USB Board That Looks Like Game Controller

I am building a helicopter collective and I want a smallish USB board that looks like a simple game-controller to my computer, no fancy drivers, just a simple game-controller. I am trying to interface two potentiometers (preferably as sliders) and three momentary switches. Yes, I have heard of Arduino, Leo_Bodnar, Teensy, Rasberry-Pie, and a few others. I want very much to hear your recommendations for the most trouble-free (cheap would also be nice but the priority is on trouble-free).

Thanks in advance

JD

P.S. Right now I am hacking an old joystick and trying to interface to more normal size parts.

P.P.S. Recently received on a different forum a recommendation for a $50 solution. I am hoping for something that competes in price against a cheap joystick.