Build Quality and Design

Although the X56 is primarily made from high quality plastic with metal accents, it feels very solid and reliable. The ergonomic design is comfortable during long flight sessions, and the lighting looks great in the evening.

A highlight of the X56 is its six degrees of freedom. This includes full control over pitch, roll, yaw, as well as thrust in all directions, making it perfect for both atmospheric and space simulation. The thumb operated mini stick is another useful feature, allowing easy camera movement around the cockpit.

Throttle and Joystick Performance

The split throttle design is one of the X56’s best features, especially for multi engine aircraft. The independent throttle controls provide a heightened level of realism, particularly in more complex aircraft that require separate engine management. I’ve found the throttle gets a little bit stiff from time to time. I’ve found that turning the throttle stiffness up to the maximum and then back down to the minimum stiffness really helps to loosen up the throttle.

The X56 joystick provides excellent accuracy, which is critical in flight simulators. The adjustable spring tension system allows for a customisable feel which gives you control over the stick’s resistance depending on personal preference or the type of aircraft being flown. There are four different springs included, and it’s easy to switch them out for a lighter or heavier feel.

Customisation and Software

One of the most powerful features of the X56 is its extensive customisation options. It has 189 programmable controls, multiple profiles, and adjustable dead zones. The X56 can be fine tuned to suit a wide range of aircraft and flight scenarios. The software can be complicated at first, particularly for beginners. It offers a lot of options, which is great for advanced users but may present a learning curve for those who are new to HOTAS systems.

Quality Control Issues

I have seen some users reporting quality control issues where they have experienced joystick drift and some buttons malfunctioning. I haven’t experienced any of these issues, luckily, but it’s worth keeping in mind if you’re considering this setup. I would stick to buying it brand new to take full advantage of the 2 year warranty, just in case.

Final Thoughts

The Logitech G X56 is a great option for those who want a customisable and immersive flight simulation experience using a good quality control system.

The X56 takes up quite a lot of desk space, which may be a challenge for users with a smaller desk. My desk is quite large with 3 ultrawide monitors but with the throttle, joystick, keyboard, mouse, speakers etc, it doesn’t leave much space.

There are cheaper options out there, such as Logitech x52 which are well worth looking into. That said, if you’re looking for a HOTAS system that delivers a realistic flying experience and have the extra budget, the X56 is a great choice. Just be prepared for a bit of a learning curve if you’re new to the world of customisable flight sticks.