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S3 and R3 Pro

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Plug-and-Play Joystick

Pro Models First-Time Setup

Watch our quick setup video to get your joystick ready fast. We’ll guide you through the process and share tips for the best gaming experience.

 

What’s in the Box?
  • MaxxStick Keyboard Joystick
  • 6ft Braided USB-C Cable
  • Memory Foam Wrist Rest

Important notes:

  1. One Gamepad Only: Most games only recognize one gamepad. Disconnect any unused controllers.

  2. In-Game Settings: Some games (like Fortnite) may need specific settings. Check our guides or look up your game.

  3. Controller + Keyboard/Mouse: Some games don’t support both controller and keyboard/mouse simultaneously. Our MaxxStick includes a mode that converts it into a keyboard. Refer to our Game Compatibility Mode section for details.

Customizing Your Joystick

Maxx Utility Introduction

Our Maxx Utility is a powerful and user-friendly application designed to enhance your MaxxStick experience. It allows you to easily customize your joystick to match your unique gaming style, with a wide range of controls and options at your fingertips.

Play Video about Important Note

DO THIS FIRST - Maxx Utility Compatibility

Websites like our Maxx Utility (and Gamepad Tester) will not recognize MaxxStick movement without changing a flag in Chrome.

  1. Copy the following URL and paste it into a new tab:
    OR go to chrome://flags and search for “gaming.”
  2. Find the “Enable Windows.Gaming.Input” setting on the “Experiments” page (should be the first entry).
  3. Change the dropdown next to the “Enable Windows.Gaming.Input” option from “Default” to “Disabled.”
  4. Click the “Relaunch” button that appears at the bottom of the page to restart your browser.

 

Your joystick movement will now show in our Maxx Utility.

Game Compatibility Modes

Our joystick is a versatile USB device that works with most games by connecting to your computer in different ways. Think of it like a device that can ‘speak’ multiple languages to fit the needs of various games.

Since every game has different settings and ways of using joysticks, keyboards, and mice, we’ve created three compatibility modes to ensure you get the best experience.

Please try all of our modes to see which one is right for your game. 

Mode 1

XInput Mode

XInput Mode is how most modern games, like Fortnite, communicate with controllers. When you use MaxxStick in XInput Mode, your computer treats it like an Xbox game controller. This gives you full control, just like you would have on a console.

Mode 2

Keyboard Mode

Keyboard Mode allows your joystick to work just like a keyboard. The best part is that you don’t need any extra apps or programs—just plug it in, and you’re set. It’s like typing directly on your keyboard.

We hard code our keyboard mode to use the UP, DOWN, LEFT, and RIGHT arrows. We did this so that you can bind the WASD keys to more useful binds.

Note: You will need to go into your game settings and change your keyboard movement binds to the UP, DOWN, LEFT, and RIGHT arrow keys. 

Mode 3

Direct Input Mode

And the final game mode, DirectInput is best for older games and operating systems like Linux and MacOS. This mode is hidden by default and needs to be activated.

To activate it: Hold the button on the bottom of the joystick for 11-15 seconds, then unplug and replug the joystick. To switch back, just repeat the same steps.

Important Steps to Calibrate

We equipped the MaxxStick with advanced firmware to prevent stick drift, ensuring precise control every time you plug it in. The joystick automatically stores calibration data, including the center point and range of motion, in its onboard memory. To fine-tune your MaxxStick for optimal performance, check out our easy step-by-step video guide on calibration.

Required In-Game Settings

To ensure you can use the MaxxStick fluidly within Fortnite, the following user settings need to be enabled.

In Fortnite Settings -> Mouse and Keyboard Tab -> turn off “Ignore gamepad input” and turn on “Lock input method as mouse”.

As you joystick spring will wear, you may need to adjust the deadzone in game. Go to controller settings and increase the Left Stick Deadzone as required.

The joystick button is mapped to controller button A. In Fortnite, you can remap the action of controller button A by going to the Controller settings, choosing custom controller binds, and remapping button A.

Not Required

MaxxStick S3 & R3 Pro App

This MaxxStick App is compatible with our older firmware. You do not need the app if your MaxxStick has our Plug-and-Play firmware (PnP FW). If your MaxxStick was shipped after January 1st, 2024, your MaxxStick would have the PnP FW pre-installed. You can upgrade your older Pro’s firmware to our plug-and-play firmware by joining our mailing list below.

Firmware Upgrades

Your MaxxStick is fully functional, but we’re always improving it. Join our private mailing list to get the latest firmware updates and product enhancements.

Still struggling with your joystick?

Contact Our Support Team

If you face any problems with your MaxxStick keyboard joystick our knowledgeable team is here to help. Get assistance for your purchase through the support page of our website.