In the world of flight simulation, a desktop Airbus overhead panel is a key piece of hardware for enthusiasts seeking a realistic experience. Recently, I compared two popular mini overhead panels: the Skalari Desktop Line and the Rowsfire A107 V3. This review covers build quality, switch feel, software support, installation, and value, helping you understand the differences between a premium and a budget option.

Build Quality & Feel

The Skalari Desktop Line is the closest thing I’ve ever seen to a real Airbus panel for the desk. It features a metal frame, CNC-machined front panel, and Corey-style buttons, providing a dense, heavy, and professional training hardware vibe. Picking it up instantly gives you the sense of genuine Airbus realism.

In contrast, the Rowsfire A107 V3 is designed for enthusiasts. Its 3D-printed knobs and plastic Corey-style buttons feel more like gaming hardware. The buttons produce a loud, distinct click when pressed, lacking the damped, industrial feel of real aircraft switches. The backlighting is also dimmer than Scalari, but the panel remains functional and usable.

Layout & Functionality

Both panels are mini overheads, so they don’t cover the full Airbus overhead ceiling:

• Scalari: Missing recorder, oxygen, and dome light switches.

• Rosefire: Mainly missing the internal light switch.

Functionally, both panels cover critical flows from cold-and-dark startup to shutdown: APU, batteries, engines, alerts, and lights. Both allow you to get your hands off the mouse and interact directly with the aircraft systems.

Software & Compatibility

Software support is the biggest differentiator:

• Skalari: Uses its own closed profiler software, stable and reliable, plug-and-play with the Fenix A320 and a few other add-ons.

• Rowsfire: Runs on the open-source Moi Flight platform, allowing community profiles or custom mappings. This makes it possible to fly aircraft not natively supported or configure custom functions—a major strength for the budget panel.

In short, Scalari is a polished, closed ecosystem, while Rosefire is an open, flexible sandbox.

Installation

Both panels can be mounted on a Next Level Racing Elite Quad Stand using a 3D-printed custom adapter plate. They share the same footprint, making quick swaps effortless—unlock the mount, slide one panel out, slide the other in, and you’re back in the air.

User Experience

Skalari:

• Solid metal feel, heavy and industrial

• Corey-style buttons with precise, damped resistance

• Real Airbus tactile feedback

Rowsfire:

• 3D-printed knobs, plastic buttons

• Loud click, game-like feel

• Dimmer backlighting, but fully functional

Interestingly, in certain custom setups, Rowsfire’s open-source flexibility can even outperform the high-end Skalari, despite its lower build quality.

Price & Value

• Skalari Desktop Line: $1,143.00 ~ $1,143.00

• Rowsfire A107 V3: $349~$379

Even on sale, Skalari is more than double the price of Rowsfire. If you want absolute realism, Scalari is unmatched. But if you can tolerate loud clicks and plastic knobs, Rowsfire offers 90% of the functionality at 30% of the cost, making it an excellent value.

Verdict

In my setup, Skalari stays in the main mount for realistic flights, while Rowsfire sits in the hanger as a flexible tool for custom projects.

✈️ Looking Ahead

This is just the first episode of the “Battle of the Airbus Overheads” series. In future episodes, I’ll review more panels to see where they land between high-end realism and smart value.

If you’re passionate about flight simulation hardware, follow along for more insights and comparisons to help you build the ultimate flight desk.

Flight Tip: Fly smart, fly safe, and always chase the horizon.