A stick configured like the Saitek ST290

[BnZs]

Hello all, I'm looking for other sticks that have button and hatswitch configurations like this:

I've always played with ST290 sticks. The configuration is important to my way of using views in the game: I use the hatswitch with tip of my thumb, and when I want to use the "up" views, I press that center button in combination with the hat. It works well for me and I don't really want to learn another method. Unfortunately I don't think ST290s are being made new anymore, and frankly it is a rather low quality controller. So I'm asking if there are any other sticks out there that would have a center button and hatswitch in similar positions, so I won't have to learn how to "see" all over again. The other buttons are of less importance. Thanks in advance.

[Estes]

 Depends on your budget and if you want to stick to twisty sticks or not. But, this might get you started.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826280020

[Bizman]

Estes, that's a very good stick and I like mine a lot. But: The positioning of the hat differs in the ST290 and the T16000m. In the TM it's very difficult - at least with my hand - to conveniently press the centre button and move the hat. On the Saitek the hat seems to be tilted back for easy reaching with the tip of the thumb. I took a quick glimpse with google's picture search for "joystick" to refresh my memory. It seems that the Saitek is one of the very few if not the only model with the upright hat.

[Estes]

Estes, that's a very good stick and I like mine a lot. But: The positioning of the hat differs in the ST290 and the T16000m. In the TM it's very difficult - at least with my hand - to conveniently press the centre button and move the hat. On the Saitek the hat seems to be tilted back for easy reaching with the tip of the thumb. I took a quick glimpse with google's picture search for "joystick" to refresh my memory. It seems that the Saitek is one of the very few if not the only model with the upright hat.

Ah ok, thank you for the clarification Biz. I've never used either of the sticks, I just found one that looked like it might work out for him. Hopefully this helps the OP out. 

[BnZs]

Thanks for your replies gentlemen. The search continues. I'm wondering if the Saitek Cyborg might fit the bill.

[gyrene81]

you won't like that cyborg stick...i tossed mine after just 6 months.

have you considered the thrustmaster t-flight x stick?

http://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-T-Flight-Stick-Flight-PC/dp/B000WHFQ0K/ref=pd_sim_sbs_e_7

[BnZs]

you won't like that cyborg stick...i tossed mine after just 6 months.

have you considered the thrustmaster t-flight x stick?

http://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-T-Flight-Stick-Flight-PC/dp/B000WHFQ0K/ref=pd_sim_sbs_e_7

Clearly does not have the specified hat-switch and button configuration.

[Bizman]

Thanks for your replies gentlemen. The search continues. I'm wondering if the Saitek Cyborg might fit the bill.
(Image removed from quote.)

I can't say anything about how it would feel, other than that looks like the hat and centre button might well work according to what you've got used to. Another point is that it's available, and the price tag doesn't look too bad. And although Gyrene didn't like his one, that doesn't mean you wouldn't like one. After all, each of us has our own ways to handle a stick, rough, gentle, everything in between. There's some reviews saying it's even the best joystick in its price range - take that with a grain of salt, though! Anyway, it looks like the only alternative at the moment fitting your ergonomic requirement.

[gyrene81]

Clearly does not have the specified hat-switch and button configuration.

(Image removed from quote.)

good luck with that cyborg... 

[Wiley]

Clearly does not have the specified hat-switch and button configuration.

I know what you mean about that configuration.  I really liked it on mine too.  I've never seen it on another stick.  My replacement had a pinky switch, and it was just as handy as the thumb thing once I retrained my brain.  YMMV of course.

Wiley.

[Bizman]

a pinky switch - - - was just as handy as the thumb thing once I retrained my brain.  YMMV of course.

This is too good an introduction to one of my favourite topics: Retraining your brain, meaning you have to master a task in a way you haven't been doing it before, is very good for your brain! It will take some time. In a couple of weeks you'll start to remember you're doing it in a different way. In a few months your brain has built new neural routes, after which the new way is just as automatic as the old one used to be. What's the benefit, you may ask? Well, just think about that unhappy situation when your brain will let you down, either due to an accident or a memory disease such as Alzheimer's. The more alternative routes your brain has rebuilt, the less you suffer. Simple things like learning to brush your teeth with the other hand as good as with the usual one serves the same purpose. So does learning a new route from home to work.

So, in case you can't find a satisfying replacement, take the new one as a precautionary cure for old age. 

[wpeters]

you won't like that cyborg stick...i tossed mine after just 6 months.

have you considered the thrustmaster t-flight x stick?

http://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-T-Flight-Stick-Flight-PC/dp/B000WHFQ0K/ref=pd_sim_sbs_e_7

Same here. Cybor is not the way to go

[NatCigg]

i use the st290. I use the bottom right hat button as the up view.

I had the new cyborg.  It is ok but has balance issues, especially when the stick is moved forward.  I actually twist tied the spring to take tension out of the stick and it helped. although overtime i could not stand it any more and it made its way back to best buy.

I then went with the 3d pro. this stick also worked well and I think could be an option for you but you will have to use the bottom right hat button for up view like me. 

Thankfully I found this 290 covered in dust on the back wall of a local computer repair shop. 

[BuckShot]

You guys were lucky to get 6 months out of the cyborg. Mine lasted 2 months, my squaddy's lasted less than one.

I removed the stick and now use the extra buttons on the base. The throttle is junk too.

The stick turned me off of Saitek products.

I now use a  thrustmaster HOTAS. I have look up/ look down mapped to buttons on the throttle. I can press them in conjunction with the hat to get the diagonal-up-right, diagonal-left-down type views you're looking for. Its not the same deal you're talking about, but it works well for me and others.  Good luck.

~S~~ Buck

[gyrene81]

ya BuckShot, i have like 13 different views setup with my thrustmaster hotas stick. really nice. still have buttons left over for things like flaps, gear, brakes, and vox.