Simulation games are fun and relaxing to play, and often a good tool to learn concepts and gain experience ready for doing the real thing. They can be used with just a keyboard or a games controller, but to get real immersion you need to add peripheral devices such as a steering wheel, foot pedals, gear shifters etc.
Dashboards within the simulation game are often very small and difficult to see, especially when on a smaller screen, so the use of additional devices to display this vital information also helps a lot.
And anyone who has tried to play complex video games or simulators just using a keyboard will know, trying to remember the dozens of complicated key combinations and which keys do what, can make or break a good game and spoil the enjoyment when wrong keys are pressed in a hurry. So external 'Button Boxes' that have easily identified and dedicated buttons and switches, can take the playability to a whole new level.
Below I will show some of these devices, and attempt to highlight both the good points and bad.
I can only recommend what I have actually tried out and used myself, and will point you towards suppliers that I have actual experience of purchasing from. Therefore there will be other alternatives!
Most gear shifters have only 6 speed selectors, which is great for car driving and racing games, but not really realistic when driving Semi's. OK, many of the newer trucks on the road come with much easier to use automatic gearboxes, but a big part of the Truck Driving Simulators is the mastering of the multiple gears, and the shifting between the 13 or the 18 speed gearboxes boxes.
The original round knobs provided on Logitech/Thrustmaster gear shifters can be easily removed, and replaced with a lorry style (Eaton-Fuller) shifter knobs, which has the switches for both 'Range' and 'Splitter' (Hi/Lo). Some have the additional Jake Brake switch mounted on the side too. They have an internal controller board and connect via a separate USB port.
After hearing reports from many online Sim-Gamers about paying out for goods to online internet based suppliers, that either took many months to arrive or were never delivered, I was extremely wary of purchasing my Eaton-Fuller style 18 speed shifter with jake brake switch. They are not cheap, and nobody wants to lose their payments to a fictitious supplier, or one that cannot meet demand and has gone bust.
I saw Franks advert amongst others on Etsy, and after reading his reviews I went ahead and ordered, expecting it to be many weeks before I saw any sign of it. But I was lucky enough to find a supplier who goes above and beyond, not only were his prices very reasonable, they were of excellent quality. My shifter knob was ordered, manufactured, well packaged, and posted from Canada to the UK, IN JUST 9 DAYS! And there were even some sweets included in the parcel to enjoy as I swapped the gear shifter knob over ready to play. Frank keeps you fully informed of all progress by email, it was so nice to have this 'personal touch' that put you at ease, answered all your questions, and let you know exactly where it was at all times right up to delivery.
View his pages on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Franks3DShop?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=781526788
Available in black, with choice of switch colours.
Or available in custom colours .
Fits both Logitech and Thrustmaster Gear Shifters.
Also available with extra 'Jake Brake' side switch.
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