The second problem we had with the Top Gun USB was that the movement was entirely too stiff. We had to wrestle with it to get anything done. It was so stiff that, after a half-hour of the FreeSpace II demo, our wrist was actually sore. Couple this with the fact that Top Gun USB has no suction cups or bolt holes to keep it in place, then using it becomes quite a work out. You spend more of your time frustrated at your joystick trying to go where you want to than you do enjoying the game. Long-term usage will probably loosen the stick up, but the first few months of play will be very frustrating. We really wish ThrustMaster included a spring tension adjuster, as it would improve the Top Gun USB a thousand fold.
Saitek is a less well-known company with a wide range of joysticks that rely on innovative features and designs to sell. The Cyborg 2000 has features and looks seen in no other joystick. Read on to see how it stacks up.
The Cyborg 2000 is an aptly named stick. It has a futuristic adjustable design that would fit into any space-fighter cockpit. Its gray base is contoured and appealing, with bolt holes on the bottom that let you secure it to a desk. The stick is attached to the base pretty securely with a small rubber boot over where the stick and base meet to keep dust out. Interestingly, the spring that keeps the stick centered is exposed and you can see it push the stick to center.
The Cyborg 2000 has an innovative customizable design that you can adjust to your hand size and personal preference. Towards the front of the base is a throttle control that can be controlled from either the right or left side of the base. It can be moved from one side to the other depending on what you prefer. There is a bottom pad that your hand rests on and has a contour for your palm. It is reversible for southpaws and you can adjust it to four different heights. There are three thumb accessible buttons on the top of the stick along with a four-way hat control. While the buttons and hat feel a bit flimsy, they are on an adjustable component that can be tilted towards you at three different angles as well as angled to the left or right with about eighty degrees of freedom. The main trigger for the index finger is fixed in place. All the adjustable controls are adjusted with a small tool that mounts on the front of the base. The Cyborg 2000 has an amazingly slick, intelligent, and unique design. We would like such customizability to be available in all controllers.