Best Hardware for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (Ultimate Guide)
The words “Flight Simulator” and “Hardware” are a match as old as Romeo & Juliet. For as long - probably even longer - as people have been emulating the experience of Flight using software, they’ve also been emulating it using hardware. If you’re new to Microsoft Flight Simulator and are unsure what the best hardware to buy is, this guide is for you. If you’re returning to Flight Simulator and want to make an informed purchase, based on what’s new to the market, you’re also in luck. Thankfully stock levels of Yokes, Joysticks, Rudder Pedals, etc are starting to return to shelves after the out-of-stock armageddon that happened when MSFS launched. This is also a useful Christmas gift guide for fans of Flight Simulator in your life.
A word of caution: Flight Simulator Hardware is known to be quite costly and can put strain on spousal relationships - proceed with caution.
Beginners Guide to Flight Simulator Hardware
The first piece of hardware you’re going to want is to replace that mouse / keyboard combo with a Yoke or Stick (aka “Joystick”), and ideally an accompanying Throttle.
The Difference between a Yoke and a Joystick / Stick for Flight Simulator?
Yoke VS HOTAS VS Stick
Yokes look like steering wheels but also have an added push/pull dimension of control, whilst sticks (sometimes referred to as Joy-Sticks) look like sticks that rotate around a central point. In aviation, Boeing planes almost entirely use Yokes, whilst competitor Airbus use Sticks. HOTAS systems are a type of controller used by simmers, which have an accompanying Throttle attached to them If you’re learning to fly, you’ll also find many of the planes you use when starting out (single engine planes) will use Yokes. It’s above my pay-grade to be getting into the very detailed differences about Yokes vs Throttles, but the video below has more detail if you’re interested. There is often a big difference in price between Yokes and Sticks - with Yokes being more expensive at the entry level. You’ll be able to buy a cheap and very useable Joystick for around $50 USD (The Logitech , while the standard entry level Yoke (The Logitech G Flight Yoke & Throttle System, will cost you around $250-300 USD depending on retailer.
Recommendation: If you’re on a budget, an Airbus die-hard, or new to Flight Simulator, go for an entry level stick. It will save you potentially investing hundreds in a Yoke that could end up gathering dust in the cupboard after a few weeks. If money is no object, you’re a dedicated simmer, or a Boeing pilot - go for one of the Yokes below.
Sticks / HOTAS (Hands on Throttle & Stick)
Looks like a stick (when accompanied by throttle, called a HOTAS)
Much more affordable
Used on Airbus & Fighter Jets
Often has built-in throttle lever at the base
No-need for expensive rudder pedals as you can twist Yoke left/right to control the rudders
Joysticks start at $50, whilst HOTAS start closer to $230
Yokes
Look like a steering wheel with added push/pull dimension
Considerably More Costly
Used on Boeing Planes
Used on student-pilot planes (small Cessna single engines)
Rudder pedals will be necessary and can be expensive
In my opinion Yokes give a more immersive and fun flying experience
Start at $250 USD (with included throttle controller)
Real Pilot Describes the functional differences in flying with a Yoke vs a Stick.
Best Yokes for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
Yokes are my preferred way to sim, but when you’re putting multiple hundreds of dollars on the table to get one, you’re going to want to make the right choice so here are the best options for you to chose from:
The Honeycomb Alpha Flight Controls Yoke & Switch Panel
Get this one. This is the one you want. Asterisk, Asterisk. Seriously, Honeycomb Aeronautical has made tidal waves in the Flight Sim community because of their exceptional hardware. Not only is it durable, precise, and high quality - they also just look really damn cool. The Honeycomb Yoke features the following:
Solid steel yoke shaft with 180° rotation
5 Position Ignition Switch + Master, Avionics, Alternator, and Light Switch Panel
Push to Talk Button (useful for talking to ATC if using VATSIM)
Can be used either mounted with clamps or if you have a thick desk you can mount it to the included Micro-Suction Pad that provides 40 pounds of resistance
Extremely durable and precise design
No included throttle (Honeycomb produces a separate throttle that is very sold out right now)
$448 on Amazon (stock frequently runs out so purchase when available)
Logitech G PRO Flight Yoke System
If you’re after something a bit more affordable than the Honeycomb, want a throttle included, and are willing to compromise for a mostly plastic construction - the Logitech G Pro Flight Yoke System is your best bet for Microsoft Flight Simulator. There’s a stark difference in build quality, given the Logitech is mostly plastic, but it’s still a very durable Yoke. Another compromise that you have to make when paying about $200 less for this system is you won’t have the full 180 degrees of rotation that the Honeycomb provides. This is something to seriously consider as it does affect the realism of your sim experience. That being said, the Logitech G Pro Flight Yoke system is an excellent starter Yoke, and there’s a reason this system has been around so long.
LCD display that can display time and a flight timer
Various buttons on both sides of the Yoke
Included 3 Axis Lever Throttle System which connects directly to the Yoke
Integrated USB 2.0 HUB which provides 3 USB ports
Stainless steel Yoke Shaft
Clamps to Desk (some desks may be too thick for the clamp to fit)
Best Stick / HOTAS for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas X Flight Stick
Thrustmaster are your go-to in the world of HOTAS setups, and there’s plenty of reason for that - they’re comfortable, reliable, and durable. Our first recommendation is the T-Flight HOTAS which offers a comfortable wide hand rest, and a detachable throttle control. There are also 12 programmable buttons which is sure to satisfy your setup needs. Thrustmaster also offers adjustable resistance in this stick, which is a great addition given the affordable price. You can grab the T-Flight HOTAS for $120 on Amazon.
Thrustmaster Warthog HOTAS
If you’re after something a bit more heavy duty and militaristic - the Warthog is your go-to. It features an almost exclusively metal design. It replicates the throttle and control panel of the US Air Force’s A 10C aircraft, and features 19 programmable action buttons. This one doesn’t come cheap though, at over $800 you’re paying for some serious precision and build quality. You’ll need a set of rudder pedals to pair with this bad boy though, as the warthog doesn’t support twist motion control due to it being nearly identical to the actual US Air Force design. You also won’t have the ability to adjust the tension as you do with the T-Flight HOTAS
Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS HOTAS
If you’re after something somewhere between the pricey Warthog and the T-Flight, Thrustmaster have your back with the T.16000M FCS Hotas. With 16 active programmable buttons on the stick and another 14 on the throttle, you’ll wonder what to do with them all. The throttle and stick are also separated so you can have each hand much farther (and more comfortably) apart than you would be able to with the T-Flight. If you can afford the extra cash for the T.16000M over the T-Flight, it’s worth getting, if only for the added comfort. One downside though is the lack of adjustable tension which is traded for more precision in the T.16000M.
Best Rudder Pedals for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
Rudder pedals are more a luxury item for those using a Stick / HOTAS (given the stick can control the rudder pedals by a twisting motion) - however they’re almost a necessity for those of us who’ve opted for a yoke. Why do you need rudder pedals? If you’re new to flying, rudder pedals are what allow you to control your plane when you’re taxiing on a runway, and they also greatly assist control of the aircraft when you want to do any movement that isn’t vertically aligned (aka turning). You can use the num-pad to control the rudders in Microsoft Flight Simulator, however it’s really bad (since the Enter and 0 keys launch the rudder 100% in either direction, giving your plane a jerky and dangerous movement that isn’t much fun and will probably cause you to crash more than once.
Rudder pedals, aren’t cheap though, but in my opinion, they’re the third thing you should buy after a proper Yoke/Stick, and a throttle.
Logitech G Pro Flight Rudder Pedals
These Logitech pedals are what I’d consider to be the standard starter pedals - they’re not the cheapest option but they’re far from the most expensive. They’ve got a mostly plastic design, complimented by a hefty metal platform and supports. There’s a built-in tension control dial to give you control over how much pressure has to be applied in order to shift the rudders either direction, and these pedals automatically center themselves when no force is being applied.
Thrustmaster TFRP Rudder Pedals
Thrustmaster’s pedals are extremely competitively priced against Logitech’s. They’re almost entirely a metal construction, utilizing a combination of steel and aluminum parts. Without a doubt these pedals are more durable than the plastic found in Logitech’s, so if you plan on flying long hours I’d chose the Thrustmaster, although they do lack the easily adjustable tension control that is available in the Logitech Pedals.
CH Products Pro Pedals
An alternative to Logitech and Thrustmaster’s options is the minimalist CH Products Pro pedals, which won’t win any beauty contests, but are certainly functional. They’re self-centering, but lack the tension control found in the Logitech model. I would go for these pedals if the other two are out of stock, as they’re still a sturdy pedal but it’s hard to throw a lot of enthusiasm behind them when the Thrustmaster’s all metal construction is almost $40 cheaper at the moment.
Bonus Accessories for Microsoft Flight Simulator:
Stream Deck
Buttons are like currency for Flight Simmers, the more of them you have the better. One great hack for adding buttons that are going to be easier to navigate than your WASD keyboard is a stream deck. These devices have a grid of buttons which are all programmable and even have LCD displays allowing you to change what is displayed on each button.
Bose Headphones / Headset
While any headphones will do, Bose is the gold standard of aviation, so why not live the complete experience and grab yourself a pair, they’re built to last and will bring the vivid soundscape of Microsoft Flight Simulator to life.
