"Hard to starboard/ port"

[Ferry_25]

I know I can't qualify as a newby anymore. But my question might affect newcomers as well. One thing I haven't figured out is the "hard to starboard/ port function. The only difference I noticed compared to double "D" "A" is using the hard function the ship automatically goes neutral when releasing it. My question: is there a difference? Does the ship turn some harder with the "hard" function? Or isn't there any difference other than the one mentioned?

[principat121]

Try "Q" or "E"...

[SV_Kompresor]

Wait....what's a hard function?

[Commander_Cornflakes]

There is no difference in what your ship does. It's just more comfortable if you don't have to hold the key all the time for longer maneuvers.

[wilkatis_LV]

I prefer the A & D because I can just release them and stop the turning when it "feels" right. Q & E produce the same result without holding those buttons - but I always forget to stop the turn (as I have no button held) and end up seriously overturning or even doing a random unnecessary loop.

[FixCVs_Nautical_Metaphor]

They're not "hard" rudder functions, Q and E are just locking the rudder at half and full positions once it arrives there.

The rudder shifts at exactly the same speed as with A and D though. Thus, technically, Q and E are the only way to actually use the rudder in the way an actual ships's rudder is used, and steer a curve with a defined radius. Even though you only have two radii to choose from.