Games in the genre of car simulator are now not as popular as before. Although, which of us does not like to drive in virtual racing? But to make the game more realistic, some prefer a game steering wheel with pedals. This device objectively makes the game at times more fun. Moreover, some even learn to drive in this way.
What is it?
Now there is hardly a person who at least once in his life has not seen this device. But if you suddenly relate to these, then you will guess that in general this is a prototype of the steering wheel of a car.
The player who bought the steering wheel with pedals will tell you that the feeling of time spent in the car simulator is completely different. Difficulties in driving are felt, the behavior of the car changes, the speed is felt. It is especially good if a good curved monitor comes complete with game controllers.
The choice
To pick up a successful set of these devices, you need to make a lot of effort. Choosing the first model you get is clearly not going to satisfy you. Unless luck smiles at you, and by sheer chance you do not acquire a suitable manipulator.
There is a large selection of these devices on the market. There are companies that produce only these devices, there are manufacturers who specialize in creating gaming devices, including manipulators.
Options
If you decide to buy a steering wheel with pedals and a gearbox, you will have to spend a lot of time on the Internet and in stores to find your perfect one. You can’t check the ergonomics in the picture, so you’ll have to go to special stores and feel, touch and clamp. Otherwise, an unpleasant situation may occur: you purchase a device, but it is simply inconvenient for you.
The shops have different steering wheels. If they were all identical, there would hardly be a question of ergonomics. But there are models of a rectangular shape that are somewhat different from the classic.
It is important to understand the build quality. Often there are backlashes, creaks, cracks that interfere with finicky players. In general, such a disregard for the manufacturer should be punished. Therefore, such models are bypassed. This parameter is difficult to visually consider; you will have to feel it in stores again and look for flaws. Although if you see rubberized elements in the specifications, then this already indicates a good quality and concern of the manufacturer.
Next, look at the buttons. This is the same as choosing a joystick. Sometimes you buy a manipulator, and the buttons pop out of it or have a different degree of pressing. Some game wheels with pedals are equipped with a huge number of buttons, which is also difficult for the user. Besides the fact that you have to deal with each key, it is also possible miskliky during the game.
Sensitivity is another important parameter. Some customers do not pay attention to it, but notice problems only during the game. One of the first models could rotate 270 degrees, now the most expensive options work at 1080 degrees. Of course, it all depends on what games you will play. Some gamers immediately sin on the device, they say it is not sensitive enough and does not work correctly.
In fact, not all car simulators are well-designed and high-quality. And even the most expensive steering wheel will not be able to cope with the mechanics of the game. If you want to get the most out of the game, feel all the bumps, collisions, the feeling of a change in the road surface, etc., you will have to consider models with an additional power supply.
Addition
A game steering wheel with pedals and gears will cost many times more than just a “steering wheel”. Although there are budget models with gearbox. In this case, usually a similar function is done by buttons on the steering wheel itself or shift paddles. The option is cheap and not very good.
But if you have an expensive device, then the classic gearshift lever will go in the kit. Despite the fact that many refuse it because of inconvenience, it is still the most realistic option.
There are modifications to the pedals too. In inexpensive manipulators there are two of them: gas and brake. In better models, there is also a third pedal - the clutch. The more expensive the device, the better the pedal. Quality is resistance. The pedal unit must be heavy and not ride on the floor.
A budget option
To understand what options are now, it is worth considering a couple of models. The ACME Racing wheel RS pedal wheel is a budget model. Its cost at the time of release was $ 45. The main advantage can rightly be considered appearance. The design is aimed at simulating a sports car. This is seen in the combination of red and black elements. There are also steel inserts.
The place for hands is rubberized so that your fingers do not slide off the steering wheel. The main material was plastic, but it is really good. Two pedals are also plastic. It’s hard to say that we have pedals with perfect realistic resistance. But the cost of only $ 50 does not imply a highly accurate simulation of driving a car.
The device is equipped with 18 buttons. On the one hand, it seems not bad, on the other - it may seem too much. After all, the optimal number is no more than 8 keys. But even unused buttons can be useful. For example, you can assign them to exit the menu, pause or show the map.
Reviews
This gaming steering wheel with pedals has received a low price, and accordingly, you should not expect unprecedented opportunities or realistic simulation of driving from it. This is a great option for beginner players or even children. The model is suitable for simple toys such as NFS. It will be difficult to get practical driving skills on it, but it will work out to dilute the game process, forgetting about the keyboard and the mouse.
Serious
But a game steering wheel with pedals and a Logitech G27 Racing Wheel gearbox is a completely different matter. This is a model that at one time became the most expensive - about 30 thousand rubles. Agree, the cost is impressive for a simple toy. The steering wheel, power supply, pedal kit, gearshift lever, power cable and user manual are included.
The steering wheel looks like real, covered in matte and perforated leather. There are metal elements. Turn "donut" 900 degrees. There are only 6 buttons, and all of them will definitely be functional. There are three pedals on the block, the clutch joined the brake and gas. The pedals are made with high quality, along with plastic there are metal elements. Their resistance is similar to that which you feel in a car.
The gearbox is sturdy, balanced and stable. At first glance, it seems that she was taken out of a real car, it does not look like a toy at all.
Reviews
For many, the Logitech G27 Racing Wheel will seem like an overly expensive manipulator. But those who have money will appreciate this masterpiece from the manufacturer. Indeed, the quality of materials and, in general, work on the manipulator at the highest level. He quickly responds to commands, has a moderate number of buttons and a plausible gearshift lever. Games for a game steering wheel with pedals of a similar class are easy to select. You can play both the simplest races and acquire practical skills in training car simulators.