Using a real steering wheel

[timedriver]

I see on "twitch" everyone using a wheel setup for their gaming. I have been just using my controller up to this point and somewhat used to it. Was wondering how many here are still using a controller here vs the wheel and if it makes a big difference in the game? I really dont need a concenus but was just curious.

[Hyper Sonic]

Well if you drive IRL in vehicles with steering wheels and pedals, it's more intuitive. Turning the wheel is fastest pressing buttons, but you can only steer to the extremes. Joysticks/Thumsticks are faster than a steering wheel and lets you input a range of values, though it's not intuitive as you don't drive IRL with those.

[Trucker_71]

I'm a retired trucker and can't even imagine playing this game with a controller instead of a wheel.

[Fearagen]

When I got my wheel/pedal set it practically changed the whole game for me. Used to play controller/mouse & keyboard for the longest time and now it feels like I am actually driving the truck.

[Sandhill]

I doubt anyone would argue that a controller is better than a wheel and most would say the opposite, wheels rule for driving games. Wheel and pedal sets have the disadvantage of cost and space required for setup, though, and for either or both of those reasons many are happy using controllers..

[Fearagen]

Originally posted by Sandhill:

I doubt anyone would argue that a controller is better than a wheel and most would say the opposite, wheels rule for driving games. Wheel and pedal sets have the disadvantage of cost and space required for setup, though, and for either or both of those reasons many are happy using controllers..

I have a wheel that just clamps to the desk and the pedals just sit under the desk and it doesn't take space at all. Unless you are talking about those racing rigs which yeah if you don't have room for that then it would be better overall using controller.

[Hyper Sonic]

Well it's better in that the time to change from one input value to another is shorter. Max one way to max the other is a split second on a thumbstick, but at least a second on a wheel if you have it set at 900 degrees. Though I still use a wheel for driving games like this one for the intuition part of it, as I drive everyday in real life with a wheel and pedals.

[=PgT=NickChevyOne]

I went from controller to wheel and it felt like the same jump as if you were to go from keyboard to controller. Now I have made another jump. I have gone from a game size wheel with 900* to a real life 2006 western star 4900 wheel,dash, column, pedals, 18speed shifter, over head unit, cb, A pillar trim and multi screen. I’ve now gone from 900* to a max of 2490* if I wish. Currently running 1400*

[ttower]

Originally posted by Fearagen:

Originally posted by Sandhill:

I doubt anyone would argue that a controller is better than a wheel and most would say the opposite, wheels rule for driving games. Wheel and pedal sets have the disadvantage of cost and space required for setup, though, and for either or both of those reasons many are happy using controllers..

I have a wheel that just clamps to the desk and the pedals just sit under the desk and it doesn't take space at all. Unless you are talking about those racing rigs which yeah if you don't have room for that then it would be better overall using controller.

That is how most/all wheels are. The space issue is more related to when you are not using it. I have a large enough desk, my wheel sits mounted to the far edge permanently, and I just move it over when I want to use it, same for the pedals. It is already plugged into both the PC and the Power Outlet when I want to use it. Some people do not have the luxury of such a large desk to accommodate this, and therefore must store the wheel somewhere else. This usually involves unplugging the wheel and pedals, wrapping the cords, and putting it somewhere, like in a closet. This makes it harder to want to use it, as you need to set it back up every time you want to use it again. One of my friends wouldn't even have enough desk depth to mount a wheel to, unless he moves his keyboard elsewhere, off the desk.

[ttower]

I am glad I got a gaming wheel, and it is a great improvement over controller. However, in the back of my mind I know, for ATS anyway, I would have been happy with just a controller, possibly forever. I cant/wont go back now that I have a wheel, but for me the difference in experience was just barely worth the cost of the wheel. Including the other games I play where I can use it, it was worth the purchase for sure, but I would be hesitant if ATS was the only game I played.

There are players here who have hundreds of hours on Keyboard only, which I didnt like even before I got my controller. Many stick with just a controller, and it works fine. For most people, the controller is the best option. They are cheap, durable, easy to set up and use, and provide far better control than a keyboard. Get a wheel if you feel like you are missing something with the controller, but if you are happy with the controller, consider continuing to use it for the time being, at least.

Also, if you are getting a wheel, it should be a good one. A Logitech G920 (or whatever the new one is), a Thrustmaster T248, or better. Other, cheaper, wheels will not have as good support, software, materials, or durability. Many do not have FFB, just haptic vibrations, like a controller. Some do not even rotate the standard 900 Degree, just 270 degrees. These features missing from cheap wheels are the things that make buying a wheel in the first place tempting, so a cheap wheel, IMO, is just not worth it.

[Fearagen]

Originally posted by ttower:

Originally posted by Fearagen:

I have a wheel that just clamps to the desk and the pedals just sit under the desk and it doesn't take space at all. Unless you are talking about those racing rigs which yeah if you don't have room for that then it would be better overall using controller.

That is how most/all wheels are. The space issue is more related to when you are not using it. I have a large enough desk, my wheel sits mounted to the far edge permanently, and I just move it over when I want to use it, same for the pedals. It is already plugged into both the PC and the Power Outlet when I want to use it. Some people do not have the luxury of such a large desk to accommodate this, and therefore must store the wheel somewhere else. This usually involves unplugging the wheel and pedals, wrapping the cords, and putting it somewhere, like in a closet. This makes it harder to want to use it, as you need to set it back up every time you want to use it again. One of my friends wouldn't even have enough desk depth to mount a wheel to, unless he moves his keyboard elsewhere, off the desk.

I use my bedside end table. Works pretty well.

[Montana Ted]

Started this game years back using the keyboard. Very soon to a joystick, then a wheel.
Like Trucker 71 said

Originally posted by Trucker_71:

I'm a retired trucker and can't even imagine playing this game with a controller instead of a wheel.

[paulieGTR]

Do yourself and all, racing/driving/truck sims a favour and get a wheel and pedals.
Build your own H-Shifter from aluminium and steel with con rods and bearings, then add a genuine eaton range splitter.

Honestly.. you'll never look, or want to go back.

[paulieGTR]

^^

Also.. run these truck sims with a 'non-syncro' mesh gearbox.

[lPaladinl]

It doesn't make much difference controls-wise, just up to user preference.

Wheels are mostly for immersive purposes, especially if you can set one up for using rumble to simulate the feel of driving.

When it comes to competitive games, I find a wheel is worse because it lengthens the time you have to change directions if making quick turns to the side, especially since most games don't simulate any way to tip your vehicle over by doing so. (ATS is closer to that than most racing games.) The amount of time it takes to swap an analog stick from left-right is incredibly short compared to turning a wheel nearly 360 degrees, even with snap-back turning in the wheel. (Also takes more physical effort)

So as far as competitive driving goes, I think a wheel is always worse. It's flashy and fun, but not optimal.

[Sandhill]

Originally posted by lPaladinl:

So as far as competitive driving goes, I think a wheel is always worse. It's flashy and fun, but not optimal.

I cannot imagine anyone playing a serious driving game like Assetto Corsa or iRacing with anything but a wheel.