Best joysticks for flight simulators in 2020

In the modern world, computer games have already firmly entered our daily life, and now they are becoming more realistic, so the player needs to have the best joystick for pc, especially if he is going to play a flight simulator. Using a joystick for flight simulators and related devices is much more convenient than using a mouse or keyboard while playing. This equipment has much more capabilities, which is why they are so in demand in the modern market. The joystick helps you to better and deeper feel the atmosphere of the game, to feel it and instantly react to obstacles in front of the plane and attacks on it.

Today, there are so many different products related to the gaming industry that it is difficult to choose the ideal device that would meet all your needs and have the necessary functions. For this reason, many gamers are interested in the question of what is the best joystick for flight simulators in 2020.

The best budget-class joysticks for flight simulators

Thrustmaster T.16000M

The main feature of this model is that it does not require installation of special drivers to be compatible with your computer. If you want to immediately start the game and use this device, you just need to connect it to the processor using the USB connector. This aspect helps to save time and constitutes a definite advantage over joysticks of more expensive brands, since they often require downloading additional files from the official website.

The joystick trigger is located in a somewhat unusual place for a gambler, but this does not negate its other advantages. The handle is comfortable enough to hold in one hand, as well as the joystick itself glides smoothly and is almost not felt in places.

Pros:

• This device does not consume much power, so you can leave it connected to the processor if necessary;
• this model is made of very high quality, which not only meets the aesthetic needs of gamers, but also the ease of use of the joystick;
• there is a special magnetic sensor that allows the joystick, in case of sudden jerks or if you accidentally hit it, not to move off the table and, in principle, not to change its position;
• the sensor has high accuracy, so it will not let you down in tense moments, and you will not have to give the same command several times.

Minuses:

• the handle is too wide, so it will be uncomfortable for some players to hold it in a fist;
• there is no spring force adjustment.

Logitech Extreme 3D Pro

This model has a lot of useful characteristics, which is why it is in demand among many players. The main advantage of this device is its reliability, in addition, this model has anti-shock properties, so you do not have to worry about your device accidentally falling and breaking. Throughout the handle of this model there are 12 buttons, with which you can use the device more widely and control your character at a higher level. Some buttons can be safely pressed with your thumb, while others are located at the base of the manipulator.

In addition, for use as a control for a specific character, there are as many as four axes on the joystick, so it will be more convenient for the player to direct his character to the desired point.In addition, the device may not break for many years, which means that you will not have to buy a joystick in a few years. You can connect it using a special connector to both the Windows processor and Mac products.

Pros:

• has excellent point positioning;
• the cost of this device in relation to analogues of other companies is relatively small;
• the presence of a large number of buttons on the joystick itself gives you more options to control the character.

Minuses:

• the spring inside the joystick is quite tight, so at first you will have to develop it and apply more effort than usual;
• some years after the purchase, backlash may appear.

SPEEDLINK SL-6640

This joystick is standard format and has roughly the same characteristics as previous models. It is quite versatile, since it contains all the necessary options, as well as its cost in comparison with similar products is several times lower.

Such a device has been in great demand for several years now, so if you are in doubt about whether to buy this particular model, you can always read the corresponding reviews on the Internet. In addition, the joystick is powered by a computer cord, but does not consume too much power. For this reason, it is beneficial in that it can be left safely connected to the computer.

Despite the fact that such a device sometimes withstands what loads, this model does not play, and over time, squeaks or other extraneous sounds do not appear that can interfere with the game or create discomfort.

Pros:

• relatively low cost compared to analog devices;
• there are two handles so that you can better control your character;
• positioning is marked in this joystick with increased accuracy;
• there is a vibration function that allows you to physically feel when the character is hit or in the game you touch one or another object.

Minuses:

• only 8 buttons are allocated specifically for the joint game format, which is clearly not enough;
• This model has a soft-touch coating, and it is often not durable, so be prepared for scratches and scuffs after a certain amount of time.

Genius METAL STRIKE FF Joystick

This model differs in that it has in its functionality all the necessary buttons for high-quality character control, as well as several axes along which you can move the joystick. It can be connected without installing additional drivers, simply using a special connector.

This device has eight buttons with which you can give instructions to the character in an even more simplified form, as well as four additional buttons for inflicting damage on the enemy and attack. In addition, the functionality has a trigger with a trigger for high-speed shooting, as well as a switch. The buttons are located on the joystick itself as symmetrically as possible, so both left-handers and right-handers can use it with equal convenience.

Pros:

• relatively low cost compared to other similar devices from other manufacturers;
• the grip feels quite comfortable in the hand, so you will not experience unnecessary inconvenience during the game.

Minuses:

• feedback is not of the highest quality;
• the dead zone is larger than other joysticks.

Defender Cobra M5 USB

This device has a rather massive base, so it can draw attention to itself almost immediately. There is a special metal plate at the bottom of the device that contributes to this effect. The weight of such a joystick is about two kilograms, which is quite a lot compared to other models. The handle itself is made of plastic, but at the same time it is quite comfortable in the hand.

In addition, the handle itself provides for different people to use it, so its size is great for people with different palm sizes. In addition, the joystick significantly saves energy, but after use it is better not to leave it plugged into the computer, since although the consumption is consumed in the same way as during the game.

This device has a small switch in the middle. Its advantage is that it makes it possible to use several buttons simultaneously. At the same time, gamers can use twenty buttons on the joystick almost simultaneously. The only difficulty in this case will be to remember which button is responsible for what.

Pros:

• there is a large number of programmable buttons, the functions of which can be changed at your discretion for more convenience in the game;
• this device has a fairly high ergonomics;
• the design, which uses metal elements, guarantees its reliability and durability;
• the cost of such a device does not greatly exceed other budget-level joysticks, so it is quite affordable for gamers with different capabilities.

Minuses:

• the hammers may occasionally creak slightly, which causes some discomfort during the game.

The best elite flight controllers for flight simulators

Premium joysticks are often more powerful, but they also require more money. Joysticks of this level are often located on several platforms, which was created specifically so that the player could immerse himself in the atmosphere of a particular game with maximum convenience.

Saitek X52 Pro Flight System

This model has an unusual and unique shape. Joysticks of this format are often quite long, but this device is quite compact, so it does not take up much space. In addition, it is quite comfortable to use, so you do not have to worry about the fact that during the game the gamer is completely immersed in the atmosphere. For flight simulators, such a device will be simply necessary, since it has a small liquid crystal display, with the help of which the gamer will be able to observe changes in various indicators of the game.

This device has as many as 19 buttons, with which it is quite convenient to control, especially since they are located so that the player can quickly remember their functionality. Connection is made using a connector.

Pros:

• there is a fairly large number of buttons and switches with which you can control the joystick faster and more conveniently;
• the joystick operates on seven axes, so the control accuracy is several times greater than that of budget-level devices;
• the design is distinguished by its strength, so you can not be afraid of scratches or other damage if you take good care of such a device;
• this model has a liquid crystal screen with which the player can observe changes in indicators in games.

Minuses:

• there are no special Velcro fasteners on the bottom of this device, so it may be somewhat unstable;
• There is no wireless connection in this device, so the connection to the computer is carried out using a wire.

CH Products Fighterstick

This model is distinguished by a fairly high positioning and special strength, which is achieved by the presence of metal elements on the joystick itself. In addition, the manufacturer guarantees stable and trouble-free operation for many years, and this claim is supported by the warranty. In such a joystick, the company managed to place several buttons, three axes, as well as a mushroom with 8 and 4 positions. You can program this device in completely different ways for yourself, so that it is more convenient for you to use it during the game.

Another feature of this device is that the design and capabilities are almost completely copied from a combat aircraft, so if you like games where aviation is present, you can feel like in a real cockpit.

Pros:

• durable material protects this device from all kinds of damage, and also prolongs its service life;
• the aiming accuracy is high, which cannot but please the player who prefers games where quick reaction is required;
• the design and functions are almost completely copied from the combat device, which is also a plus for the atmosphere.

Minuses:

• if the gamer is a huge fan of modern games that are currently being released, then the buttons for full control of a character or transport are not enough;
• the connection can only be wired, although manufacturers could provide a wireless connection for a fairly high price.

Thrustmaster Hotas Warthog

This option is perhaps one of the most expensive in the entertainment industry today. However, its functionality is striking in its capabilities, so many gamers believe that it is not a sin to pay a rather large amount in order to then enjoy a device of almost professional level. Besides the fact that it includes a joystick and a handle, these two separate devices also have a special motor that contributes to improved performance. In addition, this model is made using high quality materials, therefore it has high strength and is able to serve you for a long period of time.

This device has advanced functionality and creates the impression that the player is in the cockpit of a real plane or other transport. In an amicable way, this device lacks only pedals, with the help of which the gamer can feel like a full participant in the events that take place on the screen.

Pros:

• this model has 28 buttons in its functionality, with the help of which you can control the character with greater dexterity than if it were a standard joystick;
• the metal handle is not screwed to the base, so you can safely remove it if necessary;
• there are ten axes, due to which high accuracy is achieved;
• software of a progressive modern level.

Minuses:

• quite a lot will take up space;
• the cost is quite high.

Mad Catz X-55 Rhino H.O.T.A.S. System

This model was created according to the latest technology and has a fairly high strength. In addition, the manufacturers of such a device have established good feedback by setting the pressure force. In addition, the manufacturer offers special software in the kit for this device, moreover, proprietary.

Once you install this software on your computer, you can pair it directly with the joystick. You can program this device as you see fit. The size of such a device is average, so it will not take up too much space. This device has as many as 38 buttons for full character control, as well as the ability to wirelessly connect to a computer.

Pros:

• this device is an excellent platform for programming;
• the device has a large number of axes, due to which the maximum pointing accuracy is achieved;
• this model has rubberized gaskets.

Minuses:

• the only drawback of such a device is the high cost, but a model with so many features and advanced functionality is worth spending on it.