The Thrustmaster TX Racing Wheel has been a great success over the years. Especially among X Box simracers. But since its 2015 release, a lot has happened in the world of car simulation. So does the Thrustmaster TX still deserve a place in your living room in 2023? That’s what we’re going to find out today!
The Thrustmaster TX Racing Wheel from a technical point of view
- Compatibility: PC, X Box
- Force feedback: Yes
- Wheel diameter: 28cm
- Pedals: 3
- Customizable buttons: 13
- Gearshift: Mobile metal paddles ( Thrustmaster TH8a manual gearbox optional)
- Turning range: 900
- Motor: Brushless belt drive
- Torque: 3.9Nm
- Sensor: Magnetic
- Connections: 1 outgoing USB to console, 1 incoming power supply, 1 pedalboard connection to base, 1 TH8A gearbox connection
- Weight: 8 Kg
Thrustmaster TX Racing Wheel
Design and ergonomics
As usual, let’s start with the ergonomics and design of the Thrustmaster steering wheel. Like its Playstation-compatible twin, the T300, the base itself is quite bulky. As for the wheel, it combines leather, metal and plastic. It’s well made and pleasant to the touch. The diameter is a little tight at 28cm. But this is the standard size for mid-range steering wheels.
The metal paddles feel good under the fingers, but are a little “soft” for my taste. Once again, keep in mind that we’re talking mid-range.
The Thrustmaster T3PA pedalboard
The T3PA pedalboard has long been a Thrustmaster standard. With its 3 pedals, it’s a clear invitation to buy a gearbox.
But it’s fair to say that the T3PA has not aged well, and today looks like a toy when compared to the new T3PA-GT.
If you’re looking to improve your setup, the T-LCM pedalset is the first choice, thanks to its Load Cell brake.
Installing the Thrustmaster TX
Is it simple? Of course it is! As usual, you’ll find the clamp system for attaching the steering wheel to a desk without having to get out your toolbox. You can also attach the steering wheel to a cockpit using the M6 screw threads on the underside of the base.
For the pedalboard, I recommend that you attach it to your cockpit or prop it up against a wall. Its rubber pads are not really sufficient. Without them, you’re likely to end up lying down, your feet desperately searching for the pedals!
Now that the Thrustmaster TX and pedalboard are in place, all that’s left to do is plug them in! Connect the pedalboard to the base, the USB from the base to your console, the power supply and you’re ready to go.
Console compatibility
The Thrustmaster TX is compatible with Xbox, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and, of course, PC.
BUT: if you’re a PC user, I’d recommend the Thrustmaster T300. The T300RS GT Edition costs €50 less and comes with the new T3PA-GT pedalboard. You’ll also get a wider angle of rotation. 1080° for the T300 versus 900° for the TX.
Comfort and feel
Sensation-wise, it’s not bad. Still, we’re talking about a model that’s starting to date: the Thrustmaster TX was released in 2015. But it still holds its own among mid-range belt-driven steering wheels.
Well, this is a belt-driven system, and you can feel it! Its fan is also relatively noisy. You can feel the notches in the belt when you turn the wheel slowly. And abrupt changes of direction make a fair amount of friction noise in the engine.
But with 3.9Nm of torque and precise force feedback, it still kick s Logitech’ s ass! I even find it more interesting than the brand-new Thrustmaster T248. So hats off to the TX designers, who did a really good job almost a decade ago.
TX customization and variations
The first customization to be done will obviously be a T-LCM pedalboard. The next logical step is to get a Thrustmaster TH8A gearbox.
You can also easily change the steering wheel from the entire Thrustmaster ecosystem. A good point for the TX!
My verdict on the Thrustmaster TX
