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When it comes to FPS games, nothing beats the speed and accuracy of a keyboard and mouse. Likewise, when it comes to a fighting-style game or arcade game, a gamepad is probably the best option (though I’ll still happily go for the keyboard and mouse in most instances). However, when it comes to flight sims or anything vaguely approaching them (Such as Star Wars: Squadrons, or X4) then you will definitely, definitely want a HOTAS set up.
What is HOTAS? I hear you cry. I’m glad you asked. It’s an abbreviation for Hands-On-Throttle-And-Stick. A more simple explanation (and perhaps more easily grasped) is that it means one hand (usually your right) works a joystick, whilst the other (usually your left, especially if you’re right is already using the joystick) runs a throttle. You’d be mistaken, however, if you thought that was all your left hand did. Like most higher end HOTAS setups (to which the Logitech X52 Professional belongs) the throttle control is bedecked with buttons, studded with switches, and even toys with a thumb-stick. Between these, and the copious amounts of buttons contained on the joystick (including a particularly fun ‘missile launcher’ style button which requires you to flick a plastic safety off in order to access it), it will be rare for you to have to reach for your keyboard at all, unless you’re playing a super-realistic sim, or issuing one of the less common commands. This is especially the case, given that the Logitech software means that, at the twiddle of a dial, you can switch between several different presets.
Adding to the customization options is the ability to change how much resistance your throttle has, as well as the ability to reposition the lower handgrip and trigger on the joystick, letting you bring it up higher to suit smaller hands.
Really, this is a delight to use. I have used joysticks in the past where the centreing spring was so strong, especially the twisting motion used for rudder control when playing without rudder-pedals, it quickly tired you out and left you with a sore wrist. Not so here. The controls feel precise, and light and easy to use, and I could easily spend an hour or more zipping around in a Spitfire, X-Wing or F16 Falcon with no strain at all. Also, a nice touch is the illuminated detents on the throttle, which lets you quickly gauge just where you are, and a slight resistance for when you push to maximum. This is especially useful on games where that last bit of resistance is the end of maximum throttle and the start of after-burner.
This isn’t just a good bit of kit, but a fun toy in its own right, with buttons that light up, an (already mentioned) safety switch, and even an LCD screen built into the throttle. While I haven’t really found this to be that practical (especially given that you’ll be wanting to spend your time staring at the screen and not down at your hands), it does make it just a little more fun.
If you like flight or space sims, and you’re looking for an exceptional joystick which won’t break the bank, then the Logitech X52 Professional is definitely recommended. ■