Comparison PXN V99 vs Artplays V-1200

— Steering wheel. Ready-to-use gaming steering wheels that can be connected and used to start playing right out of the box. Such a set usually includes the steering wheel itself with a base, mount and cables, but without pedals or a separate shifter, so the accelerator and brake may be assigned to buttons or paddles. This option is suitable for arcade racing, simple driving simulators and situations where a basic set without unnecessary accessories is needed.

— Steering wheel with pedals. A more complete racing set that includes a separate pedal platform for the accelerator, brake and sometimes clutch in addition to the steering unit. This set is much closer to real car control than a steering wheel without pedals, because speed and braking are controlled with the feet. This is a convenient starting option for Forza, Gran Turismo, F1, Assetto Corsa and other racing games.

— Steering wheel, pedals and shifter. Includes all three main elements: a steering unit, pedals and a separate gear shifter. Here, the shifter means a separate lever that simulates manual gear shifting rather than paddles on the steering wheel. This set is better suited to simulators, drifting, truck games and fans of manual transmissions who value a more realistic seating position and control.

— Steering wheel with shifter. Sets that inc...lude a lever-operated gear shifter together with the steering wheel. Unlike sets with a separate shifter, the lever here is often located directly on the same base as the steering wheel, making the set more compact and eliminating the need for separate space for the shifter. This option is convenient for arcade racing, simple simulators and users who want manual shifting without a complex modular setup.

— Steering wheel rim. A separate replaceable part of a gaming steering wheel, designed for installation on a compatible wheel base. This option belongs to more professional solutions because the user assembles the simulator modularly, choosing the base, wheel rim, pedals, shifter and other accessories separately. This makes it possible to select the shape, diameter, grip, buttons and wheel style for specific types of racing—for example, formula racing, rally, drifting or GT racing.

— Wheel base. The main drive unit to which the steering wheel is connected and which is responsible for rotation, resistance and Force Feedback. The base itself is not a complete gaming steering wheel, as a steering wheel, pedals and other accessories usually need to be selected separately. This option is more often chosen for modular simulators where power, precision and the ability to build a customized set are important.

— Pedals. A standalone accessory for a gaming steering wheel that controls the accelerator, brake and, in some sets, clutch. They are purchased to replace the standard pedal set, upgrade a simulator or build a set from separate components. For example, more advanced pedals can transmit braking force more precisely and be better suited to serious racing simulators.

— Shifter. A lever-operated gear shifter for gaming steering wheels and racing simulators. Depending on the model's design, it simulates a manual gearbox or sequential shifting. This accessory is especially useful for driving simulators, drifting, rally, truck simulators and games where you want to control gears with a separate lever rather than paddles.

— Handbrake. An accessory for a racing simulator that simulates a parking or hydraulic handbrake lever. It is especially useful in drifting, rally and some arcade racing games, where you need to quickly initiate a slide with the rear axle or take a corner sideways.

— Control panel. A separate module with buttons, toggle switches, encoders or switches that complements the gaming steering wheel and puts some controls on a separate panel. This module is useful in driving simulators, truck simulators and games with many controls, where it is important not to be distracted by the keyboard.

The size of a gaming steering wheel usually refers to the diameter of the wheel in round and D-shaped forms and affects the realism of control, rotation speed, and grip comfort. Compact wheels, around 20 – 24 cm, are more common in simple models and are suitable for arcade racing but feel less realistic. A size of 27 – 30 cm is considered more versatile and closer to an actual car steering wheel, making it convenient for simulators, GT, rally, and everyday play. Larger wheels, 31 – 35 cm, are more often used in advanced setups, especially for trucking simulators, drifts, or the most realistic seating.

For formula wheels or steering wheels with a cut-off shape, the size is more often indicated by the maximum width between the outermost grip points.

Ability to detach the steering wheel from the base. A removable steering wheel is convenient for storage, transportation, and switching the wheel for different types of racing—for example, installing a round wheel for drifting or a steering wheel for formula racing simulators.

The total number of buttons provided in the manipulator's design.

The more buttons, the more additional functions can be "assigned" to the manipulator, reducing the likelihood of having to use other control devices (e.g., a PC keyboard) during gameplay. However, many gaming consoles (see "Platform Compatibility") require a certain minimum number of buttons for a compatible gamepad — having fewer buttons would simply not allow full use of all the console functions. For instance, the standard controller for the PlayStation 4 has 11 buttons.

Note that the D-Pad manipulator (see below) is not counted in this calculation: it is considered a specific control device, although it is based on buttons.

Type of feedback provided in the design of the controller (if it is available at all).

Feedback is the controller's response to certain events occurring in the game. Such a response enhances the "immersion effect," creating the impression for the player that they are holding a real airplane joystick, car steering wheel, etc. It can be as follows:

— Vibration. Feedback in the form of vibration allows imitation of, for example, the shaking from driving off-road, the shudder of an airplane when firing onboard weapons, or entering a turbulence zone, etc.

— Force. Controllers with force feedback are capable of creating certain resistance to the player's efforts—for example, to imitate the difficulty of turning the steering wheel with wheels stuck in the mud.

— Vibration/force. Controllers supporting both of the feedback types described above. This option is the most advanced and at the same time the most expensive.

The drive type indicates how force from the motor is transmitted to the steering wheel and how realistic the feedback feels in the game.

— Gear-driven. A gear mechanism transmits force from the motor to the steering wheel through gears, so these models are usually simpler and more affordable. It provides basic feedback and is well suited for getting acquainted with racing, but may feel noisier, more stepped, and less smooth than a belt-driven or direct-drive system. Accordingly, a gear-driven steering wheel is suitable for Forza, Need for Speed, or first runs in simulators without serious precision requirements.

— Belt-driven. Transmitting force through a belt makes steering smoother and quieter compared with a gear mechanism. This type of drive usually smooths out jolts better, provides pleasant feedback, and is suitable for those who want a noticeable step up from basic models. A belt-driven steering wheel performs particularly well in circuit racing, where smooth trajectory control and precise vehicle corrections are important.

— Hybrid. A combined drive uses several types of force transmission, most often a belt and gears, to combine an affordable price with smoother feedback. It usually operates more smoothly than a purely gear-driven mechanism, but does not offer the same precision and speed as direct drive. A hybrid steering wheel i...s suitable for players who have outgrown a basic model but are not yet ready to buy an expensive Direct Drive wheelbase.

— Direct-drive. A direct-drive system transmits force from the motor straight to the steering shaft, without belts or gears, so the wheel responds as quickly and precisely as possible. This option is valued for its powerful feedback, detailed transmission of subtle effects, and lack of play, but it is usually more expensive and requires secure mounting. For example, direct drive is well suited to serious sim racing, where it is important to feel tire slip, the vehicle's weight, and the moment it breaks into a skid.

The max torque indicates the force with which the steering base can resist the steering wheel's turn. The higher the torque, the more strongly tire grip, impacts, skids, curbs, and load in turns are felt, making the control closer to that of a real car. Simple steering wheels usually provide up to 3 Nm, more advanced models — 4-8 Nm, and powerful Direct Drive bases can deliver 10-20 Nm and above.

Meanwhile, in simulators, the force is often adjusted for the game, car, and user's comfort. For example, for arcade racing, a small effort is enough, whereas for iRacing, Assetto Corsa, or serious drifting, a powerful base with a torque reserve provides more accurate and rich feedback.

D-pad controller helps control the menu, camera, and additional functions directly from the gaming wheel without resorting to the keyboard or gamepad. It is usually a cross-shaped pad with up, down, left, and right presses, and some models also support diagonal commands. This element is convenient for switching cameras, navigating settings, selecting menu items, controlling onboard functions, or issuing quick commands during a race.

Types of pedals included in the manipulator package.

This parameter is specified only in controllers designed for auto racing (in flight simulators, pedals have only one specialization — rudder control — and specifying it further is unnecessary). Most of these "racing" controllers are wheels (see "Device Type"), however, pedals can also be released completely separately. In any case, the minimum necessary for more or less effective car control is two pedals, gas and brake. Meanwhile, for enthusiasts of maximum realism, more expensive three-pedal controllers are produced, which also include a clutch; this complicates control but provides many additional possibilities unavailable with two pedals.