Keyboard or Joystick?

Star King · Post by **Star King** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 8:34 pm

Which is better keyboard or joystick?

Cougar_DK · Post by **Cougar_DK** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 8:37 pm

What do you prefer?

I prefer joystick....

Muni · Post by **Muni** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 8:40 pm

The combination of keyboard, joystick and... mouse.

Star King · Post by **Star King** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 8:41 pm

I use both but I can't get the throttle control working on my joystick?
I could play this game without my joystick but I thought I would ask.

spelk · Post by **spelk** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 8:47 pm

I think the game definitely benefits from a joystick control mechanism, some keys are still required because you can't usually map all the options/actions you need. But theres something immensley satisfying about applying throttle and afterburners, flicking a swtich to go Inertial and then being able to spin on your axis and do some sight-seeing or gunning down. Personally, I feel, you just can't get that "I'm actually piloting a craft" feeling with a mouse.

Star King · Post by **Star King** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 8:50 pm

The enterprise on Star Trek did not use joystick control.
How did you get your throttle control to work?

Zenith · Post by **Zenith** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 8:54 pm

I've got a nice Thrustmaster Cougar stick, but I tend to play Evochron using mouse and keyboard, no idea why, I just find it more comfortable to use for long periods of time.

spelk · Post by **spelk** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 8:59 pm

I don't think the Enterprise was a small highly manoeuvrable mercenary craft.

The throttle was detected in game, because one of the axes responded when I slid the throttle from zero to max.I just told EL which axis was the throttle one. My joystick is a new Logitech one though, and has a USB connection and I guess a fairly up to date driver. Does your joystick have a testing panel with the driver, so you can check that your throttle displays a measurable response when you move it outside of the EL game? I'd say check your driver, see if theres an update, and test the joystick's functionality outside of the game first, then try and calibrate inside the game.

Star King · Post by **Star King** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 9:01 pm

I also have a Logitech Wingman 3D so if I move my throttle control the game will detect it?:)

warsign · Post by **warsign** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 7:29 am

Joystick of course.

InterFaced · Post by **InterFaced** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 4:56 pm

Depends on my mood,

I've got a logitec extreme 3dpro, but the twist function is broken. so I've got a key setup like this, it works great with mouse or joystick.

q = roll left
e = roll right
wsad = thurst and strafe
shift = strafe up
control = strafe down

Pros for the joystick are easy weapon selection buttons and the hat view options... but my years of FPS blasting have made the mouse control more accurate overall. I do find that I'm hesitant to accept solar panel cleaning missions if I don't have mouse control enabled, its just so much easier that way.

Anubis Thanatos · Post by **Anubis Thanatos** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 4:59 pm

Those Solar panels are one of the best ways to teach yourself the Flightstick

No stress, no reds.. simple taking time to get used to it...
Full blown contact your gonna over correct like no tomorrow cause you panic at first..

I mean I still can't do a race with the Flightstick.. forced to use the mouse..
But those 2 are great missions to learn the Flightstick art.

Knight Rider · Post by **Knight Rider** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 5:32 pm

Anyone have any suggestions for a good well rounded joystick? I have the Logitech Attack 3, but somehow, I feel I'm missing out on some features. I know this question is geared toward personal taste, but for this game, there has to be a good one out there without breaking the bank. I'm not asking for a Lamborghini, but I don't won't a Pinto either, any suggestions?

[Edited on 2-11-2009 by Knight Rider]

BraveHart · Post by **BraveHart** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 5:46 pm

I use the same logitech Attack 3 joystick and have configured the keys several times and finally have what I like....I am leaning towards the Saitek X52 pro as an upgrade since this has a lot more options. It costs a pretty penny but I believe it would be a good bet after talking to those that have one. But, it will be awhile having to save up the pretty pennies

.

Post by **Vice** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 6:23 pm

The line listed here have generally received positive feedback and I created the game with an X52 connected to my development system. The Cyborg series seems to be a popular mid-range choice:

http://www.saitekusa.com/prod/joysticks.htm

verbosity · Post by **verbosity** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 6:29 pm

i'd go for a cyborg, but im a leftie

since i cannot afford an x52 I'll be going for another st290pro :-/

Knight Rider · Post by **Knight Rider** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 7:37 pm

Thanks everyone. The Logitech was my first joystick, and I want to get a lot of mileage out of my next upgrade. I will definitely be looking at the suggestions and let you know what I got. Thanks again.

MMaggio · Post by **MMaggio** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 8:40 pm

Excuse me guys, but I can't keep silent any longer. You all can do what you want, but I would like to post another option.
I have been a long time user of Saitek "X" series controllers since the first one came out for Win3.1
I have every one of the "X" series controllers since.
One thing I see has been consistently overlooked is the Saitek X45.
Granted, it is no longer offered by Saitek, but I have spoken to them personally and they will offer "limited" support for the controller.
On the other hand, I have never heard of a "bad" X45. It is considerably easier to program [depends on the individual] is more "user friendly" and has a dedicated "roll" switch instead of the current "twist".
Now, I can understand players apprehension about buying a "used" controller off Ebay, but likeI said, I never heard of a bad one.
With careful searching, you should find one for no more than $35.00USD and with the software, if possible.
Should any of you decide to take a chance and buy an X45 and if there are any problems I will offer my support and contacts within the Saitek company to help resolve them.
Personally, I have three Saitek X45's as I think it's the best controller they ever made.
All those lights and "what have you" do not affect gameplay and are useless in the heat of battle, if not a distraction.
Yes, I admonish you to shop carefully and even inquire to the seller if you have a question. You may even forward an item of interest to me, and I will give you my honest opinion if it's a purchase worth persuing.
I'll admit that the X45 is "analog" while the later models ie: the X52 pro offer digital, but I can tell you as a gamer with over 150 space-sims, I really can't see the difference.
Do what you feel is best for you, but you shouldn't overlook this exciting controller just because there are newer ones.
"New" is not always better.
Anyone who is interested can U2U me or email me for further info.
I am not associated with Saitek in any way other than they know me as a long time user but I am staunch believer in their controllers.
Nuff said. I only want to offer another alternative.

Knight Rider · Post by **Knight Rider** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 8:59 pm

Thanks MMaggio. I will definitely give that some serious consideration. Is it pretty easy to buy it used with the software?

MMaggio · Post by **MMaggio** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:39 pm

Should be. I see them regularly on Ebay.
Vice's game will "see" the X45 w/o installing the software, but it's best to get the controller software when possible.
Mind you, Saitek still offers the software D/L from it's home site. It works perfectly with Win98 & XP and I have never had a problem with either OS.

Knight Rider · Post by **Knight Rider** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:44 pm

Great. I'm sold. Thanks. I'll let you know when I get it. I have Vista, I hope that won't be a problem?

[Edited on 2-11-2009 by Knight Rider]

PingBosun · Post by **PingBosun** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:07 pm

And me! My wireless cyborg has developed an intermittent fault whereby move to the left and it jumps first to the right and then follows normally

So the hunt is on for an X45!!!

Anybody got a spare one?

tk7223 · Post by **tk7223** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:51 pm

I prefer X52 joystick/throttle system. I also have a Sidewinder2 Forcefeedback, and a CH pro fighterstick/thottle/pedal system. I prefer as close a match to the game I'm playing for the emersion factor. Since I play my pc games to get away from the day to day stress and such..anything that 'transports' me away is worth it's weight in gold. The X52 has a good futuristic design. The CH settup is more modern jetfighter style and good for those types of games. And the Sidewinder...well...it's very old, still works, and is small and easy to get out for my laptop.

Daedalao · Post by **Daedalao** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:56 pm

I can vouch for the x45, I had one in 2002/2003. It's a beautiful controller, and I never had any problems with it. I lost mine when moving back to the states from Korea. Finally got an x52 in 2005, and it was definitely worth the money imo. I have to be honest though, I rarely touch the throttle. I've normally got my left hand on the keyboard.

Wasp89 · Post by **Wasp89** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:04 pm

Originally posted by verbosity
i'd go for a cyborg, but im a leftie

since i cannot afford an x52 I'll be going for another st290pro :-/

Aw, there's nothing wrong with the st290pro... it's a great stick! Granted, I wouldn't mind a few buttons on the base, but you gotta love the ambidextrous hand rest!