Best Gaming wheel for PC: models with manual transmission and pedals, reviews

Design and Function steering principle for games

Game controls are mostly used in simulators racing games. In the simplest case, the control set can contain only one wheel. Advanced versions are equipped with pedals and gearshift lever. This allows you to penetrate more deeply into the gameplay. Running wheel is quite simple: the system measures the angle at which the player turns the steering wheel, and transfers it to the game, where the data are calculated, and transport has become a turn to the desired angle. The pedal works similarly - measures the pressing angle and transfers the data to the game.

What to look for when choosing a gaming steering

Characteristics in the game rudders not so much. But it's worth to them a little bit to understand. This will depend on all the comfort of the game and dive into it. To learn how to make the right choice steering for PC and consoles, we will now describe.

Build quality and sensitivity

Quality performance steering and its main characteristics are directly dependent on the level of development of professionalism. Cheaper models are made of simple plastic, which is not always pleasant to the touch and can slip at a particularly active use. With the level of qualification of the manufacturer will increase the build quality and the quality of materials.

Thus, the more professional and harder the wheel, the more reliably and conveniently made. In general, everything is logical. If you are new to racing simulators, then you will approach the most simple and inexpensive wheel. On it you can break in basic skills and understand how it works. If the game racing simulator you attract, you can go to the next level and to choose a more complex model of good quality and with high sensitivity.

Supported platforms

Actually, the supported platform - the first thing you have to look for when buying. Now gaming market there are 3 big players - PC, Xbox and PlayStation. Naturally, the majority of gaming gadgets and devices are produced exactly for these three platforms.

Therefore, the choice should pay attention to the compatibility of the model you like steering your platform. There is a version only for Xbox, only for the PlayStation and PC only. There are also universal, which can be cross-platform.

Pedal unit and gearbox

These two elements can not be present together with the wheel. They are needed for a more complete immersion in the game and make the computer simulator really simulator. In fact, no special features, they do not have. Pedal is better to try to smooth pressing and rate of return to its original position. Also pedals almost always have a little trouble a bonus - free running, ie the zone which, when pressed, does not react to a certain angle. By either have to get used to or just need to choose the model to its lowest value. Well, to understand the level of free running only on their own experience or on the reviews.

Transmission occurs in a small number of models. It fully simulates real car gear box. It may be implemented as a separate console or be present as a lever on the handlebars. If you want to get the full effect of the presence, then pay attention on the model with a manual transmission.

Steering wheel angle

The actual steering angle of the present vehicle can reach up to 1080 ° - three full turns. Game controls can not always repeat this option. The smallest angle of rotation in simple inexpensive models is 90 °. The professional may also issue all 1080 °. The greater the angle, the easier it is to control the process of rotation and more reliable seems to control the virtual vehicle.

When purchasing a booster should take into account the way in which it determines the angle of rotation. On this depends the smooth motion and the response devices. Physically steering angle determination may be accomplished in three main ways: a potentiometer, an optical sensor and a magnetic sensor.

Potentiometer is the easiest and cheapest solution. In fact, the steering wheel is connected with a resistor or potentiometer variable resistance using gears. When you turn the steering-wheel system detects the change in the angle values ​​and transmits them to the game. Since in the system of this computation there are many angles rubbing against each other parts is the first notable disadvantage - low durability. Over time, sooner or later, the mechanical part of the collapse. A second drawback of this approach - backlash on gears, which are also more and eventually wear out. For steering this means free play or rotation angle for which the game will not respond to user actions. By the way, the pedal sometimes also use this system changes the angle.

Measurement of the angle of rotation with the optical sensor at first glance looks like a little more manufacturable. But even here there are some nuances. Despite the low cost of the sensor each time you turn off the device, the system loses focus. Physically the sensor has a rotating disk with slotted designated photocell.

When the player turns the steering wheel, and hence the disk, counts the number of cell slots, and calculates an angle. But each time the steering system has to be calibrated again, to learn from what point of the disc is necessary to measure the angles. And here the problem can be solved in two ways: make the user each time you start to rotate the steering wheel in different directions to dead pixels, or do it automatically using the engine, increasing the design and imposes additional costs. As a result, we get a wheel with excellent positioning system, a good response and a high period of the sensor. However, the decision to calibrate carries additional costs, respectively - reducing reliability.

Magnetic sensors are the most technologically advanced and complicated solution. Their principle of operation is based on a diametrically magnetized magnet. When rotating the steering wheel is rotated and the magnet, and the magnetic resistor reads the variation of the magnetic field, and calculates an angle. This approach has allowed to achieve a high precision of rotation, the absence of rubbing parts, which increases wear resistance and small size.

There is also one small negative - the more expensive technology. However, for professionals magnet system - the best, albeit expensive option.

The feedback system

Contact output can be implemented in different ways in different models of devices. Under Vibration Feedback is usually understood simply by shaking the steering wheel in situations where a virtual car interacts with its environment - for example, it collides with other cars or falls on the big tussock.

Contact return usually means the transfer of the virtual environment sensors steering. It is almost exactly simulates the bumps in the road, coatings and other differences. Also on the steering wheel and can not be any return.

How to choose a game steering wheel with pedals - the recommendations of our editorial

It's all quite simple. If you have never experienced in the management of using the steering games, it is better to take the model simpler and cheaper. It will help you understand how it all works, and whether he will be for you to play in a race like this. After evaluating all the features and nuances can move on to more expensive and professional versions of gadgets. If you are not an avid gamer, then you can choose the model that are only one wheel. If the games are for you more interest, then choose the option with pedals and gearshift lever.

The best models of gaming rudder pedals for PC and game consoles

We have decided to collect the most interesting models of the rudders for the PC and consoles in one place to compare their prices and to explore responses.

Defender Forsage Drift GT

The easiest option steering for 3000 rubles. Type of connection - wired. It can be connected to the PC and to the PS2 and PS3 consoles. The wheel as a braid material is used tires. The maximum steering angle - 270 °. There Vibration Feedback and pedals.

Defender Forsage Drift GT

Dialog GW-14VR

Another simple wired steering wheel, designed for PC and PS2 consoles. Leather is made of plastic and has a Vibration Feedback. The maximum rotation angle is 200 °. Included is trohskorostnaya gearbox and pedals.

Dialog GW-14VR

Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Italia Xbox 360

The model is designed only for the Xbox 360. Type of connection - wired. The material braid steering - wheels. There are pedal. Maximum wheel rotates by 270 °.

Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Italia Xbox 360

Thrustmaster T80 Racing Wheel PS4

This wheel is designed for the PS4 and PS3 consoles. Present and feedback, and the Vibration Feedback. Wheel braided rubber, which neutralizes the slippage hands. For braking and acceleration pedal there. It should be a model 9000 rubles.

Thrustmaster T80 Racing Wheel PS4

Logitech G920 Driving Force based on the Driving Force GT

Very serious model for 26,000 rubles. Suitable wheel for PC and consoles Xbox One. Braided leather steering wheel. Turn the steering wheel can be 900 °. Also included is a pedal.

Logitech G920 Driving Force

Thrustmaster T300 Ferrari Integral Racing Wheel Alcantara Edition

The most expensive gaming control for the computer in our collection. As the name implies, it is braided Alcantara. This is an artificial suede, which is widely used in the interiors of modern cars. The gadget is compatible with PC, PS3 and PS4. Turn the steering wheel can be to complete 1080 °. Included is a pedal. wheel itself has vibration feedback and feedback. The cost of steering is 33 500 rubles.

Thrustmaster T300 Ferrari Integral Racing Wheel Alcantara Edition

Which is better to buy a gaming steering wheel 900 degrees for PC

Not all models can be rotated 900 ° - two and a half turns. Under these criteria fit two good model: Thrustmaster TMX Pro for Xbox One and Windows and Thrustmaster TX Racing Wheel Leather Edition. The first can be purchased for 22 thousand rubles. Play with it can be on the console Xbox One and on the PC. Included is a pedal, and steering-wheel itself braided rubber. The second should have 30 000 or, as the name implies, braided leather. It is also suitable for PC and Xbox One. Pedals are. Excellent look at their background and steering wheel Logitech G27 Racing Wheel, but did not find the former is difficult to use commercially available wheel of this model.

How to connect the wheel to the computer

In fact, to connect any modern wheel is no more difficult than USB flash drive. Usually it will be ready for use immediately after switching on. The possible exception of some models that come with the software CD. Inserting the disc, you need to install the program with him and the driver.

Everything is very simple. Problems can be related only to the calibration of any device with physical problems. A word of advice: before you connect to a computer wheel and pedals, visit the official site of the manufacturer. In most cases, you will find it useful guides and drivers, if necessary.

The best games for the steering wheel with pedals to your computer

Naturally, in order to fully experience the rudder pedals, you need to find the right game. Next, we will introduce you with the best games, just suitable for this purpose.

FlatOut

A series of racing games, became famous for the fact that it is possible to destroy your car, machines of other players, as well as harm the environment. Control of the game is quite complicated, so the wheel will increase the control of the vehicle. A vibration feedback, and the feedback function will give the feeling of shock in the wheel.

forza Horizon

Racing game with an open world. Arrivals are formed in certain areas by calling the race contenders. The game is dynamic and full of different events, a large number of fine motor settings, transmissions and more.

gran Turismo

One of the best games of the genre. Known fact that most accurately simulates the physics and behavior of the car on the road. it is recommended to use an expensive professional wheel for comfortable gaming.

F1 2016

Simulation racing professional racing cars. The game has a lot of fine tuning and the parameters that affect the movement of the car. Despite this, the development of the steering wheel in this game does not take much time.

Need For Speed ​​Series

And of course, that the selection of racing games can not be complete without the most famous games of the genre - NFS. "Need for Speed" every year or two, updated with new parts, which improves graphics, new cars and features. The steering wheel is suitable for almost all releases of the series.