A “pinkie” shift switch rounds out the button set for the X-52 stick.  When depressed, the pinkie switch allows a different button mapping scheme, to double the function of each button. 

To compensate for the large size of the stick, the X-52 features an adjustable rest built into the lower portion of the controller.  The platform can be raised or lowered, accommodating those with even the largest hands, while still allowing users with smaller hands to get full use of all of the buttons and features of the unit. 

A final feature of the stick is the twist axis, commonly used for rudder control in flight sims or torso twisting with the Mechwarrior crowd.  The twist axis resistance is firm, avoiding the accidental twist during hard turns or maneuvers.  A small lever on the bottom of the stick allows this axis to be locked out when not needed, but we found during testing that the stick function just fine with the twist action left in the unlocked position. 

The spring force for the stick is somewhat light, but smooth along the entire axis.  Unfortunately, the resistance is not adjustable, but after a short usage period, it goes unnoticed. 

Overall, the stick gets high marks for features, accuracy, ergonomics, and style, while the resistance would be rated average. 

The throttle unit of the X-52 HOTAS is another massive controller.  Borrowing the same comfortable shape as the X-45, the X-52 throttle adds a new display panel and additional buttons.  Like the stick, the surface of the throttle is covered in a rubber texture, and sports the same black/blue/silver color scheme.  Like the stick, the throttle unit is covered in buttons and dials, making use of nearly every square inch of available space.  Two fire buttons, one 8-way hat switch, and a scroll wheel with button add more options to the already packed X-52 feature set.  Two rotary dials and a new slider-type switch are perfect for trim adjustments on high end flight simulators, adding a total of 3 additional, programmable axes to the X-52.  A tiny joystick under the thumb rest acts as mouse control, and a single button provides left click functions.  This takes some getting used to, controlling a mouse with your left thumb while flying with the right hand and working the throttle with the left hand, but it can be done.  Finally, there is a “clutch” feature that allows the user to press a button and see the mapped function displayed on the LCD panel, without actually pressing the button in-game.