Brunner CLS-E Force Feedback Joystick Review
Steve | G-LOC MEDIA
Flight simulation enthusiast and YouTuber
The Brunner CLS-E Mk II is a Swiss-built force feedback joystick that delivers one of the most immersive flight sim experiences money can buy, with dynamic airspeed-dependent resistance, stick shaker effects, turbulence, engine vibration, and ground feedback all working together to make the aircraft feel genuinely alive in your hands. At $1,429 the Brunner CLS-E Mk II is a serious investment, and it's at its absolute best in X-Plane and MSFS - DCS users get a good experience in DirectX mode but with noticeably fewer effects, so it's worth researching your specific modules before pulling the trigger. Once you've flown with the Brunner CLS-E Mk II force feedback joystick it's very hard to go back to anything else - that's honestly the best way to sum it up.
Pros
- Exceptional force feedback - airspeed-dependent resistance, turbulence, stick shaker, engine and ground vibration all work brilliantly
- Outstanding build quality - Swiss-made, brushless motors, metal casing, leather boot, maintenance-free
- Works natively with MSFS and X-Plane 12 with deep CLS2Sim integration
- X-Plane 12 experience in particular is outstanding - fluid, realistic and incredibly immersive
- Compatible with Thrustmaster grips including F-16 and F-18 - good flexibility for different aircraft types
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- At $1,429 it's a premium investment that won't suit everyone's budget
- DCS experience in DirectX mode delivers noticeably fewer effects than MSFS or X-Plane - very module dependent
- CLS2Sim software is powerful but has a steep learning curve and a dated interface
- Switching between DirectX and CLS2Sim modes for different sims is cumbersome
- Airbus grip variant uses a unique connection — rules out swapping to other grips
- Not fully supported in War Thunder and IL-2 via CLS2Sim — DirectX mode only
When it comes to flight simulation, immersion is everything. One of the hottest debates in the community is whether investing in a force feedback joystick, like the Brunner CLS-E Mk II, is worth it. In this review, we’ll dive into the features, build quality, and performance of this premium joystick to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your flight sim setup.
What is the Brunner CLS-E Mk II?
The Brunner CLS-E Mk II is a high-end force feedback joystick designed to replicate the true feel of flying an aircraft. Unlike standard joysticks, it provides dynamic feedback, simulating the effects of airspeed, turbulence, and more. But is this added realism something you need?Key Features and Specifications
The Brunner CLS-E Mk II is packed with features that set it apart from other joysticks on the market:Force Feedback Effects:
The joystick simulates deflection force based on airspeed. At low speeds, it feels muted and sluggish, while at high speeds, it becomes nimble and sharp. This can be customized for different aircraft in compatible simulators.
Vibration Effects
Experience stick shaker effects, turbulence, ground vibrations, and engine vibrations, as will as stick shaker effects. All which work extremely well and can be configured through their own software.
Peak and Nominal Force
The joystick delivers a peak force of 6.8 Nm and a nominal force of 4 Nm. This ensures consistent feedback, although the experience varies depending on which simulator you’re running.
The CLS-E Mk II works natively with Microsoft Flight Simulator and X-Plane 12. For DCS users, some adjustments are required to get the most out of it, but it’s relatively simple to get it working. Unfortunately, it’s not fully supported in simulators like War Thunder and IL-2 Sturmovik, which could be a drawback for some users, however you can now run it in DirectX mode, which opens things up for these types of flight sims. Just take into account that the experience from CLS2SIM (Brunner’s software) and DirectX mode deliver differing results in terms of force feedback.
Build Quality and Design
Designed & manufactured in Switzerland, the Brunner CLS-E Mk II boasts exceptional build quality. It features a robust metal casing, brushless motors, and a leather boot, which is of super high quality. The joystick is maintenance-free and comes with a 2-year warranty.In terms of design, the joystick base is available in different variants, including a Thrustmaster HOTAS-compatible version (reviewed), offering broad compatibility with various Thrustmaster grips like the F-16 and F-18 grips. This flexibility makes it a versatile choice for different types of aircraft and simulators.
If you choose the Jet variant (Grip based on the F4), it will come with the same Thrustmaster connection, so you can still swap it out, however if you opt for the Airbus style, this one has its own unique connection, which at the moment, rules out using any other grips.
Performance in Flight Simulators
We tested the Brunner CLS-E Mk II across three major simulators: X-Plane 12, Microsoft Flight Simulator, and DCS.X-Plane 12
The force feedback in X-Plane is outstanding, with fluid and realistic responses. The subtle movements and feedback make flying feel incredibly immersive. If your main simulator is X-Plane then you’re in for a real treat.
Microsoft Flight Simulator
While still excellent, the feedback in Microsoft Flight Simulator is slightly less refined than in X-Plane, but it remains a top-tier experience with nothing to complain about.
DCS
In DCS, the joystick operates best in DirectX mode, which offers fewer effects compared to the other simulators. However, it still provides essential feedback, particularly useful for dogfighting and tight manoeuvrers with warbirds. Again I must stress that the experience in DirectX mode is different from sim to sim and also module dependant. It’s best to research your intended game/module for FFB effects supported before investing.
Software and Customization
The CLS2Sim software that accompanies the joystick allows for deep customization, letting users tweak every aspect of the feedback. While powerful, the software interface can be daunting for new users, and switching between DirectX and CLS2Sim modes if you use DCS as well as the like of MSFS or X-Plane can be cumbersome. It’s hard to get across exactly how deep CLS2SIM is so check out this link for the CLS2SIM instructions here and check it out for yourself.Pricing
With a price tag of $1,429, the Brunner CLS-E Mk II is a significant investment. If you’re a dedicated flight simmer who prioritizes realism and has the budget to match, this joystick is unparalleled in its ability to elevate your experience.However, with new competitors entering the market, it might be worth waiting to see what other options become available. In particular new offerings from MOZA & WINWING, especially if you have budget constraints.
Final Thoughts
The Brunner CLS-E Mk II joystick base is a game-changer for flight simulation enthusiasts. Its superior build quality, realistic force feedback, and deep customization options make it a standout choice for serious flight simmers. While the price may be steep, the level of immersion it provides is hard to beat. Just remember that you will receive lesser FFB effect controls in DirectX mode and right now CLS2SIM only offers deep integration with Microsoft Flight Simulator and X-Plane. The experience in DCS (DirectX mode) varies between modules, and I think simmers that fly warbirds like the P51 or Spitfire might get the most out of it.Overall its a fantastic experience. Once you try force feedback in a flight simulator, you’ll never want to go back!
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