Joysticks: Consumer tips
The construction is similar to the control stick in airplanes or the gear shift in cars and automatically adapts to the palm of the hand. With a joystick, figures, vehicles, or similar can be moved on the computer or in a computer game by tilting the lever, which stands on a base.
What types of joysticks are there?
Joysticks are divided into two categories. On one hand, there is the analogue joystick and on the other hand, the digital joystick. The analogue joystick is continuous and can control many directions, as it is moved along the x and y axes. Additionally, there is the z-axis, which allows steering by rotating the joystick. Digital joysticks, on the other hand, can only control in eight directions, are very simply built, and are rigid in the transmission of switching signals. They only know the states on and off. Although digital joysticks are still manufactured today, they are now quite outdated.
What should be considered when buying?
When buying a joystick, there are several things to consider. On one hand, you have the choice between wireless joysticks and a device with a cable. If you only want to use your joystick at the desk, a joystick with a cable should suffice. There are also differences in the number of buttons. For complex flight simulators, many buttons on the joystick can be helpful. A high number of buttons can also benefit players of other games, as they can react faster and do not necessarily have to reach for the keyboard. Most devices allow you to programme the buttons. The button layout is stored in the internal memory.
However, the main criterion when buying should be ergonomics. The joystick can be excellent, but if it feels uncomfortable in the hand, it can have painful consequences. Therefore, the buttons should not be too close together and should be easy to press. The build quality of the joystick is very important, as it sometimes has to withstand greater stresses. The base should also be quite heavy and weigh no less than 600 grams, so that the device does not slide off or shift on the table. Exceptionally robust are joysticks that contain the power supply in the base, which adds to the weight. Today, joysticks offer a variety of additional functions. Therefore, when buying, one should pay attention to which functions are needed for one's own requirements to save unnecessary costs. Some joysticks, for example, have a rumble function that creates a vibration in line with the game action. However, not every game supports this function. Then there is the panoramic view, also known as Cooliehat. It is particularly effective in first-person perspective. This allows you to change the viewpoint, but not the control. Complex joysticks even have a display to coordinate many functions such as a high number of buttons or a second control stick. Older joysticks are connected to a game port. However, most computers no longer have this interface. Current models, on the other hand, work with a USB connection. So, if you buy an older device, you should definitely pay attention to the interfaces.
