Most gamers know that to enjoy the latest innovations and hits of the past years, you will not get by just using a keyboard and mouse. Many simulators and shooters are made with the expectation that the player will control his character or technical tool using a special joystick. Players who prefer virtual races or races on aircraft will not do without a rudder or similar type of device. All switches, knobs, sticks and handles will allow the Bole to smoothly enter the skids and adjust the speed of the engine. Among the huge selection of gaming peripherals on the market, it is quite difficult to find the “right” device, because the price or the number of buttons does not always guarantee an exciting and convenient gameplay. Today you will get acquainted with the best devices of this type.
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Joystick for games which company to choose
Joysticks are made by many firms, but not all companies deserve the attention of a demanding gamer.
Among the best companies are the following:
1. Saitek
The most popular brand among all players, both professionals and beginners. And this is achieved not by multi-tasking the device, but by a wide range of products. They produce both engine control levers and aircraft control knobs. This brand is a benchmark of devices, although their manipulator systems are quite expensive.
2. Logitech
A company that manufactures devices for a wide range of consumers, because of which, among their devices, one can observe a difference in both cost and quality. This manufacturer is not remarkable for its innovative technologies, but is famous for excellent product quality.
3. Thrustmaster
A very expensive company that uses cutting-edge technology in their devices, but their cost becomes appropriate. When choosing devices from this company - be sure that your device will work for many years.
Best budget joysticks
Logitech Extreme 3D Pro
This device is in great demand among all gamers due to its incredible reliability. In the joystick there is only a handle and 12 buttons located throughout the device. The first five is on the tip of the handle, and they are pressed with your thumb, all the other buttons - at the base of the manipulator.
For better control and positioning of the character in the device, all four axes are used, which is an excellent indicator for such a price category. 3D Pro sits perfectly in your hand, and the number of buttons with your head is enough for point-like manipulations. With active use, the device does not break for many years. Joystick can be connected via USB to PC or Mac.
Judging by the reviews of satisfied gamers who bought this model of the manipulator, we have formed the following positive aspects:
- Excellent point positioning;
- Low cost;
- A large number of buttons.
Minuses:
- Rather rigid spring;
- After a few years there is a backlash.
Thrustmaster T.16000M
A feature of this device is the complete absence of drivers that are necessary for the operation of the joystick. In order to use it with might and main in any simulator, just plug it into the USB socket. The joystick has excellent ergonomics, although the trigger in it is in an unusual place.
There is a trigger on the manipulator, a switch of several types and three buttons on the top panel. Rubber pads on different sides of the handle do not allow hands to slide off, and the thickness of the handle fits perfectly into the male hand. The joystick is made for both hands, so that both left-handed and right-handed can use it equally well.
Based on the feedback from users of this device, you can select these advantages:
- Good ergonomics;
- Excellent product quality;
- Magnetic sensor;
- High accuracy.
Minuses:
- Wide handle;
- There is no adjustment of the force of the spring tension.
SPEEDLINK SL-6640
A fairly standard joystick with a familiar knob and engine control knob. They are on a single compact basis. The joystick has a stable surface, and it can be fixed using four suction cups on the bottom of the device. There is a strong vibration, and the accuracy of the device is very high, thanks to the use of all axes.
Powered by computer through USB 2.0 ports, but power consumption is minimized. The cord length is about two meters, which is enough with the head. Despite high loads, the device does not play, and squeaks do not appear in the handle. Traction controllers are not erased, and rubber grip ensures excellent grip.
Based on user reviews of this joystick model, it has the following advantages:
- Low cost;
- Two handles for better control;
- Precise positioning;
- The presence of vibration.
Minuses:
- There are not enough buttons for modern games - only 8;
- Soft-touch coating short-lived.
Genius METAL STRIKE FF Joystick
This model contains all the major axes, and even additional buttons with feedback function. The device is connected using a USB interface and contains 8 main buttons, 4 attack buttons, a trigger for high-speed shooting and a switch in 8 positions.
The device has an interesting handle shape, which is suitable both for left-handers and right-handers because of its symmetrical buttons.
This device has the following advantages:
- Low price;
- Comfortable handle.
Minuses:
- Big dead zone;
- Not the best feedback.
Defender Cobra M5 USB
This brutal model will attract attention due to the massive base, weighted with a plate of steel located in the bottom of the device. The joystick weighs about two kilograms, so that it does not need suckers, because it does not fall during the game. The handle is made of plastic, and it is suitable for palms of all sizes. With the help of an ergonomic protrusion for the fingers, the joystick is very easy to operate.
Feature of the device in the switch, which is located in the middle of the device. It allows you to use 7 of 9 buttons in several modes, so that the gamer gets more than 20 buttons that are responsible for various actions. The main difficulty is to remember what is responsible for what.
Based on reviews and comments of gamers using this device, you can display the following advantages:
- A large number of programmable buttons;
- High ergonomic device;
- Acceptable cost;
- Reliability design.
Minuses:
- Squeak triggers.
The best elite joysticks
Saitek X52 Pro Flight System
This is a manipulator with a unique shape. Joysticks of this type are produced quite long, but this is not about this model. The device has a pair of devices that interact with each other. For flight simulators, this model is the best choice, since it has a built-in liquid crystal display.
Joystick is connected via wire to USB port version 2.0. In total there are 19 buttons. The joystick is very easy to set up, and it has a physical switch of three profiles. In these different modes, the same button may be responsible for different actions. Unfortunately, for such a cost in the manipulator the exact aiming is not thought out, which creates a problem with the control of the character at close distances of the battle with enemies.
Based on feedback from people using this device model, we have identified the following advantages:
- A huge number of buttons and switches - 19 pieces;
- The highest precision control, the joystick works in 7 axes;
- Sturdy construction;
- Liquid crystal display on the device.
Minuses:
- There are no Velcro on the bottom panel of the device;
- The connection is made by wire.
Thrustmaster hotas warthog
Are you ready to pay a huge amount for such a device, while receiving a great kit, which consists of a joystick and a handle that controls the engine? This device is made of high quality metal, the coating of which has not been erased for years.Located on the handle of the manipulator 19 buttons, among which there is a hat-switch of the form 8 positions.
The joystick has terrific functionals, and it lacks only pedals to control massive planes. The device has a fantastic accuracy, which is achieved by special software. The developers have equipped this device with ten axes at the same time, and added the ability to remove the metal handle. Thanks to the rubberized bottom, the device steadily keeps during the hottest battles.
The main advantages of this device are as follows:
- The device is equipped with 28 buttons and a cross;
- Metal handle removed;
- Unique accuracy thanks to 10 axes;
- Super modern software.
Minuses:
- High price;
- Large size.
CH Products Fighterstick
This model has the most accurate positioning and robust design. The device has been working steadily for many years. The company CH in one device placed as many as 3 axes, 3 buttons, a fungus with 8 and 4 positions. Joystick itself can be programmed in different ways. Special files are created, which are then loaded into the manipulator.
The device has a unique form, copied from a real pilot joystick in the cockpit of a combat F-16. The device communicates with the computer using a two-meter cable connected to the USB connector.
Feedback from users of this manipulator revealed the following advantages:
- High strength material;
- Excellent pointing accuracy;
- Copied from this device.
Disadvantages:
- Buttons are few for modern games;
- Connects with a wire.
Mad Catz X-55 Rhino H.O.T.A.S. System
This development combines innovative technology and the highest reliability. In this device, the developer re-implemented the feedback, setting it to the force of pressure. The bundled software comes from the manufacturer. After installation, you can find the setting of the joystick and its programming.
Confident control of the device is achieved due to its average dimensions. The device has an impressive number of buttons - 38 pieces. It is connected via a wire through the USB port.
The paddle has the following advantages:
- Excellent programming platform;
- A large number of axles;
- The presence of rubber lining.
Minuses:
- High price.
What joystick for games to buy
1. For gamers who, when buying, push off from a small budget, we recommend the Genius METAL STRIKE FF Joystick and Logitech Extreme 3D Pro models. They have capabilities that will allow you to enjoy the manipulations with the game without spending huge amounts of money on it.
2. Mediocre models that will allow you to enjoy all the features of modern games are the SPEEDLINK SL-6640 and Thrustmaster T.16000M. Durability and quality - these are their main trump cards.
3. For gambling gamers who are ready to spend fabulous sums to achieve exceptional pleasure, the Mad Catz X-55 Rhino H.O.T.A.S models are proposed. System and Thrustmaster Hotas Warthog. These are the best models that manufacturers of peripherals can offer to gamers.
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