New Features
The most obvious change the controllers are the new metallic blue plates on the bases. More than eye candy, these plates are engraved with graphical charts depicting the buttons on each controller. No longer will gamers need hunt for buttons, simply look on the base plate and read the labels.
A new fire button sits atop the stick, and Saitek opted to use a more realistic style. The X-45’s Launch button has a “safe” cover, which must be flipped up to fire, while the original X-36 was the opposite. A minor change, but most people will be pleased with the result.
The tension spring of the X-45 has been changed, and now uses a system similar to the Cyborg sticks. Rather than internal centering springs, the X-45 has an external spring that rides on a floating plate. Moving the stick causes the plate to compresses the spring along the range of motion. The result is a very smooth feel, with a continuous tension.
Other changes are mostly cosmetic, and include light-up buttons on both the throttle and stick, along with a detachable hook for the pinkie switch. The hook is a nice option, as gamers with smaller hands may have had problems actuating the pinkie switch on the X-36’s mammoth stick. The overall shape and functions of the controller remain unchanged from the X-36, which itself was one of the finest controllers available.
Installation of the X-45 is typical of most USB controllers. The drivers and Saitek Gaming Extensions are loaded onto the machine, and after a reboot, the controller is plugged into an available USB port.
We play tested the new X-45 on several of our favorite titles; Fly!, Mechwarrior 4, and X-Plane, and the result was excellent. The stick retains the solid ergonomics of the original X-36, including the unusual but effective rudder on the underside of the throttle. As with the X-36, the rudder is actuated by a rocker switch on the front of the throttle unit. The learning curve is short, and takes very little time to get used to. I actually prefer the X-36/X-45 rudder over the twisting rudders found on most sticks. Throttle movement is precise, and includes an adjustment screw for changing the throttle friction, much like a real aircraft. I also found the X-45 Throttle’s range of motion to be very generous, which is essential for fine-tuning the power during a landing. The new spring mechanism on the X-45’s stick changes the tension slightly from the feel of the X-36, giving the stick a more positive centering action, thanks to the floating plate under the spring. I like the new centering spring, since the X-36 tended to feel a little loose The accuracy of the controllers are absolutely perfect, and require no setup under the Windows Calibration menu. And since the X-45 is a digital controller, it is not plagued with any of the drift problems some may remember from the old analog days.
We are fortunate here at Maximum3D, since we have the opportunity to test some of the best controllers on the market. The X-36 has always been on our short list of favorites, and the new X-45 is an improvement on the X-36. With better spring tension, the new pinkie hook, and the cool Control Command plates on the bases, the X-45 sets a new standard for HOTAS systems. Saitek even dropped the price on the X-45, to less than that of the X-36. You gotta love those guys.
