MOZA MTQ Throttle Quadrant Review: A Versatile Four-Axis Throttle for Flight Simmers

Introduction

Finding a throttle that handles both airliner and fighter workflows without compromise is a tall order. The MOZA MTQ throttle quadrant aims to deliver exactly that in a compact, modular package. With four axes, swappable handles, adjustable resistance, speed brake and flap detents, and RGB-backed telemetry lighting, this little unit punches well above its weight.

At the time of writing, the MOZA MTQ throttle unit with the standard fighter handles starts at $369 Australian, roughly $199 USD. Optional TQA and TQB throttle modules, inspired by Airbus and Boeing handles respectively, cost an additional $73 Australian or about $39 per set.

Design and Build Quality

The MTQ is a compact device, measuring 198 mm (about 7.8 inches) long, 166 mm (about 6.5 inches) wide, and standing about 216 mm (about 8.5 inches) tall with the throttles upright. It weighs just over 1.2 kilograms, roughly 2.65 pounds. The construction is plastic throughout, with the MOZA logo printed directly on the surface rather than on a decorative metal plate.

Four soft rubber pads on the underside help keep the unit stable on a desk, though there are also mounting holes if you prefer to bolt it down. On the side, a hex key adjusts the tension of the throttle axis. Around the back, you will find a traditional USB Type-B port for connecting to your PC, plus an RJ11 data transit port that allows daisy-chaining to other compatible MOZA products like the AB6 or AB9 hub.

The top of the unit houses four axes in a traditional two-engine layout: a spoiler axis on the far left, engine one and two in the middle, and a flap axis on the far right. The spoiler axis features a simple top detent for arming spoilers. A removable afterburner and finger lift bracket sits across the top, though unlike the larger MTP throttles, it is not finely adjustable; you either keep it on or remove it with the included screwdriver.

The included military-style throttle handles feature a finger lift on both left and right throttles. The left handle has an endlessly rotating knob where your index finger rests, plus a single push button. The right handle offers a virtual joystick, two four-position switches with center push buttons, and a three-position switch at the base. The two throttles can also be locked together with a switch on the back of the right unit.

Software and Configuration

The MOZA Cockpit software handles all configuration, with settings on the left and a live view of axes and button positions on the right. The mini stick and main throttle calibration worked straight out of the box, though the software allows manual recalibration if needed.

One of the more useful features is the axis detent settings. The main throttle axis includes push buttons at various positions, which can be mapped for functions like afterburner activation or engine shutdown in an F-18. You can calibrate where idle lives so that pulling back to the stop outputs zero throttle rather than a residual 12 percent, which is important for taxiing and stopping in the simulator.

The speed brake and flap axes can operate in mixed mode, offering both an axis and button outputs, or you can switch to pure axis or pure button mapping. This flexibility is handy, though assigning the flap axis in Microsoft Flight Simulator initially grabbed a push button instead of the axis; switching to pure axis mode and back to mixed mode resolved the issue.

The RGB lighting on the autopilot buttons can be controlled in several ways. Telemetry mode listens to simulator data like engine RPM, gear, flap status, G-force, and angle of attack. Device mode ties illumination to the position of an axis, such as the flap or speed brake. Manual mode offers always-on, off, breathing, and blink patterns, plus brightness and color controls with a full spectrum of options.

Presets can be created and named for specific aircraft and simulators, with auto preset matching that loads the correct configuration when you start a flight. Community-shared presets are also available for import, though cloud sharing would be a welcome addition.

Combat Configuration in DCS

In DCS, the MTQ required the usual time spent assigning axes and buttons across various add-ons. Over several weeks of flying, the throttle occasionally felt short on extra buttons compared to the more expensive MTP throttles, particularly in something like the Apache where every button counts. In the Hornet, however, the MTQ provided enough control to stay airborne and out of trouble.

The throttle axes are beautifully smooth, and the buttons all function as intended. The military-style handles, while not as premium as the MTP handles, do a solid job for combat missions.

Airbus Configuration

The Airbus configuration is where the MTQ feels most at home. The TQA handles are piano black and well constructed, feeling solid in hand. Each handle includes an auto thrust disengage button and a paddle for reverse thrust. A spring-loaded metal nipple engages the notches across the top of the base, providing noticeable clicks through idle, climb, flex, MCT, and TOGA positions.

Reverse thrust operates on the same axis as the main throttles. Pulling back to idle, lifting the paddles disengages a block, allowing movement into the idle reverse position. Continuing to pull rearward uses the main axis for more reverse performance, giving precise control over reverse thrust. The flap handle clicks into detents that align beautifully with the simulator positions for flaps up, one, two, three, and full.

In Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 with the Phoenix Airbus, the detents added significant immersion. The spoiler handle worked well, though arming the spoilers via the first detent proved finicky. The flap handle, however, matched each detent perfectly with the sim.

Boeing Configuration

The Boeing configuration with the TQB handles looks the best, with white handles contrasting sharply against the black base. The handles feel solid and more substantial than the standard military-style grips. Each throttle includes an AT disconnect button, a TOGA switch, and a lever that activates reverse thrust on and off.

The spoiler axis behaved similarly to the Airbus configuration, with some difficulty mapping the upper virtual button. The flap axis, however, presented challenges. The Airbus-style detents and the tendency for the handle to sit just above and fall into the notches created inconsistency when aiming for a specific flap setting. For example, aiming for flaps five often resulted in the handle sitting just shy of or beyond the notch, eventually clicking down to an unintended setting like flaps ten. This required far more finesse than ideal, especially on short final when configuring flaps 30 or 40.

Buying Advice

The MOZA MTQ is a jack of all trades that shines most in an Airbus configuration. The detents and flaps align well, the notches for throttle states are present, and full reverse axis control is a genuine highlight. The Boeing handles look fantastic but struggle with the flap axis due to the Airbus-style detents. The military handles are adequate for combat missions, though they lack the premium feel of the larger MTP throttles.

The unit feels about 20 percent smaller than it should, with the rotary knobs and gear handle feeling confined. The lightweight construction means the unit can pitch up when moving handles to the extremities, though bolting it down solves that issue. The backlit buttons break up the dark color scheme nicely, and the software offers extensive configuration options.

For simmers who primarily fly Airbus aircraft but want versatility across other platforms, the MTQ offers far more flexibility than a dedicated Airbus throttle at a similar price point. It is a mixed bag with a lot to like, a couple of quirks, and a gear handle that feels fragile, but when set up correctly, especially in the Airbus configuration, it works very well.

Conclusion

The MOZA MTQ throttle quadrant delivers genuine versatility in a compact form factor. Its strengths lie in the smooth axes, flexible software, and excellent Airbus configuration with precise detents and full reverse control. The Boeing configuration looks great but struggles with the flap axis, and the military handles are functional rather than premium. If you spend most of your time in an Airbus and want the option to jump into a fighter or Boeing now and then, the MTQ is a compelling choice.