How can I fix the VR cockpit and real desk mismatch with my HOTAS?

[JeffreyTW]

I finally got my hands on a proper VR flight stick, but I’m struggling to find the right seated play space setup. My main issue is that when I’m fully immersed in a cockpit sim, I keep fumbling for my physical keyboard for commands that aren’t mapped to my HOTAS. Has anyone else dealt with this disconnect between the virtual cockpit and your real desk?

[AlexanderIJ]

I ran into this too and I fixed it by putting a small keyboard riser on the chair arm so I do not have to lean or hunt for keys. I mapped most of the common actions to the HOTAS but there are a few oddball commands that still live on the keyboard.

[MarkM]

I ended up sticking a tiny wireless keyboard on a padded desk pad next to my chair. It is quick to glance and I keep a couple of macro layers there for quick nav.

[TimothyL]

I try to train my eyes to flip to the cockpit panel and not reach for the board but it still pulls me out of immersion sometimes.

[AddisonL]

I also fiddled with seat height and desk edge. If your posture changes your brain expects the keyboard in a different spot and you start fumbling again.

[Matthew_W]

I tried a magnetic strip on the desk to mark where the keyboard lives and I measured how long it takes me to reach it. Took a day but the habit started forming.

[StevenTW]

Do you think the real issue is the desk distance or the cockpit mirroring not matching your real world space?