You can make a gaming chair with a joystick mount reality with adapters such as Monstertech’s Hotas Chair Mount. Compared to desk-mounted alternatives, having them in easy reach on the gaming chair is best for added comfort.
Solutions such as the one developed by Monstertech or the Playseat Air Force are true options for more realistic simulator experiences. If you already have a gaming chair, you’ll be able to install it on your own, in about 20-30 minutes.
How to set up your joystick mount on a gaming chair
Given you’ve already purchased Moster Joystick chair mount, there are a few steps to go through if you want to play as soon as possible. First of all, which gaming chairs are compatible with the mount? Most branded gaming chairs can see this design become a playable reality. The brands include the following.
- Arozzi
- DXRacer
- Clutch
- Omega
- Thunder
- Secretlab
- Noblechairs
- Maxnomic
There are a few other gaming chairs compatible with the mount. Your joystick throttle can be one of the following.
- Logitech G940
- Logitech/Saitek X52/Pro
- Logitech/Saitek X55/X56
- Thrustmaster Cougar
- Thrustmaster T16000M FCS
- Thrustmaster TWCS Throttle
- Thrustmaster Warthog
- VKB Black Mamba
- VKB Gladiator/Pro/Airrow
- VKB Gunfighter MK1/MK2
Made from extruded aluminum, the joystick mount is durable and it can be used for years if used properly. Here’s how you install it.
- Check all pieces are ready for installation
On the right side of the chair, you will mount a new mounting plate which is included in the pack. A t-style main bracket is included as well, together with a plastic end cap which is mounted at the end. The main mounting plate for the Hotas should be in the pack as well. Two screws’ bags are added to complete the pack.
- Prepare the installation tools
For most chairs, a simple set of Allen wrenches and a screwdriver is all that’s needed.
- Remove the right armrest and the original mounting plate
At this stage, you’ll have to remove the right armrest. There are a few screws at its base which you’ll need to remove.
- Mount the new mounting place
The new mounting plate is specifically designed to hold the joystick and the armrest. You can also set the armrest back into position on the new mounting plate now.
- Install the T-bracket
Since you now have more space on the mounting plate underneath the seat pan, you can proceed to install the T-bracket as well. It is also a good opportunity to set your desired height for the bracket, depending on the most comfortable joystick height for you.
If you’re installing the left side of the mount as well, you will ideally mount both brackets at the same height. There should be no unnecessary pressure on your wrists when holding the joystick.
- Install the main joystick-holding plate
Using the screws in the Monstertech pack, you can install the main supportive plate of the joystick.
- Install the joystick
For the final step, you’ll need to install the joystick. Monstertech has an intuitive design which allows you to install the joystick at an angle. Even if your armrest doesn’t allow any angled positioning, you can still do this on your own, with the help of the angle-adjustable joystick support plate.
Tips on how to assemble the gaming chair joystick mount better
When installing the joystick mount, you may have to take your time to make it a stable platform, as wobbliness is the main complaint users have.
- Place the chair on a table
Placing the chair on the table means you’ll have plenty of room to work underneath the seat pan. You’ll need to screw the new mounting plate into position and the best way to ensure it stays stable is to gradually screw in all the screws yourself. It is not recommended to use an electric screwdriver for this step.
- Reverse the armrests to the back position
Since you’ll have the Hotas on the right side and the left side, you’ll need to invert the position of the armrests so that you have sufficient mounting space. There’s no special step to go over for this objective and when you mount the armrests back on the new mounting plate, you’ll simply lock them in a position pointing towards the back of the gaming chair, instead of their normal front-facing position.
- Look out for accessories
Accessories can make life even easier when it comes to gaming chair joystick mounts. Some of them include the lever-release design which automatically removes the joystick form the mounting plate without needing to unscrew anything.
This is why changing from one game to another is easy. At the same time, if you have a study project or a work project, you can use your armrest to support your arms while typing by quickly removing the Hotas.
- Get closer to your desk
One of the main benefits of having the armrests reversed is your position at the desk. Many gaming chairs simply do not allow you to get close enough due to the long armrests. On the other hand, having them point back gives you a bit more space to get closer to the desk and the keyboard.
It can be a great advantage, especially if you value ergonomics and if you sit for hours, which most gamers already do.
Final considerations
Apart from the quick release adapter, you can also check out Monstertech’s mouse extension mount. It allows you to play other FPS games while sitting back. At the same time, the platform can be used for web navigation.
Once you enter the gaming chair extensions world, you’ll end up with many products which allow you to enjoy better comfort. You can also take full advantage of the ergonomics of such chairs as you won’t be able to sit upright while hunched over the keyboard.
Just remember, the assembly hex keys with ball head are not included and you’ll need to be prepared before the joystick mount is delivered.
Have you installed a gaming chair joystick mount yourself? Was it as solid as expected? Let us know below.