Up your VR immersion level with a fine HOTAS controller
Best HOTAS Controllers for VR Windows Central 2019
Hands-On Throttle-and-Stick (HOTAS) controllers employ a joystick and throttle grip set up to emulate the controls in an authentic aircraft’s (or spacecraft’s) cockpit. These controllers have always been popular in the flight-sim world, but they’ve taken on a new life in the VR world. Games like Elite Dangerous, War Thunder, EVE: Valkyrie, and House of the Dying Sun can all be used with a HOTAS controller, and the immersion level is immediately ramped up when you place your hands on the hardware. If you’re thinking about investing in this new type of controller, I’ve rounded up the best HOTAS controllers out there now.
Staff Favorite
With an affordable price, comfortable grip on throttle and stick, weighted base, and detachable build, the Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS X should satisfy most people. It has 12 programmable buttons and five programmable axles so you can set things up how you want, and it connects to your PC with USB-A.
Looking past the otherworldly aesthetic, you’re getting a Windows 10 throttle and stick both loaded with buttons, hats, and sliders, plus twist rudder control and adjustable resistance. This HOTAS controller uses the same HallEffect AccuRate Technology (HEART) system with a 16-bit resolution as the pricier Warthog HOTAS, but you’ll only pay a quarter of the price.
If you’d like to add even more control over your aircraft, this kit includes the awesome mid-range Thrustmaster T16000M FCS HOTAS as well as dual pedals for rudder control. These pedals are made of industrial-grade aluminum for a premium feel, and they have the perfect amount of resistance for precision control.
This is a replica set of HOTAS controls from the A-10 Thunderbolt II “Warthog” aircraft, and it’s built for precision and durability. The stick — which uses the HEART system with 16-bit resolution for impressive precision — has 19 action buttons and a hat, and everything requires the same amount of pressure as in the real plane. The throttle is split into two parts for control over independent engines and altogether has 17 action buttons and a couple of hats. On the base of the throttle are an additional 15 buttons and switches for added controls.
If we’re making a suggestion
As the cheapest controller in this roundup, the Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS X might come across as inferior, but in reality, it will satisfy most people. It was designed way back in the PlayStation 3 days, but it works fine with Windows 10 and the VR games with the right support.
You get 12 programmable buttons split between throttle and stick, and you can adjust the resistance felt when using the latter. A weighted base keeps things steady, and you can separate the two pieces to sit on either side of you for a truly immersive experience. The HOTAS controller plugs in with USB-A, and it will save up to five preset button mappings for quick switching.
Unless you’re interested in the more enthusiast-focused HOTAS models, like the Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS or Thrustmaster Warthog, you can spend about $55 and still have a fulfilling time piloting in VR.
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