I’ve been flying MSFS in VR for 3 years using a controller, mouse and keyboard. I am about to change to yoke/rudder pedal peripherals. I’m concerned that using switches on yoke will be difficult in VR. Do you have any recommendations for this transition? What are the best peripherals with VR in mind?
Pressing buttons on the yoke handles in VR is super easy. Using buttons/switches on the yoke case requires some muscle memory development. You can make it easier by gluing some stuff for tactile recognition (I use both sides of Velcro tape, they feel very different).
And you will need a throttle quadrant plus I strongly recommend rudder pedals.
I can’t imagine flying without my yoke, throttles and pedals in VR. I also have DIY panel with multiple knobs, switches and buttons, so when flying GA plane I barely touch the mouse. Especially the dual rotating knobs with pushbuttons are very useful. Sometimes I grab the weong knob but I also marked them with some tactile differentiators (little bumps, some sharp, some round) so the mistakes are rare and immediately spotted.
I use Honeycomb Alpha Yoke (a lot of buttons and switches), 2x Saitek throttle quadrant (cheap), and Thrustmaster Pendular Rudder pedals (a bit pricey, but looks and works amazingly - what is important they also have brakes).
Thanks for taking the time to give me a detailed description of how you deal with the tactile identifiers on the switches. To a limited extent, I all ready have also placed some tactile identifiers on the keyboard, with the majority of common functions on the controller. However, hearing from you that finding switches on the peripherals is very doable with a headset on gives me confidence to move ahead with the transition. The huge majority of reviews/videos out there are for simmers who fly in 2D and can see all the switches…and I will never go back to 2D! I also appreciate your listing the specific yoke, quadrants, and pedals that you use. I would really value any additional comments you may think of, or from anyone else who reads this conversation! I’m grateful for your input…You rock!
I fly VR with Alpha, Bravo, X52 HOTAS, Cougar MFDs and Logitech pedals. It took very little time for muscle memory to develop and I rarely miss the right knob or button.
Here you can see my DIY panel with dual rotary encoders, switches and push buttons based on Leo Bodnar’s controller board (similar results may be achieved with Arduino}.
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That’s really helpful. Until you mentioned the Cougar MFD, I had never heard of a “button box”. Listing your peripherals is informative, too! Thanks.
Thanks for including the picture of your set-up. That is invaluable when added to your description!
Nice, tight, clean setup but the standout is, of course, the little retro trash can! 
Hi. I only started with this in the last couple of weeks (also using VR) but since then I’ve purchased a HOTAS One and today got a Honeycomb Alpha yoke. The Alpha has great build quality and the swithces are well placed. I’m still very much learning their position but so far so good and I’d recommend it. From my initial use, I definitely need some rudder pedals as well and I’m looking at the Logitech ones. They seem to get very good reviews without breaking the bank.
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I hadn’t noticed the retro trash can…You’re very observant…I think I’ll get one, too…That way, every time I crash land on the runway having forgotten to lower the landing gear, I can get a broom, dust pan, and brush, and throw away all the fibreglass and asphalt!
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Although we need more data, it looks like VR simmers prefer the Honeycomb Alpha yoke…That’s the way I’m leaning, as well.
If you feel OK about it, would you please post a picture of your set-up, as well? I really appreciate the 3 of you sharing in this discussion! Thanks.
Hi,
Using Honeycomb Alpha and Bravo when I need a yoke. For a joystick I use the Thrustmaster Warthog HOTAS. My pedals are MFG Crosswind. Flying in VR exclusively.
I am very happy with my hardware, and using it when wearing my VR headset poses no problem.
I’ve had most peripherals for decades, from logitec, saitek and now Honeycomb A&B. In VR, like in the Baron, it’s positioned in the same location, so reaching for the throttles and seeing them move is very immersive. But this past week, my 2 yr old Alpha Yoke started to act up, twitching and rolling and when moving elevator, the ailerons now move. Unflyable! Spent days researching this issue and discovered its a hardware flaw at Honeycomb. Many have had, and many more are getting this issue. And they say poor customer support and not honouring the warranty. Issue is in the internal wire/cables, when the yoke travels, loose wires rub the circuit board causing spikes, jitters and erratic movements. The fix is to open it up (voiding warranty) and tie down those loose wires. Rumour has it Honeycomb is in trouble.