Well, nobody saw that coming. After releasing a Direct Drive DDWB 15Nm and announcing the forthcoming arrival of the LP8 8Nm, the Chinese at Cammus have now announced this: The Cammus C5 Direct Drive. A base, a steering wheel, a tilting stand? Well, a bit of everything, and clearly its construction will intrigue many. While we’re all familiar with the fact that a SimRacing setup obviously requires a base and a steering wheel, did you ever suspect that you could actually put the base… IN the steering wheel?
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What does the Cammus C5 Direct Drive look like technically?
| Compatibility | PC(possibly Playstation, if the acronyms on the right-hand buttons are anything to go by) |
| Dimensions | 6.7mm thick for the steering wheel and base (not including the stand) |
| Motor | Direct Drive |
| Power | 5Nm holding and 6Nm peak |
| Turning range | 180° à 2340° |
| Connections | 1 USB output to PC, 1 power supply, 1 connection for integrated fan |
| Installation | 2 steel table clamps supplied Steel stand with 3 tilt settings |
| Wheel mounting | Fixed |
| Customizable buttons | 16 4 (directional cross), 3 aluminum rotary selectors |
| Wheel diameter | 28cm |
| Materials | Carbon fiber faceplate, aluminum, steel, |
| Pallets | 2 mini-pallets |
| Lathe counter | 10 configurable LEDs |
| Display | 1 inch OLED 3 digits |
Carbon finish, aluminum rotary selectors, LED display and screen. The Cammus C5 brings quality finishes to a price that usually leaves us with only the choice between low-end, crude plastic steering wheels.
What will intrigue the seasoned simracer, of course, is the crazy idea of putting the engine directly into the steering wheel. This magic trick is very reminiscent of the motors found on the hoverboards that swarm our sidewalks.
Of course, we’ll still have to test this model in the field to see just how precise and responsive it is. But I think we’ll all agree that, at a price equivalent to a Thrustmaster T128 or a Logitech G29… It’s hard to be picky.
What to expect from the Cammus C5
Clearly, the C5 is not designed for hardcore Simracers. It’s not an upgradeable model, its steering wheel isn’t detachable. And above all, 5Nm isn’t nearly enough power for those looking for “pushed” equipment. But the C5’s intention is not at all to cater for such players. Rather, its idea is to offer a truly credible alternative to definitively KILL the belt-driven or geared flywheel market.
Try putting yourself in the shoes of a new player (if you’re not one, of course ^^). On the one hand, you have the choice between G920 or T248 type steering wheels… Or even T128 with finishes from another era, relying on outdated technologies. On the other hand, you can have an entry-level Direct Drive that gives you a much better feel than belts and gears. All for the same price, which do you choose? The Direct Drive, of course.
In that respect, it’s a very nice move on Cammus’ part. And I really hope the C5 will live up to it in terms of feel and durability. If it does, I’ll take my hat off to them!
In concrete terms, I can’t wait to test it!
You take people who are used to testing gear, like Flo or myself, and you put them in front of this… What could be more exciting than this Cammus C5? In a SimRacing market where everyone’s copying everyone else and emerging brands are finding it hard to make their mark, Cammus has just made an interesting choice. It’s one of originality and risk-taking. So I’m going to keep a close eye on this model. Of course, I’ll try to get my hands on one, and I hope to give you a full review soon 🙂
And for the curious, here’s the link to their website.
