle had a pressure adjustment, it was smooth as butter for full throttle stops and takeoffs. The main thing I was not a fan of was the spring action on the x52 pro... compared to the logitech 3d pro, it felt extremely flimsy. After having the x52 for about a week or so I sent it back. I used it on BF3 just to see how it felt in practice, and while it was cool, it was hardly necessary. Just the joystick itself combined with the keyboard was more practical and I preferred to put the extra $120 towards hardware to beef up my rig. Also my desk space was very limited and the trio(keyboard/throttle/joystick) took up quite a bit of surface area. I have read reviews on the CH joysticks and they are apparently superb. Also the higher end thrustmaster HOTAS setups are good stuff too.

The x52 was a good deal, but I was not a fan overall with the spring assembly. It used an elevated stick with a dual spring with a ring near the base to apply tension to generate the bounce back when the stick was tilted in any direction. The major flaw with the design is that if you do not use a fluid motion to keep the spring slightly compressed while doing a straight line over the center axis(ie, moving the stick straight from forward to backwards or from left to right) there is slight knock where the tension ring slaps the base of the joystick. This combined with the fact that most actions that would require this motion would be due to correcting overcompensation, and the flimsiness of the stick made it feel like I was going to break it.

The 3d pro uses a sort of ball in base design where the stick pivots around the ball. By design the stick was much sturdier and the above problem with the x52 is a non issue. Plus the 3d pro is $30-40 compared to $150.00 for the x52 pro.

[Sledgecrushr]

I played some ps1, and to me it really was not like flying at all. You pushed a button to go up. You pushed a button to go down. Another button to perform a premade kind of barrel roll. Basically flying in ps1 kinda felt dumbed down. Hopefully with a real physics engine flying in ps2 will feel a lot more natural and not like sliding on a rail. I really want to be able to perform some neat maneuvers that only a joystick can make seemless.

[Arktype]

I honestly don t think a joystick will be needed. The flight and land physics for the vehicles will not be close to a simulation. I think the goal for the dev is to make it easy enough to be played with keyboard/mouse.

I would personally love a more 'simulation' style to the flying physics like WWIIO has... but Planetside is meant to reach a wilder range of players.

[Sledgecrushr]

You ever play crimson skies? It was a fun little arcade style flying game, you could fly with mouse and keyboard but I used a joystick in it and it was a blast. I guess i wont have to use a stick in ps2 and prolly no one else would have to use one either but im going to fly using a joystick setup because for me it adds immersion and it is fun for me. So really if you dont plan on using a joystick i dont want to fucking here from you on this particular thread.

[Zekeen]

I played some ps1, and to me it really was not like flying at all. You pushed a button to go up. You pushed a button to go down. Another button to perform a premade kind of barrel roll. Basically flying in ps1 kinda felt dumbed down. Hopefully with a real physics engine flying in ps2 will feel a lot more natural and not like sliding on a rail. I really want to be able to perform some neat maneuvers that only a joystick can make seemless.

Have you not seen the air combat trailer? The movements of the aircraft look INCREDIBLE, they even have mid air momentum going (as in, when you turn hard, it looks like your craft is skiing on air, it's THAT smooth). They also show barrel rolls and all that. While VTOL in the sense that they can hover, craft are a LOT more precise (and difficult) now. A joystick will give you a hefty advantage over those people who think it'll be as easy as it was in PS1.

[Sledgecrushr]

Lol you need to reread my post brother.

[Zekeen]

Lol you need to reread my post brother.

Maybe so, but it's probably more so because I'm still suffering from PTTD (Post Traumatic Trailer Disorder). Have you been able to unstick your jaw from the floor yet?

[Fuse]

Honestly, I'd say a 360 Gamepad is a great option for most games. I grew up using a stick and pedals, but after playing BF3 on the 360 for a bit while building my new computer I've really grown comfortable with the gamepad. I don't think one is necessarily better than the other. It depends on you, your gaming area, and the game. BF3 was designed with the pad in mind, so it makes sense that it works well on PC, but I've come to use it in some other games, too...

So long as it's nothing like a real flight sim, then it's back to the stick. Saitek is my personal brand of choice, but actually picking a stick depends a lot on what you want and will feel comfortable with. The choices are almost infinite.

We'll have to wait and see how PS2 handles. My one concern would be that it's much easier to use your keyboard and joystick than a keyboard and gamepad, and I always find my self needing to type or hit a macro.

[Synical]

I would personally recommend the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro if you are dead set one using one. It's a great joystick for a great price. The Aviator by Saitek isn't bad either and it is similarly priced.

But like some people have said so far we don't know how the flight physics are going to work in PS2, so I would hold off on the purchase until launch.

[Mastachief]

I would hold off on the purchase until launch.

Best bit of advice in this thread. ^^^ (OF beta)


PS1 flight wasn't flight you just drove a camera so you got to max turn and it stayed there. It was the very simplest of flight mechanics.

PS2 is full of flight just like a plane in terms of movement (not behaviour), hover will require constant adjust it will not just sit there. Mouse of joystick it comes to personal preference.

[bjorntju1]

Yeah I am also thinking about buying an joystick. I hate flying with my mouse. In BF2 and 3 I always used my arrow keys. I also wanted to buy a joystick for BF3, but I don't play BF3 enough to justify a joystick. However I do want to buy one for PS2. I was thinking about the x52. However I first want to know if it works with PS2, so I'll wait for beta to see other peoples experience with it.

[Sledgecrushr]

Well Im going to buy a new stick just because I can, and then I will either be behind the curve and pwnd like a newb or way out in front flying like a boss.

[Snipefrag]

This is something I've been considering.. Never had any problem really flying in the original but with barrel rolls and loop the loops it might be a good idea to invest in one, but i think i will give mouse a try first and see if it feels like it hampers flying.

[Oryon22]

I'm considering this one:

522

$46 on Amazon

[KiddParK]

i've got an old X-36 which has more buttons than i ever seem to need. But I'll be using a mouse and Nostromo N-52 for my left hand. Honestly, having piloted tons of craft in different games over the years and using sticks since my 2600 with the big red button, in a game like this I'll be sticking with a mouse as the crossover going back n forth between the two gets to be too much for me. Other people seem to handle it better.

although i do have a quite nice force feedback wheel... in wonder how a mag drives with it.... hmmmmm....

kp

[Zekeen]

I'm considering this one:

522

$46 on Amazon

Oh wow, that one looks handy for PS2. Didn't Totalbiscuit talk about having to constantly worry on hitting the vertical key to stay up? Lots of perfectly placed buttons on that one.

[Fenrys]

I'll be using a flight stick I picked up on sale for $18. It's got me through TIE Fighter, X-Wing, and Wing Commander: Privateer already, so I think it works well enough :)

Saitek 290 Pro
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/3130/41g756h8dnlsl500aa300.jpg

[Attackmack]

Speedlink has a very cheap VERY basic HOTAS called black widow:

http://www.speedlink.com/?p=2&cat=314&pid=21606&paus=2&produktlb=1

This is what i will be using, serves its purpose for less then most ordinary sticks and here you get a throttle aswell!

[Papscal]

Your mouse is the most accurate joystick you will ever own.

[LegioX]

Should be a crime to use a mouse in a flying game. Coming from someone who has played many flight sims, being forced to use a mouse in BF 3 b/c of lack of joystick support suck big time.

[Tallon]

imho, sticks are the way to go if you want to have FUN, its even better if you have a separate throttle[hotas](speeking from experience here, much better than throttle on a stick), and best if you have pedals (for rudder) as well.

and after all, we play games to have FUN right?

[Toppopia]

I have a joystick that is about 10 years old, still works good, but i wonder if it will work on a Windows 7 laptop..

[Fuse]

I'll be using a flight stick I picked up on sale for $18. It's got me through TIE Fighter, X-Wing, and Wing Commander: Privateer already, so I think it works well enough :)

Saitek 290 Pro
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/3130/41g756h8dnlsl500aa300.jpg

Sorry, but I'm confused. TIE and X-Wing are almost 10 years older than that stick... I know because I bought it back in 2004 when it was brand-spanking new.

[Toppopia]

Microsoft Sidewinder 2 Precision joystick.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KdblSBUlRzA/S_Qc7oLWkAI/AAAAAAAACog/sBNmFfdmHus/s1600/MicrosoftSidewinder.jpg

This is the current badboy i own, got me through Combat Flight Simulator and Flight Simulator and can't forgot the gloriousness of MechWarrior 4:Vengeance, so, would it work in this and does it work on Windows 7?

[Sotonian]

I will probably end up using my 360 control pad for flight, i use it on BF3 and ARMA2 and its great

[Sledgecrushr]

Yeah I imagine the xbox control pad will be a very popular choice since it is so readily available and so many people already have them. Ive used the pad for flight and to me it just feels totally different than having a good flight stick.

[Tallon]

do NOT buy a t.flight hotas. MASSIVE HARDWARE DEADZONE.

speaking of which, anyone know how to "fix" that? (tossing it is not an option, sadly)

and if anyone knows how to fix a Cyborg Evo Pro, that'd be even better(rudder is busto and pulls way to the left)

[Fenrys]

Sorry, but I'm confused. TIE and X-Wing are almost 10 years older than that stick... I know because I bought it back in 2004 when it was brand-spanking new.

I got the stick to replay them. The one I used back then has broke.

[Sledgecrushr]

New article suggests a joystick could be helpful http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/e3-2012-crashing-and-burning-in-planetside-2/

[Pepsi]

Just skimmed this thread, but I haven't seen anyone mention the Thrustmaster T16000:
http://www.techdigest.tv/thrustmaster-t16000-thumb-200x256.jpg

It's great for left-handers (like me) who can't use the default Extreme 3D Pro and gets good reviews. I just need to learn how to use it, but I'll probably stick with my 360 controller since this isn't a flight sim. Feel free to ask me any questions about the physical buttons, stick, or weight as I have it sitting next to me.

[maradine]

I'm a complete dyed-in-the-wool flight sim nerd, but . . .

http://i.imgur.com/WWLZI.jpg

Primary control.

http://i.imgur.com/4MQ8C.jpg

Yaw, brakes.

http://i.imgur.com/pYjQG.jpg

MFDs.

http://i.imgur.com/pU8p0.jpg

Freelook control.

I recognize this will be better done on my Logitech 3D, but that doesn't mean I won't fire up the whole rig just once. Fun Fact - 7 USB connections worth of flight sim gear. :D

True story - I'm the reason your FPS still has an invert y-axis option.

[Hamma]

hotT

[Luieburger]

Ditch the stupid joysticks. This won't be a flight simulator.

I'm thinking the same thing. It really depends on how the aircraft fly and control. If the aircraft fly more like BF3 helicopters and less like BF3 jets, no joystick needed.

If anybody does decide to buy a joystick, get one that has Yaw controls. Mine doesn't have that so I use two of the side buttons for Yaw. Works fine, but... I'd rather have my left hand on the keyboard at all times.

[maradine]

If anybody does decide to buy a joystick, get one that has Yaw controls. Mine doesn't have that so I use two of the side buttons for Yaw. Works fine, but... I'd rather have my left hand on the keyboard at all times.

I was thinking one of those G13s might be a really happy medium for that problem. Very ergonomic key cluster, plus mini stick for another axis at your thumb.

http://i.imgur.com/WnI6k.png


Today's the day I take back my site contribution in bandwidth costs . . .

[rhombus]

Some people really like to use joysticks for flight, I don't personally see any use in mocking them. If that's what you're used to then go for it. If that's not what you're used to then stick with what you know or be prepared for a lot of training.

I've been using the Cyborg FLY5 for the past couple years, pretty much the successor to the Saitek mentioned earlier. I recommend it because it has a very good feel and it's not overly laden with buttons. PS1 and I assume PS2 flight required very few buttons.

http://www.cyborggaming.com/prod/v5stick.htm

There's a few things that I look for in a flight stick.

1) A stable base
2) Good stick tension
3) Yaw control by twist
3) Throttle control
4) View hat

The FLY5 has all of that plus the fit is completely adjustable and the four extra buttons at your thumb are very handy.

My main problem with HOTAS systems is that they're really supposed to be hard mounted with each half on either side of you. They get really uncomfortable when used on a desk and forget putting them in your lap.

Ultimately though there's only a few things that were needed for flying in PS1 besides a stick and throttle: VT up/down buttons, weapon switch, map button, minimap zoom in/out, ejection, and push-to-talk (if you didn't use voice activation). That was pretty much it.

It's really about the feel of the stick, it should be stable and have good tension, making sure the sensitivity is right for your game either in-game or through drivers. Otherwise keep the controls simple. That's the tough part about choosing a joystick, if you're buying online you can't put your hands on it and try it. This is the major thing I miss about video game stores.

[ODonnell]

I would hold off until you play it first to make the decision.

[Toppopia]

You call that a joystick?
This, is a joystick.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/3-Tastenmaus_Microsoft.jpg/233px-3-Tastenmaus_Microsoft.jpg

But i think joysticks would be good, if i can get mine working on the laptop, i might try it out to see if its any easier to use then a mouse.

[Slepnair]

I'm a complete dyed-in-the-wool flight sim nerd, but . . .

http://i.imgur.com/WWLZI.jpg

Primary control.

http://i.imgur.com/4MQ8C.jpg

Yaw, brakes.

http://i.imgur.com/pYjQG.jpg

MFDs.

http://i.imgur.com/pU8p0.jpg

Freelook control.

I recognize this will be better done on my Logitech 3D, but that doesn't mean I won't fire up the whole rig just once. Fun Fact - 7 USB connections worth of flight sim gear. :D

True story - I'm the reason your FPS still has an invert y-axis option.

i have the throttle and joystick, as well as a free look setup that i have yet to setup.

i'm waiting to see how PS2 handles it all before i decide how i'm going to fly.

[ODonnell]

I'm a complete dyed-in-the-wool flight sim nerd, but . . .

http://i.imgur.com/WWLZI.jpg

Primary control.

http://i.imgur.com/4MQ8C.jpg

Yaw, brakes.

http://i.imgur.com/pYjQG.jpg

MFDs.

http://i.imgur.com/pU8p0.jpg

Freelook control.

I recognize this will be better done on my Logitech 3D, but that doesn't mean I won't fire up the whole rig just once. Fun Fact - 7 USB connections worth of flight sim gear. :D

True story - I'm the reason your FPS still has an invert y-axis option.

We need to become friends. If you live anywhere in the state of Texas let me buy you a beer.

[Luieburger]

I was thinking one of those G13s might be a really happy medium for that problem. Very ergonomic key cluster, plus mini stick for another axis at your thumb.

I'd go for that except I'm right handed and I wouldn't want to use my left thumb on a tiny thumb stick to control a plane. I was looking at this (http://store.razerzone.com/store/razerusa/en_US/pd/productID.221675100/categoryId.35156900) but I would have the same problem with it.

I'm extremely picky about my flight controls. Keyboard and mouse is by far the best gaming controller ever invented, but I find a few situations where it is inadequate. Anything that flies like a jet or a propeller plane really requires a joystick. Helicopters on the other hand are perfect for keyboard and mouse since it's rare that you would ever want to roll or loop, and the yaw is the fastest way to turn anyway.

One thing is for certain though. In any flying situation the joystick beats the pants off one of those little analogue thumb sticks on the xbox controller. Why? The range of motion on a joystick is much greater than the thumb sticks. It's much easier to be precise with your hand on a joystick moving around a 8x8 inch area than it is to be precise with your thumb on a thumbstick moving around a 1x1 inch area.

Thumbsticks are best for sports games where precision isn't as critical, but quick direction changes are critical.

PS2 will be interesting because not only do they need to decide how their aircraft will be controlled, but they also need to decide how faction specific aircraft controls will differ. We already know that the Scythe flys differently than the NC and TR aircraft. It's entirely possible that someone like me would fly the scythe with the keyboard and mouse, but require a joystick for the other aircraft. I hope to find out soon :)

[maradine]

We need to become friends. If you live anywhere in the state of Texas let me buy you a beer.

I don't, but reciprocally extended should you find yourself in the Republik. :)

[FPClark]

Mouse and keyboard all the way (and I have a HOTAS Warthog sitting next to my pc).

[Papscal]

The best joystick for PS has and always will be your mouse.

[maradine]

Thank god we're talking about PS2.

[Zekeen]

Gotta love how an attempt to find the best joystick is always hijacked by mouse fanatics.

In any case, I purchased a joystick suggested in this thread.

Going from a Raider Fx Advanced, bought back at around, 1995
http://www.rocklincomputer.com/page11/files/3k13pa3le5tb5ra5s5a2f3701be2519fd1bd6.jpg

To a Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas
http://gadgets.softpedia.com/images/gadgets/gallery/large/Thrustmaster-T-Flight-Hotas-X-Joystick-1.jpg

I get it in next week and can't wait to see how it handles. Haven't been able to use a joystick since I played PS1! Whether it was better or worse, it was a LOT more fun with a joystick than mouse and keyboard.

This seems like the best choice joystick. Costing me only 46 dollars, with free shipping through amazon, and it has great reviews so far. It's also 2 parts that connect together, so who can go against having more?

Also, I'm considering if I should paint it NC colors... gotta find a good paint kit for such stuff... and cheap.

[MrKWalmsley]

Hybridise! Joystick and keyboard!

Also there's no real reason to start arguing about which is better when it does come down to your own play-style. It's like arguing which kind of cloak is better for an infiltrator, it all depends on the person, so there is no absolutes. Personally I find joysticks easier because rather than pushing a mouse directly forward and the aircraft tips downward and forward, with a joystick you'd be pushing forward and downward to achieve the same movement.

Besides which, if I'm trying to turn to get on the enemies tail, but the process take like 10 seconds, I'd rather (and it is more consistent) to have a constantly turning axis rather than having to lift up the mouse and move it back to the original position before making the vehicle turn again. It may seem small but for me it gets annoying after a while, plus the time gap while lifting the mouse all adds up in a combat system where split second actions need to be taken.

[Broadside]

I got a Logitech 3D Pro for $30 and it's worked beautifully for BF3. I can control Helicopters with insane precision, and the customizable buttons give me every control ill ever need while in the air right at my finger tips. Wonderful stick.

[soulsurfsublime]

I am thinking about getting a Saitek X52 flight system to try PS2 flying with. Any one out there have any feedback on that? I never used a Saitek before and was thinking price range $50~$100ish.

[Rivenshield]

I'm deeply interested in the possibilities offered by the new Mosquito. It's the fastest bird in the sky, which means in air-to-air my beloved Republic will have a big edge. Also, I suck at flying and never really got into it -- at least with the mouse/keyboard combo. Soooo.....

I think I'll wait until late beta at a minimum, and see what the techno-nerd elite have to say about which joystick being best for PS2. I want one, but know little or nothing about joysticks *or* flying.

I suspect a lot of folks are in the same boat.

[Electrofreak]

Microsoft Sidewinder 2 Precision joystick.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KdblSBUlRzA/S_Qc7oLWkAI/AAAAAAAACog/sBNmFfdmHus/s1600/MicrosoftSidewinder.jpg

This is the current badboy i own, got me through Combat Flight Simulator and Flight Simulator and can't forgot the gloriousness of MechWarrior 4:Vengeance, so, would it work in this and does it work on Windows 7?

That stick was a good friend of mine for many years, and also got me through MS Flight Sim and MW4. I am STILL using my MS Trackball Optical Explorer, and my MS Sidewinder Strategic Commander gave me a pretty sweet edge in RTS and RPGs too.

Come to think of it, Microsoft used to make some REALLY good input peripherals. I wonder what happened?!

[soulsurfsublime]

I had a sidewinder back in the day. MS did make great sticks back in the day. I have no idea what ever happened to my sidewinder unfortunately. I may even go for a cheaper solution then what I previously stated. I am really unsure if I am even going to do much flying yet until I try beta.

My keyboard mouse setup is a Logitech g110 and a Razer naga mouse with Razer speed pad. I however do not run my mouse at 5600 dpi. I am getting to old and my reflexes are starting to falter I fear.

[QFAN]

http://www.planetside-universe.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=799&d=1342838877

I have the FFB2. It's old but still very accurate/precise (since the force feedback circuit has to actively recalculate the centre position of the stick).
The only problem is that you can feel the teeth of the gears - not as smooth as a very-well-lubricated spring centering mechanism.



I suggest you buy something like Thrustmaster's T16000M, since it's relatively new, and accessible.

Don't buy Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog because it's mimicking a real A-10 stick - good hydraulic feeling but the springs in the trigger and buttons are so strong (you don't want to accidentally fire a missile on a real A-10!) that you can't fire as quickly as using a "game" stick.





Or if you want to fly a Galaxy in a fancy way...
http://www.planetside-universe.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=798&d=1342838877

[Emperor]

Microsoft Sidewinder 2 Precision joystick.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KdblSBUlRzA/S_Qc7oLWkAI/AAAAAAAACog/sBNmFfdmHus/s1600/MicrosoftSidewinder.jpg

This is the current badboy i own, got me through Combat Flight Simulator and Flight Simulator and can't forgot the gloriousness of MechWarrior 4:Vengeance
That stick was a good friend of mine for many years, and also got me through MS Flight Sim and MW4.
Ha, this is also what I had for MW4. Thinking about something more robust for PS2, though. That setup Maradine posted looks pretty ballsy.

[Ivam Akorahil]

Ditch the stupid joysticks. This won't be a flight simulator.

tbh joysticks even in arcade air combat are better than mouse and keyboard

[Bravix]

I'm a pilot in real life, and the joystick I use is a 20 dollar cheapo from Radioshack. Got it like...shit, 6 years ago or something?

It's great. Nothing fancy, no bright lights blinding you. This isn't it, but it's quite similar.
http://www.flightsim.com/images/reviews/joystick.jpg

Only real difference between mine and the one in the picture is that mine has a...damn I don't know what its called, the texture that's on the logitech G35 headset. It also has rudder controls on the throttle control. Its great.

If you ask me, there is no reason to have rudder controls at your feet in games. It matters in real life, but I wouldn't want it in a game.

This controller doesn't have force feedback or any of that shit. But damn has it served me well :D

tl;dr you can get a great controller for cheap if you don't wanna shell out the cash for the big boys.

tbh joysticks even in arcade air combat are better than mouse and keyboard

Oh and this. They are great for flying in games that support them. Generally better than an actual joystick.

[Shizora]

I have the T.16000m. It is the most precise joystick i've ever had, and I had a lot... anyways, as a flight sim enthusiast I'll buy the Hotas Warthog soon =D

[Atmosfear]

I have the T.16000m. It is the most precise joystick i've ever had, and I had a lot... anyways, as a flight sim enthusiast I'll buy the Hotas Warthog soon =D

Mine just came in the mail yesterday, but I'm not plugging it in until Beta. Accuracy was the number one reason I got it... can't beat hall sensors.

[Sotonian]

I will be using a 360 pad, use it on Battlefield 3 on the PC and its great

[Shizora]

Mine just came in the mail yesterday, but I'm not plugging it in until Beta. Accuracy was the number one reason I got it... can't beat hall sensors.

You mean the Hotas Warthog or the T.16000m?

[Sledgecrushr]

This is the cheapest price Ive seen on the thrustmaster hotas 45 bucks http://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-T-Flight-Hotas-Flight-Playstation-3/dp/B001CXYMFS/ref=pd_cp_e_0

[TerminatorUK]

Microsoft Sidewinder 2 Precision joystick.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KdblSBUlRzA/S_Qc7oLWkAI/AAAAAAAACog/sBNmFfdmHus/s1600/MicrosoftSidewinder.jpg

This is the current badboy i own, got me through Combat Flight Simulator and Flight Simulator and can't forgot the gloriousness of MechWarrior 4:Vengeance, so, would it work in this and does it work on Windows 7?

Haha I use a Precision Pro 2 that I bought in 1998 and works well in Windows 7 :)

Have used it to pilot jets and helicopters with a fair degree of success in BF3.

[OnexBigxHebrew]

They're shit. Use it as a doorstop instead.

Thumb sticks are easy as shit to fly with buddy. They're just tiny joysticks. This is one case where the mouse v gamepad argument doesn't belong. Plenty of other threads to bitch about other peoples gameplay choices haha.


However, in using a gamepad, you would run the risk of 60 year old quake fans talking shit to you on the Internet. :D.

P.S. I use mouse and keyboard for everything.

[maradine]

Yeah, I'd take a 360 controller over a mouse for flight control any day of the week. Even with tiny sticks, you have isometric feedback on degree of control input.

[Pepsi]

It also depends on what you want to do as an airman. In terms of precision control (for example, CAS), it goes:
M&KB > Controller > Joystick

but in terms of maneuverability it goes:
Joystick > Controller > M&KB

So just pick what you think is best. Nothing really has a terrible advantage over another considering this isn't a flight sim.

And as for the topic, I use this sometimes:
http://www.techdigest.tv/thrustmaster-t16000-thumb-200x256.jpgThrustmaster T16000. Excellent stick for around $30-40 and even has options for left handed gamers like me!

[OnexBigxHebrew]

It also depends on what you want to do as an airman. In terms of precision control (for example, CAS), it goes:
M&KB > Controller > Joystick

but in terms of maneuverability it goes:
Joystick > Controller > M&KB

So just pick what you think is best. Nothing really has a terrible advantage over another considering this isn't a flight sim.

And as for the topic, I use this sometimes:
http://www.techdigest.tv/thrustmaster-t16000-thumb-200x256.jpgThrustmaster T16000. Excellent stick for around $30-40 and even has options for left handed gamers like me!

Yeah...YEAH!


I agree.

[HoovesMcG]

I think higby has this or something similar
http://www.logitech.com/en-gb/gaming/joysticks/devices/5855
http://www.logitech.com/assets/17262/17262.png


Personally i'll probably get
http://www.logitech.com/en-gb/gaming/joysticks/devices/291
http://www.logitech.com/assets/17356/17356.png
As its cheap and easy to move outta the way.

I have the first one and love the Force Feedback.. I doubt that PS2 will support FFB but man that would be EPIC.

I have used the second one for a LONG time and it is a fantastic all around stick and VERY affordable, most places its like 25 bucks.

I have the T.16000m. It is the most precise joystick i've ever had, and I had a lot... anyways, as a flight sim enthusiast I'll buy the Hotas Warthog soon =D

Im thinking thats gonna be a bit overkill for PS2 but for DCS A10 Ive heard it is the absolute BOMB.

[TerminatorUK]

Deleted

[Sledgecrushr]

Something I would like to try with ps2 is tank driving with a joystick. I think i would split the controls so that the actual drivng and speed control is done with the joystick and turret operation would be done with the mouse.

To me this seems very intuitive since speed and mobility are going to be paramount to someone lasting more than a minute. You gain speed and mobility through the simplified operation of your joystick, push forward a little move forward slowly..pull back and go into reverse. Im just ljking the idea of having so much directional and speed control easily at hand all the time. Devs I really hope that this hybrid system is supported.

[SixShooter]

Something I would like to try with ps2 is tank driving with a joystick. I think i would split the controls so that the actual drivng and speed control is done with the joystick and turret operation would be done with the mouse.

To me this seems very intuitive since speed and mobility are going to be paramount to someone lasting more than a minute. You gain speed and mobility through the simplified operation of your joystick, push forward a little move forward slowly..pull back and go into reverse. Im just ljking the idea of having so much directional and speed control easily at hand all the time. Devs I really hope that this hybrid system is supported.

Thats actually a pretty damn cool idea.

[Luieburger]

Something I would like to try with ps2 is tank driving with a joystick. I think i would split the controls so that the actual drivng and speed control is done with the joystick and turret operation would be done with the mouse.

I did something similar for BF3. Since my joystick doesn't have Yaw, I used A and D on my keyboard instead. It helped to have one hand on the joystick and still have access to all the keys for other commands anyway. That's the beauty of Keyboard + Mouse and the Joystick. You can mix and match them. Controllers require two hands so you're limited (one hand on the controller is semi-awakward).

[Aerothorn]

The only downside with joysticks & ground vehicles is that you'll need to constantly move the joystick on your desk. When flying, you'll want your dominant hand on the joystick for aiming precision; when driving, you'll want your dominant hand on the mouse. Also, if your joystick is designed for right-hand usage, this isn't really doable.

[maradine]

Making my G13 comment again - the thumb stick comes in so handy at times like these.

[Duskguy]

been looking into a joystick for PS2 since i am assuming the game's flight mechanics will be somewhat similar to BF3's flight mechanics, since it will have hover. my search has lead me to sign up on these forums in order to discuss the joysticks i've more or less limited my search to.
i've decided i will end up getting either :
the Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas X Flight Stick which runs about $35-$45
http://flightsimulatorjoystick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Flight-Simulator-Joystick.jpg

the Thrustmaster t-flight stick which runs about $25-$35
http://www.pcjoysticks.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/TflightStickXproduct800x600-150x150.png

the logitech extreme 3d which runs around $20-$30
http://www.joystickflightsimulator.com/images/logitech-force-3d-pro-joystick-104-2.jpg

the Thrustmaster T-16000M Flight Stick which runs around $40-$50+
http://www.gameseek.co.uk/images/products/thrustmaster_t1600m_joystick_pc.jpg

i'm leaning towards one of the first two, possibly the third, and the fourth, the t-16000 i've been hearing mixed reviews about, and not sure i want a $50 stick just for games like PS2 or BF3 and being a righty, the 12 buttons on the base is pointless as i can only get to 6 anyway
the first stick seems like it has a nice spread of buttons between each side and having an actual throttle (which can seperate a bit from the stick) along with the stick appeals to me while the other two just seem to have buttons laid out in a way i would most likely be able to comfortably use(not too crowded together).

was wondering whether or not anyone here who has or has had any of these or even all of them could give me a good why or why not advice on them as i've never used a joystick for games aside from oldschool arcade games.

[Pepsi]

was wondering whether or not anyone here who has or has had any of these or even all of them could give me a good why or why not advice on them as i've never used a joystick for games aside from oldschool arcade games.I have the T16000, mostly because I'm left handed and my options were pretty limited. If you're right handed, the extreme 3D Pro is great for arcade flight sims. The keywords you need to look for are "twist-action" (twisting the stick) and "POV hat" (the button your thumb sits at that you use for looking around the cockpit) switch. I also heard it was pretty reliable.

You won't go wrong choosing either of these, they are all solid sticks.

[Duskguy]

anyone with the Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas X Flight Stick able to tell me if the two buttons on the throttle that can replace the twist function can be programmed to other functions if using the twist feature, or do they always just control the yaw in addition to the twist fuction?

[Marinealver]

Could the XBOX 360 c0ntroler be used as a joystick?

[Duskguy]

Could the XBOX 360 c0ntroler be used as a joystick?

i would think so, but who knows.

[JoCool]

I may add that you can achieve the same accuracy with a Joystick as you can with a mouse, provided that the Joystick has the fitting resistance and you spend the same amount of time on it.

How long have you been at home computers? Imagine you switched the entire lifetime you used a mouse to using a joystick, also for browsing, et cetera.

Take a look at someone who uses the mouse for the first time in his life.


That said, for those people who are and have been regularly using joysticks during the last years, it might be the better choice due to the rapid 180° turn with precision in directions you can achieve with a Joystick. For mouse users, it is better to use the mouses.

Freedom of choice is what counts.

[lonereaver]

Oldie but goodie post. I visited my parents' house over the weekend and then found this bad boy...

http://i.imgur.com/QTiv8Gk.jpg

"NOW USB COMPATIBLE" !! Welcome to the future.

15 years old and still solid!

I'm still a noob at piloting with KBM, and now I suck even more with this change in peripheral... but am totally enjoying the experience! I now spend an hour or two in VR to fly, and then try to farm points using my Engi before I log off...

Cheers to other pilots!

[BlaxicanX]

Man, sidewinders.

That takes me back.

[Figment]

Had something akin to a Sidewinder. Took it apart for a children's game project and not all the parts came back as someone had cleaned the project room. :(

Not that it could still connect to any new computer.

Or that it never did calibrate proper and was a bit loose.

But still. :P