A good sequential shifter can really enhance your sim racing experience. There are lots of expensive and complicated options out there, so we’ve narrowed down a list of the absolute best sim racing sequential shifters to make your decision easier.
The 5 best sim racing sequential shifters are:
- PSL Sequential Shifter V2
- Heusinkveld Sim Shifter Sequential
- Fanatec ClubSport Shifter SQ V1.5
- Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod +
- Aiologs Sim Sequential Shifter
Below, we’ll not only go through each of these shifters in more detail to help you understand which one is best for you, but we’ll also discuss the kinds of things you should be looking for when choosing a sequential gear shifter for your rig.
- • Super realistic feel
- • Incredible build quality
- • Ideal size
- • Versatile option
- • Immersive short throw shifter
- • Durable build materials
- • Sequential & H-pattern modes
- • Reasonably priced
- • Ideal for beginners
The 5 Best Sim Racing Sequential Shifters
1. PSL Sequential Shifter V2
Coming in at the top spot, we have the pinnacle of sequential shifting technology and innovation from Pro Sim: the PSL Sequential Shifter V2. As the name might suggest, this is an improved version of a previous product they made, the V1, with improvements in all the right places based on real sim racers’ feedback.
PSL Sequential Shifter V2
High-Quality Shifter
Pro Sim are a UK-based company that specializes in high-quality sim racing products developed for streamers, YouTubers and other sim racers who want to best replicate the feeling of driving in a real car’s cockpit. If you want the best possible drive with outstanding realism, there are few better products out there than what Pro Sim have to offer!
The PSL of this sequential shifter stands for Pro Sim Lite, and it was created to be ergonomic to fit into most sim racing rigs. Their standard sequential shifter is, in my opinion, too large to properly fit into many rigs. That’s why I chose the PSL for this list, as it likely caters to a wider market of sim racers, both beginner and more experienced.
Automotive Realism
In spite of being the ‘lite’ model, there’s nothing small or delicate about the immersive experience on offer. Pro Sim works alongside a professional automotive engineering company called Quaife in order to deliver realistic products based on real cars that race on real tracks.
It’s because of this partnership that they’re able to create such high-impact, satisfying shifting in the PSL. Its internal workings are based on real shifters that Quaife have created for race cars in the past, allowing for fantastic overall feel without adding unnecessary frills.
They Listened To Feedback
The biggest improvement in the V2 is the fact that noise has been greatly reduced, something that was addressed due to consumer feedback. Pro Sim wanted to make the best possible products for the sim racing community, and so they took all of this customer feedback very seriously.
Everything is CNC machined and heat treated for the ultimate level of reliability and longevity, also ensuring a high-quality finish. The interior boasts quality electronics for consistently reliable sensing, aided by magnetic switches that won’t degrade over time.
Take Your Pick
You have the choice to pick between two gear stick knobs to suit your preferred racing style. You can choose a standard nylon variety which is lightweight and smaller, or an upgraded aluminum knob, which is longer and provides more heft behind every shift.
The PSL Sequential Shifter V2 is pretty expensive, but it’s a price truly worth its salt for the huge array of benefits you’ll be getting, and the true-to-reality engineering of this sequential shifter.
PROS:
- Superior build quality and longevity
- Perfect size for any sim racing rig
- Engineered in partnership with Quaife
CONS:
- Not compatible with consoles
- Quite pricey
2. Heusinkveld Sim Shifter Sequential
Heusinkveld design products specifically for PC sim racing with an emphasis on quality and competitiveness. Their gear is usually pretty pricey, but this sequential shifter is actually quite affordable considering the sheer quality it offers.
Heusinkveld Sim Shifter Sequential
One Of The Best Brands In The Business
Due to the powerful products they make, Heusinkveld has become a huge supplier of sim racing rig parts for racing drivers during off-seasons to help them train under the most realistic circumstances possible. Sim racers that require a competitive edge also benefit from their performance-driven design process.
Probably the most striking visible feature of this shifter from a glance is how compact it appears. This was a conscious design decision from the Heusinkveld team in order to make it more accessible to be fitted into any sim racing setup, big or small.
A Short Throw Shifter
The Sim Shifter Sequential has been engineered to replicate short throw shifters, something typically found in junior formula cars. As the term might imply, a short throw shifter reduces the distance you have to move the stick in order to achieve a gear change, making it ideal in competitive environments where you don’t want to waste any time.
It specifically employs a ball-spring resistance system, which Heusinkveld found to be the best in order to mimic real race cars. This is due to how a real manual gearbox requires a higher initial input of force to begin shifting, before the resistance drops as you slot it into the next gear.
Customization Options
You’ll also get a choice of three different levers and gear stick knobs in order to personalize your configuration. The shifter’s resistance is fixed at one level, so using different levers can adjust this factor depending on your personal preference, with different gear knob lengths affecting how easy it is to move the shifter back and forth.
All of Heusinkveld’s products are PC-only, but the Sim Shifter Sequential does offer two different types of connectivity depending on your specific setup. You can connect it directly via USB into a PC, or by getting a 4×1 2.54 mm female Molex cable, you can connect the shifter via a pedal set. For those who run PC rigs and require something compact but powerful, I can’t recommend this shifter enough!
PROS:
- Smooth and quick gear changes
- Comes with three different levers and gear knobs
- Superior build quality
CONS:
- Only compatible with PC
- Might be too small for some
3. Fanatec ClubSport Shifter SQ V1.5
It should come as no surprise that one of the biggest names in sim racing have secured a place on this list of the best sequential shifters! Fanatec continues to develop outstanding products across all of their product lines to deliver excellence to every kind of sim racing fan, and the SQ V 1.5 is a prime example of this.
Fanatec ClubSport Shifter SQ V1.5
H-Pattern & Sequential
One of the most notable features of this shifter is its ability to quickly shift between H-pattern and sequential modes at the flick of a switch. While not everyone will be looking for this in a sequential shifter, it doesn’t drive the cost up too much, and it offers versatility that is simply unmatched at this price point.
Instead of rebooting the software or unplugging or manually adjusting settings, you can simply flip a switch and everything will be smoothly transitioned ready for a new realm of play. This makes it ideal for any sim racers that enjoy both rally racing and driving classic manual cars, for example.
As part of the ClubSport line that Fanatec offers, you can expect amazing reliability and high-end technology with the SQ V 1.5. It is made entirely of metal, which provides realism and heft behind every shift, and the inner components will be more resistant to wear as well.
Shifting Options
You get two distinctly different gear stick knobs with this shifter, which each serve differing purposes. The H-pattern one is designed for quicker shifting when in that mode, whereas the sequential one is made to provide more driver comfort.
The whole aesthetic of the shifter is timeless, elegant, and very simple overall. Its looks will blend in well with any rig without compromising an otherwise seamless theme you might be trying to build.
Highly Adjustable
What truly sets this shifter apart from others is the strong haptic feedback you’ll get while in sequential mode. Not only that, but you can adjust every aspect of shifting resistance and feel to match your personal preference. This can be achieved using Fanatec’s tuning menu, which is simple and streamlined, making it beginner friendly without sacrificing customization potential.
You can mount the shifter in many different ways, with mounting options on all four sides and on the bottom. This makes it a truly versatile choice that kind fit into any kind of sim racing setup with ease.
You’ll be getting a hyper-realistic, sleek and exciting sequential shifter that has the capability to switch into an H-pattern configuration with ease, but it’s worth the price for the sequential mode alone!
PROS:
- Outstanding realism
- Flexible mounting options
- H-pattern & sequential modes
CONS:
- Adapter needed for non-Fanatec wheels
4. Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod +
Next up, we have a pretty remarkable product made by Thrustmaster in direct collaboration with Sparco, one of the biggest motorsport equipment manufacturers in the world. This flexible piece of hardware can be programmed as either a handbrake or a sequential shifter, and set up in a variety of ways for the ultimate racing experience!
Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod +
A Versatile Product
There are two versions of this product: the TSS Handbrake+, and the TSS Handbrake. I have chosen the former to review due to the Handbrake+ having a wider amount of compatibility, whereas the standard Handbrake Sparco Mod can only be used with PC (it’s also usually harder to find anyway, with the + model being far more prevalent now).
When you first get this add-on product, you can choose its configuration between a rally-friendly handbrake or a highly responsive, realistic sequential shifter. You’ll also be able to choose whether to have it in a rally-like position or a GT position, further personalizing your experience.
Note: Given rally sims generally require both a handbrake and a sequential shifter for the most immersion, this 2-in-1 product actually isn't an ideal solution. However, its shifting capabilities alone were what earned it a spot on our list.The whole piece of hardware is 90% metal in its construction, giving it realistic weight and heft that help make a shifter so satisfying to use. Given it was designed in partnership with Sparco, every piece of it has been hand-made in Germany with industrial-grade materials.
Plenty Of Adjustability
The gear knob you get is made of aluminum, pulled straight from the cockpits of Sparco’s Rally and Drift range. Adding to the potential for customization, you are able to adjust the lever height whether you have it in the handbrake or sequential shifter modes.
The TSS Handbrake+ also benefits from Thrustmaster’s H.E.A.R.T technology, which stands for HallEffect AccuRate Technology. This utilizes contactless magnetic sensors that won’t degrade over time, adding to this shifter’s longevity.
An Excellent Choice
Between Sparco’s precision engineering and the top-line technology dedicated to this hardware from Thrustmaster, both the sequential shifter and handbrake functions are top-notch without compromise. If you want a versatile product, or are already in the Thrustmaster ecosystem and looking for a compatible, high-quality shifter, this could be the one for you!
Note: Thrustmaster also offer a sequential/H-pattern shifter at a lower price point with the TH8A shifter.
PROS:
- Can be switched between handbrake and sequential shifter
- Precision-engineered by Sparco in Germany
- Very responsive shifter
CONS:
- Dual functionality isn’t all that useful
- Quite expensive
5. Aiologs Sim Sequential Shifter
Last but certainly not least, we have Aiologs’ brilliant sequential shifter. Despite being a tiny company based out of Russia functioning on a pre-order-only basis, they’re a highly popular brand, and they hand-make every product with excellence and functionality in mind.
Simple But Brilliant
Googling Aiologs will bring you to a very minimalistic, somewhat basic-looking (yet very clean) website where they offer the two products they make: the sequential shifter and a handbrake. They also link to a plethora of YouTube videos from very happy customers.
As I mentioned previously, Aiologs functions entirely using a pre-order system due to the fact that they hand-make every item with care. The whole process takes a long time, and as such, they need to have a filtered system to keep orders tracked and easy to follow. They found that pre-orders are the best way to achieve this. Although it will result in a longer time to get your shifter, it provides a high level of quality assurance.
High-Quality Materials
The shifter is made entirely from stainless steel, which really adds to its feel of luxury and amazing craftsmanship. It is relatively compact, but it doesn’t feel too small due to its noticeably weighty, high-quality feel. The shifter feels very responsive to use, and the push force follows a non-linear pattern for a more realistic gear change every time.
With the high-level tactile feedback you’ll get from special ball bearings found within, the high tension and resistance will stay the same no matter how much you use it. There are no electronic components that can short-circuit or give up on you. Just clean, well-made mechanics that are built to last!
A Truly Reliable Sequential Shifter
If you go for this one, you’ll get a hand-made sequential shifter that you can rely on time and time again. For the very reasonable price, you get a lot of quality and a lot of realism!
PROS:
- Hand-crafted and made to order
- Mechanical gear shifter
- Simple but brilliant
CONS:
- Not adjustable
- Long wait times due to pre-order system
Summary Of The Best Sequential Shifters For Sim Racing
| Shifter | Best For |
| PSL Sequential Shifter V2 | Those that want the absolute best with a bit of a larger budget |
| Heusinkveld Sim Shifter Sequential | Anyone seeking a compact option with a short throw |
| Fanatec ClubSport Shifter SQ V1.5 | Console sim racers looking for a high-quality sequential shifter |
| Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod + | Sim racers looking for a shifter/handbrake combo |
| Aiologs Sim Sequential Shifter | Anyone after a hand-crafted, super well-built option |
What To Look For In A Good Sim Racing Sequential Shifter
Think About Your Specific Needs
First, think about how much time you spend sim racing. If you’re a casual racer looking for something to add a bit of realism to your weekend sessions, you probably don’t need an expensive, complex shifter setup. However, if you’re regularly taking part in online races, you might need something specifically designed for competitive sim racing.
Also consider what features you’re looking for, such as the ability to switch between H-pattern and sequential modes. Many shifters offer this, which can be great if you need it, but if you’re just looking for a sequential option, it may be an unnecessary addition that drives the price up. Also consider how much adjustability you need, from the shifting resistance to customizable gear knobs.
Buyer’s Tip: The cost is also worth considering, but we’ve ordered our list in terms of overall quality and value, not by price. If you want to see the cheapest options, check out the Aiologs shifter or the Fanatec SQ V 1.5.
Compatibility With Your Existing Setup
There’s another very practical factor to think about before committing to a particular sequential shifter. You need to consider what equipment you already have and whether it will be compatible with the shifter you plan to buy.
Sim racers on PC can mix and match their sim racing gear to make a rig, so it isn’t as crucial for them to think about. But for console gamers, a Thrustmaster sequential shifter will only work with Thrustmaster racing wheels, and Fanatec shifters will only work with Fanatec racing wheels. If you don’t have a setup yet, think about the ecosystem you’d like to enter and choose a compatible shifter.
We have dedicated shifter buying guides for those on PlayStation and those on Xbox. It’s largely the same options on both consoles, and the best choice for both is the Fanatec ClubSport SQ V 1.5 shifter.
Racing Aesthetics
Something that’s not as important but definitely worth thinking about is how the shifter looks. There are lots of different styles out there, and it’s worth considering the fact that, no matter how functional or sturdy a particular shifter is, if you hate looking at it every time you get into your rig, that’s not going to add to your experience!
Solid Build Quality
Plastic just won’t cut it when you’re looking for realism and longevity in a shifter, as it’ll feel too flimsy and likely not be able to handle a long life of aggressive gear shifting. Look for a durable metal construction, and a sturdy overall build. Solid mounting capabilities are also a must.
Great Stability
A final key feature to look for is stability. The last thing you want is a stick shifter that moves around a lot when you use it. This largely comes down to the mounting capabilities mentioned above (with some shifters offering more options than others), but also the overall build quality too.
KEY POINTS
• Consider what you actually need from a shifter
• Go for one that is built to last and offers great stability
• Make sure it’s compatible with the rest of your rig too!
Final Thoughts
The best sequential shifter on the sim racing market is the Shifter V2 from PSL, as it offers an incredibly immersive experience. However, if you’re on more of a budget, the Fanatec ClubSport Shifter SQ V1.5 is a great choice that doesn’t sacrifice on quality.