Flying through the vast universe of Elite Dangerous requires precise controls that enhance your gameplay experience. A HOTAS (Hands On Throttle And Stick) system gives pilots better command over their spacecraft with realistic throttle and joystick controls.
The Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS HOTAS stands out for its excellent balance of affordability, precision, and customization options that make space exploration feel more immersive.
When shopping for a HOTAS for Elite Dangerous, focus on button count, build quality, and compatibility with your gaming system. The number of programmable buttons affects how many ship functions you can control without touching your keyboard.
Build quality determines how long your HOTAS will last through intense dogfights. And of course, make sure the HOTAS works with your PC or console before purchasing.
We spent weeks testing the most popular HOTAS systems with Elite Dangerous to find which ones offer the best flight experience for commanders of all skill levels. Our hands-on testing revealed clear winners that make piloting through the galaxy both easier and more enjoyable.
What makes a good HOTAS for Elite Dangerous? Look for multiple programmable buttons, good resistance in the joystick, and comfortable hand positioning for those long exploration journeys.
Best HOTAS for Elite Dangerous
We’ve tested dozens of flight sticks to bring you the ultimate HOTAS (Hands On Throttle And Stick) options for Elite Dangerous. A good HOTAS can transform your space combat experience, giving you precise control over your ship during intense dogfights and complex docking maneuvers.
Our picks below range from budget-friendly options to premium setups that will make you feel like you’re truly piloting through the galaxy.
Thrustmaster T16000M FCS HOTAS
The Thrustmaster T16000M FCS HOTAS offers exceptional precision and versatility for Elite Dangerous pilots seeking an affordable yet feature-rich flight control system.
Pros
- Incredible accuracy with Hall Effect magnetic sensors
- Comfortable for long gaming sessions
- Plenty of programmable buttons for complex commands
Cons
- Throttle can feel stiff initially
- Some plastic parts might wear over time
- Default button mapping requires customization
We’ve spent countless hours with the Thrustmaster T16000M in Elite Dangerous, and it truly transforms the gameplay experience. The stick’s movement feels incredibly smooth thanks to the Hall Effect sensors.
No more accidental drifting or imprecise movements when trying to line up that perfect shot!
The throttle component gives you excellent control over your ship’s speed. We especially love the analog mini-stick on the throttle that makes lateral thrusters a breeze to control.
Having a dedicated throttle instead of keyboard controls makes docking at stations much more intuitive.
Button placement is well-thought-out, with 16 action buttons that can be mapped to your most-used commands. The braille-style identification on buttons helps you locate them without looking down during intense combat situations.
We found this extremely useful when fighting Thargoids!
The twist rudder function works perfectly for yaw control, eliminating the need for separate rudder pedals. For longer play sessions, the ergonomic design prevents hand fatigue, which is crucial during extended exploration journeys to Colonia or Sagittarius A*.
Setup was straightforward on our PC. The base is stable with good weight, preventing the controller from sliding around during quick maneuvers.
While some plastic components don’t feel premium, the overall build quality exceeds expectations at this price point.
For Elite Dangerous specifically, this HOTAS setup gives you all the control options you need without breaking the bank. We’ve found the precision particularly helpful when mining asteroids or executing precise landing sequences at planetary bases.
Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS X
The Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS X offers impressive value for Elite Dangerous pilots seeking a full hands-on throttle and stick experience without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Comfortable grip with wide hand-rest for long gaming sessions
- Fully programmable with 12 buttons and 5 axes
- Detachable throttle gives flexibility in setup options
Cons
- Plastic construction feels less premium than higher-end models
- Limited button options compared to more expensive HOTAS systems
- Some stick drift may develop after extended use
We recently tested the Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS X with Elite Dangerous, and it truly enhances the space combat experience. The separate throttle control gives a more immersive feel when managing ship speed during intense dogfights.
Having that real physical control makes docking at stations feel more natural than keyboard controls ever could.
The stick provides good resistance that can be adjusted to your preference. During our testing, we found the sensitivity just right for making precise movements when targeting enemy ships.
The weighted base keeps everything stable during those emergency evasive maneuvers when you’re trying to escape interdiction.
What surprised us most was how easy setup was – true plug-and-play functionality that had us flying within minutes.
The preset button is particularly useful for Elite Dangerous, letting us switch control schemes when moving from combat to exploration. For players new to HOTAS systems, this is a user-friendly entry point.
The build quality feels decent for the price point. While it’s not metal construction like premium options, the plastic holds up well to regular use.
The multi-directional hat works perfectly for managing power distribution in Elite Dangerous, a critical function when balancing systems during battle.
We appreciate the internal memory that saves all programming. This means we didn’t have to reconfigure everything when switching between computers or after updates.
The wide hand-rest prevented the fatigue we often experience with smaller joysticks during longer play sessions.
For Elite Dangerous commanders looking for their first HOTAS without investing hundreds, this delivers a significant upgrade from keyboard and mouse controls. The immersion factor alone makes flying through the galaxy much more enjoyable, especially when landing on planets or navigating asteroid fields.
Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS One
The Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS One provides excellent value with its precise controls and comfortable design, making it a great entry-level choice for Elite Dangerous pilots.
Pros
- Comfortable grip with adjustable resistance
- Separate throttle can be detached for flexible positioning
- Works seamlessly with both Xbox and PC
Cons
- Throttle feels slightly too sensitive
- Limited number of buttons for complex space sims
- Plastic build quality isn’t as premium as higher-end models
We took the Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS One for a spin in Elite Dangerous, and it immediately enhanced our space flight experience. The stick has a nice weight to it without feeling too heavy during those long exploration sessions.
What we really appreciated was the ability to adjust the joystick resistance to match our flying style.
The dual rudder system gives you options for controlling your ship’s lateral movements. You can use either the joystick’s Z-axis rotation or the tilting lever on the throttle.
This came in handy when docking at space stations, giving us precise control over our approach.
The detachable throttle is a game-changer for comfort. We tried both configurations – connected for lap play and separated for desk setup.
Being able to position the throttle where it feels most natural made those marathon trading runs much less tiring.
Button placement is thoughtful, though Elite Dangerous players might find themselves wishing for a few more inputs for all those complex ship functions.
We mapped our most common commands and found the layout intuitive enough that muscle memory kicked in quickly.
The white Microsoft Flight Simulator edition looks sharp, but the functionality is what matters for Elite Dangerous. We noticed the throttle was a bit too sensitive at first, requiring a gentle touch during delicate maneuvers, but we adjusted to it after a few hours of play.
For the price point, this HOTAS delivers solid performance that will definitely improve your Elite Dangerous experience. The plug-and-play functionality meant we were up and exploring the galaxy within minutes of connecting it to our system.
Logitech X52 Flight System
The Logitech X52 offers excellent control for Elite Dangerous with its 282 programmable commands and comfortable design, making it a solid choice for pilots who want precision without breaking the bank.
Pros
- LCD display shows programmed commands at a glance
- Adjustable grip fits different hand sizes
- Magnetic sensors provide smooth, precise movements
Cons
- Lightweight construction can slide during intense gameplay
- Suction cups don’t provide secure mounting
- Some quality issues reported with long-term use
We’ve spent dozens of hours using the Logitech X52 in Elite Dangerous, and it’s transformed our space combat experience. The joystick returns to center perfectly thanks to the magnetic sensor system.
This helps tremendously when trying to line up shots on enemy ships or dock at stations without overcorrecting.
The throttle control feels solid in hand and offers just the right resistance. We especially love the multifunction LCD that lets us check our programmed commands before executing them.
No more accidentally launching chaff when you meant to deploy a heat sink!
The 3D twist function works great for rudder control, and we appreciate the lock feature when using separate pedals. With 282 programmable commands across three modes, we can handle almost every Elite Dangerous function without touching the keyboard.
Setting up custom bindings takes some time, but the results are worth it.
One thing that bothers us is the lightweight construction. During intense dogfights, the unit can slide around unless secured properly.
We solved this by adding some non-slip material underneath, but built-in mounting options would be better.
After using the X52 for several weeks, we’ve noticed the precision is excellent for mid-range HOTAS equipment. The spring tension provides good feedback without causing hand fatigue during long exploration sessions.
When landing on high-gravity planets, the fine control makes a huge difference.
Elite Dangerous Tip: Use the pinky switch on the joystick as a modifier to double your available commands!
Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog
The Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog delivers unmatched precision and build quality that makes it the ultimate choice for serious Elite Dangerous pilots despite its premium price tag.
Pros
- Built like a tank with all-metal construction
- Incredible precision with Hall Effect sensors
- Extensive button layout perfect for complex space sims
Cons
- Very expensive investment
- Heavy and requires significant desk space
- Stiff controls might need time to master
We’ve spent countless hours in Elite Dangerous using the Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog, and the difference it makes is immediately noticeable.
The solid metal construction gives it a weighty, authentic feel that plastic alternatives simply can’t match. At over 13 pounds, this thing isn’t going anywhere during intense dogfights or when you’re frantically trying to dock at a station.
The precision is what truly sets the Warthog apart. Using H.E.A.R.T technology (Hall Effect AccuRate Technology), every tiny adjustment translates perfectly in-game.
When we’re lining up long-distance jumps or tracking targets in combat, the 16-bit resolution makes movements incredibly smooth and accurate.
Button layout is another area where the Warthog shines for Elite Dangerous. With 55 programmable buttons and multiple hat switches, we were able to map virtually every command without touching the keyboard.
The dual throttle system is perfect for controlling speed during tricky maneuvers, and the detents provide tactile feedback that helps with power management.
The resistance in the stick might feel too stiff at first, but we found it actually improves precision over time.
It prevents accidental movements that could send you crashing into an asteroid or space station. The throttle’s tension is also adjustable, which lets you customize the feel to your preferences.
Setting up custom profiles for Elite Dangerous is straightforward with the included software.
We created different configurations for combat, exploration, and mining with color-coded LED indicators on the control panel that remind us which profile is active.
While the price tag is steep, we’ve found the Warthog to be a long-term investment. After years of use, it performs just as precisely as day one, which isn’t something we can say about cheaper alternatives we’ve tried in the past.
Buying Guide
Choosing the best HOTAS for Elite Dangerous can be confusing with so many options. We’ve put together this guide to help you make the right choice.
Budget Considerations
Your budget will determine what features you can get. Entry-level HOTAS setups start around $50, while high-end options can cost over $400.
Pro Tip: If you’re serious about Elite Dangerous, investing in a mid-range HOTAS ($100-200) offers the best balance of quality and price.
Button Layout
The number of buttons matters a lot for Elite Dangerous. Look for at least 12 programmable buttons to handle ship controls without reaching for your keyboard.
A hat switch is essential for thrusters, making docking and combat maneuvers easier.
Build Quality
Durability is key for long gaming sessions. Check for:
- Metal components over plastic
- Solid base that won’t slide during intense moments
- Smooth action on joystick and throttle
Features to Consider
| Feature | Importance | Why It Matters |
| Hall Effect Sensors | High | More precise control, longer life |
| Tension Adjustment | Medium | Customize resistance to your preference |
| Detachable Parts | Medium | Allows custom desk placement |
Compatibility
Make sure your HOTAS works with your system.
Most connect via USB and work with PC, but check PlayStation or Xbox compatibility if needed.