8 Best PC Racing Wheels with Clutch and Shifter 2024
The world of video games it is. Esports are progressing day by day, and gamers are getting more and more involved in it. The gamers these days are devoted and committed to achieving what they have dreamt for. Some love to carry on with fighting games, some relish themselves by playing different sports games, while some love to thrill themselves through the Racing games.
Everyone has contrasting and different interests; our main focus will be on the Racing games because that raises the bars high for the racing wheels’ bars. So, what is a racing wheel? Do only the devoted racing gamers are aware of this? I don’t think so. Many of us have seen racing wheels, but not many gamers have used them. And obviously, it is the part of your interest that drags you here.
The racing wheels we reviewed in this article comes with pedals & shifter. You can use the pedals for braking, gear changing, and speed adjustment. The wheel is similar to a steering wheel of a car, letting you control the movement of your vehicle or character by the use of steering.
These Racing wheels lets you feel that you are the original character or are driving the car or any other vehicle by yourself by dissolving you entirely to the game’s core. The steering is connected to the system via USB port.
There is a tough competition between companies due to many manufacturers making high-quality racing wheels. Companies like Logitech, Subsonic, Thrustmaster, etc. have made it difficult for gamers to choose a product.
Well, don’t worry and scroll below. Our best picks and guide will help you decide, which Racing wheel will serve you the best.
Logitech G920 Dual-Motor Feedback Driving
The Logitech G920 Driving Force racing wheel and pedal controller, designed for Xbox consoles, has gained attention among gamers for offering a budget-friendly yet immersive driving experience. Compared to high-end rivals like Thrustmaster and Fanatec wheels, the G920 provides a level of performance that is similar, despite not being as technically advanced.
The wheel itself is wrapped in hand-stitched leather, adding a touch of luxury and ensuring a comfortable, secure grip while driving.
One of the key features of the G920 is its customizable settings, which allow users to adjust the wheel’s rotation up to 900 degrees and tweak the force feedback to suit their preferences. The dual-motor design, complete with steel ball bearings and overheat protection, ensures smooth and reliable operation while adding to the realistic feel of the driving experience.
It is worth noting that, in some cases, the wheel might experience rattling, but this happens only occasionally and does not significantly detract from the overall experience. The wheelbase’s compatibility with Fanatec’s mounting hole pattern simplifies installation, though the pedals might require a bit more effort to set up, as they appear to be primarily designed for resting on carpeted floors.
Despite its many advantages, the G920 is not without its drawbacks. The most notable issue is the power light, a glaringly bright white LED situated on the wheel’s six o’clock spoke. This light can be distracting, especially in dimly lit rooms, potentially impacting the gaming experience.
Another area of concern is the brake pedal’s design and stiffness. The non-adjustable pedal features a plastic cone that regulates braking force, which can be frustrating for some users who prefer a more customizable experience.
To further enhance the G920’s appeal, Logitech could consider addressing these usability issues in future iterations. For instance, they could replace the overly bright LED with a more subtle power indicator and redesign the brake pedal to offer adjustable stiffness options.
Despite these minor issues, the Logitech G920 remains an attractive choice for gamers seeking an affordable, realistic driving experience that delivers solid performance without breaking the bank.
Thrustmaster T300 RS
The Thrustmaster T300 RS is a must-have for any racing fan who wants to experience the thrill of force feedback technology. This wheel uses powerful motors to simulate real-world forces, allowing you to feel the back end of your car losing grip around a turn.
This level of realism cannot be matched by any graphical representation alone. Although it works best with PS3 and PC racing games, the T300 RS is compatible with PS4 and comes with a pedal board and wheel base.
The T300 RS is part of the same modular system used by the Thrustmaster T500 RS, which means that it can use the gearbox and advanced pedal board that Thrustmaster already sells.
Although there is no separate gearbox included, the clicky racing-style shifters built into the wheel make up for this omission. The wheel is also topped with rubber for a high-friction, rugged surface that feels extremely well-made.
While the pedal board is made of plastic and lacks the high-end feel of the metal base pedals used in the older T500 RS, the actual action of the pedals offers the variable tension between the accelerate/brake that most people are after. The T300 RS is also quite affordable compared to other force feedback wheels and holds its value well.
Overall, the Thrustmaster T300 RS is an excellent investment for racing enthusiasts looking to experience the thrill of force feedback technology.
Thrustmaster T248p review
The Thrustmaster T248 is an affordably-priced racing wheel package that caters to a broad spectrum of users, ranging from casual gamers to seasoned racers. Its innovative Hybrid Drive technology cleverly marries the advantages of gear and belt-driven systems, resulting in outstanding force feedback and responsive performance.
Although the wheel may initially feel heavy and requires some adjustments to achieve the best results, its resistance and feedback ultimately contribute to helping users refine their driving techniques and attain faster lap times.
The T248 racing wheel comes bundled with Thrustmaster’s T3PM pedal set, which is designed for durability, adjustability, and a satisfying braking experience. The magnetically actuated pedals are topped with a metal plate, ensuring long-term use without any degradation in performance.
The brake can be customized using an included spring and a small washer, offering a total of four different adjustments to the overall brake feel. However, to prevent the pedals from shifting during aggressive braking, a racing sim frame is necessary, especially for those serious about their sim racing experience.
The paddle shifters on the T248 wheel are highly responsive, allowing for precise gear shifts without missing a beat. However, they are quite loud, which may be a concern for users who prefer a quieter gaming experience. Moreover, the T248’s plastic construction, while not impacting its durability, may not be as visually appealing as its competitors.
The T248’s onboard interface and button layout are superior to other options in its price range, making it a user-friendly choice for gamers.
There are three force feedback modes available, which can be easily adjusted to suit each user’s preference. While the T248 may not be as powerful as direct-drive units like the Fanatec GT DD Pro, it offers a competitive edge in terms of price and performance that is hard to beat.
In conclusion, the Thrustmaster T248 presents an excellent balance between performance and affordability, making it an attractive option for racing enthusiasts who do not wish to overspend. While there are areas for improvement, such as its plastic construction and the loudness of its paddle shifters, its force feedback and responsive controls more than compensate for these drawbacks.
As a versatile and competitively-priced racing wheel, the T248 is sure to satisfy both newcomers and veteran racers looking for an immersive and enjoyable sim racing experience.
Logitech G923 Racing Wheel
The Logitech G923 is an upgraded version of the previous G29 and G920 models, featuring improved pedals, dual clutch technology, and a new force feedback mechanism called True Force.
The pedals are a significant improvement from the previous generation, with a new spring that offers better resistance and consistency. The pedals remain rigid and come with a carpet grip that prevents them from moving around much.
The wheel itself features high-quality leather and has a slightly modernized look with blacked-out accents. The TrueForce technology adds a neat sensation and slightly adds to the immersion, although it is only compatible with a handful of games at the moment. The dual clutch software is also not compatible with many titles listed on the Logitech website.
While the Logitech G923 is an upgrade from the previous models, the upgrades are not enough to justify its $400 price tag. The force feedback leaves a lot to be desired, and the wheel can still be flung around with one finger without a problem.
The TrueForce technology, which has been heavily marketed as the wheel’s big feature, does not have much compatibility with many popular games. The dual clutch software is also not compatible with many titles listed on the Logitech website.
The buttons, rotary dial, and D-pad on the wheel remain exactly the same as they were five years ago, despite the $400 price tag. The wheel is also louder than the previous G29 and G920 models.
In conclusion, while the pedals on the Logitech G923 are a significant improvement from the previous generation, the upgrades made to the wheel are not enough to justify its $400 price tag.
The force feedback is not significantly better, and the TrueForce and Dual Clutch technology are only compatible with a handful of games. The Logitech G923 is an upgrade from the previous G29 and G920 models, but the previous models still provide a very similar experience for only $250.
Logitech G29 Racing Wheel
The Logitech G29 wheel is a great entry-level racing wheel for gamers on a budget who want to improve their skills in games like F1 2020, Dirt Rally, and Assetto Corsa. Despite some negative feedback on sites like Reddit, the G29 can be purchased on Amazon for only $250, making it an affordable option from a reputable brand.
In the box, the G29 comes with a PlayStation-themed box containing the wheel, pedals, and power brick. The brushed stainless steel pedal faces and non-linear brake pedal with an extra piece of rubber and stiffer springs provide a unique feel to the clutch or throttle.
The wheel has hand-stitched leather, aluminum spokes, a standard layout of PlayStation buttons, and various buttons around the wheel for easy control. It also has built-in desk clamps and booster attachments to secure it to any desk.
Setting up the G29 is simple and can be easily customized using Logitech’s gaming software or G-Hub. The software allows for remapping almost every button, changing steering and pedal settings, and even creating macros and changing system controls, providing a high level of customizability.
The dual motor force feedback system provides a realistic feeling of how the car is reacting, and while the gearing system can be a bit loud and skip gears, it still offers two to two and a half newton meters of torque.
Overall, the Logitech G29 is an excellent racing wheel for beginners on a budget looking to improve their skills. While it may not have all the features of a higher-end wheel, it offers a great value for its price and provides an immersive racing experience.
Thrustmaster TMX
The Thrustmaster TMX is an affordable addition to the company’s force feedback steering wheel line that offers essential features of a force-feedback wheel while costing less than half of the company’s flagship models. It is compatible with PCs and the Xbox One, making it accessible to a broader audience.
It provides an impressive number of features for less than £170, making it an ideal choice for those who are just getting into racing games or those who play only occasionally.
One of the advantages of the TMX is that it provides an immersive gaming experience by simulating the feedback you get in a real car. It’s a step up from the standard gaming racing wheel in that it doesn’t just turn but also pushes back against you.
The clever mechanics used to offer such realistic feedback bump up the price. Still, this relatively entry-level model is a fairly hefty investment compared to non-force-feedback wheels that can be picked up for £50 or so.
The TMX is well-built with a housing that feels tough and durable, with thick plastic used throughout. However, the table-clamp mechanism features a plastic handle that may not last as well as a metal one. The pedals that come with the unit are basic and made of plastic.
They offer only a basic way of adding stop and go to the gaming experience, and the break pedal doesn’t have a progressive action. However, Thrustmaster also offers T3PA pedals, which are a great upgrade with a clutch pedal, progressive break pedal, and fully adjustable metal pedal plates.
The TMX uses a hybrid belt and gear force-feedback engine that sits somewhere between the smoother, more premium feel of pure belt-driven models and the more stepped feel of a pure gear system. It provides an impressively realistic response, if not quite the level of detail you get from Thrustmaster’s higher-end systems.
It rotates only through 900 degrees, rather than the 1,080 of higher-end models, but this didn’t prove to be a limitation in many of the racing games. However, the pedals are poor and slide around too easily, so an upgrade to the T3PA pedals is recommended.
Overall, the Thrustmaster TMX is a great entry into the world of force-feedback steering wheels for those who have an Xbox One and/or PC. It provides just the sort of force-feedback experience that brings racing games to life while, largely, cutting the right corners to keep costs low.
PC-only users may be better off with the PS4-compatible Thrustmaster T150, which is nearly identical and available for closer to £110. The TMX is a good entry into force-feedback wheels for Xbox One and PC gamers on a budget.
Thrustmaster T80 Ferrari 488 GTB Edition Racing Wheel PS4
The Thrustmaster T80 racing wheel is an affordable and versatile option designed for gamers seeking to enhance their driving experience on both PlayStation 4 and PC platforms. This wheel, while priced reasonably, comes with some compromises that should be considered before purchasing.
Despite these limitations, the T80 offers a range of features that make it an attractive option for casual gamers on a budget.
One of the key advantages of the Thrustmaster T80 is its compatibility with a wide range of games, thanks to the drivers provided on the manufacturer’s website. This allows players to easily connect and customize the wheel to their heart’s content, as long as the game supports a racing wheel.
However, the wheel’s 180-degree rotation limit might be disappointing for some, especially those seeking a more realistic driving experience. Additionally, the lack of force feedback means that users will not experience the dynamic resistance and road vibrations found in more expensive wheels.
Despite these drawbacks, the T80 still provides a reasonable simulation of the force needed to maneuver a wheel in real life.
The T80’s pedal system is another notable feature, offering impressive functionality with force feedback and a comfortable size. The pedals’ rubber stoppers prevent loud noises when bottoming out, contributing to a more immersive gaming experience.
The wheel itself is equipped with numerous buttons that can be customized to perform various functions, depending on the game being played. Although the wheel does not include a dedicated gear shifter, the paddle shifters on the side serve as a practical alternative.
The included desk mount is sturdy, user-friendly, and adaptable to different desk thicknesses, ensuring a stable setup for gamers. While the mount does occupy some space beneath the desk, it eliminates the need for a dedicated piece of furniture to install the wheel.
Furthermore, the T80’s smaller wheel size may be viewed as either a positive or negative aspect, depending on personal preferences. Some users might appreciate the ease of one-handed operation, while others might prefer a larger, more realistic wheel size.
In conclusion, the Thrustmaster T80 racing wheel is an excellent value for casual gamers looking to delve into the world of sim racing without breaking the bank. While it has its limitations, the wheel’s overall performance, versatility, and customizability make it a recommended choice for those unwilling to spend hundreds of dollars on high-end racing wheels.
With its solid pedal system, easy-to-use desk mount, and a host of customizable buttons, the T80 ensures an enjoyable and immersive gaming experience for users.
PXN V9 Racing Wheel Steering Wheel
The PXN V9 racing wheel aims to provide a comprehensive sim racing experience for beginners, offering several noteworthy features at a price point of around $175. The package includes an ergonomically designed 11-inch wheel, a set of three pedals with a clutch, and a 6-speed manual shifter.
The wheel’s vibration function adds to the immersion, and its compatibility with Xbox, Playstation, PC, and Nintendo Switch is a significant advantage. However, there are certain drawbacks that might make potential buyers think twice before investing in the PXN V9.
Constructed mostly of plastic, the wheel’s build quality leaves something to be desired when compared to competitors like the Thrustmaster T150 and Logitech G29, which offer leather and metal components. Moreover, the angle at which the wheel sits when placed on a flat surface may feel unnatural for some users.
The lack of force feedback, a feature that greatly enhances the driving experience, is another major disadvantage, especially considering that competing wheels at this price point offer it. Additionally, the setup process for the PXN V9 proved to be quite challenging, which could be frustrating for users who prefer a plug-and-play solution.
The pedals included in the package, although aesthetically pleasing with their unique, geometric design and brushed metal pedal plates, have some room for improvement. The feel of the pedals could be enhanced, as all three require the same force to push down, detracting from the realism. Stability on carpeted surfaces could also be improved by adding carpet spikes to the bottom of the pedal set.
The 6-speed manual shifter is a welcome addition to the package, providing a more immersive and manual experience. While it may not be groundbreaking, it serves its purpose well. The only minor downside to the shifter is the rubber boot, which may not appeal to everyone in terms of appearance.
In conclusion, the PXN V9 offers a decent non-force feedback wheel, an H-pattern shifter, and a three-pedal set, which may be suitable for beginners. However, it falls short when compared to similarly priced offerings that feature force feedback and better overall build quality. If available at a lower price point, it could be a good option for those seeking a budget-friendly racing wheel.
However, at the current $175 price, it is difficult to recommend the PXN V9 over its competitors. Potential buyers should weigh the advantages and disadvantages carefully and consider alternative options within the same price range for a more satisfying sim racing experience.
Buyer’s Guide
Now stands the most challenging question of what to choose and how to choose? You need to be aware of some technicalities, some important FAQS, and some essential features as well.
Before ordering, go through these necessary details described below. Ignoring this will lead to further inconvenience from which you’ll have to suffer. So to save your money, time but to expand your gaming capabilities, and for the one-time investment, scroll below.
Force Feedback
It is one of the essential things you are required to know about. The force is applied through the motor to let your racing wheel to operate with absolute precision. The racing wheels with force feedback have much better performance than the one without it.
It is evident that the user wants to be rapid and quick in their actions to defeat their enemy, so this force feedback ensures that you are granted victory.
The advancements are taking place, and now two force feedback motors racing wheels are available. Purchasing dual-motors will ensure much more quickness and efficient control, but they’ll be expensive.
The question here arises from the force. Feedback is realistic or not? So, the answer is “NO.,” and you’ll be wondering why, so because it is just a device that tracks your vehicle, and it knows about its physical situation. The force can’t only be felt through the wheels but even through the seats, pedals, and forces exerted by the user.
To conclude, the force feedback makes you feel better, and it is not necessary. If you can afford to have one, then it is well and good.
Compatibility
What you need to know is that the racing wheel you feel satisfactory to buy is compatible with your console or not. There are multiple best racing wheels compatible with PlayStations, different gaming laptops, PCs, and Xbox.
Moreover, also find out that the respective OS you have installed in your pcs is consistent with the Racing wheel. Also, check out connectivity and set up processes. If it suits you, then indeed purchase it without any second thought.
The steering wheel
The steering wheel has to be an absolute cracker. While using it, the user must feel that he is involved in the game. The steering wheel is designed to provide realistic feelings and immerse the gamer deeply into the game. Instead of managing the wheel, he can focus on reaching the finishing line while leaving others behind.
Modern steering wheels have been designed based on the real car steering wheels with a well-coated leather to improve grip and prevent sliding of hand and losing control.
Apart from look and appearance, the size, the rotation, and quality matter a lot.
A steering wheel must be around 11 inches in diameter to manage rotation and its different functions. As far as rotation is concerned, at least an orbit of about 900 degrees is the best. However, 270 degrees even fits the gap.
The rotation helps you go around the corners, avoid rugged landscape and different scars, and adroitness obstacles. Well, the more the rotation, the more dollars you should have in the pocket to purchase a one. Finally, make sure that the steering wheel is made up of a resistant and highly endured material, so it lasts longer.
Acceleration and braking functions
Look for a whole package of racing wheels along with clutch and pedals. Make sure that the pedals are comfortable and work exactly as required. Foldable pedals are much better to have as they won’t minimize the space as they will be easily stored. Be careful and attentive while ordering a racing wheel with clutch, pedals, and shifters.
Price
What matters the most is that you can buy a racing wheel that is precisely up to the buying guide. There are numerous racing wheels available in the market at different prices, so with other qualities.
It is up to you to recognize the best one. It costs at least around $150 to $300. A price lower than that might be of cheap quality or might lack some features.
It is upon your budget which one you choose.
Act according to the buying guide and enjoy your games with high perfection and exact precision. Choose one from the list above displaying the ten best racing wheels, which are quite renowned.
Well, there will be some difficulty to select, though try applying alternatives and choose the one you are well satisfied.
FAQ
Q) Does the Logitech shifter work with Thrustmaster?
The Logitech shifter won’t connect with Thrustmaster; however, if it is connected with the Logitech steering wheel, then it will work. Moreover, A shifter can’t work alone; it has to be connected to its particular steering wheel just like a shifter by Logitech can only be connected with a Logitech steering wheel.
Q) Are manual or paddle shifters faster?
It is better to use paddle shifters as they are faster and more convenient than the manual transfer of gears. According to research, paddle shifter takes around 0.25 seconds, while manual gear transfer takes about 0.40 seconds. Well, it is up to the user that he can bear shifter expenses if it is not in the package with a racing wheel. With the cost, it is also based upon the User’s way of thinking and enthusiasm.
Q) Do you need a wheel for iRacing?
IRacing is only available on PCs. You’ll need to have a racing wheel adjust similar to other racing games. The racing wheels provide a realistic experience that any other device won’t offer you. So, a decent racing wheel with a decent pc is enough for iRacing.
Q) Why are racing wheels so expensive?
Racing wheels have to be built-up with a lovely, high-quality material. The motors used in them are highly expensive. Some racing wheels even use dual-motors that can cost even more. The arrangement of different devices and organizing the Wheel requires a lot of engineering work that is indeed a factor in making it expensive.
