Flying the CRJ (or any other plane) in VR without touching the mouse (AAO, Behringer X-Touch Mini, Novation Launchpad Mini Mk II) ca. $150

Wasn’t aware of the Novation launchpad TBH but it seems a pretty decent solution. Obviously the “used” part doesn’t apply everywhere, as where I am I can only get a new one for about 95 euros or so. Still a bargain for what it offers.

Frankly I would have already ordered one already had I found an easy enough and adjustable solution to somehow label these keys (like it can be done with programmable USB keyboards such as ExpertKeys), because having 64 buttons without a straightforward way to know which does what is obviously a no-go.

Will search through different labeling proposals…

edit: Midiplus Midi Controller SmartPAD seems to be another option (although harder to find) and as a bonus it has knobs (no idea if they’re rotary or not) and separate buttons on either side which can be used as LSKs in MCDUs.