Top 5 Accessories for Your Sim Rig
Overview
Looking for some additional rig customization? Look no further than our top 5 picks for the best sim racing accessories! These upgrades not only enhance the look of your setup but also improve comfort, control, and immersion behind the wheel. Each of these accessories add a new layer of functionality and flair- small changes that make a big impact every time you hit the track.
Button Boxes
A button box is a great addition to any sim rig; they allow for dedicated controls and eliminate the need to fumble for keys or remember complex keyboard shortcuts in the middle of a race. Brake bias adjustments, traction control, and mapping are a few of the many functions you can assign to physical switches, giving you the ability to make real-time changes without taking your eyes off the road.
Overall, a well-mounted and high quality button box can transform your sim rig into a realistic virtual cockpit. It brings the feel of a race car interior right to your fingertips adding the immersion and functionality every sim racer chases.
Dash Displays
Dash displays offer vital telemetry in your general field of vision. They typically show information such as current gear, RPM, speed, delta time, fuel levels, tire temperatures, and lap count.
Most dash displays are powered by software like SimHub, Z1 Dashboard, or Joel Real Timing (JRT), which allows full customization of the layout and data being displayed. They connect via USB and often support plug-and-play functionality, with minimal configuration required. Displays may use LCD or IPS panels, typically ranging from 4 to 7 inches, with refresh rates and brightness levels suitable for racing in varying lighting conditions.
Pedal Upgrades
Upgrading your sim racing pedals is one of the most impactful changes you can make to your rig. Stock pedals, particularly those using potentiometers, often lack the resolution, consistency, and realism required for competitive driving. Upgrading to load cell or hydraulic pedals introduces pressure-based braking, enabling muscle memory development and more precise control, especially in threshold braking and trail braking scenarios.
However, the performance of even the best load cell or hydraulic pedals can be limited by ergonomics. That’s where Simnet faceplates come in. These high-quality CNC aluminum plates are engineered to improve both the feel and functionality of your pedal set by allowing racers to fine-tune the contact surface to match their natural foot position. They provide an affordable upgrade to the preexisting Simnet SP Pro Pedals.
Wheel Mounts & Extension Kits
Wheel mounts and extension kits play a crucial role in any sim racing setup by ensuring that your steering wheel is positioned correctly and comfortably. A solid wheel mount prevents flex, which is especially important with high-torque direct drive bases like those from Simagic. Without proper mounting, you lose feedback fidelity and may experience unwanted vibrations or instability during driving. Extension kits take that one step further by helping fine-tune the wheel’s distance from your seat, allowing for better ergonomics based on your rig layout and preferred driving style.
The Simagic Motor Shaft Extender is a simple but highly effective solution for racers who need additional wheel depth without compromising rigidity. Available in both 15cm and 20cm lengths, it’s ideal for improving arm position, clearing dash displays or button boxes, or creating more space in formula-style seating positions.
RGB LED Kits & Eyebrows
RGB LED kits and LED “eyebrows” enhance visibility, immersion, and cockpit realism. They can be configured to respond to telemetry data (like shift points, flags, or engine warnings), helping drivers react quicker while reducing the need to rely on on-screen HUD elements.
At Apex Sim Racing, we manufacture and sell standalone LED eyebrows that you can pair via USB. Equipped with 18 LEDs, 9 on each side, they offer real-time visual feedback to keep you focused and in control. The carbon fiber faceplate and mounting brackets give your rig a clean, race-ready aesthetic that looks as good as it performs.
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