Ultimately, once everything was set up, the experience was better than anything I’ve tried to date.
1.Price, availability, and specs2.Setup and features3.Software and customization4.Gameplay & testing5.The competition6.Should you buy?
This review was made possible with a review unit provided by Turtle Beach.
It’s big and heavy but avoids “ultra-gamer” aesthetics on the box.
The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.
It’s a relatively standard affair on the flight stick side, at least at first glance.
However, some unique and fantastic features are lurking underneath some unassuming buttons.
A no-frills presentation with a focus on protecting the goods.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Of course, the main attraction of this flight stick variant is the top-mountedOLED screen.
Thankfully, the complaints end there.
Finally, the non-contact hall-effect sensors make for ultra-smooth pitch, roll, and yaw movements.
The only assembly required involves attaching the flight stick to its base.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
It’s a triumph fromTurtle Beach.
Connecting the flight stick and throttle one at a time, firmware updates were a little lengthy but painless.
Diving into the customization options, the hardware test panel is arguably the most useful of the bunch.
Get ready to do your homework, as manually mapping these controls takes a while.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
‘Cyber’ is a particular favorite.
There is no auto-apply.
Still, it’s helpful for specific keyboard actions that aren’t traditionally needed on simulation hardware.
Included M5 screws are perfect for compatible brackets and mounts.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
You’re spoiled for choice.
Thankfully, Turtle Beach promises profiles will arrive soon.
If newcomers want advice, run through the flight school tutorials and map each control as it’s introduced.
One USB-A to USB-C cable for each unit is all you need.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Above all, once you’re finally set up with a custom-made profile, the experience is absolutely phenomenal.
VelocityOne Flightdeck: Should you buy?
You get an incredible level of customization without a plain and boring aesthetic.
Tiny connectors should be permanently protected from damage once assembled.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
It’s perfect for taking off in an ultra-realistic airliner and switching to a space dogfight.
My only genuine complaint about the VelocityOne Flightdeck is the current lack of ready-made profiles for Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Overall, this is thebest flight stick for Microsoft Flight SimulatorI’ve ever used.
Thick and clunky, every metallic dial feels great.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Peeking through the throttle axes shows tiny labels.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Rotating metallic dials are becoming a signature piece for Turtle Beach peripherals.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
A subtle pattern looks great at first glance, but you’ll likely never notice it again.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Splitting the throttle into two is simple but solid, with a chunky release button preventing accidents.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
That chunky ‘FIRE’ button doubles as a miniature touchpad.
The height adjuster is a little stiff, but it’s unlikely to be moved too often.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
It’s a sight to behold once constructed, ready for take off.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Some aircraft feel better suited to Turtle Beach’s visual aesthetics than others, but the controls are solid.
At launch, manual button mapping was my only option.
Logitech’s G X56 leans heavily into the spaceship theme.
A RGB-laden masterpiece, the VelocityOne Flightdeck is a flight sim triumph.
