Flight sim enthusiasts are having more and more options to add an extra layer of immersiveness to their gaming sessions lately. Following Thrustmaster’s TCA Captain Pack X Airbus Edition, Turtle Beach recently launched the VelocityOne Flightstick. Designed for flight simulators on Xbox and PC, does it deliver a more compelling experience than an Airbus themed flightstick? Let’s take a closer look!

Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightstick Contents & Specs

The Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightstick costs $129.99/£119.99 and comes with the following items:

• VelocityOne Flightstick
• 3m USB-C to USB-A Cable
• M5 Screws x3
• Quick Flight Guide

Technical specifications of the flightstick can be found below:

• Connections: USB-C to USB-A Connection: Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One, Windows 10/11
• Xbox Software Compatibility: Including Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, Star Wars Squadrons, and Elite Dangerous.
• PC Software Compatibility: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, Star Wars Squadrons, Elite Dangerous, Ace Combat DCS World and X-Plane 11 for PC only
• Input Connectivity PC & Xbox: 10ft/3M USB-A to USB-C Cable
• Mobile Companion App: Turtle Beach® Flightstick Companion App for additional product features & customization. Available for iOS and Android.
• Mounting Options: Secure Rubber feet, or pre-drilled holes for use with VelocityOne™ Stand and other flight simulation stands.
• Product Weight (G/Lbs.): 820/1.81
• Product Dimensions (Mm/In): 164.1 x 216.84 x 230.47 / 6.46” x 8.54” x 9.07”

Hardware and build impressions

Unlike Thrustmaster’s TCA Captain Pack X Airbus Edition, the design of the VelocityOne Flightstick is not themed after a famous brand. That said, the look is familiar and is of a sturdy quality; more so than the plastic-y feel of Thrustmaster’s Airbus TCA Sidestick.

In fact, I prefer the overall build of the VelocityOne over the latter as it feels more premium and comfortable. The shell has a matte, rubberised finish which feels nice to the touch and adds some grip. Turtle Beach even included a reversible, adjustable wrist rest to enable ambidextrous and ergonomic use. I immediately became fond of the wrist rest as it is not as common in competing products on the market but really adds an extra layer of comfort for gaming.  While these might not be actual features of fighter jets, or airliners, for gaming purposes, these are very welcome for the added comfort these features provide.

One major feature of the VelocityOne Fligtstick that sets it apart from others is its stick-mounted OLED Flight Management Display (FMD). With the latter, you can customise features such as control profiles, trim wheel input mode, rudder lock and RGB lighting effect. Yes, this flightstick also has RGB lighting (which can be turned off) and also helps set it apart from the competition with a unique flair. However, using the dial to control the FMD can be a bit awkward with the rotations and clicks involved that aren’t as intuitive as a touchscreen or even the main axes.

What the VelocityOne Flightstick shares with the TCA Sidestick is that they are both officially licensed Xbox products and bear familiar Xbox buttons for in-game use and navigation. In total, the VelocityOne Flightstick features 27 programmable buttons (8-way digital POV hat, rapid fire trigger, stick-mounted buttons, dual throttle lever detents, and 8 programmable base buttons) which is handy to accommodate a host of user needs and a welcome feature. 

  

All buttons are easily accessible in the unibody design of the Flightstick and they deliver decent feedback on activation, although not as comparable to resistance and audio feedback of Thrustmaster’s TCA Captain Pack X Airbus Edition. In particular, I found the Flightstick’s levers to be quite small and, although serviceable, don’t deliver as satisfying of a feedback as Thrustmaster's TCA Quadrant levers. But maybe that’s just because I’ve used the levers on the TCA Quadrant before but the difference between the two is quite striking.

The TCA kit also has an edge if you want to further customise your flight sim setup with its modular design. However, for those who are not really looking for an authentic Airbus replica with the look and feel to boot, the VelocityOne Flightstick will be more than adequate for taking off in your favourite flight sim.

Taking flight with the VelocityOne Flightstick

With its plug-and-play approach and compatibility with popular titles, the VelocityOne Flightstick enhances your flight sim sessions with an added layer of immersion. The controls are swift, responsive and smooth; and this can be largely attributed to the Hall effect-based sensors on the main axes. 

The multitude of keys on-board and ready to use and customise makes this accessory apt for use in more hardcore flight sims such as Microsoft Flight Simulator but also for lighter titles like Star Wars Squadrons. 

Using the VelocityOne Flightstick for such titles really delivers a compelling, pilot’s seat experience. Such an experience can only be achieved with a flightstick and a quality one, like Turtle Beach’s VelocityOne Flightstick, enhances that experience.

 

Considering its features, host of customisable keys and levers in one $129.99/£119.99 package, the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightstick is relatively competitively priced. It delivers on the build quality, functionality and comfort, but the levers can feel small and don’t deliver as compelling of feedback. If you are not looking for an airline or fighter jet accurate look and feel, the VelocityOne Flightstick will satisfy most flight sim needs, especially if you’re only getting into the genre.