Making a sim-racing setup is quite an adventure: first you have to set a budget for the peripherals and the platform (PC/consoles), then you have to decide whether you’re going to use a table, a desk or a cockpit, then it’s a matter of choosing the peripherals and the degree of immersion you want. It’s not easy to do all that, and I know what I’m talking about.

In my opinion, the most important peripheral in a sim-racing setup is the steering wheel. This is understandable, for the simple reason that it’s the wheel that lets you control the vehicles and push the immersion even further. Without a steering wheel, you won’t be able to sim-rac. Some might say that with a joystick it’s all the same, but it’s not at all the same thing, nor the same degree of immersion.

When it comes to sim-racing, there are several players offering a wide range of top-quality products and peripherals, and Logitech is one of them. In the gaming world, this brand is best known for its excellent PC peripherals, such as mice and keyboards. But sim-racing fans also know that the manufacturer offers more than that to its customers, including sim-racing peripherals. Steering wheel, shifter, base, pedalboard, you name it. Logitech does it all, and in this article, I’m going to introduce you to this brand, its history and some of its best steering wheels.

The Logitech product range

In sim-racing, Logitech pales in comparison to Fanatec or Thrustmaster. It’s a shame, especially when you consider that the Swiss brand was one of the first in sim-racing.

Although there aren’t really any product ranges to speak of, Logitech offers a total of 3 product categories for sim-racing. There’s an entry-level category, a mid-range category and, recently, a high-end category. These categories don’t include several peripherals, as is the case with Fanatec, for example, but just the right amount.

Logitech’s entry-level range includes a good-quality steering wheel, base and pedalboard for around €300. The mid-range also includes a better-quality steering wheel, base and pedalboard, with more precise force feedback, for a higher price (over €400). And the very recent top-of-the-range Pro series with a steering wheel + Direct Drive base bundle for €1,100, and that’s without the pedals. The latter costs less than €400.

Some might think that Logitech’s catalog is very limited, especially when compared to Fanatec ‘s, for example. However, there is one element that differentiates the two brands: Logitech focuses on beginners and Sunday sim-racing enthusiasts, while Fanatec targets hardcore fans and sim-racing professionals. These are two totally different visions, and it’s imperative to understand that.

But things could change over time, especially when you consider that Logitech now offers a premium steering wheel, base and pedalboard, which could very well compete with Fanatec’s ClubSport range.

Logitech steering wheels

If the world of sim-racing doesn’t ring a bell, I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you by saying that there aren’t many Logitech steering wheels on the market today. In fact, the manufacturer has 4 models in its entire catalog, 2 of which are virtually identical and compatible on different platforms.

Logitech is positioned in the entry- to mid-range segment, with steering wheels that are decent, but nothing more. The idea is to offer a product that is both affordable and a gateway to the world of sim-racing. If you’re an amateur looking for an inexpensive steering wheel, base and pedalboard bundle, Logitech is the place to shop.

The catalog is very simple, with products that look very similar, except for the Pro range, which is both new and aimed at sim-racing pros. What’s more, you won’t blow your budget, as prices are very affordable for the discipline, especially when you consider the quality of the products.

Logitech G29 and G920

Advantages :

• Good build quality
• Solid materials
• Correct force feedback

Disadvantages :

• Dead zone of a few degrees

I’m starting with a product that represents Logitech‘s entry-level range, the G29 and G920. These steering wheels are in fact two almost identical products, and the only differences between them are console compatibility and design. The G29 is compatible with Playstation and PC, and the G920 is compatible with Xbox and PC. As I said, the two wheels are virtually identical.

Overall, these steering wheels are aimed at beginners who want to get into sim-racing, but they can also be used by enthusiasts who want to have a good time on Forza or Gran Turismo, for example. There’s no real limit to how far you can go with these two peripherals, unless of course you want realism and immersion at the same time.

Even though these two steering wheels cost less than €300, Logitech has used quality materials in their manufacture. You have metal for the parts that need to be mobile and solid, and the rest is plastic. But then, for this price, concessions had to be made, and I fully understand that. The brand’s vision is to offer a quality product at a very attractive price, and I’ve won.

Grip is good, with buttons and paddles easily accessible without moving your hands too much. The leather used on the wheel offers a good grip and feel in the hand, enhancing immersion. The only differences between the G29 and G920 wheels are the buttons, since one is for Playstation and the other for Xbox.

Let me move on to the weak point. If you consider the price, which is often around €260, this point is understandable. There’s a dead zone of a few degrees in the center of the steering wheel. This means that small trajectory corrections will not be taken into account due to the base technology. These two Logitech steering wheels use two motors and a gear system to generate force feedback, and that’s not the most reliable technology in the segment.

All in all, I consider these wheels to be very good for sim-racing beginners, as well as for amateurs who want to have a good time.

Read my full review of the Logitech G29 or read my full review of the Logitech G920.

The Logitech G923 Trueforce

Advantages :

• Good build quality
• Quality materials
• Bundle with base, steering wheel and pedals

Disadvantages :

• Sometimes non-linear force feedback with Trueforce

Le G923 is an upgrade of the G29 and G920 steering wheels. While it brings new improvements over its predecessors, it also inherits their weak points.

So, the G923 Trueforce is a quality steering wheel for the price (in the €500 range) that uses solid materials. You’ve got metal for the structure and leather all around the wheel. Frankly, it’s premium for the price.

With a diameter of 28 cm, the wheel is a little small for my taste, but is easy to handle. Ergonomics are top-notch, and buttons are easily accessible. What’s more, this wheel is compatible with PC, Playstation and Xbox. Gone are the two models of the same product, now there’s just one with better performance.

The difference between the G923 and previous steering wheels lies in its engine and Trueforce technology. Logitech has gone to great lengths to develop this technology, which connects directly to the physical engine of the sim you’re playing. The result: improved fidelity, increased realism and enhanced performance. Force feedback torque is much more precise than before, thanks to data taken directly from the game’s physics engine.

On paper, it looks good. But when it comes to application, it’s sometimes non-linear. When it works well, the realism is there, approaching that of Direct Drive engines. But when it doesn’t work, well, you sometimes get a blurred steering wheel. It’s a new technology, and I think Logitech will fine-tune it over time.

I’ll now move on to the G923 pedalboard, which is just fine. There are 3 pedals on it, with a Load Cell system. The brake is adjustable according to your needs to give you a good feel. It’s not quite up there with the cylinder cranks, but it’s decent for the price.

All in all, I think it’s a clear step up from the G29 and G920. It’s a bundle I’d recommend to amateurs rather than beginners. Immersion is better, as are the sensations experienced.

Read my full review of the Logitech G923.

The Logitech G Pro Wheel

Advantages :

• Base Direct Drive
• Quick Release
• Good build quality

Disadvantages :

• Price a little high

The G Pro Wheel is Logitech’s first Direct Drive steering wheel, and I have to say it’s a good thing. Having competition on the market is always good for consumers, especially when you know that Thrustmaster has jumped on the bandwagon with its DD base.

In terms of design, this steering wheel is available in 2 versions: one for Xbox/PC, the other for PS/PC. So be careful before you buy, especially as the wheel is only sold on the Logitech website.

Ergonomics are excellent, with a flat-bottomed wheel and well-placed buttons/paddles. I love it, especially the addition of a second pair of paddles on the steering wheel. Another positive point is that Logitech has finally taken the plunge into QR. This implies that the manufacturer is preparing a whole range of G Pro steering wheels for its customers, and I can’t wait to see them!

This bundle (steering wheel + base) is very recent, released in September 2022. Although Logitech products are renowned for their reliability, nothing has yet been proven for this steering wheel, since it was released just a few months ago. Nevertheless, I’m not too worried about it. On the other hand, I think its price positioning (€1,100) isn’t ideal, especially when you consider that you’re up against Fanatec with an 8 nm CLS DD and virtually any mid-range steering wheel for €700 or €800 in total. Of course, you’re going to say that G Pro Wheel is 11 nm, but the technology is brand new for Logitech, and Fanatec has been mastering it for many years. Honestly, €1100 without the pedalboard is a bit steep, even if the torque is higher than the competition.

The Logitech story

Like other sim-racing players, Logitech was founded before the year 2000, in 1981 to be precise. Logitech S.A., the company’s name, is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland. But, in reality, the company’s genesis dates back to 1976, when its two founders, Daniel Borel and Pierluigi Zappacosta , were at Stanford University finishing their degree in software engineering.

At the very beginning of Logitech‘s history, the company focused on software. This makes sense, given that its founders had degrees in this field. And it wasn’t until the 2000s that the company turned its attention to computer peripherals such as mice and keyboards. Logitech still makes these kinds of peripherals, and they are considered among the best in the world.

After this first successful foray into the world of computer peripherals, Logitech decided to try its hand at developing products for simulation, with its first steering wheel for the PS2: the Logitech GT Force. In fact, the brand created a whole range of peripherals for Sony’s console and for PCs at the time, marking the start of a new era.

It was at this point that things really started to happen for Logitech, with its peripherals enjoying worldwide success. Everyone wanted a Logitech keyboard or mouse for the simple reason that there was nothing better on the market at the price on offer. And if we fast-forward to today, the situation remains unchanged: Logitech is the peripherals brand with excellent value for money.

How did Logitech become the cheapest sim-racing brand?

When we talk about cheap sim-racing peripherals, we immediately think of products that are cheaply made, unreliable, provide virtually no feel and are sold at very low prices. Cheap products in themselves. But Logitech doesn’t share the same vision.

Let’s take a computer peripheral as an example: mice. On the market, Logitech mice are considered to offer the best value for money, especially those with the Hero sensor. To be honest, they may not be considered the best ever, but Logitech mice tick a number of boxes for being good mice, and for cheap! That’s the brand’s logic: to offer an excellent product that ticks as many boxes as possible at a very reasonable price, and that’s how Logitech has become one of the top brands of gaming peripherals.

Unlike leaders like Fanatec , who don’t necessarily seek to compromise in their sim-racing peripherals, to the detriment of their often high prices, Logitech is always looking for ways to offer budget-friendly products to attract even more customers. It’s worked for years, and will continue to do so for a long time to come.

I’ll give you an example of one of the brand’s most popular steering wheels, the G29. It’s a bundle that includes a steering wheel with base and a pedalboard, all for around €200. I’ll tell you right now: none of the other competitors do better at this price, especially with a base that features force feedback and PC and console compatibility (depending on the model). And that’s why I love Logitech. In my opinion, it’s the only brand that keeps in mind that sim-racing isn’t just for the elite and those who can afford a good setup.

Logitech’s approach to peripherals

As we saw above, Logitech doesn’t just make products for sim-racing. The brand is in the PC and console peripherals market, with keyboards, mice, mouse pads, headsets, simulation products (racing and flight), joysticks and even agricultural simulation products.

Obviously, it’s not easy to evolve in such a competitive market as that of peripherals. Logitech has a fairly broad product range, divided mainly into 3 categories: entry-level, mid-range and high-end. This used to apply mainly to keyboards and mice, but the situation has changed with the arrival of the sim-racing Pro series (or range).

This approach is virtually identical to that of Thrustmaster in terms of peripherals, except that Logitech also manufactures products for computers and consoles, and does not focus on simulation peripherals. As far as I’m concerned, it’s a highly beneficial approach for both the brand and the consumer, who can enjoy the full range of Logitech peripherals and its ecosystem.

Logitech’s bundle approach

In sim-racing, brands take different approaches to their products. For example, you have Fanatec and Simucube , which are more focused on customizing setups with steering wheel, base, hub, pedals, handbrake, shifter, cockpit and so on. You can choose any peripheral to suit your needs and preferences. Personally, I love such an approach, but you have to have the financial means to buy these sim-racing peripherals.

Logitech doesn’t see things the same way, or at least didn’t see them that way. Until recently, all the brand’s sim-racing peripherals were sold in bundles, with steering wheel, base and pedals. You also get gearshifts, but these peripherals are aimed more at fans who want more immersion. However, the Swiss brand wants to change all that and go head-to-head with the competition with more immersive products, namely a steering wheel featuring a direct-drive base, or as we say in the jargon: Direct Drive.

For Logitech, this is a new experience, and above all uncharted territory, as the brand has always evolved in the entry- to mid-range with gear-driven products. And now, out of nowhere, they’re bringing us a top-of-the-range DD wheel, still in bundle, and of good quality. I’ll come back to this product below.

The Logitech ecosystem

Like all good peripheral manufacturers, whether sim-racing or not, Logitech has its own ecosystem that enables its products to operate in harmony. In sim-racing, Logitech products all connect to each other to work perfectly, via a USB connection. It’s convenient, and exactly the same with other manufacturers.

Logitech peripherals also work on several platforms, including PC and consoles. In fact, the brand’s debut in the world of sim-racing goes all the way back to the days of the PS2, with a steering wheel for Gran Turismo. Just because the manufacturer is more focused on the budget-friendly segment doesn’t mean you should be apprehensive about using its products. I can assure you that Logitech products are of good quality, whatever the range.

Which one to choose?

• Budget. Logitech, with its new G Pro range, has finally joined the club of high-end manufacturers of sim-racing peripherals. However, there’s something for everyone, with bundles priced at under €300, under €500 and over €1000. So shop according to your budget.
• Compatibility. Like other players in the game, Logitech offers products compatible on PS, Xbox and PC platforms, but not all at the same time. Make sure you do your research before taking the plunge.
• Availability. Apart from the G Pro range, all the manufacturer’s other products can be easily found in stores, which is ideal for people who want to see and touch before they buy.
• Ergonomics. I find Logitech’s products very easy to handle, whatever your preferred style of sim-racing. These wheels fit almost any sim, and you’ll have no trouble getting the hang of them.
• Immersion. With the exception of the G Pro Wheel, the immersion of the G29, G920 and G923 is almost identical and correct, without more. If you’re looking for a good time in sim-racing, you’ve got the three models I mentioned earlier. If you want to push the immersion even further, you’ve got the G Pro Wheel range.

Conclusion

Logitech has always been a brand that offers good quality products at unbeatable prices. The target segment has always been the entry/mid-range, but things are slowly changing.

The Swiss brand wants to take on the Big Bosses of sim-racing with its G Pro range, which already includes a steering wheel, base and pedals. All that remains is to develop the ecosystem that goes with it to compete with the others. The future looks even brighter for the discipline, and Logitech intends to be part of it.