Simlab XQ1

Our rating: 9.6/10

Simlab is primarily a manufacturer of sim-racing cockpits, but with a catalog that is slowly beginning to expand. Several items of equipment have been added to Simlab’s offerings, including a pedalset, handbrake, steering wheels and shifter.

In sim-racing, there are 2 main schools of thought: those who are in favor of shifters, and therefore need them for racing, and those who are against them.

However, Simlab is a company that provides sim-racing peripherals for all racers, so it had to offer a shifter, in this case the XQ1. It’s a very premium, all-metal device, and can be found on our sim-racing setup for a full test.

Main features and shifter technology

• All-metal structure
• Shifter in sequential mode, with magnetic sensor
• Adjustable peripherals to suit drivers’ needs and preferences
• PC-compatible
• USB-C connection with the shifter, and USB-A with the PC platform

Design

When it comes to design, Simlab has a knack, and the XQ1 is no exception. The result is a device that marries three colors: black, gray and electric blue. Black is found on the handle and casing. Grey is on the knob, and blue on the shifter adjustment ring.

Overall, I find it a little flashy compared to what the competition is offering, especially Fanatec. Nevertheless, we mustn’t overlook the fact that the XQ1 remains a handsome sim-racing peripheral, which will go well with setups requiring a sequential shifter.

Customized assembly

The XQ1 is naturally mounted from the bottom, using Allen screws. You’ll need a special bracket if you have a tubular chassis, as Simlab’s XQ1 is basically designed for installation on aluminum profile cockpits, as found on the manufacturer’s awning.

In the shifter box you’ll find all the hardware you need to mount and adjust Simlab’s XQ1, and the assembly operation is relatively straightforward: just a few screws to install and secure to the frame, and you’re done.

Manufacturing and finishing

Simlab makes it clear on the XQ1 page that this device uses an all-metal structure. It’s not only beautiful, but also very well made. The shifter consists of just a few parts, including its base and handle, as well as the rotating elements.

The XQ1’s build quality is just as premium as we’re used to seeing on Simlab products. Attention to detail is high, of course, as is the finish. In other words, this Simlab shifter is a top-of-the-range product, very well made, and above all with an exemplary finish. I can guarantee that you won’t find any manufacturing defects on this device.

Getting to grips with the shifter

Let’s talk about the XQ1’s grip. It’s a minimalist shifter, but with a knob that looks a lot like what you’d find on a race car. The shape of both the handle and the knob fit perfectly in the palm of your hand, and you’ll have no trouble using it to shift gears in the middle of a race.

For those of you who think a metal knob will be slippery, I can tell you right away that it won’t be. Even if you’re in the middle of a rally stage, with sweaty hands, the XQ1 won’t be affected, nor your ability to shift gears. The knob will probably need cleaning from time to time due to its color, but nothing more.

Simlab also allows you to adjust the shifter using a ring on the bottom of the stick, which will help you find the right tension for the shifter. This allows you to smooth out gear changes for a smoother ride, or to get a much stronger feel if you want to dive into sim-racing.

Sensations during play

Let’s move on to the feel of the Simlab XQ1. As I said earlier, this shifter is adjustable in the sense that you can modify the resistance of shifting via the stick, and also via the mechanism itself. The blue ring allows you to smooth or smooth out the movement of the stick, which translates into more or less force needed to shift gears, and also to hear the famous “clack” sound.

But let’s get back to what’s most important: what’s it like to shift gears with the Simlab XQ1? In three months: pure bliss. Every time you shift, you hear, and above all feel, the “clack”. And that’s ultra immersive, even exhilarating. It’s as if you really were in the cockpit of a rally car, shifting gears at breakneck speed.

Sensations are further enhanced by the fact that this shifter is based on an all-metal structure, with magnetic sensors. Gears are straightforward, with no misfires or anything else. What’s more, the knob can be changed to suit your riding preferences.

In terms of configuration, it’s plug & play, and you won’t need to make any software adjustments. It’s natively recognized on PC, and on all sim-racing titles.

Compatibility

The Simlab XQ1 is compatible only with the PC platform, under Windows. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use it on consoles for Xbox and Playstation drivers, and the same goes for Simlab’s entire range. If this is your case, I recommend you take a look at Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2, which offers true Xbox and PlayStation compatibility.

As for sim-racing titles, they are all compatible with the XQ1 and will support it natively. Connection with the PC is via USB, C on one side and A on the other, and I think this is a plus for such a product, as USB-C has become much more widespread in recent years.

Value for money

I know that the Simlab XQ1 is only a sequential shifter, and not a hybrid shifter like the competition, but I think it’s great value for money. Trade it in for almost €200, and you’ll have everything you need for unforgettable rally racing, or any other sim-racing discipline requiring a sequential shifter.

My verdict

As mentioned at the start of this article, the Simlab XQ1 has only two drawbacks: PC compatibility only, and the difficulty of finding it on the manufacturer’s website.

For the first point, this is understandable, as Simlab doesn’t need to call on Sony or Xbox for chips, making its peripherals compatible with consoles. The Windows PC platform is more widespread in sim-racing, and it’s simpler to offer peripherals compatible with it.

If you’re looking for a sequential shifter, the Simlab XQ1 is simply one of the best in its class, if not the best to be entirely frank. It’s not expensive for what it has to offer, and it’ll give you a ton of feel on the track. What more could you ask for? Perhaps improved availability of the Simlab XQ1 to satisfy the demand from riders.