Out of nowhere, the Franco-American brand makes a sensational announcement: the Thrustmaster T128 is here! This model replaces the T150 and TMX which, after more than 7 years of loyal service, deserve to be tucked away in an attic. And as a new entry-level model, it’s going to have to prove itself!
To mark the occasion, Thrustmaster has announced that it is 20% more powerful than the T150, and that its hybrid technology should deliver a similar feel to the T248. So, marketing stunt or technical truth? Let’s find out.
The Thrustmaster T128 from a technical point of view
- Compatibility: a PC, PS4 and PS5 version. And a PC version, X Box
- Force feedback: Yes
- Pedals : 2
- Customizable buttons: 13 4 steering wheel option buttons
- Gearshift: Magnetic paddles (Thrustmaster TH8a manual gearbox optional)
- Turning range: 270° to 900°
- Motor: belt-and-gear hybrid
- Display: 4 LED lap counter
- Connections: 1 outgoing USB to console, 1 incoming power supply, 1 pedalboard connection to base, 1 connection for Th8A or handbrake
Design and ergonomics
Well… This is an entry-level model, and it shows. Plastic dominates the steering wheel and base. However, the new design signature is immediately apparent. This T128 looks just like its big brother, the T248. Obviously it’s a matter of taste, but I find this series much prettier than the old T150 and TMX.
Its dimensions make it particularly suitable for occasional players(30x26x28cm). In fact, this is Thrustmaster’s marketing target with this steering wheel. Not everyone has the space, the budget or even the desire to create a fixed simulator right in the middle of the living room! The T128 solves this problem. It’s small, light and installs in seconds with its table clamp. This allows it to be installed on supports, tables and desks up to 5.5cm thick.
The steering wheel features 13 configurable buttons, enough to satisfy all new simracers. But above all, 2 “real” magnetic paddles. At this price, that’s relatively rare! We’ll come back to this later, but this model’s biggest drawback is undoubtedly its pedals. The new all-plastic T2PM really struggles to hold its head high in this package. Especially when compared to the basic but sexier pedalboard of its direct competitor, the Logitech G29/G920, for example.
The T3PM pedalboard is “quite heavy” and the adjustable metal pedals inspire confidence. Let’s see how it performs on the track!
As for the motor, it’s a hybrid belt/gear with optical position readout. Thrustmaster justifies this choice by announcing that the result is both precise and smooth. Once again, we’ll have to verify this by comparing it directly with the T150 on a chassis.
The all-new T2PM pedalboard
Now, Thrustmaster, we’re not going to be buddies. In the increasingly competitive world of simracing, while our competitor Fanatec is able to offer metal pedalboards from 70€, we can no longer offer a full plastic model. And I say that with a lot of love!
Yet it doesn’t lack much to be seductive!
It’s equipped with magnetic sensors, which means no wear and tear and no problems with dust. So no pipe (as Gaëtan Vigneron would say), at least give us metal pedal plates.
See : Choosing the right Thrustmaster pedalboard
Console compatibility
With a model compatible with PC / X Box and another compatible with PS4, PS5, PC, Thrustmaster is once again setting the odds on its side to make this T128 an entry-level best seller!
Customizing the Thrustmaster T248
For gamers who want to take realism a step further, a manual gearbox is an absolute must! Unless, that is, you only drive recent racing cars…
The T128 available in Playstation or X Box versions
Priced at €199. 99, the Thrustmaster T128 is the brand’s entry-level model. And that’s exactly how it should be seen. It’s a steering wheel designed for beginners who want to enjoy good driving sensations without spending all their savings on a top-of-the-range model.
My first opinion on the Thrustmaster T128
The T128 is a good choice for new players looking for a real alternative to the G29 and G920. However, I’m bothered by its pedalboard, which seems to date from the last century. It’s the only thing that could make you switch to Logitech at this stage, and that’s a shame.
We have not done a video test of this model, if this is something you would like us to do in the coming weeks, please let us know in the comments. Flo and I will take the time to share this with you 🙂
