When you see the inside of a racing car, it’s not got all the touchscreen nonsense a road car has. It’s got dials and buttons you press on the dash. More often than not, they’re red, and one of them has a red cover that you have to flip open. The only car we can think of that has that is a Lamborghini. That’s cool. Right? To make our sim racing setup more authentic, we like the idea of a button box, which enables us to have pre-set or programmable buttons which we can press for different functions. Some might change your field of view, while others would be a different traction setting in the wet.
Of course, this doesn’t limit you to just a box with many buttons. You can also use an add-on steering wheel option with as many dials, switches and levers as a modern-day F1 steering wheel.
A button box can have more applications than just for sim racing. You can also get flight sim button boxes or a truck sim button box. Who doesn’t love a big rig? Essentially the same thing but you can programme them in the game for whatever you want them to do - probably blowing the big horn on a truck sim, to be fair.
Whatever the reason behind your wanting a button box, we’ve had a good look through the worst to bring you the best available.
Best sim racing button boxes
www.etsy.com
With 12 different buttons overall, nine red buttons, one silver button and two all-important flip switches, which will really make you feel like a racing driver, this little unit is pretty slick. You can plug it into your PC via a USB and configure what each button does from there. The buttons are in an ‘off’ position until pressed on. When released, they’re back to ‘off’ again. Perfect for dropping some nitrous.
Pros
- Plenty of function options
- Cool carbon fibre look
- Plenty of USB cable
Cons
- Not a reputable manufacturer
One for the flight simulator people, with switches, toggles, and even a lever for your landing gear. Great for expanding your controls, attach it to your Logitec G Flight Yoke, and you can either have it on your desk or pop it into your custom flight rig. Fully customisable, allowing you to fly in all conditions, this little switch box could be your next sim upgrade.
Pros
- Control all you need in one place
- Looks the part
- The landing gear is pretty slick
Cons
- Some users have experienced compatibility issues
With 20 buttons that surround the edge of the display, this is a perfect flight simulator addition.
Pros
- Trusted brand
- Excellent addition to your flight deck
Cons
- Elongated delivery time
- This is just the surround without the screen
This handy little side panel makes driving your big rig even more believable. With over 25 assignable buttons, you can also control the front loader. It has an autopilot built-in and connects to your desk via a clamp. Compatible with only a PC or Mac device, it’s connectable via USB. Just look at those cruise control speed dials, which will make ploughing a breeze. Lovely stuff.
Pros
- Over 25 customisable buttons
- Great for farming simulators
- 900-degree wheel
Cons
- Only compatible with PC or Mac
www.demon-tweeks.com
You can combine this button box/steering wheel plate with a select choice of steering wheels, creating a steering wheel set-up and keeping all your buttons and switches in one easy-to-use place. It’ll make you feel more like a racing driver as you pull gear shifts and adjust your brake balance.
Pros
- Wonderfully built
- 16 different inputs
- Durable
Cons
- Limited steering wheel compatibility
Button box mounts
If you’ve got a sim setup already, the introduction of a button box
www.demon-tweeks.com
The heavy-duty mount is durable and provides rock-solid support with zero flex. Suitable for most button boxes and the Elgato stream deck. Complete with all mounting screws and nuts. Finished in anodised black and is ideal for all DIY aluminium profile sim rigs.
Pros
- Heavy duty
- Durable
- Swivel mount for easy access
Cons
- Not many at this price
www.demon-tweeks.com
Made from laser-cut iron and aluminium, using durable and sturdy materials, this mount is perfect for those with a tablet and a button box. It’ll adjust so you can fit on it what you need it to hold and attach to the chassis of your rig.
Pros
- Durable
- Heavy duty
- Attachable to your rig
Cons
- Price