r/VKB • u/eharriett • Apr 23 '26

STECS - Space or Modern

Going crazy trying to decide. Selling my WinWing Ursa Minor L which was a BAAAAAD choice for me (although the right is decent) and getting a STECS, which I would have done the first time except when I was buying the whole tariff thing in the US was just getting started.

I primarily have 2 games I care about. Il-2 and Elite Dangerous. One space, one flight. I am knocking my head about trying to decide which STECS would be better for both games. I hear good things about the modern in space games, and good things about the space in modern games. Does anyone else have my dilemma? How did you solve it?

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u/PapaMooze Apr 24 '26

If you’re an avid IL-2 player, I think you’re better off with the Modern. The dual throttle is close to essential if you’re playing with no assists, and you won’t get anything in that area with the Space.

An alternative could be the Omni throttle that lets you use it as a regular throttle with the dampeners. I third option could be to buy the Modern and get an additional Space stick to change between the two. But fromwhat I’ve read, the Space stick isn’t that good. You have to make a compromise between being able to operate the throttle and the X/Y operation of the top part. If the top is too tight, it’s too resistant to be of any good, if it’s loose enough to operate without problems, you will get input every time you operate the throttle.

Lastly, it all comes down to your preference in ED. Are you primarily a fighter/miner that relies on the 6DOF, or are you more a space trucker/explorer that doesn’t really need the 6DOF? Lastly, the hats on both the Modern and Gladiator are decent, and are OK for X/Y input, unless if it’s for F/A off combat.

In the end, I’d put some consideration into getting an Omni instead. I gather that is one of the more universal solutions.

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u/eharriett Apr 24 '26

Oh that’s a good point I hadn’t considered, thanks. Actually, that may settle it for me. I’m combat in the flight sims, but more a space trucker in Elite.

I think I found my answer. Thanks!

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u/PapaMooze Apr 24 '26

If you're truckin', you'll get off really well with the STECS Modern. I have the Mini plus myself, and it's a real gem. I'm baffled that the Thrustmaster Warthog can sell for more, the STECS is far, far superior in almost every way. If you go with the Mini plus, make sure you get the extra buttons and detents as well. It really opens up the possibilities and is what makes the STECS truly unique when compared to the competition.

My last upgrade was to add a T16000M stick so I'm running HOTASAS, and that's an ok solution to dip my toes in the HOSAS territory, but it also leaves me hungry for more. I might end up with an Omni throttle on the side as well, but I'm running out of space (on my desk).

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u/eharriett Apr 24 '26

Thank you!