Page 3 - Software and Usage Experience
The software for the VelocityOne Flightdeck, Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Hangar, can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store. It is used for programming the buttons, calibrating and customizing the controls, setting custom profiles, configuring the screen on the throttle module, adjusting the RGB LED lighting, and updating the firmware on the devices, as shown in the screenshots above. Overall, I found it to be pretty straightforward to use, and there are many configuration options like defining the threshold haptics for the throttle module and adjusting the dead zones on the stick module.
Updating the firmware was a frustrating experience. One of the reasons why I delayed this review was because the version 1.10.0.0 software update released on May 14 that includes a new firmware bricked both VelocityOne Flightdeck modules. I read online and this seems to be a common occurrence. I looked through support documentation on Turtle Beach's website, and eventually I found instructions on how to enable bootloader mode on both devices. After about ten minutes of reloading the firmware, the new update was loaded, and we are back in business. I feel the firmware update process could have been a lot smoother.
I have had my fair share of trying out flight simulation hardware, and the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightdeck follows after the VelocityOne Flight yoke I reviewed a couple of years back. I already have Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, therefore we were already set for an experience on the software side -- or so I thought at first. When I first loaded up Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, the VelocityOne Flightdeck had no control mappings at all. I thought its claimed compatibility with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 would mean it will work out of the box, but after some research, I discovered this was not a bug and the configurations had to be done manually. That said, I was made aware Release 15 of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 will include all the control mapping, so I decided to wait. Release 15 is out at the time of this review, so if you are planning to buy the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightdeck now, all your flight controls will work with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 out of the box.
Anyone who has played any version of Microsoft Flight Simulator will know it is really hard to play with a keyboard and mouse, given the complexity and the level of analog input required to fly a plane. Given my experience with the VelocityOne Flight yoke, I was quite excited to try it out with the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightdeck HOTAS system. I placed both modules on my desk, and both are reasonably weighted, so they stay in place during normal use. If that is not enough, you can attach screws, which are included out of the box.
In terms of usage experience, some of the discussion here may have already been alluded to on the previous page, but I will talk about them again here in case you skipped the last section or want a more consolidated narrative on just the usage experience.
First, let us start with the stick. I found the stick's stiffness to be reasonable, so it was a pleasure to use to fly a plane. The module itself does not move or tip over easily either. The actuation points are also good, so there are no noticeable unintended hardware dead zones, but you can create your own in software if that is what you prefer.
All of the buttons on the sticks are of acceptable quality, but there are a few areas of improvement in my opinion. To start, the two-stage trigger button makes an empty, hollow echo sound inside the stick when fully engaged. It should sound more solid, as it somewhat bothers me every time I hear it. The sprung gear lever, three position knob, and three toggle switches are reasonably weighted, but it would feel much better if they were made out of metal.
The fire button as a capacitive touchpad is not super accurate in use. Granted, it does the job. We have to keep our expectations reasonable when trying to navigate anything using your thumb that is capacitive touch half an inch in diameter.
Concerning the stick's HUD, there is something strange about it. You cannot start or stop the Chrono timing from the home screen, even though there are labels on the GUI showing what buttons to press to start/stop and reset it. Everything has to be done by diving through the menu, which is a bit slow and inconvenient considering how long you have to hold the HUD NAV button for and clicking through screens.
Second, let us talk about the throttle module. The resistance on the throttle lever is very good, and the programmable haptic feedback is the icing on the cake. I also like how features a split design that allows you to control the left and right throttles independently or lock them together.
The feel of all the other dials and levers is acceptable, but again, making them out of metal will further improve the experience. The biggest highlight is the Flight Touch Display, which I found a pleasure to use. The screen resolution is not specified, but from my experience, the resolution, viewing angle, and contrast are all good.
All in all, the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightdeck provided an overall very positive experience in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 as an entry-level HOTAS system. There are lots of tactile buttons that are logically placed and easily accessible. The quality of the switches and weight of some of the controls discussed on this page are generally acceptable in my opinion, but has room for improvement given the price point of this product.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Hardware
3. Software and Usage Experience
4. Conclusion
