hat vs keyboard

[TwentyFo]

I've been flyin in this game for 5+ years and have from the start, used the number keypad fro my views.  I have tried to learn the hat-switch but it just isnt the same.  Old habits die hard.  Also using the keyboard for flaps, WEP, and the likes.  Inevitably there are times in dogfights where I do not see the opponent.  I have grown accustomed to this and have developed a good sense of E and direction from each glance I get on my opponent. 

So, how many of you fellas/ladies use the keyboard for views and the likes?

I used to be in the same boat as you. I always used the keyboard for everything minus the hat switch. For the past month I've transitioned to the X52. I have set my wep, push to talk, flaps up/down on my left hand (the throttle). On my right hand I have your basic hat and primary/secondary firing buttons. Having all of these controls at my fingertips has improved my flying tremendously. I am starting to get a lot better at throttle and flap control. I highly recommend programming buttons especially when you have a separate throttle and stick.

[mike254]

I use my numb pad for views also, its easier for me. The only things I have on my stick are throttle, channel and range and of course, fire all guns.

[Shuffler]

Everything programmed on my CH stick and throttle.

[Pawz]

I have everything programmed on my ch stick and throttle including my rudders. It was very hard getting used to this but once I took off the training wheels there was no going back. Im like most with the ch stick do not need to touch keyboard unless I need to type.

[thndregg]

Started playing in summer 2004. Used stick & keyboard. I've tried the X52 twice, and although I do not question its reliability, I couldn't seem to get used to it. I still play using a stick with my keyboard for views and other functions.

[1701E]

I use both Keyboard and Stick for views.  If i need to look up/Direction or Down/direction i will use em both.  Most everything else is on Keyboard though.  Only things on stick are Views/Fire (primary/secondary), Voice (Range/vox), WEP, Weapon secondary select, Gear, tail hook.  Everything else is on keyboard.
I have tried having more on stick but got all confused.  So now i rest my hand on the Q, W, E, Shift, and Z/X keys allowing quick access to all controls i need (normally).

[Noir]

I use the hat for the views, with enter and + on the keypad for look up look down.

I've remaped all the flight controls (flaps, gear, hook, some trimming, open doors, check 6, icon type) on the keypad so I don't have to move the left hand at all except for the engine control, can't beat an HOTAS for that. My stick is a CH fighterstick, PM me if you want my config files.

[SD67]

I use the lower hat on my X52 for veiw with the forward push to move my head back (and down in some planes) so I can see all the instruments and U use the pinky switch for up.

[texasmom]

I use the lower hat on my X52 for veiw with the forward push to move my head back (and down in some planes) so I can see all the instruments and U use the pinky switch for up.

Oh, good idea.

[Noir]

I use the lower hat on my X52 for veiw with the forward push to move my head back (and down in some planes) so I can see all the instruments and U use the pinky switch for up.

well I still use the good ol' keyboard arrows for that except that the up and down arrows are putting the view higher and lower.

my secondary hats (3x4 way hats) on the fighterstick are used by zoom controls, rpm controls, and trimming.

[Yenny]

Well on my joystick I have 6 buttons, a hat, throttle and rudder. For the buttons, I have toggle zoom, enemy selection, shoot primary gun, shoot secondary gun, shoot all gun, and a look up button. Hat for all views. Rudder/throttle I use on the joystick.

Keyboard I used for everything else. Flaps, trim, radio etc. I found it tuff in a turnfight where I have keep moving my left hand from throttle back to keyboard for flaps. I would get lazy and not work on my flaps often and let it automatically retract rather then manually retract it to regain some E. I think if I could get use to Rudder Pedal and a real throttle I'd be a lot more effective in the game. There are a lot of manuevers that I just can't perform because of the rudder being is on the joystick.

[2bighorn]

Well on my joystick I have 6 buttons, a hat, throttle and rudder. For the buttons, I have toggle zoom, enemy selection, shoot primary gun, shoot secondary gun, shoot all gun, and a look up button. Hat for all views. Rudder/throttle I use on the joystick.

Keyboard I used for everything else. Flaps, trim, radio etc. I found it tuff in a turnfight where I have keep moving my left hand from throttle back to keyboard for flaps. I would get lazy and not work on my flaps often and let it automatically retract rather then manually retract it to regain some E. I think if I could get use to Rudder Pedal and a real throttle I'd be a lot more effective in the game. There are a lot of manuevers that I just can't perform because of the rudder being is on the joystick.

For now, try to map flaps to stick buttons. The only thing difficult with twisty is cross control. For everything else, twisty can perform same as pedals, albeit not as precise.

[Kazaa]

I've been flyin in this game for 5+ years and have from the start, used the number keypad fro my views.  I have tried to learn the hat-switch but it just isnt the same.  Old habits die hard.  Also using the keyboard for flaps, WEP, and the likes.  Inevitably there are times in dogfights where I do not see the opponent.  I have grown accustomed to this and have developed a good sense of E and direction from each glance I get on my opponent. 

So, how many of you fellas/ladies use the keyboard for views and the likes?

I've flown with a mouse and keyboard since day one. I did however try an X52 but it just wasn't the same, I fill that I get much better SA from using the num pad over the hat switch(s) for views.

I also have no idea how I've gone so many years without rudder pedals, I still use W,A,S,D for rudder. So it looks like I'm playing the piano when I'm doing rudder input and looking at the same time.

[FiLtH]

 Been using keyboard for the past couple years when the hat switch went bad. Got another stick this week and Im still reaching for keyboard. Will take some time to re-train.