The 7 Best Sim Racing Button Box

If you are familiar with sim  racing, you probably know by now how much hardware and equipment are needed to build the ideal sim racing setup.

Granted that you can still race without a complete setup, we always recommend getting your setup as complete as possible to maximize both your racing experience and overall performance.

One of the most overlooked pieces of equipment in sim racing is the button box.

In the following article, we will guide you through every detail about the button box, from why you need it, how to install it, and a list of some of the best button boxes that you can get for your sim racing setup.

What are button boxes used for in sim racing?

Button box, the name itself explains it all, it is a box that consists of lots of buttons.

Essentially, you can find more than just buttons in a button box. Alongside the buttons, you will also find toggle switches and encoders that will input commands into your sim racing setup.

Unlike several racing equipment that are practically irreplaceable, the function of a button box can actually be carried on coexisting hardwares such as your steering wheel and your keyboard.

The main function of having a button box in your sim racing setup is to integrate all commands and functions and make it more accessible for you during your races.

Why should you buy a button box?

We get it, a button box does not seem necessary when you can just input the command from the buttons on your steering wheel, or even directly from your keyboard. After all, it is always best to prevent your setup from being too bulky.

In reality, a button box will only help you in making your setup much more efficient.

Moreover, button boxes are now available in minimalistic design that will not take up much of your space.

If you are still thinking of using your keyboard to input commands and change the settings mid-race, know that it will significantly decrease your sharpness during a race, which may cost you a lot during competitive racing events.

On the other hand, a steering wheel is much more reliable than a keyboard, but what if you are constantly racing with different types of racing cars? It will be very inconvenient to change the settings for each race.

Ultimately, the main reason for you to buy a button box is to improve your overall performance. These are the features in a button box that will help you during your races:

• Push buttons

Push buttons are often used to carry out functions you frequently used such as fuel, tyres, and lap times.

This is one of the easiest button to get used to when you start using a button box

• Toggle switches

You can find multiple toggle switches in a button box, that is because it carries out a lot of important functions. You will also find safety toggles which are used for functions such as pit lane speed limiter and ignition

• Knobs

A button box for sim racing may not be a real piece of equipment that racers used in their cars, but features like an adjustment knob is actually used in real racing cars, which eventually contribute to the immersion of your racing simulation.

Just like in a real car, the knobs in a button box are usually used to change brake bias during your race

• Encoder

Encoder is one of the most important elements in a button box that will send feedback and input into your sim software.

This is also what makes a button box more efficient that keyboards, the encoder will make sure that your commands are followed through immediately

How to install a button box?

Installing a button box is actaully quite simple. Most button boxes come with a USB cable connection, all you need to do is plug it into your device’s USB port and the button box will be good to go.

The slightly more complicated part of installing a button box is to adjust the settings in your simulator.

In the end, there are no rules that you must follow, but it may require some time before you get used to the settings in your button box.

Choosing a good button box for sim racing is not necessarily a hard thing to do, but just like buying any other racing hardware, it is best to be cautious before buying anything.

In the list below, we have compiled the 7 best sim racing button boxes that you can use to improve your sim racing setup, stay tuned!

RealGear RACEpro D22 Programmable Button Box

Price: $229.95

Performance

As mentioned above, some of the features in a button box does resemble features that are available in a real life racing car, but it is not entirely similar.

Thus, it is important for a button box to be adaptable in a way that keeps your racing setup authentic, just like the RealGear RACEpro D22 button box.

The RealGear RACEpro D22 is a button box that is capable of delivering 36 different functions.

It is very easy to install and has quick configurations that you can set on your racing simulation. Another thing that we like from this button box is its metal black color that fits really well into any kind of racing setup.

Compatibility:

PC, Xbox, Playstation

Where to buy :

https://www.ricmotech.com/realgear-racepro-d22-button-box

Extra features :

• Versatile mounting option

• Multi-functional encoders

• Tactile push buttons

• Easy configuration

Apex P911 Button Box

Price: $250

Performance

If you care about how your sim racing setup looks, you might want to get a button box that blends in well with your racing setup.

Look no further as you can go get the Apex P911 Button Box, a multi-switch button box made of high quality carbon fiber.

The design itself is hand-finished in order to get every detail on point. As for functionality, the Apex P911 is supported by a reliable encoder that will prevent any lag or delays.

Compatibility:

PC, Xbox, Playstation

Where to buy:

https://www.apexsimracing.com/collections/button-boxes-1/products/p911?variant=39565286506605

Extra features:

• 4 on-off push buttons

• 3 CTS rotary encoders

• 3 on-off latching toggles

• Made of durable carbon fiber

GRID ENGINEERING F488 DASH BUTTON BOX

Price: $606.21

Performance

Grid Engineering F488 is a specially engineered button box that is made with motorsport grade components.

Thus, you can expect this particular button box to be highly durable. Instead of the regular box design, the F488 has a unique and compact design that will fit into your setup without taking up much space.

Compatibility:

PC, Xbox, Playstation

Extra features :

• 8 MOM-OFF-MOM toggles

• 7 CTS-288 encoders

• 2 ON-OFF safety switch toggles

• 3 NKK push buttons

• 2 style 4 12mm push buttons

Thrustmaster MFD Single Button Panel

Price: $49.95

Performance

Thrustmaster MFD is a button box that comes in a much more compact panel design. While it is definitely different from the other button box, it is simple to set up and is able to carry out a similar function as a regular button box.

Compatibility:

PC, Xbox, Playstation

Where to buy:

https://www.ricmotech.com/thrustmaster-mfd-single-button-panel

Extra features :

• Single panel design

• Compact and lightweight

• Easy configuration and installation

Dashboard Panel for Ricmotech Mini-Mite Steering Base

Price: $289.95

As its name suggests, this particular button box is inspired by dashboards of real life racing cars.

It has a highly versatile mounting system and is very easy to install. For its unique and authentic design, this really is one of the best button boxes that you can get for your racing setup.

Compatibility:

PC, Xbox, Playstation

Where to buy:

https://www.ricmotech.com/dashboard-panel-ricmotech-mini-mite-steering

Extra features:

• Three way toggle switch

• Tactile push buttons

• Rotary dials

• Brake bias knob

Race Deck Button Box

Price: $165

Race Deck button box is an affordable button box that is made of high quality carbon fiber to ensure maximum durability.

The buttons are strengthened with aluminium to make sure that they are stealth and easy to press during your race.

Compatibility :

PC only

Where to buy :

https://www.apexsimracing.com/collections/button-boxes-1/products/race-deck

Extra features:

• 3 CTS Rotary Encoders

• 5 12mm Push Buttons (4 with optional 7 way multi-switch)

• 1 Optional 7-way multi-switch

RealGear WHEELpro Large Button Box with Paddles

Price: $509

Performance

If you are looking for a button box that can be integrated with your steering wheels, the RealGear WHEELpro is the perfect option for you. While it is definitely on the pricey side, it has a unique mounting design that will make your racing setup much more efficient.

Compatibility :

PC, Xbox, Playstation

Where to buy :

https://www.ricmotech.com/realgear-wheelpro-button-box-with-paddles

Extra features :

• Capable of delivering 18 different functions

• Includes a magnetic paddle shifter

• Easy mounting system

• Ultra responsive encoders

That ends our list of the best sim racing button boxes you could get for your sim racing setup.

We’ve covered button boxes with different looks and design, so make sure to get one that suits your preference and fits into your budget.

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