🏎️ Part 1: The Hardware Deep-Dive

The Logitech G923 in 2026: Why Gear-Drive Still Has a Place in the Direct-Drive Era

Introduction: In 2026, the sim-racing market is flooded with affordable Direct-Drive (DD) wheels. For many, the gear-driven architecture of the Logitech G923 feels like a relic of a previous generation. However, at the Sim-Racing Lab, we’ve spent hundreds of hours testing this wheel against the latest hardware on the PS5 Pro. The question remains: In an era of magnets and motors, is there still a reason to own a G923?

The "TRUEFORCE" Reality Check: Logitech’s headline feature, TRUEFORCE, was often dismissed as a gimmick at launch. However, when paired with the increased processing overhead of the PS5 Pro, the high-frequency haptic feedback has found a second life. Unlike traditional Force Feedback (FFB) which purely tells you where the weight of the car is, TRUEFORCE provides a tactile connection to the engine's RPM and the road surface. In titles like Assetto Corsa Competizione and F1 25, this extra layer of data is the difference between catching a slide and a DNF.

The Gear-Driven "Clatter" vs. Precision: We have to be honest: the G923 is loud. The helical gears provide a distinct mechanical feel that can’t match the silent smoothness of a DD wheel. But there is a hidden advantage: Predictability. For drifters and rally enthusiasts, the mechanical "snap-back" of a gear-driven wheel provides a physical tactile reset that some entry-level DD wheels struggle to emulate without complex software filtering.

The PS5 Pro Synergy: One of the most overlooked aspects of the G923 is its integration with the PlayStation ecosystem. While third-party DD wheels often require complex drive-hubs or firmware workarounds, the G923 remains the most stable "Plug-and-Play" experience on the PS5 Pro. In our Lab testing, we found that input latency on the G923 is consistently lower than many budget DD competitors, making it the "Precision Tool" for those who prioritize response time over raw torque.

Verdict: The Lab’s Stance The G923 isn't a "budget" choice; it's a "tactical" one. For racers who value a robust ecosystem, tactile road data, and a wheel that can take a beating during a 100% Speedrun, the G923 remains an essential piece of the Lab's arsenal.