Can I Use A Keyboard For Flight Simulator?
Yes, you can (very effectively) use a keyboard to operate Flight Simulator 2024 on PC, Xbox and PS5. Not only do keyboards work great in MSFS for simple tasks like text input and menu navigation but with hundreds of built in shortcut commands or 'keybinds', using a keyboard can become a very powerful and efficient accessory.
What Is A Dedicated Flight Simulator Keyboard?
A dedicated Flight Simulator Keyboard is an extended keyboard with MSFS's most useful default shortcut commands conveniently printed across its keys along with icons and colour-coding for easy access to each command.
At Editors Keys we've been widely known to specialise solely in shortcut keyboards for video and audio programs. That was, at least, until we began quickly receiving an increasing number of requests from the Flight Sim community for a dedicated MSFS keyboard. So, in 2015 we answered those calls and released our first shortcut keyboard for Flight Simulator X to an overwhelmingly positive response. More than a decade later - and with the release of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 - we are pleased to release the next iteration of our MSFS keyboard with all new hardware, connectivity and shortcut mapping. The Flight Simulator AB10 Core Keyboard.
What's The Point Dedicated MSFS Keyboard?
It's no secret that simmers have huge selection to pick from when it comes to desktop equipment. From joysticks and yokes to cockpit and radio panels, theres an extensive range of amazing tools at your disposal but - especially with Fight Sim being primarily favoured by PC users - it all starts with a humble keyboard and mouse. Two fundamental components that any sim rig can be built around. So, why not have keys that are fully mapped with MSFS's default shortcut commands and complex key combinations to expand your knowledge and navigate the vast world of piloting with ease?
Key Features
- Sleek aluminium build maxing out at 10.6mm in height
- Three levels of adjustable backlighting to suit your cockpit environment
- Direct USB-C connection for an uninterrupted flying experience
- Over 100 shortcut commands including clear icons and colour-coded modifier prompts
Discover the Editors Keys AB10 Core Keyboard for Flight Simulator 2024 here.
Designed With Help From The Very Best
It's no understatement to say that the release of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 brought a number of big changes from its predecessor and this is also true of its previously long- unchanged shortcut layout. For a program as complex and powerful as Flight Simulator 2024 there's just not enough keys on any standard extended keyboard to cover everything - and this is where we ran into a problem.
To be sure we were prioritising the shortcuts that simmers would find the most useful we reached out to former Airline Pilot and Boeing Engineer, Mike Catalfamo. Mike is the proud founder of Flight Sim Coach - one of the worlds most popular platforms for flight sim education and training. He was immediately extremely eager to see the the new keyboard go into production and helpfully put us in contact with one of his coaches; CFI/CFII Pilot, Brett Clancy. Brett worked meticulously with me to proof, review and refine the design in order to reach the best possible layout for simmers of all skill levels.
What The Pros Think
Once the first batch was complete we were exited to get a finished keyboard over to Brett and Mike for them to try out. Here's what they had to say:
"I’ve honestly been really impressed with this keyboard. The build quality feels excellent and it has a solid, premium feel without being overly complicated. The backlighting is also a really nice touch, especially when flying at night or when you’re focused on the instruments and don’t want to be searching around for keys. What really sets it apart, though, is how it simplifies some of the more complicated MSFS keybinds. A lot of commands can require combinations that are difficult to remember, but having everything clearly laid out directly on the keyboard makes them much more intuitive and easy to use. Once you get used to it, it feels very natural and takes a lot of the frustration out of managing controls in the sim. I also really like that it can eliminate the need for additional hardware like dedicated autopilot panels or other control boxes, which saves both money and a ton of desk space. Overall, it feels like a very well-thought-out piece of hardware that makes MSFS more accessible, more immersive, and honestly just more enjoyable to fly.”
Brett Clancy
CFI/CFII
"I was impressed by the design and quality of this keyboard. The labelling and use of color is really well done, and the backlighting makes it easy to read. MSFS has an incredible range of keyboard shortcuts, and this device is a great way to make less common functions easier to find - and build your muscle memory over time.
For some simmers, it could also reduce the need for dedicated control hardware (like autopilot panels). It's also very satisfying to type on. I wish I had one sooner!"
Mike Catalfamo,
Founder, Flight Sim Coach
Exclusive Offer
If you'd like to hone your piloting skills Mike has kindly provided 20% Off for Editors Keys readers to use on their first session by entering code EKEYS26 at checkout! Connect from home, share your screen and work through whatever you want with a certified flight instructor or simulator specialist from setup help and troubleshooting to remote flying lessons. Find out more and explore their broad collection of free guides and tutorials at www.flightsimcoach.com
The AB10 Core For Flight Simulator
The Flight Simulator AB10 Core Keyboard is available exclusively at Editors Keys in UK/European and USA layouts. Orders ship worldwide and will be dispatched the next working day via a reliable express, tracked service. You can also choose an easy interest-free flexible plan if you wish to spread your payment. All Editors Keys orders come with a minimum of a 1 year warranty and 30 day returns period so you can try it out before committing to making it a permanent part of your setup. Get yours here.
