To be verified if these side keys actually send MIDI commands, or somehow only control the pad settings.
In Novation Launchpad the 16 round side keys actually send MIDI commands. I placed it on the extended drawer of my desk, to the right to my chair, more or less like in the actual plane. This way the top row of the round buttons, while placed horizontally, is actually facing me as kind on vertical column, still usable as left column of line select keys. The other row of round keys, truly vertical, acts as right column of line select keys.
To allow VR flying, I’m going to 3D print a set of 3mm-high frames dividing the button area into sections, like in CRJ unit - functions, digits, letters, LSKs, for tactile reference.