Basics

• Price: $549.99
• Compatibility: Windows 10/11 only
• Input Connectivity: 6.5ft / 2m USB-C to USB-A Cable for both Throttle and Stick
• PC Software Full Control Compatibility: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, X-Plane 11 & 12, DCS World, Prepar3D, Star Citizen, War Thunder
• PC Software Basic Control Compatibility: Star Wars Squadrons, Elite: Dangerous (limited functionality, maximum 32 button inputs)
• Companion App: Turtle Beach® Flight Hangar App for additional features and customization, available for Windows 10 & 11
• Firmware Updates: Use the Flight Hangar companion app
• Mounting Options: Secure rubber feet or pre-drilled holes with mounting screws provided

Pros

• Great value for the price
• High build quality with long, durable cables
• Unrivalled functionality and great precision

Cons

• High price point
• Some switches feel a bit low quality
• Win 10/11 only

Introduction

I had the chance to test the Turtle Beach Velocity One Flightdeck at FSWeekend this year, and I was blown away by its quality and features. First, I must disclose that I received a review copy of this impressive setup. After testing it for a while, I immediately requested one for a more thorough evaluation. While I won't cover every feature in this review, as it would result in an endless wall of text, I will focus on its major features and what sets it apart from other products I have experience with.

My current setup includes the Logitech X52 Pro and the Thrustmaster Warthog. I've used the X52 more frequently due to its convenience and ease of use, while the Warthog is a more specialised tool for fixed sessions.

The main competitor to the Turtle Beach Flightdeck is the Logitech X56, as it is a similarly versatile and multifunctional HOTAS setup. You’ll be spending around $300 USD for one of them, so price-wise, it is a step up to the Flightdeck's price tag of $550 USD. There also is Virpil, which is known for its high quality products, but it is yet another step up, as you will be shelling out around $300 USD just for the joystick. There is not much else in this market that makes sense to compare it to—maybe except the Thrustmaster Warthog HOTAS, around the same price range as the Flightdeck. In my mind I will compare the Flightdeck to the X56 and the Warthog in this review since I have a lot of experience with both.

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First Impressions and Quality

Well, second impressions, I guess. But it was my first time unboxing and examining my unit as it would be delivered to you. The first thing you'll notice is the weight. The joystick and throttle are substantial, reminding me of the Thrustmaster HOTAS—noticeably heavy but not overly so. The sides of the base are made of metal, while the rest is constructed from durable plastic. The plastic is hard, not glossy, and feels good to the touch, giving the impression it won't scratch easily.

The product includes six screws for mounting both the stick and throttle to a surface. The Flightdeck also comes with two detachable USB-C cables, which are the type you’d typically pay $15 or more for in a store. These cables are braided and 2 meters long (6.5 feet). Each unit has its own connection, avoiding the mess of cables between the stick and throttle, allowing for individual routing. The 2-meter length is particularly useful for those of us who have PCs placed far from our peripherals.

The online documentation is very comprehensive and necessary for setting up this beast.

Unboxing the Flightdeck is straightforward. The packaging includes everything you'd expect, and the shipping box is very sturdy—you could probably toss it around quite a bit without damaging the contents. Watch the unboxing video below for a complete unboxing.

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The Bad

I'll get this one out of the way quickly since I don't think it matters that much, and there isn't anything fundamentally wrong with the Flightdeck—absolutely not. However, one of the switches on the joystick feels disappointingly cheap, especially given the price point. I think the two other groups of buttons and switches I mention below are OK but could have felt better. But now we're nitpicking.

1. The bad switch is one that you will probably not use that often. It switches the touch input on the thumb fire button and sits right beside it.
2. The switches on the lower left are wobbly. The "hats" don't seem to sit firmly, and they feel cheap as a result. I am sure the switches themselves are fine, though.
3. The buttons on the lower right are OK enough, but I'd also switch them out for something a bit more premium.

This contrasts sharply with the rest of the joystick and throttle's build quality and seems like a decision made to meet a specific budget. While I don't think the switches will break anytime soon, you don't expect this level of quality when paying $550. I would gladly pay an additional ten dollars for a consistent, high-quality feel across all components.

I want to add one minor thing: The headphone jack on the throttle is a great feature, but it is set as default by Windows so you will have to disable it in the Windows sound settings to get back to your normal setup. I have not found an option to disable it in the accompanying software where there should have been an easily accessible option to turn it off.

The Good

There is a lot to like about the Flightdeck! The surfaces you touch the most feel high quality—smooth, firm, and durable. The rotary knobs, triggers, and switches are made of metal and feel satisfying to turn and press. While they may not meet commercial aviation standards, they are at a level you would expect for this price range.

The "pinky trigger" at the lower front of the joystick handle is analogue until it clicks when fully depressed. It works excellently as a wheel brake trigger if you don’t have rudder pedals. As you'd expect, the joystick also rotates about 10 degrees for a yaw and/or nose wheel steering function. The joystick grip is very comfortable; it fits my hand perfectly, and adjusting the height slightly makes it just right. Others have also praised the comfortable grip when trying the joystick. The plastic material is soft yet sturdy and, as mentioned earlier, the joystick and throttle have noticeable weight:

• Joystick 1.46kg / 3.22lbs
• Throttle 1.51kg / 3.33lbs

Both feel very stable and they have large rubber pads on the underside that inhibit them from sliding around.

Additionally, the Flightdeck offers endless functionalities, making it a versatile and highly functional piece of equipment.

I didn't expect the units to have rumble effect like a console controller. The throttle gives physical rumble feedback in stead of having indents in its travel to mark positions. This enables the you to set "custom indents" along its travel to indicate where the throttle is. Useful for indicating idle and reverse or full throttle and afterburner or both. Almost every aspect of the Flightdeck is customisable. In fact, the throttle has this rumble effect both in the base and in the handle. Giving you different types of feedback.

Functions

The Flightdeck is only compatible with Windows 10 and 11. While many products today are designed with console and Mac compatibility in mind, the depth of features in the Flightdeck likely necessitated a focus on Windows. It is unclear if this will be expanded in the future.

One of the standout features of the Flightdeck are the screens. There is a small screen on top of the joystick and a larger one on the base of the throttle. The joystick screen can be accessed by long-pressing the appropriate button, giving access to several quick options like a rudder lock, a timer, haptics and more.

Don't expect customizability with these screens beyond a set boundary—they have their limitations. However, within their intended use case as selectable and customisable switches and sliders, they offer considerable freedom to create panels that suit the aircraft you fly. Saving presets allows you to switch between different setups easily. The depth of options within the Throttle display menu is impressive as well. You can adjust almost every setting from the throttle on the go without the need to go into the desktop software.

The accompanying software is quite extensive and it is worth noting that you should definitely check for and update the firmware of both units regularly. In the three weeks I have had mine there have been two firmware updates. I haven't found any bugs or issues with mine and they worked perfectly fine from the first time I plugged them in.

You can download the VelocityOne Flight Hangar software from the Microsoft Store and the bad ratings reflected there are probably made by users who may have encountered issues and expressing their anger by giving one star. Not very helpful and, in my experience, the software is robust. It offers both quick setup options and more granular, advanced settings. Although it demands some learning, Turtle Beach has done an excellent job simplifying advanced options to an understandable level, a common pitfall for many brands.

In Use

One thing to note is that there are no presets set up for this joystick in Microsoft Flight Simulator or X-Plane. This lack of presets means you have to set everything up from scratch, which can be daunting if you want to configure everything at once. I recommend starting with the basics to get up and running quickly. While it would have been helpful to have some basic presets for normal operation, the setup process isn't overly difficult—just be prepared for it. This keybind suggestion list is could come in handy.

The joystick is incredibly precise—one of the most precise I have ever tested. The Flightdeck feels remarkably linear compared to the Logitech X52/X56, which have a distinct spring feel at the centre which makes small movements a bit tedious. The sensitivity is such that the dead zone feels minimal, allowing for very precise and small corrections. But also towards the extremes there is no "spring" feel or indents at all.

Buttons and levers are well-placed and comfortably within reach, making extended use very manageable and intuitive.

I would have loved to see a left-hand option for this joystick. Not only for the left-handed among us, but for the right price, I would consider getting a left-hand version of the joystick handle to use with left-seat, left-stick-controlled aircraft. While you can dismount the joystick, the throttle is not detachable, so you will have to use that as it is. I would combine it with my Bravo.

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Conclusion

Sometimes, you come across products that are game-changers. These products set a new standard within their field and signal to competitors that they need to step up their game. The Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightdeck is one such product. While it may not reach the disruptive heights of the Honeycomb Bravo, which redefined what could be achieved at a certain price point, it comes very close. The competition will need to innovate significantly to match its capabilities.

Is it worth the price? At $550, the Flightdeck is a significant investment. For many younger users, this price may be out of reach. For traditional older simmers, it might seem too gimmicky. However, there is a sweet spot demographic for this product: the 30-50-year-old gamer who also enjoys flight simulation. This joystick excels in games like Star Citizen and other space simulators. It will deliver what you need on so many levels. If you can afford it and are looking for a joystick that offers comprehensive functionality, the VelocityOne Flightdeck is an excellent choice.

Verdict

9.0 / 10

If the switch and button situation gets sorted within the same or cheaper price range, a left hand option made available and the annoying headphones option fixed, I'd probably give this 10/10.