Thrustmaster T3PM

Our rating: 8.5/10

In this article, I present and give you my complete opinion after many months of testing the Thrustmaster T3PMwhich represents the sim-racing peripherals manufacturer’s budget-friendly range. I’ll tell you about its strengths, weaknesses and everything you need to know before you buy (or not).

Main features and technical specifications of the crankset

• Peripheral with 3 pedals
• Solid construction using metal in some areas
• Adjustable pedals to accommodate the maximum number of riders
• Weighs 3 kg on the scale
• Adjustable brake pedal resistance thanks to 2 springs and 1 elastomer
• Compatible with all platforms (Xbox, Playstation and PC)
• Brake force up to 200 kg
• Magnetic sensors on pedals

Design

In sim-racing, cranksets all look more or less the same, and you don’t really have a unique design that stands out from the crowd, except perhaps for the inverted ones. Concerning the T3PMwhich replaces the T3PA which was getting old and offering little resistance to the competition.

In terms of design, the T3PM features metal pedal plates for a rather premium look. Was it a success? Well, it depends on your tastes. Personally, I think it looks rather bling-bling on plastic pedals. The bottom bracket is plain, with metal reinforcements on the inside to absorb braking force. This device isn’t ugly in the strict sense of the word, it has its own charm and is above all sober. The dress is black, with only the logo Thrustmaster white front and chrome pedal plates.

Customized assembly

The basic design of this pedalboard is for use on the floor, on parquet or flagstone. At the bottom, you’ll find pads that provide more or less grip depending on the type of ground.

What’s also nice is the thread from the T3PM which can be extended to the sides, allowing you to place the crankset against a wall or heavy object, preventing it from slipping during heavy braking. It’s a really intuitive solution, and I wish other brands would do the same. For setups with cockpits, this pedalboard isn’t really designed to be installed there, but it’s perfectly feasible if you wish.

Manufacturing and finishing

With its budget-friendly crankset, plastic is used for virtually the entire structure of the T3PMexcept for the pedal plates, which are in chrome-plated metal with internal reinforcements. It’s flashy I must admit, but Thrustmaster had to do this to justify the selling price of the T3PM.

The finish is plastic throughout, with reinforced pedals (especially the brake pedal) to take the strain. The footrest is rather large, and is also textured to offer grip when you’re on a tense run. As far as manufacturing defects are concerned, I haven’t noticed any. The parts are well machined, and the crankset feels pretty solid in your hand.

Here again, Thrustmaster’s experience is evident on the T3PM with a well-built, well-finished product, even if it is budget-friendly.

Getting to know the pedals

Weighing 20% more than the crankset it replaces, the T3PM shows 3 kg on the scale. For such a device, weight is essential to prevent slipping on floors. Handling is good, with soft gas pedal and clutch pedals coupled to magnetic sensors for accurate, long-lasting data readouts.

The footrest is a good size and can be used with or without shoes. However, this part of the pedalboard is textured, and you may feel some discomfort after a while. Personally, I’ve always worn socks with the T3PM and it was quiet.

The brake pedal is firm thanks to the spring installed by default, and can become even firmer with the kit supplied in the box. You have a total of 2 springs and 1 elastomer to adjust the resistance of the brake pedal as you wish. What’s more, an Allen wrench is included in the box, so you can make your modifications with ease.

Sensations during play

So the T3PM what’s in it for you? For a budget-friendly crankset, it’s not bad. With the springs and elastomer available, you can change the braking force until you reach the maximum brake pedal load of 200 kg.

In terms of feel, the gas pedal and clutch pedals are quite precise, thanks to magnetic sensors and 14-bit and 10-bit resolution on PC and console respectively. Their stroke is quite long, and you’ll have no trouble using them to get your foot to the floor. As for the brake, the braking sensation is fairly linear until you reach the stop, at which point there’s nothing more to come, since you’ve reached the spring’s maximum. It’s also important to remember that T3PM is a spring-loaded, magnetic-sensor crankset, not a Load Cell. The spring is there just to provide resistance when you press hard on the brake pedal.

Also, I didn’t really feel any dead zone on the 3 pedals, which must be due to the fact that Thrustmaster uses magnetic sensors for the T3PMwhich, again, is a good thing.

Compatibility

Visit T3PM is compatible with both consoles and PCs, and with all bases in the T from Thrustmaster. This leaves you with a wide range of sim-racing devices, both entry-level and mid-range.

As far as sim-racing titles are concerned, you have a whole host of games that are compatible with the T3PM. Virtually any crankset on the market will support this crankset without the slightest problem.

Value for money

Visit T3PM is priced at €150, which I don’t think is too expensive. Its placement on the market is perfect, too: right between the cranksets without adjustable springs and those in Load Cell such as the CSL Pedals LC. The advantage of T3PM is that you can use it without a cockpit, since it’s lightweight, doesn’t require much braking force and is relatively inexpensive.

As a result, this device offers very good value for money, at least in terms of the performance it delivers.

My verdict

For me, the T3PM is a great choice for sim-racing beginners, and even enthusiasts looking for an inexpensive, reliable product with a good driving feel. This Thrustmaster pedalboard is superbly positioned in the sim-racing peripherals market, and I highly recommend it for those on a budget.

However, its main shortcoming is that it is no match for the competition in Direct Drive from Fanateccompetition, especially when you consider that a CSL Pedals LC costs only €50 more. If money is short, then opt for the T3PM. Otherwise, head for a Load Cell.