7 best gaming wheels for your computer

The content of the article

• How to choose a game wheel
• The best gaming wheels with pedals and a USB connection
• 4. Defender Forsage
• 3. HORI Racing Wheel Apex
• 2. Sven Nitro
• 1. Artplays Street Racing Wheel Turbo C900
• 900 ° game steering wheels
• 3. Fanatec Porsche 911 Carrera Wheel
• 2. Thrustmaster T150 Force Feedback
• 1. Logitech G G29 Driving Force
• Product comparison table

Virtual racing on cars is loved by both adults and children. The control of the keyboard or mouse does not give the feeling of complete immersion in the game. They were replaced by game wheels. They convey the entire drive of the rally very realistically. The player can feel the relief of the road, blowing with a stream of air, drifts and sharp turns.

How to choose a game wheel

The buyer needs to understand that he is acquiring a whole range of devices. In addition to the steering wheel itself, such a controller includes other means of driving, for example, pedals or control buttons.

When buying, you need to pay attention to important characteristics:

• Platform compatibility. The user can connect universal steering wheels not only to the computer, but also to the PlayStation consoles of the latest generations (PS3, PS4). The second circumstance is important, even if the buyer does not have a game console – compatibility with it will help to sell the gadget more successfully when it becomes unnecessary.
• Number of pedals. Simple models have two, more advanced models have three. An additional pedal is useful for particularly realistic racing games and driving instruction.
• Parking brake (handbrake). Needed while studying for the driver, little is used in games. For this reason, it is rarely included in the standard game steering wheel kit..
• Transmission. It gives more realism to driving a virtual car, but does not act as a necessary attribute, unless it is a question of preparing for exams at the traffic police.
• Angle of rotation. In simple models, it is small – up to 270 °, in the most advanced – more than 900 °.
• Feedback. Various tactile effects help you better immerse yourself in the virtual world, but significantly increase the cost. Vibration feedback realistically shakes the steering wheel while overcoming obstacles, and full feedback conveys a whole complex of sensations, for example, loss of adhesion, collision, slippery road.
• Number of control buttons. The more of them, the greater the player’s capabilities. Moreover, if there are a lot of keys, they can clutter up the panel. The optimal amount is 12-14 pieces.

In accordance with these criteria, the steering wheels can be divided into groups at the cost of:

• The upper segment – from 12 000 rubles. Devices create a pronounced effect of being at the wheel. There is full feedback, three pedals, a large rotation angle (up to 1080 °), an advanced control panel, other attributes of virtual reality modeling.
• Medium – 5,000–12,000 rubles. The functionality of these rudders is limited. Often there are only 2 pedals, there is no full feedback, but in general they are suitable for most games and driving stimulants.
• Lower – up to 5,000 rubles. These models are simplified; they may not be compatible with all platforms..

The best gaming wheels with pedals and a USB connection

Modern computer games have the minimum requirements for racing controllers and car simulators. In addition to the steering wheel, the kit includes gas and brake pedals or their analogue in the form of manual switches. The most convenient way to connect the controller to a computer is to do it using a USB cable.

4. Defender Forsage

Inexpensive model with a small angle of rotation and basic features. This steering wheel for PC and PlayStation has vibration feedback, but lacks full feedback, so the player will only feel the relief of the virtual road, but not the realism of the cool zigzags. There are gas / brake pedals, but you can play without them – the necessary functions are duplicated by the steering column levers.

The model is well fixed on the table with the help of suction cups, it is not necessary to fix with clamps. This is a suitable choice for beginners who do not attach much importance to additional functions, but want to try playing racing simulations.

Price:

• 2 617 rubles.

Benefits:

• affordable price (the cheapest in this review);
• compact sizes.

Disadvantages:

• not compatible with all modern games;
• You can only change gears using the buttons on the steering wheel;
• interacts poorly with game consoles;
• rubberized steering wheel quickly peels off.

3. HORI Racing Wheel Apex

The model is well compatible with computers and PlayStation consoles, adapted for modern games. Such a steering wheel is suitable for those who want to try car simulators, but are not ready to lay out a lot of money for advanced functions. The device has a standard angle of rotation – 270 °, which is enough to go through many racing tracks. The steering wheel is completely rubber coated – this helps to better control the driving process..

Price:

• 6 680 rubles.

Benefits:

• ease of calibration when installing drivers for the first time;
• good sensitivity;
• conveniently lies in a hand, does not slip out, easily enters turns;
• pedals can be fixed on a separate base, although they do not slip even without stop.

Disadvantages:

• does not give realistic sensations;
• the set of devices is minimal (only two pedals go to the steering wheel), everything else must be bought in the store additionally.

2. Sven Nitro

Although this is an inexpensive steering wheel for games, there is a gearbox in 3 positions, which adds comfort when racing. In the control panel is mounted not only a vibration motor, but also a mini-fan, creating a light breeze at high speed. There are only 4 buttons on the steering wheel itself, the rest are placed on the side panel, so it’s very convenient to use it – the probability of making a mistake with the key in the confusion of the race is much less.

Price:

• 4 825 rubles.

Benefits:

• steering wheel rotation intensity control – you can easily adjust to your style of gaming driving;
• pedal indicator
• good value for money;
• with the help of the attached programs, fine tuning of the sensitivity of the steering wheel and pedals is allowed.

Disadvantages:

• duplication of some buttons;
• reduced steering wheel size.

1. Artplays Street Racing Wheel Turbo C900

The device is securely mounted on the table with clamps. The control buttons are displayed on the central panel. The keys are highlighted, they can be reprogrammed to fit the particular game. Gearbox with sequential gear shifting, such as racing cars.

Two vibromotors are built into the body, so the sensations during games are very realistic – you can feel not only rough roads, but also the turns of a virtual car. Such a steering wheel with pedals is well suited for avid gamers who do not want to buy expensive models with increased functionality.

Price:

• 6 016 rubles.

Benefits:

• the pedal module is equipped with a retractable anti-slip system, so it is very convenient to use it;
• in addition to connecting to a computer, there is support for PlayStation and Xbox devices.

Disadvantages:

• difficult to reconfigure buttons in some games.
• pedals made of plastic.

900 ° game steering wheels

Controllers of this type are more expensive than conventional models. A wide angle of rotation helps to better control the car during turns. The realism of the player’s senses increases from the extended feedback, which imitates the control of a real machine well.

3. Fanatec Porsche 911 Carrera Wheel

The increased diameter of the steering wheel increases the comfort of the game, but more space is needed to place the gadget. Flexibility in driving is added by a 5-speed gearbox. The lower unit has a wireless connection, it has 3 pedals. They can work up to 100 hours without recharging. A powerful feedback motor transmits to the player all the features of the road surface, vibrates depending on the speed gained.

Price:

• 12 369 rubles.

Benefits:

• released under license from Porsche and copies the steering wheel of a famous sports car;
• leather braid is durable and comfortable to hold.

Disadvantages:

• this modern computer steering wheel is poorly compatible with old games.

2. Thrustmaster T150 Force Feedback

This model has an angle of rotation increased to 1080 degrees, which is well suited for both driving simulators and for racing. To make it more convenient to hold in your hands, the side parts are rubberized. For greater realism, the ruggedness of the steering wheel is adjusted through the computer. The petal switches, like most other models, work instead of the gearbox. Among similarly priced devices, this steering wheel is difficult to find an analog.

Price:

• 15 988 rubles.

Benefits:

• There are three colors of the model on sale – red, black, blue;
• simplicity and ease of mounting on the countertop;
• the buttons are elastic, pressed easily;
• metal pedals;
• powerful feedback;
• paddle shifters are arranged so that they are difficult to touch by accident.

Disadvantages:

• there are only two pedals, for realism in the game you need to configure them;
• the unit where the pedals are located is unreliable, with active use it will quickly require replacement;
• the steering wheel does not detach from the base – this controller cannot be taken apart for storage;
• vibration from the motor is felt when it should not be.

1. Logitech G G29 Driving Force

The designers tried to give this model a maximum of realism – the pedals are pressed with some effort, the steering behavior on the track is close to natural, the leather braid. For more accurate positioning, the model is equipped with a magnetic Hall sensor. The control buttons are displayed on the steering panel. The pedals are pressed with force, helping to accurately calibrate the gas and braking parameters.

Price:

• 18 290 rubles.

Benefits:

• separate profiles for games on a computer with fine adjustment of parameters (angle of rotation, etc.);
• excellent feedback;
• can be attached to different racks and chairs;
• noticeable drag when cornering.

Disadvantages:

• gear changes are done using the steering wheel paddles, for the price you could add a separate gearbox to the kit;
• at first, until the user is accustomed to a new driving style, due to the peculiarities of the magnetic sensor, the car can skid;
• no gearbox included;
• few games supported on PS4.

Product comparison table