Best Joystick For Elite Dangerous in 2021

Pick a controller according to your budget and gambling requirements for Elite Dangerous. Professional players will favor utilizing high-end HOTAS units such as Saitek X55 Rhino, the Thrustmaster Warthog, or even the Saitek Pro Flight Yoke Joystick system. However, the game may also be performed with versions like Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS X. We propose utilizing the Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS X since this can go easy on your pocket also contains sufficient controls to handle Elite Dangerous.

9 Best Joysticks for Elite Dangerous Players

We have curated 9 different reliable joysticks that will enhance your experience with Elite Dangerous. Check them out!

1. Thrustmaster t flight Hotas X flight stick

Thrustmaster is one of the leading companies in manufacturing high-quality joystick for Elite Dangerous and other flight simulators. Undeniably, many of their customers are Elite Dangerous players.

That item has 12 buttons as well as 5 axles you can customize on. On top of that, you can choose to create preset settings for different programs and games. If you are an avid flight simulator player, you will love the different settings you can keep inside the joystick. It has internal memory to keep the preset settings you have in the joystick even when it’s unplugged.

Switching between programs also means that you need to use different preset settings for the joystick. However, switching between controls isn’t the same as how you’d do it with a keyboard and mouse. In a worst-case scenario, you have to constantly change the keys. But the joystick comes with a shortcut that allows you to change the keys instantly.

The design of the joystick is made ergonomic with a wide hand-rest. The joystick also comes with a plug-and-play feature that allows you to play with it immediately after plugging in. No more minutes of adjusting the joystick because functions have been pre-configured.

Dual-system aerodynamic control allows you to steer your spaceship by rotating the handle that comes with an integrated blocking system. Or by progressive tilting lever. The base is also weighted to give it stability.

Performance-wise, this joystick exceeds expectations. The accuracy of the joystick is superb with adjustable resistance for the most comfortable settings for you. It also has a rapid-fire button, triggers for brakes, and panoramic view mode through the multi-directional hat.

2. Extreme 3D Pro Joystick for Windows

Logitech is not a strange brand name in the world of advanced technology, but they were never particularly popular to manufacture joystick for Elite Dangerous and other flight simulators. But don’t let this fool you from them making some of the most precise 3D joysticks for flight (simulator).

Logitech has 12 different buttons that can be adjusted to your liking. Right under your thumb when you grip the handle is the 8-way hat switch that allows you to quickly switch your point of view or switch weapons. You can use Logitech Gaming Software to configure your controls and create complex commands through a one-button trigger.

Performance-wise, it’s excellent for entry-level and that is thanks to the joystick being simple, yet, precise, accurate, and comfortable. Thrustmaster is great when it comes to custom controls and intrinsically complex mechanisms, but Logitech’s Extreme 3D Pro Joystick does a great job for a comfortable flight, winning space battles, and discovering planets in general.

It has precision twist-action rudder control that gives just the right amount of pressure and helps you with your one-handed control. It is also ergonomically designed with very small spaces in between.

The base is also weighted to ensure that you have a stable gaming experience without the joystick accidentally tipping over mid-battle.

And last, but definitely not the least feature that people will love is its durability! Unless you threw this joystick on the wall, you will never be able to bust the joystick even with intense gaming.

3. Thrustmaster Hotas Warthog PC with nice detachable throttle control

Hi, hardcore players of Elite Dangerous. You know what you’re looking at right now. It’s one of the top gears to have if you are a flight simulator lover without having to get a pilot license. The Thrustmaster Hotas Warthog is the official replica of the US Air Force’s A-10C aircraft control panel. Thus, the complicated throttle and buttons configure the joystick.

First off, it has 19 fully customizable buttons, 7 more than usual. It also comes with an 8-point of view hat. And when others have one plastic detachable throttle control (or even a single joystick to control), Warthog has a dual throttle system made of metal. The whole unit is constructed in metal to ensure quality and improve your experience.

Because of its material and the fact that you can screw the unit onto your table, you can ensure they are firm as heck. The unit is stable under stressful use for gaming or simulator. No need to worry about tipping over the control mid-flight.

Precision is undoubtedly one of the best we’ve ever seen. The unit has 16-bit precision as well as requires pressure on the buttons and joystick that has never been seen in any other joystick before it. This is because the replica applies the same pressure used in the attack aircraft. On the other hand, the joystick is detachable, a prominent feature in most joysticks Thrustmaster makes.

And then the dual throttle system can be independently controlled or locked together with a precision of 14-bit. 17 action buttons are included along with Disengagable Afterburner. And yes, you can adjust the resistance of the throttles to your liking.

Additionally, download TARGET to configure the controls of your joystick while it does comes with presets for famous games, both new and older titles.

4. 200-571 CH Products Fighterstick USB

When most joysticks scatter their buttons around the base, CH wants them to remain compact, simple, but still allow users to work with a complicated system.

CH Fighterstick has 24 buttons with only 3 pushable buttons. It has one mode switch button, three-way hat switches, and an 8-way point of view hat. The joystick was adapted from the F-16. It also has a very sturdy built with a rubber base to keep it in place.

The joystick is mostly compatible with older Windows OS such as 98, 2000, Vista and the newest it can work with is Windows 7. It also works with Mac OS 8.6 and above. However, it is USB programmable and you can make it work with newer Windows OS if you wish.

It looks bulky and slightly outdated which is natural because this model is more than two decades old. But the good thing about it? CH’s Fighterstick is durable as hell; you won’t be able to break with normal simulation gameplay, something that many models nowadays lack.

5. THRUSTMASTER WARTHOG

The Thrustmaster Warthog HOTAS is a replica of the management system of this A10 sea warthog and is the producer’s flagship product. The Warthog is famous for its sturdy build and weighs approximately 6kgs. Between the throttle as well as the rod, it includes numerous controls so that you would not need to take your hands off the HOTAS as you’re completing a quest.

The joystick includes 55 buttons, toggles, and buttons that may be programmed based on your requirements. The rod has four hat switches; 2 of which can be eight-way along with another two are four-way. Additionally, it owns a two-stage activate, a pinky activates, and 2 single-press buttons.

There’s a range of buttons, switches, and toggles found on the controller too. The throttle is split into two components. They may be secured together to restrain the entire engine thrust or may be used individually to control the motors independently. There are more controls around the bottom of the controller.

The controller also includes a dial that allows you to control immunity. This capacity allows you to transfer the lever fast for high-speed, combat-oriented games or in a slow tempo for flight simulations that need more precise adjustments.

The HOTAS, together with software named T.A.R.G.E.T. permits you to personalize and map the controllers, create macros and heaps of other things. But, figuring out how the controllers of this computer software will take a while.

A shortcoming of this joystick is the fact that it doesn’t have any twist to restrain the z-axis. You may either need to map the z-axis into the buttons on the joystick or the controller or you’ll be able to find a foot pedal. A foot pedal is a simpler alternative as it gives you the ability to control your spacecraft better. The warthog is a pricey solution, but it’s a bang for the dollar. This is the very best HOTAS product readily available on the market using exceptional build quality and better controllers.

6. LOGITECH X52 PRO

The X52 Guru from Logitech is not too much behind in the record of top joystick goods now. When you play Elite Dangerous, the cockpit controls seem like the X52. This HOTAS joystick may take your Elite Dangerous gaming experience to another level provided you are able to afford it because it’s somewhat pricey. The X52 is a treat for the eyes in addition to a cure for your gaming system. Invest from the X52 and you are able to restrain your starship better.

The exceptional selling point of this joystick is your Smart Technology programming software which enables you to customize each button on the HOTAS unit. But this attribute only exists for a Windows user.

The joystick of this HOTAS unit includes a lot of controllers. It sports 2 8-way hat switches, four weapon switches, a 3-way style selector switch, 3 up/down toggles, a dual-action index activate, and a pinky-trigger. The principal cause includes two points of touch. Therefore a small pull the trigger will begin firing the machine guns of your spacecraft along with a complete pull will fire up the cannons.

Individuals who have brief hands frequently find it hard to reach all of the buttons onto a HOTAS unit. Together with the X52 both pinky-trigger and hand foundation are flexible so even the tiniest of hands can quickly reach both causes in addition to the joystick’s face switches.

The throttle controller additionally offers two jog-wheels, a scroll wheel, two fire/eject buttons, along one up/down slider. Each is nicely positioned, and also the up/down slider is an especially handy improvement for hardcore flight-sims in that adjusting the fuel-air mix may earn a great deal of difference.

The throttle unit comes with a built-in LCD screen panel. The display panel displays information like its present style, the currently chosen profile, and a few clock/date info. The controller also offers an”I” button at the thumb place on the controller. Pressing it together with a different button on the throttle will show the delegated function of this choice therefore chosen on the LCD panel.

This can be of immense help since the existence of numerous buttons makes it hard to bear in mind the delegated roles of every of these. 1 simultaneous click of this `’I” button along with some additional button, may fetch you instant info regarding the purpose of the button. You are able to refrain from devoting a lengthy list of controllers that could be frustrating especially to get a flight sim game.

Another extra benefit on the throttle is that the blue nub put behind the”I” button. The nub will permit you to make menu choices without changing hands and using the mouse.

7. THRUSTMASTER T 16000 FCS FLIGHT PACK

The Thrustmaster T16000 FCS Flight package is quite well-known for its build quality. The outer components are made from plastic and also the moving parts are made from metal, making it a sturdy joystick. The buttons can also be securely put making you feel as though you’re riding a true starship.

The flight stick is readily managed by a right-handed individual or a southpaw. The rod is fitted with Thrustmaster’s Hall Effect Accurate Technology (H.E.A.R.T.), which assists monitor movements and provides accurate responses. This technology makes the joystick that the ideal match to play Elite Dangerous.

The remaining part of the flight stick contains three programmable buttons. The foundation also includes a lot of buttons, 12 in total, all of which are customizable. The rod also offers an 8-way hat switch.

The throttle can allow you to control the rate of your starship by transferring it back and forth. While your grip is on the clasp of the controller, you can set your pointer over the analog stick, which will provide you another axis for many different controls. The ideal side of this joystick has a little scroll wheel which may alter the next axis. Another side includes four buttons and the back has two electronic buttons and a change.

The slider on the throttle controller has been shown to be rigid even when the resistance was altered after unscrewing a corner at the bottom. On the other hand, the reaction time of these joysticks creates the slider immunity simple to control.

8. LOGITECH EXTREME 3D PRO JOYSTICK

Logitech Extreme 3D PRO Joystick is a flight stick that is quite economically priced. Featuring just 1 pole without a throttle, Logitech states that the Extreme 3D Pro was built as a habit twist-handle rudder to aid in progress flying assignments.

This joystick differs from all of the traditional HOTAS units. This flight stick has got the throttle resting in its base. A cause, a thumb-controlled button on the left, an 8-way hat switch, and four buttons are set on top of the rod.

The hat switch is intended to precisely collect technical flight inputs for flight sim games. Anyway, you may use it to alter weapons or change between perspectives in games such as Call of Duty and GTA respectively.

Each of the controls on the joystick may be accessible. It comprises 12 buttons that can be configured depending on your preferences. Controls can vary from single one-time controls to complex macro controls that might involve numerous keystrokes, mouse clicks, etc.

Individuals with short fingers might find it tough to easily reach all of the controls. The joystick can be created for a right-handed individual so we propose all of the lefties to prevent purchasing this joystick.

9. SAITEK PRO FLIGHT YOKE JOYSTICK SYSTEM (like Microsoft flight simulator)

The Guru Yoke Joystick from Saitek provides you a true cockpit experience. The machine accompanies a yoke that includes a barbell that functions as the flight stick and a throttle quadrant. The machine is a desk mount and is famous for its durability and ease of use.

The yoke and the throttle quadrant come as a set. The machine is quite large and requires significant space for installation. The yoke includes a barbell that is protruding. The left blouse has a single button on the very top and also an eight-way hat over the back. The ideal handlebar contains three buttons on top and a rolling wheel onto the back which assists you to change the style of this match.

The handlebar also includes an LCD panel that shows the style. You could even initiate a stopwatch to keep track of how long you choose to complete a quest. Underneath the handlebar establishes a string of switches such as magneto switch, master switch, fuel pump, and light buttons for beacon, and navigation. In any case, there’s a landing gear for if you just take off or land that the spacecraft.

To assist your takeoff, there’s a throttle quadrant bridged with three levers. The throttle quadrant could be programmed based on the kind of boat you’re planning to use in your sport.

The build quality of the games console is exceptional and can endure some rough requirements. It’s among the most well-known products among players as its multiple controllers and also the aesthetics of this system leads to an immersive experience.

The only shortcoming is that the cost of the machine. Additionally, it lacks a guarantee but that isn’t a huge deal as the merchandise has managed to collect decent user testimonials and is among those highly-rated joysticks on Amazon.

How to Choose the Right Joystick for Elite Dangerous

Choosing the right joystick is different for everyone. It’s similar to choosing the right color for your nails – nobody can tell you what color you’re supposed to like. There are many ways to Rome and choosing the right one means knowing what you love and need.

• Are you an advanced or entry-level player? An avid flyer would rather go with Thrustmaster models that allow them to separately control the throttle and rudder with more customizable buttons to play with. However, this can be confusing for an entry-level player who knows not a single thing about flying. Get a single joystick to see how you like flying with it for the first time.
• What is your budget? Getting a dual-rudder system is rather costly for most. For example, replicas of fighter aircraft joysticks can really get you excited, but they can cost you a fortune. Thrustmaster’s Warthog is modeled after US Air Force aircraft and has both buttons and switches that don’t exist in most other models. Yet, it cost generally more than 10 times some affordable joysticks.
• How many games are you playing? Some are avid players who play various flight simulations while others simply love one single game specifically. Flying a spaceship and an aircraft is different which means you might have different configurations for your buttons. You will want your joystick to come with slots for different presets on a different game.
• Compatible pedals to go with is great. Some joysticks are designed with complimentary pedals to improve your flight experience.
• Ambidextrous sticks for separate control is another thing you want to consider. If you want to have the same experience to control your throttle and rudder separately, you can install drivers or configuration software to differ the two.
• What kind of player are you? Simulations like Elite Dangerous allow players to be casual and just enjoy their space exploration without a single enemy encounter. On the other hand, you might be one that loves to hunt down rogue ships for missions. You will want a stable joystick with a weighted base that will accommodate your occasional sideway jerks.

How can you know you have gotten your hands on one? Start Looking for the following characteristics.

• It is accurate and has a fast response time.
• It is comfy to move and to function.
• It is ready to carry out the functionalities necessary for the sport in question.
• It’s easy to set up
• It is simple and readily transportable. Too much technical sophistication will exhaust you.

Importance of Having a Best Joystick for Elite Dangerous

For gamers and people who dedicate their life to high-quality gaming performance, having a reliable joystick, mouse or keyboard is essential. It’s equal to having a sharp-edged, tempered sword to a samurai and loaded, prepped gun for a soldier. It’s vital if you want to be able to enjoy your game to the best, even if you are not the type that conquers space by looting other ships.

One of the hardest, but satisfying parts of Elite Dangerous, whether you are a space explorer or pirate, is docking your own ship. And it’s one of those challenging parts of the game that people can’t stop trying at but some are probably simply pissed off with how hard it is. Yet, it’s not something you’d want to miss because it will help you gain better control of your ship in the future.

Another part that some players like to do is engage in battles. And for some, it’s probably one of the selling points that got them hooked in the game. How does it feel to control a thruster while flying your spaceship to avoid lasers and shooting yours? It won’t be cool, however, if your control sucks all the time.

And the top activity that people do would be exploring. If you play Elite Dangerous, it’s pretty rare for anyone to be able to encounter a solar system to cash in some money. But it wouldn’t hurt to just enjoy the incredible view of the space. In a world where you drive a spaceship to reach various places, battle a couple of spaceships and sign up as a taxi between planets, you will need nothing short of a reliable, responsive, and precise joystick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my joystick remain compatible with my Windows after I upgrade it?

This actually depends on the manufacturer. However, Thrustmaster always brings the latest update to keep your joystick compatible with your new OS. Older models probably don’t come with any new update, but you can actually download drivers to let them work with your OS.

Do joysticks come with force feedbacks still?

No, unfortunately, most of the joysticks that come out today do not come with haptic feedback that makes your throttle shake under harsh weather. The new Microsoft-supported API, Xinput, does not support force feedback anymore as Direct Input did.

Do I need pedals for Elite Dangerous?

You can play the game without a single joystick and obviously, pedals are not prerequisite. But pedals do increase the fun in the game because it allows you to turn left and right which gives you even more freedom of movement in addition to your rudder.

Should I get a pro-level joystick as I’m still a beginner in this?

Your enthusiasm to immediately jump into the cockpit and fly that ship is amazing, but there are several things to consider. For example, is it within your budget, and do you really enjoy it? Getting into a pro-level joystick will definitely get you used to the complicated programmable buttons and controls quicker, but that doesn’t come with a high investment from you.

How many active buttons do I need for Elite Dangerous?

A lot. Let’s just say, Elite is always coming up with new features which means you have a lot of binding to do if you are new. If you are not, you know it’s one of the best things that makes it a really great simulator that keeps you hooked up for more than 2000 hours. 12 is the standard amount of buttons, and pay attention to how the buttons are places to see if it’s convenient for you to use. It’s also important that you learn to bind them in a way that is comfortable for you, i.e: one button for multiple actions, etc.

Is a multi-direction hat necessary?

It’s not, but it’s one of those things that will make the experience so much better. Most users typically won’t like it if they can’t enjoy the view of the space the way others are able to. It’s such a shame to not be able to.

Does Elite Dangerous support joystick?

THE FOLLOWING CONTROLLERS ARE SUPPORTED BY ELITE DANGEROUS ON WINDOWS: Keyboard and Mouse. … DUALSHOCK®4 Controller (requires official PlayStation®4 USB Wireless Adaptor) Most modern joysticks and HoTaS devices.

What are the best joysticks to buy?

The best joystick for Elite Dangerous is the Thrustmaster Warthog. The Warthog has a collection of buttons so that you would not need to change to the computer keyboard for controllers, which can be quite bothersome whilst enjoying a match. The Warthog is your best in regards to navigation or combat.

Best Joysticks and Flight Sticks:

• Best Overall: Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS HOTAS.
• Best Premium: Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog Flight Stick.
• Best Value: Thrustmaster TCA Officer Pack Airbus Edition.
• Best Budget: Thrustmaster T-Flight Stick X.
• Best Cheap: Logitech Extreme 3D Pro.

HOW TO SET UP JOYSTICK FOR ELITE DANGEROUS?

Many HOTAS components come with a long USB cable and many others are wireless using inbuilt WiFi. For this reason, you may either join the rod and the pc via WiFi or employing the cable

IS A MULTI-DIRECTION HAT NECESSARY?

The most important intention of a multi-direction hat switch would be to change perspectives. To get a flight sim, a complete view without altering the route of your aircraft is vital. Hat switches differ from game to game. Some games use it to browse in-game menus and make choices. In addition, they take the location of vertical pads located on several joysticks. Hat switches may also be programmed in accordance with your requirements.

Do you need distinct throttles?

Although a few controls separate throttles to permit increased gameplay, it is not vital. You need to be more worried about the selection of journey a specific control offers you. The same as everything on the market, it is far better to always select quality over volume.

What’s The Rotation Craze About?

You are really gaining access to these x, y, and y axes. You are likely to be doing quite broad ranges of movement in the elite dangerous so that you ought to find a joystick that has got you covered. You do not need to have on the sport and find that you can not create a clockwise turn.

Does Cheap Mean Crap?

Perhaps not from the control Market. There are essential features you should be aware of in each control. Most producers intentionally jack their prices up to make their products seem high in grade but upon search, you find it is possible to really get a better price. Thus, it is not a terrible point to check around a little.