What are sim pedals?

Got your sights on sim racing? Looking to build a cockpit but don't know where to start with equipment? Don't worry, it could be overwhelming but we'll help you differentiate which avenue you'll want to take. There's a lot of different options available to you. In this article, we'll specifically be talking about sim pedals.

Sim pedals refer to the gas, brake and sometimes clutch pedals racing drivers are using on their simulator. Depending on how serious you are into it and how in depth you want your feedback to be, will depict what kind of pedals you'll end up choosing from.

There are two main types of sim pedals: hydraulic and load cell.

Hydraulic sim pedals use pressurized fluids to create resistance. The advantage of these kinds of sim pedals are that they're more realistic in the way they feel and tend to last longer. Their increased pressure allows you to compress stiffer compounds that give you a more realistic feedback. The downside to them is that they can be more expensive.

Load cell sim pedals rely on sensors to detect force. These kinds of sim pedals are less realistic but don't require as much parts to manufacture. This generally makes them cheaper then hydraulic options. Although they provide drivers with great feedback, it's not quite the same as hydraulics since the compound you compress requires less pressure.

The right avenue for you will depend on your budget and how serious you are about sim racing. If you're just starting out, load cell sim pedals are a great way to get into the hobby without breaking the bank. But if you're looking for a more authentic experience, hydraulic sim pedals might be worth the extra investment.

Don't get me started on inverted sim pedals versus standard sim pedals either! You can customize your sim cockpit to feel exactly the way you want it to with enough customization. There's one thing for sure, if you're looking for 1:1 realistic feedback, you have no option but to choose hydraulic for your simulator.