The joystick has a
two-position fire trigger switch, which allows for setting-up flight
sims that can use the first and second fire switch detent commands
quite naturally now. It basically provides two separately programmable
primary buttons in one location on the X52. There are also 4 primary
buttons located at the top of the joystick including one which is the
"fire-pickle" button located under a see-through smoked spring-loaded
safety cover. This is hands down better than the "flapping" plastic
safety cover found on Saitek's previous HOTAS. The 4 buttons are
appropriately labeled A, B, C and FIRE for easy programming within
Saitek's SST Programming Software interface. Three of these four light
up with blue LED's for easy location in dim lit conditions. The
joystick also has 2 HAT function, 8 position knobs, as well as one
rotational side knob at the top. The rotational side knob is the "mode"
changing switch with 3 positions, Mode1, Mode2 and Mode3 which can be
programmable to your hearts content. Normally these are set to function
as modes in flight, for example Navigation Mode, Air to Air Mode and
Air To Ground Mode which permits the end user to switch between roles
in a flight sim. The 3 position mode switch has a separate LED to
indicate in which mode it is in with three different colors, green,
orange and red. The multi-function display or MFD, which will be
covered under the throttle portion of this review, also shows quite
clearly the mode that the user is in as it is switched on this knob.
The 3 knobs have rubber finger interface points for durability and for
increased feel during use. The two previous knobs have beautifully lit
blue LED's to indicate their location during flight.
At the base of the joystick there are 3 toggle
switches, providing 6 more programmable commands points, that also have
the blue LED lighting to the edges. These toggle switches can be
programmed in quite a number of ways to further enhance the user's
experience. The joysticks weight is comparable to the previous X45's
weight, but the texture and look of the new X52 makes it a hands-down
winner here.
The "shift" function
switch
is a metal pinkie switch that provides shift functionality to double up
on all of the programmable commands for all the switches on the HOTAS.
The joystick has a precision centering mechanism, that is non-contact
technology on X and Y axes and provides constant spring force with
reduced free play, which improves control and increases durability. The
base of both the joystick and the throttle also have a small green LED
light that indicates when there is power to the unit.
