Best Handbrake for Any Racing Wheel : Xbox, PS4, PC
Having a trusty handbrake at your disposal can be particularly helpful for Rally and other games where there is a considerable amount of drifting involved. It may not be useful for F1 games but you can certainly improve your lap times on Rally or other similar games. A handbrake also makes your gameplay feel more authentic which is why having one is a fun and practical addition to your racing cockpit.
Since not all sim racing games support handbrakes, it’s a good idea to check which games work with the hardware. In this article, we’re listing 10 of the best available handbrakes you can get right now so that you can have an extra layer of immersion in your sim racing experience.
ClubSport Handbrake V1.5
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On top of our list is none other than the ClubSport Handbrake V1.5 by Fanatec. It features a clever redesign of the original ClubSport Handbrake such as improved components like the new stainless steel lever for a firm but accurate feel. The potentiometer and the connector are also refined to make your inputs as precise as possible during actual gameplay. It’s very easy to perform perfect drifts in Rally and other games that have considerable drifting mechanics with practice using the V1.5 Handbrake so you can get down and dirty as you slide through the corners with ease. There’s also a new adapter included on the purchase to allow for a direct connection to ClubSport wheelbases.
Fanatec’s innovative technology ensures the V1.5 has a true 1:1 dimension to an actual race car to provide sim racers with a truly authentic experience at their hands. The handbrake has a soft foam grip at the end of the handle so that you’ll feel comfortable when initiating a drift even while the wheel is rotating rapidly. The lever can be mounted in a vertical or horizontal manner so you can customize your gameplay and the height of the handbrake according to your preferred driving style. The ClubSport Handbrake V1.5 is a great buy for all sim racing fans as it’s compatible with all Fanatec racing wheels on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. It also works on other wheel brands while gaming on PC as long as you have the ClubSport USB Adapter.
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Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod
The TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod by Thrustmaster is a 2-in-1 product capable of 2 different modes. You can use it as a normal handbrake for control of turns and drifting or as a sequential shifter for a more responsive gear shifting. As an officially licensed accessory by Sparco, it’s a must-have Esports accessory for sim racing fans to take your racing experience to the next level. The handbrake is made from 90% metal of steel and aluminum with German-made slide bearings making this a high-quality peripheral for your racing cockpit. It features Thrustmaster’s H.E.A.R.T (HallEffect AccuRate Technology) to incorporate contactless magnetic sensors to give you precision that will not decrease even after repeated use.
The handbrake is an actual 1:1 replica of the gear knob from Sparco’s Rally and drifting range for an added layer of realism for sim racing enthusiasts. Depending on your game, you can adjust the handbrake according to the game’s configuration. You can set it vertically for Rally and horizontal for GT mode. There’s a kit included in the box during purchase to allow for adjustments on the inclination of the lever. This gaming peripheral is compatible across multiple platforms such as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Don’t forget to check the list of games compatible with this product on Thrustmaster’s website to ensure you get the bang for your buck.
CXCESNS 14-bit USB Handbrake
If you’re looking for a budget USB handbrake to complement your racing cockpit setup, then this handbrake by CXCESNS is the one for you. This 14-bit USB handbrake is made from 95% metal with high-rigidity compression springs to reduce impact during gameplay. It has high tensile strength and wear resistance so you can keep using it even during long hours of play. The control system of the handbrake is made up entirely of steel, so there are no chips involved making it very safe and reliable for use on your favorite sim racing games. The handbrake takes just a small space overall making it the ideal device for space-saving. The handle is arc-shaped which fits the natural handling of driving Rally or drifting games.
The non-contact 14-bit sensor offers high accuracy and long life. It’s overheat-resistant even during long gaming sessions. The handbrake is also USB cable connected so it’s simply a plug-and-play device that automatically installs on your PC once plugged in to save you time during setup. It’s best paired with Logitech racing wheels like the G27, G29, or G923 but it shouldn’t have any problems with other steering wheels for PCs. The only drawback of the handbrake is it’s only compatible for use on desktops, it will not work for consoles so if you’re racing on other platforms then you’ll have to look for another budget device on the list. Nonetheless, this handbrake provides a realistic gaming experience for PC gamers without hurting their wallets.
mesome 14-bit Hall Sensor USB SIM Handbrake
The mesome 14-bit Hall Sensor USB SIM Handbrake works just like the CXCESNS handbrake as the device is fully USB plug-and-play without the need to install any drivers to use. However, it shares the same compatibility with the previous handbrake on the list as it will only work for PC and not for consoles like PlayStation and Xbox. The handbrake is made from an all-steel structure except the chip making it very safe and reliable for use even during longer play sessions. It’s particularly useful for Rally and games with a considerable amount of drifting involved as it gives sim racers the control needed to stay engaged on the race without sacrificing speed and lap times whenever they’re neck-and-neck with the competition.
It’s one of the relatively cheap handbrakes available on the market right now that’s easy to use without sacrificing performance. The handbrake works well with the Logitech G25, G27, G29, or other Thrustmaster steering wheels. The handbrake is universally compatible with almost all racing games and simulators making it the ideal peripheral of choice for people on a budget as you can play between different games without getting a separate handbrake for the game that you like. It’s also available in several colors like black, blue, gold, red, and silver so you can pick and choose the handbrake that fits your personality.
Obokidly 4th GEN 3-in-1 USB Handbrake
The Obokidly 4th GEN USB Handbrake has an all-new design coming from its previous iteration. The handbrake is made from lightweight CNC machined aluminum and mild steel materials for a durable and reliable device you can use even when you race for hours on end. This 64-Bit USB handbrake has a non-touch switch, using Hall-effect precision technology to increase the brake feel of racing games to make your gameplay experience truly authentic just like driving in real life. It works particularly well for Rally games and race tracks that have a lot of drifting in the course. The handle on the handbrake has an anti-skid design that is soft to the touch with good elasticity. It feels great when handled and has good sound absorption to minimize noise.
The handbrake is very easy to install as it is simply plug-and-play without the need to add additional drivers to your system. What makes this a great buy when compared to other hand brakes on the list is that this gaming peripheral works on PC, PS4, and PS5. It supports multiple platforms making it an ideal choice for sim racers on a budget as you can play on different systems without the need to get a separate handbrake for a different platform. The handbrake is available in different colors so you can choose the design that best fits your personality.
Obokidly 3rd Gen Upgrade USB Handbrake
While the 4th Gen Obokidly USB handbrake works for PC and PlayStation, Xbox owners are not left out as the 3rd Gen Upgrade is fully compatible with Xbox. It’s also made from the same CNC machined aluminum and mild steel materials just like the 4th Gen Handbrake with an entirely new design and all-steel structure. It’s sturdy, safe, and reliable to put you in control of all your favorite games. The Hall-effect precision technology utilized on the handbrake increases the brake feel when you use it for a fun racing experience. The handbrake is also fully plug-and-play without any installation required. Simply plug it on a USB port and wait for the setup to finish so you can race right away.
Like the 4th Gen version, the 3rd Gen handbrake is also covered with a soft-touch elastic material that feels great on the hand and also offers shockproof protection. It also absorbs sound so it’s suitable for racers with high strength to handle some of the contacts whenever you’re in an intense racing situation. The 3rd Gen handbrake is also available in several colors so you can pick and choose your preferred style. It’s recommended to use this handbrake on the Logitech G920 steering wheel if you’re gaming on Xbox to fully maximize the capabilities of the peripheral.
Marada 14-Bit USB Handbrake
The Marada 14-Bit USB Handbrake is a professional racing game handbrake for sim racers looking to up their game with immersion and realism in mind. The handbrake is made from durable carbon steel and high-quality metal parts like aluminum and steel for optimum robustness. It’s guaranteed to be safe and reliable for use on all your favorite racing games like Dirt, Rally, and more. The handbrake features a flexible height adjustment mechanism so you can fit its height according to your driving style. It works well on seats, brackets, tabletops, and other suitable methods to enhance the gameplay experience when you’re in the racing cockpit.
This handbrake is adapted to various PC game settings so you can start racing right away. The USB interface ensures it’s very easy to operate as you simply have to plug and play the device without the need for additional drivers. Unfortunately, the Marada USB handbrake only works for PC and is not compatible with Sony and Microsoft’s consoles. Despite this, the small and compact size of this handbrake makes this the perfect addition to your racing rig as it occupies only a little space. The curved design of the handle also makes it tightly connected to the grip making it really satisfying when using the handbrake. Overall, the Marada 14-Bit USB handbrake is sturdy, easy to use, and really cheap. So if you’re tight on budget, this handbrake is the one for you.
MJNAUY 14-Bit Hall Sensor USB Handbrake
The MJNAUY USB handbrake is a quirky-looking device for sim racers looking for a handbrake for their racing wheels. It looks like a video game peripheral but doesn’t get confused by its looks as it delivers what it’s intended to do. This USB handbrake utilizes 14-Bit non-contact Hall-sensors to provide racers with a realistic experience when playing Rally or drifting games like an actual race car. This ensures your gameplay is always accurate especially when using the handbrake frequently and you’ll be able to use it for longer even during long gaming sessions. The handbrake is also adjustment friendly so you can set your preferred height based on your racing wheel’s brackets or on your driving style.
The wires of the handbrake are made of durable nylon that’s resistant to tension and wear. It will not break as easily when compared to other devices on the market. Along with the control systems that are entirely made of steel structure, the handbrake is really safe and reliable. The handbrake is fully compatible with use on PC. It doesn’t work for consoles but its cheap price is definitely a bargain for sim racers on PC making it an ideal choice for a lot of beginners and casual racers looking for a budget peripheral.
CNRAQR 16-Bit USB Handbrake
This 16-Bit USB Handbrake by CNRAQR is one of the newest non-contact sensors to give sim racers a realistic experience as it provides better accuracy when compared to 14-Bit handbrakes. The device is made from low-carbon steel with the exception of the chip with a curved handle design making it comfortable to use during gameplay. It’s sturdy, durable, and should last a long time even when you play on the daily due to its contactless switch. The handbrake is very easy to assemble and install by simply connecting it to a USB for an automatic installation of the drivers. It’s also compact and doesn’t take up much space making it easy to carry around especially during travel or storage.
This handbrake also allows for personal adjustments depending on your driving style. It’s possible to adjust the height of the handle according to your preferred level which is suitable for a lot of steering wheels and racing cockpits. The handbrake supports most racing wheels on PC making it the ideal choice for a lot of sim racing fans. It works well on most Logitech and Thrustmaster steering wheels, and even select Fanatec racing wheels. Unfortunately, this handbrake is not compatible with use on consoles like PlayStation and Xbox so you’ll have to look for another affordable handbrake if you’re racing on the console.
Fockety 14-Bit Professional USB Handbrake
This 14-Bit USB professional handbrake by Fockety is last on our list for the best hand brakes to complement your racing wheel. This universal handbrake is designed for a lot of sim racing games to elevate your gameplay experience especially for Rally, Dirt, and other games that are heavy on drifting mechanics. It works well for a lot of steering wheels available in the market right now like the Logitech G25, G27, G29, Thrustmaster T500, T300, and select Fanatec racing wheels. The handbrake is made from CNC machined aluminum and mild steel with superior compression springs and high rigidity to offer a handbrake damping feel.
It’s also equipped with high-quality nylon wires and is tensile resistant. The handbrake has anti-wear on the handles and is not easy to break even after repeated use. The non-touch switch and Hall Sensors ensure your moves are always precise while retaining the durability of the peripheral for longer life. This gaming peripheral uses a standalone USB cable and is fully plug-and-play without the need for additional drivers. It’s a simple installation during setup which means you can start racing right away. The only drawback of this affordable handbrake is it’s only compatible with PC and doesn’t work on consoles.
Buying Guide
Sensor Type
To ensure you’ll have a fun time when playing your favorite sim racing games, you must know the sensor type of the handbrake you’re using. Handbrakes that utilize Load Cell technology are some of the best hand brakes available in the market right now as they’re as real as they can get. However, the most popular and affordable ones use Hall Effects sensors. They’re not as excellent as handbrakes that use load cell technology but their contactless nature means they’re built to last a long time. Handbrakes that utilize potentiometers also work well when paired with hydraulics so get the one that best fits your needs.
Compatibility
Console gamers on the PlayStation and Xbox platforms should check the handbrake device they’re interested in for its compatibility settings. Most handbrakes on the market today only work for PCs so it’s recommended to research before purchasing one so that you won’t waste your money. This doesn’t mean that console gamers will be left out as a lot of popular manufacturers like Fanatec, Thrustmaster, and others provide reliable hand brakes that work on the console.
Price
Most handbrakes on PC are cheap making them highly affordable for the PC gamer. Console gamers meanwhile are stuck with dedicated hand brakes that cost quite a bit. There are some hand brakes that work on all platforms so keep this in mind when looking for the right handbrake for your cockpit. It’s important to remember that using a handbrake when playing racing simulators is entirely optional but they’re a fun and practical addition to your racing rig so investing in one depends on your budget and if you want to take realism to a higher level.
Handbrake Placement
Finding the right handbrake for your sim racing games means it should also be compatible with your racing cockpit. The placement of your handbrake is also important as some race cars need a level of control that is only possible by keeping the peripheral at arm’s length. Consider the position of the handbrake on your rig to ensure you’ll be able to fully maximize its capabilities when it’s time to race.
FAQs
Are handbrakes required for sim racing?
Fortunately, handbrakes are entirely optional and it solely depends on you if you want to add another layer of realism to your gameplay. Getting another peripheral on top of your racing rig also hurts your wallet so only do so if you have the budget. However, games like Rally, Dirt and other games where there’s considerable drifting are much more fun to play and you’ll surely benefit if you have a dedicated handbrake to fully control the situation during intense racing moments.
Do all racing games support the use of handbrakes?
It’s important to remember that not all games support the use of handbrakes. This is due to the game itself like F1, or the car you’re using simply does not recognize the use of one. If you’re interested in using a handbrake to make your sim racing games more realistic, it’s better to check on the website or the games compatibility list if it supports the technology so that you won’t waste your hard-earned cash.