While configuring control sensitivity on three different PCs, we observed the following:

• Aileron and Elevator: A sensitivity setting between -20 and -25, combined with an Extremity Dead Zone of +0.8, provided consistently good handling and control.

• Rudder: On all three systems, a sensitivity setting of approximately -50 was required to achieve a comparable feel, using the same Extremity Dead Zone of +0.8. The rudder pedals tested were the Thrustmaster TPR, MOZA, and Honeycomb models.

We're interested in learning which rudder sensitivity settings the wider flight simulation community uses.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Mostly with the Phenom, Raul chose the correct settings.

dd

I use the TM Warthog HOTAS and Logitech (Saitek) rudders.

I make Sensitivity and Dead Zone adjustments for almost every addon - especially helicopters.

Usually a world of difference in terms of reasonable handling.

I tend to apply far more adjustment to Pitch than Roll or Yaw.

For high performance aircraft I try to keep it more on the Dead Zone than the Sensitivity, again especially with helos.

For GA & airliners, Sensitivity usually suffices as combining both can create conflicting effects - and I’m lazy 😂.

Are your settings for all addons or aimed more at specific types?

I’ll note that I usually add an extremity Dead Zone for my “Friction Control” lever as it has notable “chatter” at the extremes. Some engines don’t like their Fuel/Condition levers to be continually micro adjusted 😉

I’m AFK, so I can’t ref my own numbers, but IIRC yours seem reasonable.

I’ll also give these a try on a few and see how it works.

14 minutes ago, UrgentSiesta said:

I use the TM Warthog HOTAS and Logitech (Saitek) rudders.

I make Sensitivity and Dead Zone adjustments for almost every addon - especially helicopters.

Usually a world of difference in terms of reasonable handling.

I tend to apply far more adjustment to Pitch than Roll or Yaw.

For high performance aircraft I try to keep it more on the Dead Zone than the Sensitivity, again especially with helos.

For GA & airliners, Sensitivity usually suffices as combining both can create conflicting effects - and I’m lazy 😂.

Are your settings for all addons or aimed more at specific types?

I’ll note that I usually add an extremity Dead Zone for my “Friction Control” lever as it has notable “chatter” at the extremes. Some engines don’t like their Fuel/Condition levers to be continually micro adjusted 😉

I’m AFK, so I can’t ref my own numbers, but IIRC yours seem reasonable.

I’ll also give these a try on a few and see how it works.

Thanks. I would like to wait to get more details to identify where the problem might be.

I don't want to jump to any conclusions, which is why I'm interested in the numbers used in these settings.

Much appreciated. 

Based on the research I've found online, many of the recommended sensitivity settings above -30 (I've seen up to -70) appear excessively aggressive, creating steep S-shaped curves that result in unrealistic handling characteristics. Users frequently describe the outcome as "twitchy" or overly reactive compared to the predictable, proportional control response expected in real aircraft.

As a general rule, we should avoid using a Dead Zone unless the controller exhibits measurable noise or jitter. Real aircraft flight controls do not have a dead zone, so introducing one unnecessarily reduces precision around the neutral position.

A word of caution regarding the Extremity Dead Zone: values above +0.9 are generally not recommended. Increasing this setting reduces the available control travel, limiting maximum control deflection and resulting in unrealistic aircraft responses. If anyone is interested, you can monitor the flight control synoptic page as you move the controls. With a high Extremity Dead Zone setting, you'll notice that the control surfaces no longer achieve their full travel.

A Sensitivity setting of -50 softens the response around the center, making small control inputs less aggressive. However, as the controls approach their limits, the response curve becomes progressively steeper, making the controls increasingly sensitive near the extremities and bringing back the notoriously "twitchy" feel.

The larger concern is that these exaggerated S-shaped response curves produce a control feel that is neither linear nor smooth throughout the full range of travel. This can lead to overcontrolling, inconsistent control authority, and abrupt aircraft reactions during larger control inputs or precision hand-flying.

This may be worth bringing to ASOBO's attention. A review of the current sensitivity implementation and response curves could lead to a more realistic and intuitive control model for all users.

My VKB Gladiator has 0 dead zone, ailerons axis to -50, elevators to -75.

With default sensitivity, moving the joystick from centre causes excessive control movement, only a slight pressure is required. I've used two joysticks and a yoke in MSFS, and all of them required the same heavy dampening.

IL-2 works fine out-of-the-box, you can use the full range of the joystick without requiring 'S curves'.

5 hours ago, flyingscampi said:

My VKB Gladiator has 0 dead zone, ailerons axis to -50, elevators to -75.

With default sensitivity, moving the joystick from centre causes excessive control movement, only a slight pressure is required. I've used two joysticks and a yoke in MSFS, and all of them required the same heavy dampening.

IL-2 works fine out-of-the-box, you can use the full range of the joystick without requiring 'S curves'.

That is very unusual, especially at -75, IMHO. I've never heard of such values. I'm wondering whether you calibrated your joystick properly using its own calibration software rather than in Windows. Very strange; you have very high-quality Hall sensors there.