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Thrustmaster TMX Steering Wheel : Test & Review

Sim Racer

E-sport driver & Sim Racing enthusiast, I decided to share my passion on this website.

For fans of racing simulation games, new technologies have really helped to do wonders in recent years. Many of us have left our old controllers behind to discover the magic of a race behind the wheel.

Although there are several brands that already offer force feedback wheels that are compatible with the Xbox One, these are mostly high-end and therefore quite expensive.

That’s why we decided to take a look at the Thrustmaster TMX steering wheel, officially licensed by Microsoft, which is an interesting mid-range steering wheel.

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about it. We will tell you about its main features, its advantages and disadvantages, the type of player it is best suited for and finally, we will tell you where to get it and at what price.

The characteristics of the Thrustmaster TMX

thrustmaster tmx

The TMX Force Feedback steering wheel from the Thrustmaster steering wheel brand, more commonly known as the Thrustmaster TMX, is a mid-range model that has been designed for use with the Microsoft environment.

Here is a list of its main features:

  • The Thrustmaster TMX steering wheel has a diameter of 28 cm with a rotation and steering range of 270° to 900°, or 2.5 turns.
  • The TMX has large all-metal sequential paddles very similar to those used in real race cars. Their ergonomics allow an excellent grip as well as a clear and fluid gear shift.
  • This flywheel is equipped with a force feedback with a brushless motor that offers many power settings. It also features a unique belt pulley system that channels engine sounds while providing a smooth feel.
  • The Thrustmaster TMX is an officially licensed Xbox One and Windows steering wheel, but it also works on Xbox Series X|S and Windows 10/8/7/Vista.
  • The Thrustmaster TMX steering wheel includes a large two-pedal pedal board with three adjustable pedal angles. It is also compatible with the T-LCM, T3PA and T3PA-PRO (Thrustmaster 3 Pedals Add-on) pedalboards as well as the Thrustmaster TH8A gearbox, all sold separately.
  • The steering wheel has a power supply and a USB connection.
  • Dimensions (width/height/depth): 33 x 30 x 32 cm
  • Steering wheel weight : 2,2 kg – Pedal weight : 2,7 kg

For what type of person?

The Thrustmaster TMX steering wheel was designed for Xbox and PC users.

It is very well suited for those who want to try simulation racing with a steering wheel for the first time , both adults and children.

But it is also suitable for more experienced players who are already familiar with the world of simulation steering wheels and are looking for a solid and reliable model to play with.

The pedalboard may leave the more experienced among you wanting more, but you can exchange it for a T3PA or T3PA-PRO.

Compatible with a wide range of games, the Thrustmaster TMX steering wheel doesn’t limit you, you can play all your favorite F1, Rally or GT racing styles.

Its advantages

Following our review of the Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback steering wheel, we’ve compiled a list of its biggest advantages.

We were first seduced by its force feedback which is very convincing and offers an exceptional running performance. Its precision provides sensations very close to the real thing. In addition, the motor is quiet and consistent, its power remains the same no matter how long your gaming session lasts.

We really liked the realism of the wheel on the TMX Force Feedback steering wheel from Thrustmaster, which mimics the design of a real car steering wheel. Its 28 cm diameter and its level of ergonomics allows it to adapt to all styles of racing games, whether it is F1, GT or Rally.

In addition to being ergonomic, the Thrustmaster TMX steering wheel is also very comfortable. The rubberized grips optimize comfort during the race, but it doesn’t stop there. The two large, fixed sequential shifters on the wheel, 13 cm high and made entirely of metal, also offer maximum driving comfort.

The TMX Force Feedback steering wheel from Thrustmaster has the advantage of having software designed to adapt seamlessly to the PC and Xbox One. The recognition by the console is automatic and all Xbox One oriented racing games that can be played with a steering wheel are compatible with this model. This opens the door to an incredible number of games, all with a very simple steering wheel configuration.

Finally, we must acknowledge that the TMX model from Thrustmaster offers good value for money. Considering its force feedback, its 900° rotation, its excellent manufacturing quality, its comfort, the good response of the steering wheel and the pedal, as well as all the functionalities that this steering wheel offers, its price is more than justified and finally very correct.

Its disadvantages

While the Thrustmaster TMX Force Feed Back steering wheel pleasantly surprised us with its many advantages, we also found that it had some drawbacks.

The first thing that disappointed us about the TMX steering wheel from Thrustmaster is its basic and lightpedal board.

thrustmaster tmx crankset

On this model, there are no adjustable aluminum pedals since the brand has chosen to rely entirely on plastic. As a result, their light weight makes them unstable, no matter what type of floor you place them on. If you don’t want them to slip off when you press hard on them, you’ll have to find a way to lock or fix them.

We found the design of the Thrustmaster TMX steering wheel to be a bit simplistic. As such, even though the materials used are of high quality, the design of the steering wheel remains quite simple and the whole thing is essentially made of plastic. It would be more like a child’s toy than a professional driver’s wheel.

Unlike other Thrustmaster models, the TMX wheelis not removable. It will not be possible to customize the steering wheel and you will not be able to use steering wheels from other ranges offered by the manufacturer. This may also limit the life of this model.

In our test, we discovered that the Thrustmaster TMX is unfortunately a bit noisy. As it is mainly made of plastic, depending on where you can put your hands, some rather annoying noises can be heard. In the long run, this can be quite annoying.

The last little negative point concerning the Thrustmaster TMX is that it doesnot have a headphone jack. This is a bit of a shame, as it can quickly become problematic if you want to play at night or with people around, without disturbing anyone with the sound of the game, in addition to the plastic noise of the steering wheel.

Where to get it and for how much?

Currently, the Thrustmaster TMX steering wheel is available for €229.99 on the brand’s official website.

You can also find it on sale at various retailers, at prices ranging from 180 € to 230 € depending on promotions.

At the moment, it is offered in promotion on Amazon.fr.

You can also look on the sites of sale and purchase of second-hand products, where you can regularly find steering wheels at interesting prices. However, beware of potential scams and check the conditions of the product before making the decision to buy it.

Conclusion

We found the Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback to be a very good entry-level wheel and perfect for beginning sim-racers, but also very suitable for more regular players.

For a steering wheel at less than 250 €, its quality-price ratio is excellent. Even though the pedalboard can leave a little to be desired, the Thrustmaster TMX delighted us with its precise and efficient force feedback, its wonderful design and the comfort it offers us during the race, no matter how long the game session.

Convincing on both PC and console, this wheel promises to provide long gaming sessions with family and friends andincredible sensations during the race. Don’t hesitate, buy it!

thrustmaster-tmx-avis

Thrustmaster TMX

A steering wheel that offers a great feeling at an excellent price/performance ratio

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