"So if you're planing to have different ships why not make them very different to steer. Fast or slow so the player chooses whatever he feels like." - ofc
gamepad and joystick and choosing the contoller options is not a problem but...about that mouse and keyboard. i dont know what way is the best to control the player. i mean how would you like to turn, rotate(with what buttons) and what about mouse?
can you tell me what buttons would you like to be used and for what?