Flight simulator controls for PC are essential for those who want to experience a more realistic and immersive flight simulation experience. These controls can include joysticks, throttles, rudder pedals, and other peripherals that provide tactile feedback and control over the aircraft’s various functions.
The best flight simulator controls for PC will depend on the user’s preferences and experience level. Still, generally, they should be durable, ergonomic, and have programmable buttons and switches that allow for customization of the controls to fit the user’s specific needs. Whether a casual flight simulator enthusiast or a professional pilot, the right flight simulator controls can enhance your experience and take your skills to new heights.
Best Flight Simulator Controls for PC Review
- Thrustmaster-T-Flight-HOTAS-4 Best Flight Simulator
- Logitech G PRO Flight Professional Simulation Yoke
- Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Universal Simulation Control
- Thrustmaster TCA PACK Boeing Edition Flight Simulation Yoke
- PXN 2113 PC Best Flight Joystick Controller
Many flight simulator controls are available on the market, but some stand out above the rest. I have selected the 5 best flight simulator controls for PC. These flight simulator controls have been well-received by users and offer a range of features and price points to suit different needs and budgets.
1) Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS 4 Best Flight Simulator Joystick
| Specification | Tested Values |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | PC, PlayStation |
| Number of buttons | Stick-4, Throttle-8 |
| Number of Axes | 5 |
| Resolution | 10bit for x/y, 8 Bit another axis |
| Dedicated Camera Switch | Yes |
| Adjustable Spring Tension | Yes |
| Throttle | Yes |
| Rudder Twist | Yes |
| Game Style | Versatile |
The Thrustmaster T.Flight simulator is designed for a realistic flying experience. It is compatible with PC, PS4, and PS5. The joystick is perfect for any type of flight, such as air combat, space adventure, or civil flight.
These perfect joysticks and the throttle unit offer greater control over your aircraft. It easily connects to your console or PC with a USB cable that offers a smooth and fast connection.
Realistic and Ergonomic Joystick
The best flight simulator controls for PC is designed for plug-and-play. The joystick’s unique and ergonomic design has a wide handrest to stabilize and relax your hand. The base offers enhanced stability during gaming sessions.
The joystick and throttle are high-performance and give you real-life flight experience. Both units are made of high-quality materials, and have a matte black finish that looks great and resists fingerprints and scratches.
Detachable Throttle
The best flight simulator joystick and throttle is a key feature of this controller that allows you to easily control your aircraft’s acceleration. You can customize your gaming experience and tailor the device to your preferences.
It allows you to position the throttle in the most comfortable position for their gaming needs. It is very helpful in long gaming sessions, as the poor position of the throttle can cause discomfort and strain on your hands and arms.
Dual Rudder System
The joystick features a dual rudder function, allowing greater precision and control during flight. It enables you to perform complex movements easily. This system allows users to use the pedals or the twist function on the joystick to adjust the rudder to provide a customizable and realistic flight experience.
Benefits
- Natural feel due to ergonomic design
- Comfortable and easy to set up
- High-end flight simulator control system and an affordable option
- Highly realistic flight simulation experience
- Comprehensive control setup with throttle and joystick
Drawback
- Users who prefer a more compact and streamlined control setup may not like it
2) Logitech G PRO Yoke System Best Joystick for Flight Simulator
| Specification | Featured Values |
|---|---|
| Series | Logitech G PRO Flight Yoke System |
| Compatible Devices | PC |
| Controller Type | Throttle Quadrant, Yoke |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Hardware Platform | PC, Desktop |
| Operating System | MAC |
| Flight Yoke | 5.9 ft (1.8m) |
| USB Connector Cable, | Yes |
| Flight Throttle Quadrant | 4.92 ft (1.5m) |
| PS/2 Connector Cable | Yes |
| Desk Clamps | 2 |
The Logitech G PRO Flight Yoke System is a professional simulation. It is compatible with most flight simulation software. It is an excellent choice and delivers an exceptional flight simulation experience with customized settings and enhanced features.
This panel works with Windows 8.1 and 10. This flight yoke system is designed for professionals and beginners with an immersive and realistic flight simulation experience.
Great Flight Experience
The best flight simulator controls for pc takes you to the skies and gives you an immersive flight experience. You can travel the world over thousands of airports, cities and billions of buildings, real mountains, rivers, etc.
The best joystick for flight simulator is compatible with a range of flight simulation software and is built to cater to the needs of both professional and casual users.
Built-In Features
The built-in stopwatch is perfect for timing approaches. The Flight Yoke System also features a built-in USB hub which allows you to connect other devices, such as rudder pedals and additional controllers.
The rudder pedals are designed with tension adjustment so that you feel the real flight experience. The yoke system also has a full 180-degree rotation which is essential for simulating the movement of a real aircraft.
Amazing Yoke System
The Logitech G flight yoke system’s shaft is made of real stainless steel, making it durable and long-lasting, and it gives you smooth and aileron control. The yoke system and throttle quadrant have 25 buttons and switch positions you can customize.
The three-position switch for three profiles gives you 75 custom controls and allows you to set up your controls and fly. The System is also extremely customizable, able to map buttons, switches, and other inputs to the yoke’s various controls.
Benefits
- High-precision mechanism with realism
- Comprehensive control setup for your flight simulator
- Versatile option for flight simulator enthusiasts
- Ensure durability and reliability
- Plug-and-play design for easy setup
Drawback
- Relatively bulky and difficult to adjust
3) Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Universal Control System
| Specification | Values |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | PC, Xbox, Xbox Series |
| Yoke Handle rotation | 180 degree |
| Number of Axes | 12 |
| Programmable Buttons | 10 |
| Flight Management Display | Yes |
| Throttle | Yes |
| Rudder Twist | Yes |
| Type of Game | Versatile |
World-class aeronautical professionals develop the Turtle Beach Velocity One Flight Universal control system. The sleek and stylish design makes it unique. It is built with high-quality materials. It is designed with the best compatibility and a wide range of flight simulation games.
It has built-in software that detects the game you are playing and automatically configures it. The secure clamping system ensures that your flight simulation equipment is stable and more secure during usage and prevents it from moving around or tipping over.
This flight simulator delivers the most immersive flying experience.
Realistic Yoke Handle
The yoke is designed with premium quality materials. Its construction is extremely sturdy, durable, and designed with the latest hall effect sensor technology. The yoke is also equipped with various buttons, switches, and dials for controlling different functions of the aircraft.
The yoke handle rotates 180 degrees, allowing smooth and accurate control of the aircraft’s pitch and roll. It is
Integrated Rudder Controls
The rudder and brake controls are important setups for flight simulation. One of the key advantages of the integrated rudder and brake controls is their convenience. The rudder and brake controls are often located on the yoke or joystick, making it easy for pilots to operate both systems simultaneously. It enhances their overall flight experience.
Modular Throttle Quadrant
The flight simulator’s modular throttle quadrant provides three extra levers to control the engine, flap, gear, and 9 programmable commands. It provides a realistic experience in aircraft. The best flight simulator controls for PC have customizable options and is designed to be user-friendly to give you an immersive and enjoyable flight simulation experience.
The flight management display allows you to show real-time information about your flight, such as airspeed, altitude, heading, etc. It allows you to adjust the layout and content according to your preferences.
Benefits
- Versatile compatibility and Multiple control options
- Easy to set up and use
- Comfortable and natural feel with ergonomic designs
- High-quality construction
- Ensure durability and reliability
Drawback
- Different customization options on each level make it complex
4) Thrustmaster TCA Yoke Boeing Edition Joystick for Xbox Series
| Specification | Tested Values |
|---|---|
| Platform | PC, Xbox One |
| Interface | Wired |
| Model | TCA Yoke Pack Boeing Edition Xbox Series X|S WW |
| Action Buttons | 35 |
| Ergonomic Replicas | 1:1 scale |
| Structure | 100% metal internal yoke |
The Thrustmaster TCA Yoke Boeing is designed for Xbox, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/s. It is also compatible with PCs. This high-quality yoke is designed to replicate the look and feel of the Iconic Boeing 737 yoke, which is used in commercial aviation. It feels extremely realistic when flying in a simulator.
Metal Construction and Adjustable Spring
The innovative design and 100% metal construction of the best flight simulator controls for PC made this yoke sturdy and amazing. The balance weight distribution of the control allows outstanding durability.
It is also equipped with adjustable springs that provide resistance to the movement of the yoke so that it simulates the feel of controlling an actual aircraft. The variable springs allow you to customize the resistance to their preference to give a more realistic and immersive flying experience.
Amazing Levers
In flight simulation, the levers play an important role. It has a realistic feel and movement and provides different resistance levels. It is used for takeoffs and landing aircraft. These swappable levers are designed to control the setting of aircraft. The levers also feature buttons and switch specifically to Boeing aircraft or a more immersive experience.
5) PXN 2113 PC Best Flight Joystick Controller
| Specification | Values |
|---|---|
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Operating System | Windows 7/8/10 |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Controller Type | Gamepad, Windows |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
The PXN 2113 joystick for flight simulator is highly responsive and equipped with enhanced features and functions that give you accurate and realistic flight control. Single-hand control gives you full control over the aircraft’s movement. This joystick has a comfortable grip, offers stability, and prevents slipping during intense gaming sessions.
Subtle Vibration Function
The vibration function of the best flight simulator controls for PC offers haptic feedback. This function enhances the realism of the flight simulation. The vibration button exists on the base of the joystick. The vibration mode on the joystick is highly customizable. It allows you to adjust the intensity of the vibrations according to your desire or the game scene.
Great Compatibility
The best flight simulator controller Xbox is compatible with windows XP, vista, 7,8, and 10 computers and laptops. It is plug-and-play, meaning you don’t need any additional software installed.
If the device does not support it, you can download the PXN2113 driver. The connectivity is also very simple. You can directly insert it into a USB port on your computer, which the operating system will automatically recognize.
Multifunctional Design
The PXN2113 joystick is a multifunctional flight simulator controller that provides quick controls. The ability to move in four directions and at a 45-degree angle provides precise control over the simulated aircraft. The flight controller design is ergonomic, and the functions provide you with more immersive gameplay.
Benefits
- Realistic flight simulation experience with adjustable resistance
- Customizable controls with programmable buttons and an eight-way hat switch
- Compatibility with multiple platforms like Windows 10, 8, and 7
- Ergonomic design and Durable construction
- Long-lasting flight simulator control device
Drawback
- Not be suitable for higher-level users
I recommend you the best flight simulator controls with Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS 4 (PS5, PS4, and PC). It is a flight simulator control system with PS5, PS4, and PC. It features a complete control setup and an ergonomic design, making it a versatile and comfortable option for flight simulator enthusiasts. The best flight simulator controls for PC reviews the best products in terms of budget and design.
Product Recommendation
One popular and highly rated free flight simulator for PC is FlightGear, which offers a realistic and customizable flying experience with a wide range of aircraft and locations to choose from.
The controls in the flight simulator include the yoke or joystick, throttle, pedals, and a range of buttons and switches that can be programmed to perform different functions.
Technical controls such as joysticks, yokes, and pedals can enhance the realism and accuracy of the Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Rudder pedals are not strictly necessary for playing flight simulators, and they can enhance the realism and accuracy of the simulation.