Everything you need to know about simracing shifters
Simracing isn’t just about speed—it’s about the feel! And to get the feeling you’re in the heat of the action, it’s not enough to have a good racing wheel; you also need the right shifter. Whether you’re a fan of paddle shifters or prefer a good old stick shift setup, there’s an option out there made for you. But how can you find the right one? Read on to learn all about it.
The different types of simracing shifters
The right simracing shifter depends on the type of vehicle you’re driving and the degree of immersion you want. Each gear change system provides unique sensations that influence your driving style. Whether you prefer the modern edge of paddle shifting or are a purist who loves feeling the gears engaging through your fingertips, each option has its benefits and specifics.
Paddle shifters: the standard for Formula and GT racing
If you’ve ever dreamed of driving a single-seater or a GT racer, you’ve undoubtedly noticed that real drivers don’t use a traditional shifter. Rather, they have paddle shifters just behind the steering wheel.
Why? Because they’re faster, smoother and, let’s be honest, have that cool pro look! They let drivers shift gears in a split second without letting go of the steering wheel, thereby improving reactivity and control.
Benefits of paddle shifters:
- Ultra-fast shifting without loss of control
- Fewer movements, enhancing efficiency
- Ideal for F1 and GT simracing
Steering wheels with paddle shifters
If you’re looking for a steering wheel with responsive and rugged paddle shifters, we have several models available. Most of our Thrustmaster steering wheels feature this type of shifter. We’ll wait while you check them!
The H-pattern shifter, for a classic driving style
If you like to feel every gear change and replicate the feel of driving a car with a manual transmission, then the H-pattern shifter is what you need. This type of shifter reproduces the pattern of road cars and classic sports cars. A good manual gearbox adds a touch of realism that paddle shifters simply cannot equal.
Manually shifting the gears provides a greater sense of control and realism. However, the H-pattern shifter can be a bit tricky to handle, especially if you’re used to paddle shifters behind the wheel. But this option can be a new way to discover simracing or trucking!
The TH8A Shifter Add-On: the racing lover’s choice
With its 100% metal mechanism and ultra-precise magnetic sensors, the TH8A Shifter Add-On is a simracing benchmark. Its main edge lies in its modularity. You can use it in H-pattern (7+1) mode for classic driving or switch it to sequential mode for a more responsive driving experience. But we’ll swing back to this in just a moment!
The TH8S Shifter Add-On: an alternative for beginners
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the TH8S Shifter Add-On offers a 7-speed H-pattern gear box with optimal responsiveness for an immersive driving feel. Perfect for simracers looking for a reliable manual gearbox.
The sequential gear box: the perfect compromise
Love the efficiency of paddle shifters, but want a fixed base to feel every gear change? The sequential box brings the best of both worlds. There’s no H-pattern gear box; simply push or pull the lever to shift up or down. This type of transmission is particularly popular in rally and touring cars, where fast shifting is a priority. Ideal for racing, it makes shifting mistakes a thing of the past! It offers intuitive handling and improves gaming performance thanks to precise, ultra-fast shifting.
As we mentioned previously, this feature is included with the TH8A Shifter Add-On! However, we have one more product in store for you!
The TSS Handbrake: A handbrake and sequential box in a single add-on
With the TSS Handbrake, we thought of everything. This product is both a progressive handbrake (ideal for rally drifting) and an ultra-responsive sequential gearbox. Its rugged design makes it a must-have for fans of off-road races and high-octane competitions on Dirt Rally or Assetto Corsa.
Using a handbrake is essential in certain types of racing—like rally and drifting—where sharp turns demand quick timing. It provides high-level realism and allows for better skid control.
Simracing shifter setup
Now that you’ve found your perfect shifter, there’s just one more crucial decision to make: where to install it. Ideally, it should be within easy reach, just like in a real car. Here is where to set it up:
- Mounted on a cockpit: The ideal solution if you have a fixed setup, for maximum stability.
- Attached to a desk: A practical solution thanks to its adjustable clamp system, although less immersive than a dedicated cockpit.
- Placed to the right or left: Depending on your habits and type of game. In rally racing, for example, it’s preferable to install it as in actual rally cars.
The TH8A and TH8S offer ultra-flexible mounting options, so you can adapt them to any configuration.
Finding the right shifter for your driving style
Choosing the right simracing shifter depends on your preferences and the type of vehicle you want to drive. Thrustmaster’s TH8A, TH8S and TSS Handbrake models offer a wide range of options to adapt to all your driving styles!