Well at least you won't know what you're missing. The x45 was the worst joystick I ever had, spikey, needed calibrating and felt like a toilet plunger. The x45 throttle was nice I actually used that, but I can't remember if the switches worked without software, the switches wore out in a year anyway.
If you buy a $10 ms sidewinder and you don't like it because you're left handed or something, you're only out $10.