Logitech X56chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

A very large number of commenters report random ghost inputs, especially from the throttle, triggering unwanted switches, flaps, gear, or weapon systems. Powered USB hubs and separate ports help some but do not fully resolve it for others.

@1979kapf

I've had mine 3 years now. Mostly play DCS and MSFS. Really loved the set up and it was a nice upgrade at the time and still do enjoy using the X56. \n\nThe not so good..\n1. Day one issues - Ghost inputs - I had a X570-f Asus motherboard but still had to buy an additional PCIe USB card to power the unit due to the voltage issues - this is a well known issue. Just recently upgraded to the AM5 platform and got an Asus x870E-E with rated fast charging USB ports.. unfortunately same issue so had to put the PCIe USB card back in. On this board, there's only 2 PCIe slots, one for the GPU and one spare however I used the second PCIe x16 for my M.2 extension card previously. \n\n2. Day one issues - On the throttle top wheel, I use this for zoom on DCS however for day one, it glitches in and out like it can't keep a static voltage unless you twist it back and forth a few times to find the sweet spot. \n\n3. Over 2 years issues - Mini stick on the main stick began to have small stick drift then over time began to be unusable with the erratic random movements. Took it apart, cleaned it but no change. \n\n4. Over 3 years issues - Main trigger on the main stick - the contacts were hit and miss. Opened it up again and using a cleaning kit, gave it a good clean and it did improve but not 100%. When I hold the trigger, it will sometimes hold but then release the contact. \n\n5. Throttle left stick on the rear - there is a button up/down - I use for flaps. This does not centre back and gets stuck in either position. \n\nWith all of the above issues. I have just repurchased the same X56 for £169 on Amazon because it keeps me going for another 3 years, I will be happy and it's within budget. Who knows, might upgrade to a more premium HOTAS later in life!! \nIt's a shame Logitech don't address the USB voltage issue as there are so many with SFF PC's not able to have an additional PCIe USB card. \nAnd.. replacement parts!! If I could just replace the stick only, that would solve so many issues and save landfill.launch

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June 18, 2026

@1991yonash1991

Yeah. Can't say anything about stick, but the throttle... Oh man... I bought it used for about 40$. I had to unscrew it, remove all the grease (because of ridiculous stickiness), make 3d printed detent, and after all it have enormous problem with ghosting inputs, which randomly switching my landing gear, flaps and so on in DCS. I had to install vjoy and gremlin software to filter ghosting issue in game. If you are not a patient person you will throw it into your room wall very quickly.launch

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November 3, 2025

@Xtrillion-z3t

I am as we speak about to throw my X56 Throtle in a barrel along with 5L of gasoline! That thing keeps on triggering commands randomly as i play Elite Dangerous! I fly chill near the surface and all of a sudden all my heatsinks get fired, galaxymap opens, after i close it engine boost goes off and so on! That thing needs only 150mA but is connected as the only device on a USB hub that can deliver 3A! And still i keep getting this problem!launch

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August 11, 2025

@LiveseyMD

I have one after T.Flight HOTAS 4. And it feels much better than what I had before. The amount of buttons, switches, hats available is huge.\nMy main complains are:\n1. The throttle has to be connected directly to the PC USB port, otherwise it has ghost inputs. I tried several USB hubs with a power supply and still it happened.\n2. Rotating knobs on the throttle handle are \"flickering\". If I try to use them for e.g. zoom in DCS, then I find myself with epileptic change of zoom (one step range, but it is still annoying) and a need to either zoom in or zoom out a bit to make it stable.launch

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July 16, 2024

Many users describe the throttle's internal grease as tacky or inconsistent, causing the throttle to stick then suddenly move freely, requiring disassembly and regreasing to improve.

@garmoggrog

This video doesn't talk about what is total trash about this hardware. \n\n1) the plastic friction of the lower spring plate is trash for fast low latency areobatics. the plastic farts and rubs, its not smooth with low sensitivities. \n2) the throttle axis gears have some kinetic grease on them that make them super stiff. The thing rips off the table unless its braced with your other hand or something\n3) for all the money LogiTech has, they could give us a more transparent way to use controller products in general despite game vendor support. Joystick Gremlin, Joy2Key, X360CE alternatives designed by LogiTech would make these products much more effective.launch

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December 30, 2025

@douwe4254

I got the x56 around 2020 for Elite Dangerous VR and the stick is basically the same as in the game. Seeing what you feel, felt great. And the game worked really well with all the buttons and wistles. I only had one issue really and that was that the left joystick on the throttle got stuck, equally the little switch equally got stuck for me, after all those years, both up AND down. My main complaint I started to notice playing Star Citizen, but it is REALLY difficult to be accurate with the right stick from a neutral position. There is a LOT of friction getting the resistance up, but once you get it out of neutral its decent enough. I have been rebinding my keybinds a lot, everything decently works, but again... Star Citizen switches between front and backwards thrust a LOT, the throttle will let you down there as well. I used the SLD switch to invert my throttle. Which works great on bigger ships, it is a hassle first class on fighters as I use the left joystick for my strafing. My thumb can't be in two places at once, which kept being a problem with this setup. Buttons on the back of the throttle don't always register a click, same goes for the pinky on the stick. I absolutely do LOVE the little joysticks on both the sides (if they work) mainly looking around on the right stick is made easier a LOT because of it.launch

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November 4, 2025

@1991yonash1991

Yeah. Can't say anything about stick, but the throttle... Oh man... I bought it used for about 40$. I had to unscrew it, remove all the grease (because of ridiculous stickiness), make 3d printed detent, and after all it have enormous problem with ghosting inputs, which randomly switching my landing gear, flaps and so on in DCS. I had to install vjoy and gremlin software to filter ghosting issue in game. If you are not a patient person you will throw it into your room wall very quickly.launch

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November 3, 2025

@dejanmilovanovic4205

I have bought X56 and it is embarrassment for logitech to make something like this. The youstick is so uncomfortable to use tha it is insane. The thrust part is very hard to use. You need a lot of force to give it to move it that it is crazy. If you move it fadt uo and down several times I persume that oil get hotter and than it is going up and down very very easy but just a couple of second until the oil get colder and than back again you can hardly move it. I am sorry because I bought it, I could buy some cheaper and surely better HOTAS than this.launch

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June 23, 2025

Several buyers went through 2-3 replacement units due to broken switches, cracked throttle parts, or failed sticks, describing QC as inconsistent unit to unit.

@Hadgerz

me watching this the same day after receiving my second set.\nMy one major gripe with the x56's stick was that it was sticking (creating stiction?) and clunking and driving me nuts - so i went out and bought some superlube syncolon synthetic grease and coated the underside (that '''bearing''' part), it did not work so i just put up with it for about a year or so. I just watched Grim Reaper's video and turns out you can lube up the little sleeve piece behind the spring and it works far better than factory now. \r\n\r\n(my x56 QC lottery woes below)\r\nI spilled tea on my throttle assembly and to its credit, took it like a champ and kept working just fine for a good year afterward - after taking a break from flight sims for a couple of months, however, i came back to find so many of the buttons began staying active or not working so i bit the bullet and bought a new unit. \r\nThe SLD sliding toggle switch on my first throttle was almost unusable from factory, immensely painful to operate and i ended up breaking it loose with some wd40 - not the case for my replacement throttle SLD switch, it glides perfectly out of the box.\r\nQuite a few of the hat switches on my first removable stick were awful, spongy and barely functioned from factory - not the case with my replacement stick, everything has a nice tactile feel as it should.\r\nMy first hotas stick base DID have good sensors, though, tracking forward and backward left and right movements of the stick are still perfectly accurate - NOT so for my replacement stick. Right out the box, pushing forward and left and right are fine but pulling back on the stick, the sensor registers 100% throw at just a quarter pull. AI tells me it's an easy fix, just realign the \"magnet sled\". Will that fix the ADDITIONAL twist rudder issues that register 100% input at just a few millimetres of twist? I don't know!\r\n\r\nMight pull it apart and have a look tomorrow, might just get a warranty return and roll the dice on it happening again...\n\nBut what's the alternative, honestly? I had a thrustmaster t16000 HOTAS and it was far far far worse than this design in every way - the TWCS i had paired it with started reading random inputs from 0-100 at any given throttle position within a year of casual use. The warthog doesn't seem to have as many buttons on its throttle assembly and the stick looks like it needs to be bolted into something. I really just wanna have this sit on my desk on my mousemat and nudge it aside when i'm done flying and want to use my PC for other things.\nOh, and i don't want to have to drop AUD500 more for less functionality. overall, i at least have cobbled together one solid x56 setup out of the two i now have...maybe with the money we're all spending on these, logitech will try harder when designing the x67 or whatever they name it.launch

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August 11, 2026

@cameronrisner

Had the X56 three times now, QC is terrible. ALL X56s WILL BREAK IN THE SAME PLACE all it takes is time. The right throttle has a SEVERE weakpoint where the throttle meets the sliding portion of the throttle. The sitck and throttle both give ghost imputs regardless of power. Its a great low cost starter stick and throttle. Otherwise this is number 3 and im at a point now where im having to look at other combos because i play a combination of star citizen and MSFS.launch

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November 21, 2024

@deegee1210

You are so right. I'm still using the throttle part of my X56 with a VKB Gladiator EVO Space Edition Joystick, just until I can justify to my wife the purchase of the STECS throttle. But using the VKB joystick compared to the X56 is like chalk and cheese. I was bitterly disappointed to find that there were no spare parts available for the X56 especially when you consider the grip comes separate from the base in the box. Switch 6 (combination switch 5/6 on the throttle base has failed) The \"adjustable\" clutch system for the throttle levers is crap. Yes I've used the X56 for 8 plus years, but it's not until one uses good equipment that one realizes\n how bad the X56 HOTAS system really is.launch

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February 3, 2024

@axelk4921

I don't know why people buy this cheap renamed junk from Saitek...? just because it says Logitech??? already a year old and two buttons broken???? I don't understand, I really don't!!!\nThere are two types of companies which I will now call “Logitech” and “VKB”.\nThe first one lost a lot of quality and the other one was \"famous\" because of its cheap and sloppy workmanship... The roles were swapped\nThe last \"good\" Logitech setup was the Forcefeedback 940 HOTAS with pedals, and not that garbage from Saitek that creaks, grinds, buttons fall out if you look at them for too long, etc.\nI would rather take the “new products” from VKB, which have considerably better quality, and that is very important! Can be dismantled for cleaning, converting, tuning and repairing if necessarylaunch

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January 2, 2024

Multiple long-term owners report the stick's gimbal or spring-sleeve wearing down over time, causing drift, deadzones, and imprecise centering that worsens with use.

@1979kapf

I've had mine 3 years now. Mostly play DCS and MSFS. Really loved the set up and it was a nice upgrade at the time and still do enjoy using the X56. \n\nThe not so good..\n1. Day one issues - Ghost inputs - I had a X570-f Asus motherboard but still had to buy an additional PCIe USB card to power the unit due to the voltage issues - this is a well known issue. Just recently upgraded to the AM5 platform and got an Asus x870E-E with rated fast charging USB ports.. unfortunately same issue so had to put the PCIe USB card back in. On this board, there's only 2 PCIe slots, one for the GPU and one spare however I used the second PCIe x16 for my M.2 extension card previously. \n\n2. Day one issues - On the throttle top wheel, I use this for zoom on DCS however for day one, it glitches in and out like it can't keep a static voltage unless you twist it back and forth a few times to find the sweet spot. \n\n3. Over 2 years issues - Mini stick on the main stick began to have small stick drift then over time began to be unusable with the erratic random movements. Took it apart, cleaned it but no change. \n\n4. Over 3 years issues - Main trigger on the main stick - the contacts were hit and miss. Opened it up again and using a cleaning kit, gave it a good clean and it did improve but not 100%. When I hold the trigger, it will sometimes hold but then release the contact. \n\n5. Throttle left stick on the rear - there is a button up/down - I use for flaps. This does not centre back and gets stuck in either position. \n\nWith all of the above issues. I have just repurchased the same X56 for £169 on Amazon because it keeps me going for another 3 years, I will be happy and it's within budget. Who knows, might upgrade to a more premium HOTAS later in life!! \nIt's a shame Logitech don't address the USB voltage issue as there are so many with SFF PC's not able to have an additional PCIe USB card. \nAnd.. replacement parts!! If I could just replace the stick only, that would solve so many issues and save landfill.launch

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June 18, 2026

@Bobby-HVAC

I found theses to be an outstanding starter Hotas for Elite Dangerous, however after about a year the stick gimbals were worn out. They were sticking and not centering, thus causing drifting errors. I loved this setup absolutely perfection as far as button locations etc. The plastics are just don’t holdup for the long term use. I switched over to Virpil and love them. For someone dabbling in space or aircraft sims this is a great starter Hotas. My opinion your results may be completely different. cheers!launch

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October 29, 2024

@mdkos

One thing I wish they carried over from the X-52 was the double pull detente on the trigger. Also, would have rather had a thumb hat on the stick instead of the ministick, though that's a minor complaint. \n\nA major issue I have had with the X-56 is that plastic gimbal. There was for a long time I had to set a dead-zone around it as the stick would register inputs in the very slight movement slop that gimbal allowed on even the tightest spring. Dead-zoning in DCS meant that the F-16 was registering much higher pressure by the time I moved the stick outside of the zone... it made fine controls a nightmare. Finally I powered it down to swap to the lightest spring in the box to see if it mitigated, and apparently I got a driver or firmware update at the same time because when I plugged in again, the computer no longer registered movement inside the slop zone. I took off the dead-zones and readjusted the curve and sure enough, I had extremely fine control with no random banking or pitching from resting inside the slop zone. I also kept the lightest spring on it because it was very easy on my wrists (30 years of gaming and programming is hell on the joints in the hands and arms).launch

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February 13, 2024

@chawkes70

The real issue is the lack of competition at this price range, the other options ar eeither really cheap with few buttons/switches or so expensive (usually double the price of the X56) with all the bells and whistles a majority cant afford them. I've had mine since 2018 and apart from a litle drift in the joystick (roll right) its still working fine. Have I tried anything else... No as I cant afford something else to compare it to, unlike youtubers who get given stuff to try free. Do I like it? Not particulalrly. Plan is to buy VKB with STECS this year if I can afford it. Your only real suggestion is to spend more money which is what most buying this cant do.launch

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January 25, 2024

Many commenters describe the plastic parts, switches, and gimbal as feeling cheap or fragile for the price, especially compared to metal-built competitors like Virpil.

@kainey

I got it today, I'm already repacking it to get a refund. The ergonomics are TERRIBLE, the plastic is sticky after an hour of gameplay, most buttons are useless (who needs this much scroll wheels ?) and it lacks normal buttons, the stick is just too big... I was missing my old T.Flight after two hours of gameplay. I could say more, really avoid this hotas even for cheap. I'm gonna save a bit more money to get a Gladiator NXT Evo and a decent throttle.launch

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December 31, 2025

@lullylew9083

I got one of these yesterday and perhaps it'll grow on me. However, these are my thoughts so far.\nEgonomically this thing is a downgrade to the X52. The mini stick on the flight stick is the worst offender as well as the swtiches on the right side of the throttle's deck, the throttle gets in the way of them.\nThe whole thing isn't anywhere near as comfortable as the X52 . It is a capable system but has been designed for alien hands. \nThe other issue I have is that every single button, hat, and switch feels cheap and fragile for the price this thing comes in at. EDIT: and they really needed to carry over the adjustable hand rest height from the 52.\nFurther EDIT: Really, they could have released a revised edition of the 52. Just increased the quaility of that build overall... We would have had something really special.launch

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January 17, 2025

@smoothie3d46

Just bought one for 140 bucks, upgrading from a keyboard and a PS2 controller strapped to my chair with a cord and a tablet with Touch Portal which I have to see through an oculus quest 1.\nI've seen a comparison between this and the X52 and I liked this more, can't afford anything else for hobbies unfortunately, even if they get my brain trained like DCS.\n\nIf I won't have fun with DCS offline (not gonna go online) I'll come back, else whoever you are and you care and I still didn't edit this, lmk.\n\nEdit: So the stick is, indeed, not very ergonomic, but all the buttons are there and it's only a matter of time until you get to know how to use them the best.\nThe overall materials of the stick are fine for the most part and I don't see problems with the spring if not the stick not \"centering\"/\"zero-ing\" but nothing I would worry about since you can set deadzones, it's very accurate and the stiffest spring is also very stiff and I will probably change it later.\n\nAbout the throttle I've had a chance to open it and the construction is very very cheap on the inside and is very easy to break the side knob which sets the throttle stiffness, however is as easy to break as easy to fix but still... don't tight it too much to save the hassle of unscrewing 10+ screws on the base later on.\n\nI really like the plastic and the switches are so satisfying to use, it's full of buttons and looks like they keep spawning the more you look at it; you may get overwhelmed but for the most part you get a lot of buttons for binding everything you need.\n\nIt's an HOTAS I've bought second-hand, it was around 130$ and for that price and maybe 40-50$ more I wouldn't put all the hate the video's publisher has indeed put, I'm having much fun and I like the style, looks and feeling.\nI'd say instead it's worth it, but if you find other options that you like more or better deals well... make your choice!launch

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September 26, 2024

@axelk4921

I don't know why people buy this cheap renamed junk from Saitek...? just because it says Logitech??? already a year old and two buttons broken???? I don't understand, I really don't!!!\nThere are two types of companies which I will now call “Logitech” and “VKB”.\nThe first one lost a lot of quality and the other one was \"famous\" because of its cheap and sloppy workmanship... The roles were swapped\nThe last \"good\" Logitech setup was the Forcefeedback 940 HOTAS with pedals, and not that garbage from Saitek that creaks, grinds, buttons fall out if you look at them for too long, etc.\nI would rather take the “new products” from VKB, which have considerably better quality, and that is very important! Can be dismantled for cleaning, converting, tuning and repairing if necessarylaunch

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January 2, 2024

Several long-term owners criticize Logitech for not offering replacement parts and for slow or unhelpful warranty support, forcing users to repair units themselves.

@1979kapf

I've had mine 3 years now. Mostly play DCS and MSFS. Really loved the set up and it was a nice upgrade at the time and still do enjoy using the X56. \n\nThe not so good..\n1. Day one issues - Ghost inputs - I had a X570-f Asus motherboard but still had to buy an additional PCIe USB card to power the unit due to the voltage issues - this is a well known issue. Just recently upgraded to the AM5 platform and got an Asus x870E-E with rated fast charging USB ports.. unfortunately same issue so had to put the PCIe USB card back in. On this board, there's only 2 PCIe slots, one for the GPU and one spare however I used the second PCIe x16 for my M.2 extension card previously. \n\n2. Day one issues - On the throttle top wheel, I use this for zoom on DCS however for day one, it glitches in and out like it can't keep a static voltage unless you twist it back and forth a few times to find the sweet spot. \n\n3. Over 2 years issues - Mini stick on the main stick began to have small stick drift then over time began to be unusable with the erratic random movements. Took it apart, cleaned it but no change. \n\n4. Over 3 years issues - Main trigger on the main stick - the contacts were hit and miss. Opened it up again and using a cleaning kit, gave it a good clean and it did improve but not 100%. When I hold the trigger, it will sometimes hold but then release the contact. \n\n5. Throttle left stick on the rear - there is a button up/down - I use for flaps. This does not centre back and gets stuck in either position. \n\nWith all of the above issues. I have just repurchased the same X56 for £169 on Amazon because it keeps me going for another 3 years, I will be happy and it's within budget. Who knows, might upgrade to a more premium HOTAS later in life!! \nIt's a shame Logitech don't address the USB voltage issue as there are so many with SFF PC's not able to have an additional PCIe USB card. \nAnd.. replacement parts!! If I could just replace the stick only, that would solve so many issues and save landfill.launch

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June 18, 2026

@deegee1210

You are so right. I'm still using the throttle part of my X56 with a VKB Gladiator EVO Space Edition Joystick, just until I can justify to my wife the purchase of the STECS throttle. But using the VKB joystick compared to the X56 is like chalk and cheese. I was bitterly disappointed to find that there were no spare parts available for the X56 especially when you consider the grip comes separate from the base in the box. Switch 6 (combination switch 5/6 on the throttle base has failed) The \"adjustable\" clutch system for the throttle levers is crap. Yes I've used the X56 for 8 plus years, but it's not until one uses good equipment that one realizes\n how bad the X56 HOTAS system really is.launch

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February 3, 2024

@rwhunt99

I have had my X-56 for about four years and it's a pretty good set up, I have the Logitech version - the Saitek version suffered from poor quality and provided them with a bad reputation. \nMy stick broke a little over a year ago, when the lever switch broke, Logitech acted like they would fix it but gave me the run around, so I declined to send it to them to get fixed. I ordered a Win wing F-16ex and the difference is amazing, I ordered the base and stick and it cost as much if not more than the whole X-56 HOTAS did but I instantly fell in love with it. I intend to order the Winwing Orion 2 throttle with the F-15 throttle grips (I fly DCS exclusively, and everyone says between Virpil and Winwing they are the top of the line HOTAS set ups. For a mid level tier just above the X-56, I recommend the VKB hardware, they are made of plastic so not as expensive but still quality hardware.launch

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October 20, 2023

@jaimigilray

I have the X56 Rhino. Honestly, I wouldn't recommend it (the X52 seems a better option but lacks those amazing toggle switches). \nI had the X55 but it died after 8 months. After a fight with Saitek and Logitech (trust mine to fail during the transition period). \nI got the X56 as a warranty replacement. 8 days later Logitech refunded me the full amount I paid. The stick failed in 6 days. The throttle started to make a horrible crack sound when moved and the Twist on the stick died. \n\nLogitech never collected the faulty unit, been 4 years now. I have since got the twist functioning again but now the buttons on the stick stop working after 5 mins (used on a USB 2.0 port, 3.0 port, Powered hub). \n\nAs logitech never collected the unit (I removed the throttle sliders, re homed some of the buttons) and now use it as a control box. \nI replaced the stick with 2x 16000m. Twin Sticks in ED is (IMHO) the way to go.\n\nYour mileage may vary and I know a load of folk who love and swear by their X55/56. \n\nI loved mine but reliability was the issue. I loved the following about it.\nThe Toggle switches on the Throttle (these are still the most used part).\nThat pinkie switch (I love its high pitched click sound)\nThe looks of the unit too are great (although I still prefer the X55 colour scheme).\nThe 2 additional mini sticks (with a push in click), although light, are a great addition to the X56 over the X55.\n\nThe RGB (on my Saitek version, Blue Highlights) are a nice touch executed badly. What you set on screen and what you see lit up do not match. Setting all values to 255 for a white light, produces a pink light. \nAnd bolting it down to a desk is deffo the way to go.\n\nTLDR - Based on my X56 I cannot recommend it due to reliability and build quality. If you get one that is fine and free from the issues I have had, you will have an awesome setup.launch

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May 6, 2021

Some users find the stick too large, uncomfortable, or awkwardly laid out compared to the older X52, with mini-sticks and hats hard to reach.

@kainey

I got it today, I'm already repacking it to get a refund. The ergonomics are TERRIBLE, the plastic is sticky after an hour of gameplay, most buttons are useless (who needs this much scroll wheels ?) and it lacks normal buttons, the stick is just too big... I was missing my old T.Flight after two hours of gameplay. I could say more, really avoid this hotas even for cheap. I'm gonna save a bit more money to get a Gladiator NXT Evo and a decent throttle.launch

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December 31, 2025

@vincentk3502

I enjoyed the throttle however the joystick was just a bit to large for my hand. I have about medium size hands. Pressing the second firing button was an issue and using the top right hat was also an issue. If the Joystick was a bit smaller and the second fire button was swapped with the hat below it, it would have been a win. This joystick is not for Kids, but for adults with medium to large size hands. The throttle did not disappoint.launch

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November 1, 2025

@lullylew9083

I got one of these yesterday and perhaps it'll grow on me. However, these are my thoughts so far.\nEgonomically this thing is a downgrade to the X52. The mini stick on the flight stick is the worst offender as well as the swtiches on the right side of the throttle's deck, the throttle gets in the way of them.\nThe whole thing isn't anywhere near as comfortable as the X52 . It is a capable system but has been designed for alien hands. \nThe other issue I have is that every single button, hat, and switch feels cheap and fragile for the price this thing comes in at. EDIT: and they really needed to carry over the adjustable hand rest height from the 52.\nFurther EDIT: Really, they could have released a revised edition of the 52. Just increased the quaility of that build overall... We would have had something really special.launch

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January 17, 2025

@mdkos

One thing I wish they carried over from the X-52 was the double pull detente on the trigger. Also, would have rather had a thumb hat on the stick instead of the ministick, though that's a minor complaint. \n\nA major issue I have had with the X-56 is that plastic gimbal. There was for a long time I had to set a dead-zone around it as the stick would register inputs in the very slight movement slop that gimbal allowed on even the tightest spring. Dead-zoning in DCS meant that the F-16 was registering much higher pressure by the time I moved the stick outside of the zone... it made fine controls a nightmare. Finally I powered it down to swap to the lightest spring in the box to see if it mitigated, and apparently I got a driver or firmware update at the same time because when I plugged in again, the computer no longer registered movement inside the slop zone. I took off the dead-zones and readjusted the curve and sure enough, I had extremely fine control with no random banking or pitching from resting inside the slop zone. I also kept the lightest spring on it because it was very easy on my wrists (30 years of gaming and programming is hell on the joints in the hands and arms).launch

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February 13, 2024

Some experienced sim pilots find the stick lacks the fine precision needed for tasks like air-to-air refueling or formation flying, citing the ball-and-cup gimbal and spring-return design as limiting factors.

@Grizz_58

I've had this HOTAS for almost 2 years and nothing has really broken on it. I use it for the DCS World FA-18 Hornet and it has done the job to get me started on the sim. However, I am now finding it does not have the precision needed to do some of the more demanding tasks such as air to air refueling, formation flying, etc. I think its mostly due to the gimbal type on the stick being the old ball and cup arrangement with the spring for tension. As well, Jack did not mention one of the bigger issues with the throttle which is that it is extremely sticky caused by the grease that Logitech uses. The grease issue makes the wheel tensioner on the side useless as well since if you tighten it even a little you can barely move the throttle. I removed most of the grease and mine is still sticky and requires me to cycle the throttle several times before I start using it to loosen it up. However, for the money, it does have a lot of switches (great for DCS World) and nice LED backlighting and will get you up and playing without breaking the bank. I have recently decided to upgrade however and have ordered the VKB NXT Gladiator and STECS Standard Throttle. Both are supposed to be far superior to the X56 albeit at more than double cost when shipping from China is included. I'll soon know whether my precision issues are the instrument or the operator.😜launch

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November 30, 2024

@mdkos

One thing I wish they carried over from the X-52 was the double pull detente on the trigger. Also, would have rather had a thumb hat on the stick instead of the ministick, though that's a minor complaint. \n\nA major issue I have had with the X-56 is that plastic gimbal. There was for a long time I had to set a dead-zone around it as the stick would register inputs in the very slight movement slop that gimbal allowed on even the tightest spring. Dead-zoning in DCS meant that the F-16 was registering much higher pressure by the time I moved the stick outside of the zone... it made fine controls a nightmare. Finally I powered it down to swap to the lightest spring in the box to see if it mitigated, and apparently I got a driver or firmware update at the same time because when I plugged in again, the computer no longer registered movement inside the slop zone. I took off the dead-zones and readjusted the curve and sure enough, I had extremely fine control with no random banking or pitching from resting inside the slop zone. I also kept the lightest spring on it because it was very easy on my wrists (30 years of gaming and programming is hell on the joints in the hands and arms).launch

smart_display

February 13, 2024

@Boslandschap1

Very good analysis. I bought the X56 especially for space sims mainly because of the very useful thumb analog joysticks for the 6 DOF. I found the software to program the buttons and axes very practical. Since a few months I fly flight sims mainly and have since transitioned to Virpil, mainly for increased precision in the middle as that is one of the weaker aspects of the joystick. The technique they used to have the joystick spring back makes that there is quite a bit of resistance in the middle as shown at 1:22 , which for me is the main draw back as it translates to decreased precision for aiming. Over all, it remains a very interesting proposition at that price point in my opinion.\n\nBTW, no matter the brand, I would want the HOTAS to be bolted down when using it. In the heat of the fight, simply counting on weight to have your controls remain in place is not realistic in my opinion. Yes it is a hassle to find a solution that is firmly fixed and removable when you want to, but having your HOTAS fixed makes a huge difference, no matter the model.launch

smart_display

June 28, 2020