Logitech G RS50 & RS Pedals review: A big leap from Logitech’s entry wheels

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Logitech has expanded its popular sim racing collection with the new RS50 racing wheel and RS Pedals, offering a solid choice for racing enthusiasts.

The Logitech G920 and G923 steering wheels have long been popular choices for those new to racing simulators because they’re reasonably priced, easy to set up, and provide good force feedback. However, their internal gears make the driving feel more like an arcade game than a realistic simulation. Logitech tried to fix this with the G Pro direct-drive wheel released in 2023, but its high $1,400 price made it inaccessible to many users.

As a racing sim enthusiast, I was really impressed with the RS50. It brings that super immersive, direct-drive force feedback feeling to a price that’s actually within reach, and honestly, it doesn’t feel like they cut any corners to get there.

Key Specs

  • Connectivity: USB-C
  • Compatibility: PC, Xbox, PlayStation (console support depends on model)
  • Force Feedback: Direct Drive
  • Price: $699 for RS50 Wheel, $129.99 for RS Pedals
  • Features: Quick-release wheel, magnetic paddles, onboard screen, adjustable load-cell brake, hall effect sensors

Design & Features

Logitech made the RS50 significantly smaller than the G Pro – about half the size – but still included its essential features, like the built-in screen and the USB-A ports on the back for connecting accessories like shifters and pedals.

This wheel comes with a clamp that can be taken off, plus the parts you need to attach it to a stand or a complete racing setup. Once it’s secured, the RS50 stays firmly in place.

Logitech didn’t start from scratch when creating the RS50 racing wheel; instead, they designed it to work with their existing RS Wheel Hub. This means you can quickly switch between the standard round wheel, a Formula 1-style wheel, or the new McLaren RS Formula wheel. The basic wheel is just under 12 inches in diameter and feels like a genuine race car wheel, with a comfortable, soft-touch finish that’s great for extended gaming sessions in titles like Nascar Heat 5 and Forza Motorsport.

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The magnetic paddle shifters respond quickly and precisely. Plus, extra analog paddles underneath give you more control options – you can use them for things like quickly adjusting the throttle, finding the perfect clutch feel, or managing hybrid systems in Formula 1 racing games.

Logitech’s direct-drive system provides precise and responsive control by connecting the motor directly to the steering wheel. While the RS50 has slightly less power (8Nm) than the previous G Pro model (11Nm), most drivers won’t be able to feel the difference – only experienced sim racers are likely to notice.

The motor provides solid force feedback when turning, hitting bumps, or correcting skids. The level of detail you feel in the road surface is noticeably better than older Logitech wheels, though it’s not quite as powerful as the very top-end models with 10 to 12Nm motors.

The new RS pedals, along with the wheel, offer more precise control thanks to an adjustable brake system and a new accelerator sensor. A key difference from older Logitech pedals is that these come in separate, customizable pieces, allowing you to arrange them exactly how you like.

This brake uses a load cell to give you precise control over braking force, from a gentle touch for street driving to a strong, firm feel for track use. Plus, it uses Hall Effect sensors, meaning there’s no physical contact between parts, which should make it last longer.

The only drawback is the missing clutch pedal, which must be purchased separately for $45.

RS Shifter

Logitech’s latest RS Shifter and Handbrake gives racing fans more options, whether they prefer track racing or rally driving. The shifter feels great in sequential mode, with a precise and satisfying click – it’s a noticeable improvement over Logitech’s previous H-pattern shifter. Easily switch to handbrake mode by simply moving the stick and flipping a switch, and you’re ready to tackle dirt tracks.

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When using the handbrake, movement feels fluid and consistent, giving you precise control when drifting in off-road or rally games. The device also feels very well-made – more solid and high-quality than older Logitech products, with no noticeable bending even during quick gear changes.

Logitech provides a mounting solution that allows players to use both the shifter and handbrake simultaneously by stacking them vertically, making it ideal for those who want both controls readily accessible.

Software

Logitech’s G Hub software controls all the settings for Racing Series hardware, allowing players to customize things like force feedback, steering sensitivity, and how much pressure the pedals require. G Hub now remembers your preferred settings for each game – like iRacing, Assetto Corsa, and Forza – and automatically applies them when you start playing, so you don’t have to adjust them manually.

G Hub is now better thanks to simpler menus and reduced impact on system performance. However, a web-based setup process would make it even easier to use, particularly for dedicated sim racing setups.

Verdict

The Logitech RS50 wheel, pedals, and shifter combine to create a great sim racing experience for the price. The wheel’s direct-drive system provides powerful and reliable force feedback, the pedals can be customized for a comfortable fit, and the shifter enhances the feeling of actually driving. Everything is also well-built and feels durable.

The RS50 series isn’t the most affordable mid-range option, but it delivers excellent performance for the price, especially for racers upgrading from wheels with gears.

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2025-11-25 17:53