SteelSeries Simraceway SRW-S1 Steering Wheel review

Letting driving sim gamers take the wheel...

SteelSeries Simraceway SRW-S1 Steering Wheel
If you're in to playing racing sims, the SRW-S1 could be for you

TechRadar Verdict

Pros

  • +

    15 buttons

  • +

    Customisable

  • +

    Good build quality

  • +

    Comfortable

Cons

  • -

    No axis

  • -

    Arms could get tired using it for long periods

  • -

    No force feedback

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Subtle the SteelSeries Simraceway SRW-S1 Steering Wheel certainly isn't. Taking its cues more from the professional steering wheels found in Formula 1 cars than from your average Skoda, this wheel is awash with buttons and dials.

It's aimed at racing simulation enthusiasts rather than the more casual arcade racing games. This is why it comes with the free to play Simraceway racing sim, rather than Mario Kart or Destruction Derby.

The SteelSeries SRW-S1 Steering Wheel isn't attached to an axle or base. Instead you hold it out in front of you and steer. While this works fine, and the steering itself is very accurate, it doesn't feel quite as good as a fixed wheel that comes with haptic feedback.

Those subtle vibrations from other gaming wheels when you're nearing the edge of the road, or the resistance you feel when turning a wheel, all combine to make for a much more immersive and enjoyable experience - something the SteelSeries Simraceway SRW-S1 Steering Wheel lacks.

Verdict

The fact that it's not clamped to a desk does make it far more convenient, and the multiple buttons and dials - that can be used for racing games other than Simraceway - are excellent. But we feel that it misses out on being the ultimate gaming steering wheel due to lack of feedback.

Matt Hanson
Managing Editor, Core Tech

Matt is TechRadar's Managing Editor for Core Tech, looking after computing and mobile technology. Having written for a number of publications such as PC Plus, PC Format, T3 and Linux Format, there's no aspect of technology that Matt isn't passionate about, especially computing and PC gaming. Ever since he got an Amiga A500+ for Christmas in 1991, he's loved using (and playing on) computers, and will talk endlessly about how The Secret of Monkey Island is the best game ever made.