Looking to add another level of realism and fun to your sim rig? A shifter is what you need. Why? Sim racing shifters are a perfect addition to any rig because they can broaden the scope of what’s possible. Now that might seem obvious (as you’re adding something else to the rig which wasn’t there before) but it increases the immersion and can enhance your technical driving skill.
In this blog we will cover the basics such as the types available and what’s right for each type of racing, we will also note the top 5 considerations you should think about when looking to add one to your rig, so you can make a more informed choice.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about why sim racing shifters are the perfect addition to any rig.
What is a Sim Racing Shifter?
A sim racing shifter is essentially a device that mimics the gear-shifting experience of a real car, adding a layer of realism to your virtual racing setup.
Depending on the type, it can replicate either a manual “H-pattern” gearbox—common in many road cars, a sequential gearbox, typically found in rally and certain racing cars, or a paddle shift system, which is standard in modern race cars like GT and F1.
What’s the difference between each type of shifter?
Each one has a unique feel and application, and they bring different elements of realism and performance to sim racing.
H-Pattern Shifters
A H-pattern shifter replicates the manual gearbox found in most road cars and older race cars. It features a traditional layout where you physically move the shifter through a pattern of slots, typically in an “H” shape, with each position corresponding to a specific gear. These shifters usually come with 5-6 forward gears and a reverse option.
To shift properly, you’ll need to engage the clutch and manually change gears, just like in a real car. This adds an immersive layer to sim racing, which isn’t really possible without it, especially when you’re practising techniques like heel-and-toe downshifting. The tactile process of shifting gears and engaging the clutch can make the virtual driving experience feel incredibly authentic.
Here’s what sets them apart:
Gear Positions: As mentioned, typically, you’ll have 4-6 forward gears and one reverse. You physically move the shifter to different slots, just like in a real car. When the shifter is in the middle of the gate, it’s in neutral, preventing the car from accelerating even if you step on the throttle.
Engagement: To shift properly, you need to engage the clutch pedal and match the revs. This is where techniques like heel-and-toe downshifting come into play, which involves braking and blipping the throttle simultaneously to smooth out shifts. If you get it wrong, you can over-rev the engine or unsettle the car’s balance, just like in real life.
Which type of racing uses the H-pattern?
H-patterns are perfect for simulating older racing cars or any car with a manual transmission. They offer the most realistic driving experience in this context, but they’re not as quick or efficient as other shifter types for modern racing games. If you’re into historical racing content, these are a must-have for authenticity.
Sequential Shifters
Sequential shifters are designed for modern racing setups, where you simply push the lever forward to downshift and pull it back to upshift—no complex patterns or clutch engagement required.
This simplicity makes them especially popular in race and rally games, where precise and rapid gear changes are crucial. Unlike traditional manual gearboxes, sequential shifters don’t require intricate movements; they allow for quick, straightforward shifts, making them a common choice when you want to go beyond the paddle shifters which come on your wheel.
Operation: The shifter only moves up and down, making gear changes fast and intuitive. This design is especially useful in high-stress environments like rally racing, where the ability to change gears quickly and accurately is crucial.
Mechanics: Unlike an H-pattern, a sequential shifter in real life uses a ratchet mechanism that directly controls gear engagement. In sim racing, high-end sequential shifters often use magnetic resistance or mechanical detents to simulate this feel, giving you that satisfying “clunk” with each gear change. This provides a more tactile feedback that mimics the mechanical action of real racing gearboxes.
Which type of racing uses a sequential shifter?
Ideal for rally cars, touring cars, and some modern race cars. Sequential shifters provide speed and precision without the need for a clutch, making them perfect for races where quick shifts can make all the difference.
Paddle Shifters
Paddle shifters, typically mounted behind the steering wheel, are the most common shifting method in modern race cars, especially in GT, F1, and hypercars. They allow drivers to shift gears quickly and efficiently without taking their hands off the wheel. These shifters are the go-to choice for F1 and GT racing sims, offering precise and rapid gear changes, crucial when you’re going wheel to wheel with other drivers where you need to make split second decisions. If you have a rig already you’re probably already fully accustomed to this type of shifting. Most if not all sim racing steering wheels come with paddle shifters out the box.
Operation: You simply pull the right paddle to shift up and the left paddle to shift down. No clutch, no complex mechanics—just a quick, electronic signal to the gearbox. This makes choosing a paddle shifter steering wheel a great option as they are incredibly fast and efficient, allowing you to keep both hands on the wheel at all times.
Mechanics: In real cars, paddle shifters control an automated manual gearbox or a dual-clutch transmission, providing rapid gear changes without the need to lift off the throttle. In sim racing, high-end wheels often use magnetic paddles for a crisper, more satisfying click, while budget options might use simple buttons, which can feel less engaging.
Which type of racing uses a paddle shifter?
Paddle shifters are standard in modern racing sims where the cars would use them in real life. They’re also perfect for beginners because they eliminate the need for clutch work and rev-matching, allowing you to focus more on your lines and braking points. However, they lack the physical engagement of H-pattern or sequential shifters, making them slightly less immersive for simulating older or manual-transmission cars.
Key differences & similarities between all 3 types of shifters
- Speed and Efficiency: Paddle shifters are the quickest, followed by sequential shifters, with H-pattern shifters taking the longest to shift.
- Realism and Immersion: When driving classic or production cars with manual gearboxes, H-pattern shifters provide the most realistic experience, while sequential shifters are better for rally and touring cars. Paddle shifters are best for modern racing where speed and precision are key.
- Complexity and Learning Curve: H-pattern shifters require the most skill, as you need to master techniques like heel-and-toe. Sequential and paddle shifters are easier to use, making them more accessible for beginners or casual racers.
Whether you go for an H-pattern, sequential, or paddle shifters largely depends on the type of cars you prefer to drive and how much immersion you’re after.
H-pattern shifters are ideal for simulating classic manual transmissions, while sequential shifters offer quick, straightforward gear changes common in rally and touring cars. Paddle shifters, mounted on the steering wheel, are perfect for modern race cars like GT and F1, providing rapid shifts without taking your hands off the wheel. Some shifter models even offer a hybrid option, allowing you to switch between H-pattern and sequential modes, giving you flexibility depending on what you’re racing.
Do you need a shifter for sim racing?
Bottom line, no, because most sims allow you to use automatic transmission. But if you are wanting to up your game (pun intended) you’re going to want some sort of transmission, whether that’s paddle shifts, H pattern or sequential. Plus if you’re chasing immersion you might find it hard to resist!
Putting a shifter to the test
Don’t believe us? We have put the Heusinkveld Engineering Sim Shifter Sequential through its paces. We got real GT3 race driver Joe Osborne on our own state of the art sim rig to test the shifter and without spoiling too much, found the shifter added an extra dimension of immersion and definitely something to consider.
Whether you need a shifter for sim racing really depends on your goals, preferences, and the types of cars you enjoy driving. If you’re just starting out or primarily racing modern cars like GT or F1 cars, you can easily get by with the paddle shifters that come standard on most sim racing steering wheels. They’re super intuitive and often more efficient for fast lap times because you don’t need to worry about the clutch or shifting technique.
But if you’re into vintage racing, rallying, or just want to crank up the immersion, a manual shifter can really take your experience to the next level. H-pattern shifters, which mimic the gearboxes in older cars, are fantastic for that authentic driving feel. They’re especially useful if you’re driving cars that, in the real world, would have a manual transmission. The immersion factor is hard to beat, heel-toeing into a corner with a proper H-pattern shifter is super satisfying. This can help you in the ‘real’ world as well, enhancing your car control.
That said, it’s not a necessity. If you’re racing mostly modern cars or aren’t too concerned with ultra-realistic setups, paddle shifters and an automatic clutch option will cover your bases just fine. The key here is deciding how much realism and involvement you want from your rig. Some drivers love the tactile feel of slamming through gears, while others are more focused on speed and precision, which is where paddles shine.
Considerations when looking to buy
If you’re in the market for a sim racing shifter, there are 6 key things you need to consider in order to make the best decision possible: Shift options, shaft length, mounting compatibility, software support, buttons or not and customisation of the shifter itself.
Shift options – H Pattern, Sequential, paddle shifters
Probably the first and most important decision to make as this is based on how you’ll use the shifter, as in the type of driving you’re going to be doing. You probably already know the answer to this so making a decision should be relatively easy… We’ve gone over the types already but to summarise once again:
- H-pattern shifter mimics the classic manual gearboxes you’d find in road cars, and it’s perfect if you want that authentic, hands-on experience—ideal for heel-and-toe downshifting too.
- Sequential shifters are more common in motorsport; you push forward to downshift and pull back to upshift—quick, easy, and perfect for rally or GT cars.
- Paddle shifters are attached to your wheel and come as standard in many setups. They’re efficient for modern racing sims like F1 and GT3, but might lack the tactile engagement of a dedicated shifter
Shaft Length
It may not be the first thing that pops into your head, but shaft length actually plays a role in the feel of your shifter. A longer shaft gives you more leverage and makes the shifts feel more mechanical and heavy, similar to some real road car gearboxes. Shorter shafts, on the other hand, allow for quicker shifts. Some shifters even allow you to adjust this, so you can tailor it to your own preference, but you may pay slightly more for this luxury.
Rig/mounting compatibility
Not all shifters are going to fit every setup, so it’s important to check if the one you’re eyeing can be mounted on your rig. Some shifters come with adaptable and versatile mounts or plates, while others require specific mounting hardware. For example, the Heusinkveld Engineering MagShift Sim Sequential Shifter is a mouthful to say in one go, but it’s also versatile. As well as being versatile you will want to ensure your rig has space for a shifter or the right mounting points, as you’ll be annoyed if it doesn’t…
Software support
Don’t forget about the software side of things. Many high-end shifters come with firmware or driver updates, especially on PC, that allow you to adjust sensitivity, switch between H-pattern and sequential modes, or even remap any buttons. Make sure your shifter is compatible with your game titles and racing wheels. Some shifters might not have as much software support, so it’s important to consider.
Customisation
You may think to yourself, what customisation could even exist for a gear shifter on a sim rig? In actual fact there is a lot you can do to customise them and make them your own, tailored to suit your type of driving.
- Physical Customisation: Many shifters allow you to swap out the gear knob. This might seem minor, but it can really change the tactile experience. Want a ball-shaped knob like a sports car? Or maybe something more traditional for that vintage vibe? Changing the knob lets you tweak the weight, grip, and overall feel of your shifts, which can make a surprising difference to your immersion and comfort during long sessions. Plus, it’s an easy way to add a bit of personality to your setup, some people even use real car gear knobs for that authentic touch.
- Software customisation: Beyond the physical feel, many high-end shifters come with software customisation options. This can include everything from adjusting the shift resistance to switching between H-pattern and sequential modes with just a few clicks. For example with the MME SimSport Sim Racing H Pattern And Sequential Shifter. Some allow you to adjust the sensitivity or even change the shifting mode without having to mess with any hardware. This means you can adapt your shifter for different racing games or car types in seconds. Brands like Heusinkveld Engineering offer comprehensive software support that lets you fine-tune your shifter’s behaviour, and even set up custom profiles for different games or driving styles.
Combining these physical and software customisations means you can tailor your shifter to suit exactly how you want to drive, whether you’re drifting through tight corners in an old-school rally car or blazing down a straight in a modern GT. It’s about making your rig truly feel like your own.
With or Without Buttons
Finally, not a necessity but worth considering, some shifters come with extra buttons (Heusinkveld Engineering MagShift Sim Sequential Shifter) or even a handbrake mode built-in, which can be a great addition if you want to keep more functions right at your fingertips. Buttons can be handy for things like mapping a gear or functions like pit limiter or radio controls, but they’re not a necessity for everyone. Some sim racers prefer a clean, simple shifter without the extras.
Which shifter should I get?
Ultimately this is up to you and the type of sim racing you are getting involved in. Smart money would go into ‘future proofing’ your setup, what we mean is choosing a shifter which is adaptable and customisable, one which can transition from a sequential to a H-pattern which means you aren’t pigeon holing yourself to one type of racing.
If this sounds good, check out the MME SimSport Sim Racing H Pattern And Sequential Shifter, designed for people who want the best of both worlds. Its unique selling point is the ability to switch between H-pattern and sequential modes almost instantly, without needing any tools. This feature is particularly useful for those who enjoy driving a variety of car types, from classic manual transmission vehicles to modern race cars that use sequential gearboxes.
If you’re undecided about which type of shifter to get, this one offers a compelling solution because you don’t have to choose between the two. For example, if you’re in the mood to race a vintage car in an H-pattern configuration, you can do that. Then, with a quick adjustment, you can switch to a sequential setup for a rally or GT race. This flexibility makes the MME shifter an excellent investment for sim racers who want to maximise both immersion and performance without having to swap out hardware.
This is a great option but there are plenty of options out there, for example the other shifter we have mentioned, the Heusinkveld Engineering MagShift Sim Sequential Shifter. This allows for a super immersive and well rounded experience. The major difference between this and the MME SimSport shifter is in the name, one can be switched to a H-pattern in an instant and the Heusinkveld Engineering allows for more software customisation.
But no matter what your decision, as long as the shifter is compatible with your setup and the game you’re on you’ll see the fun and benefits.
Still on the fence?
Like the idea of a sim racing shifter but not sure if you’re ready to commit the money for one? At the Demon Tweeks Sim Racing Academy you can try anything we have available, giving you the chance to see which is right for you. The academy is located at Demon Tweeks HQ in Wrexham North Wales, come on down when you’re next passing through!
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