Best Pedals for Sim Racing in 2021 [Buying Guide]

Pedals are an essential part of any sim racing setup. A good set of pedals (especially a good brake pedal) will give you a more realistic racing experience, while also helping to improve your overall performance and lap times.

Many wheels come with pedals, but if you’re looking to upgrade or buying a wheel that does not come with pedals, then this guide will help you find the best pedals for your needs.

There are lots of different brands and types of pedals on the market, but the cheaper the pedals the lower quality and fewer features you’ll get. So, a good starting point is to plan your budget. The more you’re willing to spend on your pedals, the fewer features you’ll have to compromise on. 

Here’s our list of the best pedals for sim racing by budget:

Before we get into what makes these pedals so great, we have an overview of the key features and considerations when buying pedals. If you’re already familiar with this, you can jump straight to our breakdown of the best sim racing pedals. We also have some FAQs at the end of the article, in case you’re looking for an answer to a specific question.

 

What to Look for in Pedals

The key features to consider when shopping for pedals include: build material, braking technology, mounting, adjustment options, and compatibility.

 

Build Material: Plastic vs Metal

The first thing to look out for in sim racing pedals is the material they are made out of. We recommend always choosing metal pedals (which come at a range of price points). The three reasons we always go with metal are: 1. plastic pedals are significantly less durable; 2. plastic has more flex and a shorter range of motion, giving you less stability and control; 3. no cars use plastic pedals, so they are less realistic.

Thrustmaster T-LCM Metal Pedals

Thrustmaster T-LCM Metal Pedals

 

Braking Technology: Potentiometer vs Load Cell vs Hydraulic

The brake is the most important pedal. In real cars, as you push on the brake pedal you feel progressively more resistance. The more force you apply the harder you’ll brake. Professional racing drivers use that physical feedback from the car to form muscle memory around the physical points of reference for braking, which helps with performance consistency. You can do the same in sim racing if you have a good brake pedal. The feel of progression and responsiveness of the brake pedal is determined by what type of braking technology is being used. There are three main technologies used for braking: potentiometer, load cell and hydraulic.

Potentiometer Brakes

Usually the brake pedals that come with beginner wheel sets are potentiometer brake pedals, which rely on displacement (i.e. how far you push it). This is the most basic and usually the cheapest braking technology, but it’s also the least accurate and least realistic. Because potentiometer brakes rely on moving mechanical parts to measure force, they also have a higher chance of failure as the parts can wear and accumulate dirt.

Logitech G29 Potentiometer Pedals

Logitech G29 Potentiometer Pedals

Load Cell Brakes

The next step up from potentiometer technology is load cell braking. Load cell technology is more reflective of how braking works in real cars, and tends to be more accurate because they use pressure to determine braking (i.e. how hard you push it) rather than displacement (i.e. how far you push it). Unlike potentiometer brakes, load cells do not rely on moving mechanical parts to measure force. This tends to provide higher resolution (or accuracy) and lasts longer with less maintenance, since they are contactless. 

Fanatec ClubSport Load Cell

Fanatec ClubSport Load Cell

Hydraulic Brakes

Hydraulic braking technology is the top-of-the-line. This is the most expensive option, but it also provides the most life-like experience, because it’s the same technology that real cars use. Pedals in real cars use hoses, tubes and cylinders that the hydraulics flow through to provide a damping effect. Keep in mind that hydraulic brakes do require more knowledge and effort to use.

Heuskinveld Ultimate Pedals Hydraulic Damping

Heuskinveld Ultimate Pedals Hydraulic Damping

 

Stability & Mounting

You never want your pedals to suddenly slip while racing, so it’s a good idea to mount your pedals to something (or look for pedals that are non-slip). Many pedals come with non-slip bases, but being able to mount your pedals to a solid base is always a better option. Having stable pedals allows you to put more pressure on your brakes and be more consistent with your inputs. Some pedals, like the Heusinkveld Sprints and Ultimates, actually require mounting to a full rig.

Playseat Sim Rig

Playseat Sim Rig Example

Another consideration when it comes to mounting is pedal inversion. Some people choose to mount their pedals inverted (i.e. up-side down) so that the pivot points/hinges are at the top of the pedals. This won’t really impact performance, it just comes down to personal preference, especially if you’re seeking a realistic road car setup. Most road cars have inverted pedals, while F1 and race cars generally have floor mounted pedals. If you decide you want an inverted setup you have a few options. You can buy pre-inverted pedals (like the Fanatec ClubSport V3 Inverted set), buy an upgrade kit (like this Extreme Sim Racing Logitech Inversion Kit), or try to DIY it.

Fanatec ClubsSport V3 Inverted Pedals

Fanatec ClubsSport V3 Inverted Pedals

 

Adjustment Options

Look for pedals that come standard with adjustment options. The ability to be able to customize your break force pedal is the most important. In general, you want a stiff brake pedal as this will allow you to be a lot more consistent in your breaking zones. This will help ensure your racing experience is as realistic as possible! The ability to customize physical spacing of your pedals will also ensure your setup is comfortable and suits your style of driving, and is especially important if you’re going to be doing heel-toe maneuvers. Some pedals can also be adjusted for pressure, sensitivity, and range, either through adjusting hardware like springs or through tuning software. The more adjustment options available, the more comfort and control you’ll be able to get out of your pedals. 

Heusinkveld Sprint Pedals Tuning Software

Heusinkveld Sprint Pedals Tuning Software

 

Compatibility: Brands, Peripherals & Consoles

When buying pedals it’s important to choose the right brand. In general, technology made by different brands is not built to be directly compatible and may require special adapters. If you buy all your gear from one brand it should all be plug and play ready. If you’re looking for an easy set-up process, you’ll want to buy into a brand with solid ecosystem of products, as well as high-quality software. 

Bigger brands like Logitech, Thrustmaster and Fanatec have extensive ecosystems of peripherals and large user bases. There are lots of smaller brands out there with high quality sim racing equipment, but downsides can include: 1. fewer products to choose from; 2. less developed software for fine tuning; and 3. a smaller community makes it harder to troubleshoot any problems that may arise.

Fanatec Peripherals

Examples of Fanatec Peripherals

Peripheral compatibility and being able to mix-and-match also varies by brand and product. For example, the Logitech G290 pedals can only be plugged into the Logitech G920 wheel, but you can buy special adapters (like this Leo Bodnar PC cable) to make your Logitech pedals work direct to USB. Or, if you’re a console gamer you can buy adapters (like this Thrustmaster Wheel to Logitech Pedal Adapter) that allow you to connect your Logitech pedals directly into other brands of wheels without relying on USBs.

Compatibility is less of an issue for PC gamers, because pretty much all sim racing equipment is built to be PC-compatible, and you can connect multiple individual devices through USB. On consoles this is trickier, because while all pedals are compatible with PC, they are not all compatible with Xbox and Playstation. So, if you’re a console gamer you can’t mix and match as easily between brands, but there are often workarounds.

Xbox and Playstation Consoles

Xbox and Playstation Consoles

 

Best Pedals for Sim Racing by Budget

In the low-budget group you’re looking at around $150 USD for stand-alone pedals (i.e. Thrustmaster T3PA Pro) or $250-400 USD for wheel and pedal sets (i.e. Logitech G29 & G920 and Logitech G923) using potentiometer technology. It’s also worth checking out your local market places (Craigslist, Ebay, Kijiji etc) for second hand pedals, as you can often find really great deals on high quality pedals.

The next step up is the mid-range category with basic load cell pedals (no wheel included) for around $200-300 USD (i.e. Thrustmaster T-LCM and Fanatec CSL Elite LC).

If you’re able to save up a bit more we would suggest the more high-end load cell models (like the Fanatec ClubSport V3 or Heusinkveld Sprint pedals), which generally cost between $300-$600 USD.

Finally, if you’re looking for top-of-the-line pro-level hydraulic pedals, you can’t get any better than the Heusinkveld Ultimate, but they have a hefty price tag of $1000 USD.

Note: all prices are subject to change.

Low-Budget Potentiometer Pedals

Logitech G29 & G920 Wheel & Pedal Set 🏆  Editor’s Choice for Beginners

Logitech G920 and G29 Wheel and Pedals Sets

Logitech G920 and G29 Wheel and Pedals Sets

  • Price: $249 USD on logitech.com (subject to change)
  • Includes: wheel base, steering wheel, 3 pedals and footrest
  • Build Material: Metal
  • Braking Technology: Potentiometer
  • Console Compatibility: Yes
  • Mounting: Hard-mounting optional (rubber feet and patented carpet grip system)
  • Able to Invert: Yes (Kits available eg. Extreme Sim Racing Logitech Inversion Kit)
  • Adjustment Options: Pedal face positioning, clutch/brake/throttle sensitivity (Logitech tuning software)
  • Resolution: 8 bit
  • Tension: Unknown
  • Add-Ons: None
  • Connection Type: Directly to Logitech base

The Logitech G29 for PS or G920 for Xbox is a wheel and pedal set (you can’t buy them separately, unless you buy them second hand) perfect for beginners on a budget. It comes with metal pedals that use potentiometer technology, along with a force feedback wheel that can be desk mounted. It also has rubber feet and a carpet grip system, so you don’t need to hard mount these pedals. You won’t get the accuracy and durability that you would with load cell pedals, but it’s a great “plug and play” option that beats out the plastic pedals that come with the Thrustmaster beginner sets (like the T150 or TMX).

In terms of adjustment options and set-up, they have self-calibrating functionality, or you can tune the pedal sensitivity yourself using Logitech’s gaming software. There are also multiple screw holes in each pedal so you can reposition the pedal faces for more comfort and control (especially for heel-toe maneuvers). 

If you’re looking for an inverted setup, the ability to invert isn’t built into these pedals but there are inversion kits available, for example, this Extreme Racing Inversion Kit from Amazon.com

Logitech G923 Wheel & Pedal Set

Logitech G923 Wheels and Pedals

Logitech G923 Wheels and Pedals

  • Price: $399 USD on logitech.com (subject to change)
  • Includes: wheel base, steering wheel, 3 pedals and footrest
  • Build Material: Metal
  • Braking Technology: Potentiometer
  • Console Compatibility: Yes
  • Mounting: Hard-mounting optional (rubber feet and patented carpet grip system)
  • Able to Invert: Yes (Kits available eg. Extreme Sim Racing Logitech Inversion Kit)
  • Adjustment Options: Pedal face positioning, clutch/brake/throttle sensitivity (Logitech tuning software) 
  • Resolution: 8 bit
  • Tension: Unknown
  • Add-Ons: None
  • Connection Type: Directly to Logitech base

The Logitech G923 was released in August 2020. It’s more or less the same as the Logitech G29/G920, except for two main elements: the brake pedal and the force feedback system.

The rubber block underneath the brake pedal was replaced by a progressive spring for, what some would consider, a more responsive and accurate feel.

In terms of the force feedback, Logitech introduced a new system called “TrueForce”, that’s supposed to provide a more realistic drive with quicker and more accurate force feedback. Users have reported mixed experiences with it; we tried it and we couldn’t feel a huge difference from the G29/G920. It’s also important to note that currently the TrueForce system is only compatible with certain games. For these reasons, the Logitech G29/G920 is still our preferred choice.

Thrustmaster T3PA Pro Pedals

Thrustmaster T3PA Pro Pedals

Thrustmaster T3PA Pro Pedals

  • Price: currently unavailable on amazon.com (previously $150 USD – subject to change)
  • Includes: 3 pedals and footrest
  • Build Material: Metal
  • Braking Technology: Potentiometer
  • Console Compatibility: Yes
  • Mounting: Hard-mounting optional
  • Able to Invert: Yes (built in)
  • Adjustment Options: Pedal face positioning, two removable brake mods
  • Resolution: 10 bit
  • Tension: Adjustable up to 30kg
  • Add-Ons: Spring brake mod, conical rubber brake mod
  • Connection Type: Directly to Thrustmaster base or USB (with TR J12 Adapter)

The Thrustmaster T3PA Pro potentiometer pedals are definitely a step up from the plastic T3PA pedals, and they have higher resolution than the Logitech models. One of the major advantages of the T3PA pedals is the built-in ability to switch between a floor-mounted or inverted set up. This is one of the only pedal sets on the market that allows you to do this so easily.

One small downside of the T3PA Pros compared to the Logitech pedals is that there is no tuning software. However, they do have self-calibrating functionality, and you can tweak the compression springs to customize the pressure, force and range. Like the Logitech pedals there are also multiple screw holes that allow for various horizontal and vertical repositioning of the pedal faces, but you cannot adjust the physical spacing of the pedals. 

You can buy these pedals individually or in a bundle with the Thrustmaster T300 RS GT force feedback wheel and wheel base.

Thrustmaster T300 RS GT Wheel and Pedals

Thrustmaster T300 RS GT Wheel and Pedals

 

Mid-Range Load Cell Pedals

Fanatec CSL Elite LC Pedals

Fanatec CSL Elite LC Pedals

Fanatec CSL Elite LC Pedals

  • Price: $230 USD at fanatec.com (subject to change)
  • Includes: CSL elite pedals (throttle and clutch) and footrest, plus CSL elite pedals load cell kit (brake)
  • Build Material: Metal
  • Braking Technology: Load cell
  • Console Compatibility: Yes
  • Mounting: Hard-mounting recommended
  • Able to Invert: Yes (DIY)
  • Adjustment Options: Pedal face positioning, horizontal spacing, fully removable pedals, adjustable brake force and resistance (PC driver software, wheelbase tuning or exchangeable elastomer springs)
  • Resolution: 12 bit throttle and clutch, 16 bit brake
  • Tension: Adjustable up to 90kg
  • Add-Ons: 3 rubber and anti-skid pads, clutch limiter pad, elastomer springs
  • Connection Type: Directly to Fanatec base or USB

The CSL elite pedals alone are not amazing, but when you add in the load cell kit it’s a whole different story. CSL is Fanatec’s entry-level line of sim racing products, and being part of this line-up, the  CSL Elite LC pedals are among the most affordable load cell pedals on the market.

In terms of adjustability, you have more options compared to the Thrustmaster T-LCM. You can individually adjust horizontal pedal spacing, tweak the elastomer springs, or tune through the included software. It also comes with three anti-skid pad choices and you’re able to remove the pedals from the footrest and mount them directly onto your cockpit.

If you want to buy a complete setup, Fanatec offers a CSL Elite Starter Kit bundle, including the wheelbase as well as a steering wheel and pedals that you can add an optional load cell brake to.

Thrustmaster T-LCM

Thrustmaster T-LCM Pedals

Thrustmaster T-LCM Pedals

  • Price: $290 USD at walmart.com (subject to change)
  • Includes: 3 pedals and footrest
  • Build Material: Metal
  • Braking Technology: Load cell
  • Console Compatibility: Yes
  • Mounting: Hard-mounting optional
  • Able to Invert: No
  • Adjustment Options: Pedal face positioning, 6 spring choices, adjustable brake force and dead zones (via calibration software)
  • Resolution: 16 bit
  • Tension: Adjustable up to 100kg
  • Add-Ons: 6 springs, optional rubber pedal grips
  • Connection Type: Directly to Thrustmaster base or USB

The Thrustmaster T-LCM pedals are Thrustmaster’s first and only set of load cell pedals. These are a huge upgrade from the Thrustmaster T3PA pedals thanks to the improved realism, accuracy and durability of the load cell technology. They’re also a step up from the Fanatec CSL LC pedals when it comes to resolution and tension, although they don’t have the same ability to adjust horizontal spacing.

With the T-LCM pedals you’ll also get more adjustment options compared to the T3PA pedals. There’s included calibration software and 6 springs, in addition to the pedal spacing and positioning options. If you want more grip Thrustmaster also sells optional rubber pedal covers that are compatible with the T-LCM pedals. One of the potential downsides of these pedals is that there’s no easy way to invert them like the T3PA pedals.

 

High-End Load Cell Pedals ($300-$700 USD)

Fanatec ClubSport V3 Pedals 🏆  Editor’s Choice for Best Load Cell

Fanatec Clubsport V3 Pedals

Fanatec Clubsport V3 Pedals

  • Price: $360 USD at fanatec.com (subject to change)
  • Includes: 3 pedals and footrest
  • Build Material: Metal
  • Braking Technology: Load cell
  • Console Compatibility: Yes
  • Mounting: Hard-mounting recommended
  • Able to Invert:  Pre-built inverted model available
  • Adjustment Options: Pedal face positioning, horizontal spacing, vertical spacing, throttle spring strength, brake sensitivity and brake travel (PC driver software or wheelbase tuning – no need for tools)
  • Resolution: 12 bit
  • Tension:  Adjustable up to 90kg (without the brake performance kit)
  • Add-Ons: ABS-simulating-vibration brake, wheelspin/oversteer-simulating-vibration throttle, strong spring throttle, strong spring clutch, interchangeable pedal faces (flat or d-shaped), optional hydraulic damper kit and brake performance kit
  • Connection Type: Directly to Fanatec base or USB

The Fanatec ClubSport V3 pedals are our pick for a more advanced load cell pedal set. Unlike the Fanatec CSL Elite LC pedals, the clutch and throttle on the ClubSport V3 pedals use hall-effect sensors which provide significantly more realism, accuracy and durability compared to potentiometer technology. 

You can take it a step further if you choose to get the optional brake performance kit and gas hydraulic damper kit. Between the hydraulic damper kit and the brake performance kit, we strongly recommend getting the brake performance kit for the $30 USD extra. This replaces the polyurethane foam (PU) with different strengths of Eladur (elastomer springs), which you can mix and match to get the right brake resistance and overall feel. The main purpose of the brake performance kit is to increase pressure while reducing travel. It makes a pretty significant difference, and without it the brake pedal just isn’t quite stiff enough. In general, you want a stiff brake pedal as this will allow you to be a lot more consistent in your breaking zones.

Fanatec ClubSport V3 Brake Kit and Damper Kit

Fanatec ClubSport V3 Brake Kit (left) and Hydraulic Damper Kit (right)

One of the coolest features unique to the ClubSport V3s is the vibration motor on the brakes. This simulates Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), indicates when your tires are locking and helps you feel rear wheel spin and oversteer.

Another amazing feature of the ClubSport V3s is that you can adjust the brake stiffness and travel without any tools, which you can do just by turning a knob on the brakes themselves. That being said, if you’re using the brake performance kit you will need tools to set that up, as it needs to go inside the brake pedal. Other tuning adjustments can be made through the Fanatec tuning menu or on your PC – you can even tune while you race! The ClubSport V3s also provide more options for repositioning your pedals and pedal faces compared to other Thrustmaster or Fanatec pedals, and include interchangeable flat or d-shaped pedal faces. 

If you’re looking for a relatively affordable Fanatec wheel to pair with your ClubSport V3 pedals, Fanatec offers a bundle including the Clubsport V2.5 wheelbase and BMW GT2 steering wheel. 

Fanatec ClubSport V2 BMW Wheel Bundle

Fanatec ClubSport V2 BMW Wheel Bundle

Fanatec ClubSport V3 Pedals Inverted 

Fanatec ClubsSport V3 Inverted Pedals

Fanatec ClubsSport V3 Inverted Pedals

  • Price: $660 USD at fanatec.com (subject to change)
  • Includes: 3 pedals and footrest
  • Build Material: Metal
  • Braking Technology: Load cell with hydraulic damper
  • Console Compatibility: Yes
  • Mounting: Hard-mounting recommended
  • Able to Invert:  Yes (built inverted)
  • Adjustment Options: Pedal face positioning, horizontal spacing, vertical spacing, throttle spring strength, brake sensitivity and brake travel (PC driver software or wheelbase tuning – no need for tools)
  • Resolution: 12 bit
  • Tension:  Adjustable up to 90kg
  • Add-Ons: vibrating brake and throttle, strong spring throttle, strong spring clutch, built-in hydraulic damper for brake, interchangeable pedal faces (flat or d-shaped), optional brake performance kit and hydraulic damper kit for gas
  • Connection Type: Directly to Fanatec base or USB

Fanatec also offers an inverted version of the ClubSport V3, which are the same except of course for the inverted set-up. The inverted set also includes a hydraulic damper kit, which is assembled out-of-box on the brake pedal (hence the price jump). Again, we’d highly recommend getting the brake performance kit with this set, otherwise the brake pedal isn’t stiff enough.

Heusinkveld Sprint Pedals

Heusinkveld Sprint Pedals

Heusinkveld Sprint Pedals

  • Price: $600 USD at heusinkveld.com (subject to change)
  • Includes: 3 pedals (no footrest)
  • Build Material: Metal
  • Braking Technology: Load cell
  • Console Compatibility: No (PC only)
  • Mounting: Hard-mounting required (full rig required)
  • Able to Invert:  Yes (DIY)
  • Adjustment Options: Position of pedals in all directions and angles, throttle and clutch spring strength, brake sensitivity, brake travel, dead-zones and custom (non-linear) pedal output curves (SmartControl software)
  • Resolution: Unknown
  • Tension:  Adjustable up to 120kg
  • Add-Ons: None
  • Connection Type: USB

The Heusinkveld Sprint pedals were released relatively recently to replace the Heusinkveld Pro pedals (which are no longer in production). The Sprints are regarded as top-of-the-line load cell pedals, thanks to Heusinkveld’s renowned craftsmanship and technical innovation.

Compared to the Fanatec ClubSport V3, the Sprints offer even more customization options for pedal adjustment with the included SmartControl software that allows you to easily configure dead zones, brake force and customize (non-linear) pedal output curves. With SmartControl you can save your pedal settings into profiles that can be loaded whenever you want to use them without having to recalibrate the pedals. 

Compared to the Heusinkveld Ultimate pedals, the Sprints are much more user friendly (not to mention affordable) and since they’re pre-calibrated, they can be used as ‘plug and play’. The only major downside with these pedals is that they are not compatible with consoles. It’s also worth noting that these pedals need to be hard mounted to a full rig, and they do not come with a footrest (but you can buy it separately).

 

Top-of-the-Line Hydraulic Pedals

Heusinkveld Ultimate Pedals 🏆  Editor’s Choice for Pros

Heusinkveld Ultimate Hydraulic Pedals

Heusinkveld Ultimate Hydraulic Pedals

  • Price: $1,300 USD at heusinkveld.com (subject to change)
  • Includes: 3 pedals (no footrest)
  • Build Material: Metal
  • Braking Technology: Hydraulic
  • Console Compatibility: No (PC only)
  • Mounting: Hard-mounting required (full rig required)
  • Able to Invert:  Yes (DIY)
  • Adjustment Options: Position of pedals in all directions and angles, throttle and clutch spring strength, brake sensitivity, brake travel, dead-zones, hydraulic damping and custom (non-linear) pedal output curves (SmartControl software)
  • Resolution: 12 bit
  • Tension: Adjustable up to 136kg
  • Add-Ons: None
  • Connection Type: USB

The Heusinkveld Ultimate pedals are the pinnacle of sim racing pedal technology on the market today (and the price reflects it). With a combination of hydraulic and load cell technology, you can’t find a more realistic and accurate drive than the Ultimates. To make them truly realistic, Heuskinveld has conducted extensive testing driven by mathematical models to simulate the pedals of true race cars. Their website even states that these pedals are capable of simulating the pedal forces as experienced in F1 and LMP-cars.

Heuskinkveld also offers some of the most advanced options for customization using their SmartControl software, as well as incorporating many choices for physical adjustments. That being said, these are not made for beginners. They do require more technical knowledge and effort to use. It’s also important to note that like the Heusinkveld Sprints, the Ultimate pedals are incompatible with consoles.

 

Summary

Choosing the right set of pedals really comes down to how much you’re willing to invest in your sim racing set up. More expensive, high-resolution pedals with load cell brakes (having higher tension) result in a more realistic racing experience and can also lead to performance improvements. That being said, there are still lots of affordable pedals that will provide a great racing experience. 

If you’re a beginner looking for a low-budget plug-and-play pedal set, look no further than the Logitech G29 for PS or G920 for Xbox which includes three 100% metal pedals as well as a wheel for $249 USD on logitech.com.

If you’re willing to invest a bit more to get load cell technology and a full suite of adjustment options, the Fanatec ClubSport V3 pedals are our recommendation for $360 USD at fanatec.com (but don’t forget to get the brake performance kit for the $30 USD extra).

Finally, if you have deep pockets and are looking for the absolute top-of-the-line gear, the Heusinkveld Ultimate hydraulic pedals are truly some of the most advanced pedals on the market today.

Note: all prices subject to change.

Best Sim Racing Pedals

 

Pedal FAQs

Hall-effect sensor vs potentiometer pedals

Both hall effect sensors and potentiometers are used in pedals to measure displacement (i.e. how far you push it) to determine braking force. With Potentiometers this is done through the interaction of mechanical parts. One of the key benefits of hall-effect sensors is that they use contactless magnets rather than moving mechanical parts. The moving parts of potentiometers can wear and accumulate dirt, which reduces chances of failure and reduces accuracy. Hall-effect sensors are rarely used for brakes, but are often used in higher-end pedal sets (featuring load cell brakes) instead of potentiometers for the clutch and throttle. 

Load cell vs potentiometer pedals

Potentiometer pedals use displacement (i.e. how far you push it) to determine braking, while load cell pedals use pressure (i.e. how hard you push it). Potentiometer is usually the cheapest braking technology, but load cell pedals are reflective of how braking works in real cars and are more accurate and responsive. Potentiometer pedals are also more prone to failure because they rely on moving mechanical parts that can wear out over time and accumulate dirt.

Fanatec ClubSport Load Cell

Fanatec ClubSport Load Cell

What are load cell pedals and how do they work?

Load cell pedals use pressure to determine braking (i.e. how hard you push it) rather than displacement (i.e. how far you push it). These are reflective of how braking works in real cars and are also more accurate and responsive than potentiometer pedals.

Are load cell pedals worth it?

Yes, if you are serious about sim racing and want to improve your performance and consistency load cell pedals are definitely worth it. Load cell pedals are reflective of how braking works in real cars and are also more accurate and responsive than potentiometer pedals.

Will load-cell pedals make you faster?

Potentially. Because of the increased accuracy and responsiveness of load cell pedals, you should be able to improve your performance and consistency. People have reported improved lap times after switching to load-cell technology. Because load cell pedals use pressure to determine braking (i.e. how hard you push it) you can also use that physical feedback from the pedal to form muscle memory for your braking points.

What are inverted pedals?

Inverted pedals are pedals that have been mounted up-side down so that the pivot points/hinges are at the top of the pedals. This won’t really impact performance, so it comes down to personal preference, especially if you’re seeking a realistic road car setup. Most road cars have inverted pedals while F1 and race cars generally have floor mounted pedals.

Thrustmaster T3PA Pro Pedals

Thrustmaster T3PA Pro Pedals Inverted

What are the overall best sim racing pedals?

If you’re a beginner looking for a low-budget plug-and-play pedal set, look no further than the Logitech G29 for PS or G920 for Xbox which includes three 100% metal pedals as well as a wheel for $249 USD on logitech.com(prices subject to change). If you’re willing to invest a bit more to get load cell technology and a full suite of adjustment options, the Fanatec ClubSport V3 pedals are our recommendation for $360 USD at fanatec.com (but don’t forget to get the brake performance kit for the $30 USD extra). Finally, if you have deep pockets and are looking for the absolute top-of-the-line gear, the Heusinkveld Ultimate hydraulic pedals are truly some of the most advanced pedals on the market today.

Best Sim Racing Pedals

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