[Tankos]

I've successfully downloaded my copy of FS2 from gog.com and I've updated it with the fantastic mods from this site, however, I'm struggling with a mouse and keyboard. What do you (far more experienced guys) use?

I'm a keen xbox 360 gamer, and have been tempted in the past to buy the 360 controller for the PC but I'm wondering if it will be compatible/any good with this game.

Thoughts please.

Cheers

Tank

[Rhymes]

I prefer a Saitek X52 Pro.  It's a stick and throttle with LCD display (though I can't get that to work) and it's an excellent layout.  It has plenty of buttons, but they're all right at your fingertips.

[Sushi]

You may also want to try out a virtual joystick driver, such as ppjoy. I've found this makes the mouse+keyboard combination much more tractable: you don't have to constantly pick up your mouse in order to turn in a circle.

[Jeff Vader]

Moved since this doesn't sound like a problem.

[Pred the Penguin]

You could always try full keyboard, but I bet a gamepad is what you're looking for. Any any case, I prefer Saitek models, very durable.

[jediknight0]

This is what I use:

 

The controls consist of a shelf with a Saitek X52 joystick screwed down so they won't move in battle, a narrow orange-LED keyboard, and a red/white LED mouse.  The trick is that I only need two cables - power for the USB hub and one USB cable to attach the hub to the computer.  When I'm done, I just disconnect the two cables and attach a regular mouse/keyboard.

[Gortef]

Saitek X52 gets one vote from here too.
Sweet piece of HOT ASS equipment with a nice price.

[Vrets]

I use a cheap Logitech 'stick.

Works well enough for me.

[Spoon]

I use the keyboard. Can also play with mouse and keyboard
Tried joystick myself but I couldn't hit enemy fighters to save my life. Not to mention I ended up still needing the keyboard for several things.

[Dekzar]

Definitely the Saitek X52 Pro. As others have said, it's fantastic.

[Mongoose]

Before you convince Tankos that dropping a rather large sum of money on a control system is the only way to go, perhaps we could come up with some more economical options.

Tankos, I've had some good mileage out of my Saitek Cyborg Evo stick, which I think Saitek still sells for a very reasonable price.  Any joystick with a decent number of functions should get the job done, though just based on personal experience, I'd advise to try to stay away from Logitech models if at all possible, since they've been prone to shoddy electronics in the past.

As for the 360 controller, I don't know that the setup is incredibly conducive to FreeSpace's gameplay style, but I'd imagine that you'd probably be able to get it working; however, I believe that the two triggers will be treated as buttons instead of full axes (or maybe the other way around).  I once tried fooling around with a PS2 controller attached to my PC via USB adapter, and I was able to get a decent control scheme set up; however, anything that requires one to use the keyboard, such as communicating with wingmen, will obviously be a bit bothersome when using a gamepad.

[Androgeos Exeunt]

Keyboard FOREVER. If you set it up properly, it'll serve you just as well as any controller out there. Besides, it's right there, in front of you, so you don't have to get off your chair and buy anything.

[Tomo]

I use a Logitech Xtreme 3D Pro

12 buttons plus a hat switch - I use that for shield quadrants as I find looking up/left/right/back basically pointless.

Four axes - normal X/Y plus rotate the stick for roll and a throttle.

Roll is almost essential when taking down slimline ships - you can roll to make sure your guns line up along it's hull giving you the maximum chance of hitting it.

Finally, and most importantly it's cheap - (my wife) paid £25 for it, and you can probably get one cheaper by now.

[Dragon]

I have scored many kills using very old joystick with two buttons and axis centering wheels.
Now I fly with much better WingMan Force 3D ,with POV hat bound either to side thrusters or energy management functions (XWA). It may be old ,but I feel very good with it and don't want to buy anything else (maybe additional throttle and pedals).

[Cobra]

Keyboard FOREVER. If you set it up properly, it'll serve you just as well as any controller out there. Besides, it's right there, in front of you, so you don't have to get off your chair and buy anything.

BS. You don't have the same control as with a joystick.

And you still have to look for buttons if you don't have your layout memorized.

[Tankos]

Wow some really good suggestions there

I think I'll try the xbox controller first as i have a mate with a wired one. (I can't seem to get my wireless one working ) Plus I'm comfortable with the layout.

Cheers for the help guys 

[colecampbell666]

I'd really recommend a Saitek EVO or EVO Force. Best stick I've ever owned, every Logi**** stick has died near instantly. Couple it with a keyboard and you're set.

[Rhymes]

Oh, and btw Jediknight0,

[Androgeos Exeunt]

I once tried using a gamepad and I failed terribly. I'm certain I will suck just as badly using a joystick.

[Spoon]

Keyboard FOREVER. If you set it up properly, it'll serve you just as well as any controller out there. Besides, it's right there, in front of you, so you don't have to get off your chair and buy anything.

BS. You don't have the same control as with a joystick.

And you still have to look for buttons if you don't have your layout memorized.

BS. It's all preference.
For me Keyboard > any joystick. I have 1000% more control with it.
Your opinion =/= fact