STRESS OF CHOICE
I bought the Thrustmaster T300 RS especially for my PlayStation 4. On my PlayStation 3 I have enjoyed using a Logitech G27. Because this wheel is known as one of the best steering wheels, it was quite a gamble to go for the T300 RS. But because the G27 is not suitable for the PlayStation 4 and I waited more than 1.5 years for support from Sony or Logitech, I decided to look at another steering wheel. I want to use the steering wheel for Driveclub, Project Cars, F1 2015 and Gran Turismo 7. There are several steering wheels available for the PlayStation 4. There is the Thrustmaster T80, but that model lacks Force Feedback. There are also the T100 and the T500, but they are not licensed by Sony for the PlayStation 4. In fact, the firmware of the T300 RS can be updated. For example, Thrustmaster can add support for other games.
PRE-FUN PACK
After much hesitation, I finally took the plunge. Placing the order was easy, but is definitely worth mentioning. The ridiculously long opening hours of both the helpdesk and the warehouse deserve a compliment! But after your order you will also be made happy with things such as 'waiting therapy'. Who invents such a thing? I had a great time with these videos (tip: watch them all as soon as you've completed the order!).
The next day the PostNL driver came with the now well-known blue box. This box is also all about anticipation. The lyrics and images are truly hilarious. Inside the box was a load of plastic filled with air to protect the Thrustmaster T300 RS's box from gravity. This brown box was again around the (retail) packaging of the T300 RS. Thank you for the solid packaging. Time to plug in the steering wheel and take a closer look.
CONNECT
As mentioned, I have a Logitech G27. This handlebar is mounted on a Playseat Evolution. The question was therefore whether the steering wheel would fit. Fortunately, the M6 mounting holes match the holes in the handlebars and pedals. Within fifteen minutes I had removed my old handlebars and secured the T300 RS. I had to readjust my Playseat again, because the plate of the pedals is smaller, and the position is slightly different. The steering wheel is also further forward. I immediately updated the firmware of the steering wheel to the latest version via the Thrustmaster website. This firmware optimizes the power consumption and usage of the fan. It was annoying that the software to update only works on Windows.
DESIGN
What is immediately noticeable is that the power adapter is built-in. So you don't have a loose block anymore. A power cable directly into the socket is sufficient. However, the plug used is not standard. This can be a drawback if you ever need to replace the power cord for any reason. The USB cable is also attached to the base. So if you ever have a broken cable in this cord, you are the loser. The cord to the pedals is just a cable with plug. This ensures that you can possibly purchase a pedal set with clutch.
The steering wheel feels very solid. The steering wheel can be removed so that you can replace it with another model. For example, there is a special Formula 1 steering wheel (can also be ordered from Coolblue). It would be great if both game studios and Thrustmaster do something about this in the future. There is a center stripe in the top center of the handlebars. On racing wheels you often see a yellow stripe 'at 12 o'clock'. With the T300 RS, this is a 'PlayStation blue' metal strip, which is screwed into place. I expected this to be a simple sticker. The steering wheel itself is covered with hard rubber. This gives a good grip, but can feel a bit sticky after long use with sweaty hands. Fortunately, the rubber is easy to clean. The buttons are in a logical place. Even an L3 and R3 button are present. The Share, Options and PlayStation keys are also present. This is unique to the T300 RS. Only a touchpad and the analog sticks are missing. This is not a big loss in itself, but in Driveclub you need them to move the camera during photo mode.
The pedals are actually the only point I'm a bit critical about. Missing a clutch pedal is a shame. The pedals also feel a bit 'weak'. Depressing the accelerator is fine, but the brake gives far too little resistance, and you can easily pedal to the bottom. That makes dosing the brake a bit inconvenient. There may be solutions for this by mounting a different spring, but the fact remains that it is a weak point. However, the construction is fine despite the use of plastic. The metal plates on the pedals are adjustable in height (for large feet) and easy to move. I have chosen to space the pictures a bit, because my Playseat is in the way. In the future, I might buy another set to add a clutch, along with a shifter. The function of the brake and accelerator pedal can be turned by software via a button on the base. I don't use this feature myself, but at least the option is there. The distance or depth of the brake is shorter than that of the accelerator pedal.
USAGE
After performing the update it is then time to connect the steering wheel to my PlayStation 4 and start up Driveclub. On the base is a switch that you can switch between PS3/PC and PS4. After connecting I turn on the PlayStation 4. Immediately the steering wheel starts to calibrate by turning around. After a few seconds, the steering wheel is calibrated and stops neatly in the middle. You can immediately feel the power of the engine. The steering wheel feels solid and heavy, but not too heavy. The menu of the Playstation 4 can be operated entirely with the buttons on the steering wheel. So you don't have to turn on a controller first to start a game.
Once in Driveclub I go to the settings and see what is possible. For example, the Force Feedback is set to 70% by default. You can also adjust vibrations. The steering wheel also vibrates briefly during the adjustment to let the effect be felt. I have never experienced this vibration so precisely on my G27. It seems as if there is a separate vibrating motor in it (or the motor has to be very fast and able to exert force at the same time). It is also striking that the T300 RS is much quieter. The G27 uses gears instead of a belt. Because the belt makes no noise during the transmissions from the engine to the handlebars, you only hear the hum of the engine. The irritating tapping of the G27 could be heard in Gran Turismo when driving over curbstones. Unfortunately, I can't quite compare this, as Driveclub doesn't vibrate when you fly over the curbs. After an hour of racing and returning to the menu, it appears that the T300 RS is very hot. It has a fan to prevent overheating. Also, the power of the motor will decrease when the motor is overloaded, according to the manual. I have not yet experienced this even after intensive racing. The fan makes almost the same noise as the PlayStation 4, so it is not very noticeable during the sound of roaring engines. Only in the evening was the noise clearly present. It's not a deal breaker, but definitely worth mentioning. I've never heard my G27 blow.
While driving, the steering wheel feels very solid. The engine does its job and feels powerful but balanced. You can also feel this clearly at the steering wheel when you get off the asphalt with the car or when you threaten to lose the car. This way you can easily find the limit of your car, something that is absolutely not possible with a controller. The vibrations also add something, but sometimes seem to be used a bit randomly by Driveclub. So I miss the vibrations at the points where you expect it. However, this is not at the helm.
Switching with the flippers is also ideal. A big difference with the Thrustmaster T500 is that on the T300 RS the paddle shifters are attached to the steering wheel, and therefore rotate. With the T500, the flippers are attached to the base and you can therefore less easily switch in the bends. The paddles click clearly and are a short distance to the steering wheel. When released, they quickly return to the correct position and are stopped by a piece of rubber. The pressure you have to put is just right.
The other buttons are nicely deep in the steering wheel. This way you will never accidentally press a wrong button while driving. With small hands, only the L2 and R2 buttons are easily accessible with your thumb. You can also use these buttons to activate KERS or DRS, for example. The D-pad also feels solid, much sturdier than the D-pad on the Dualshock 4 controller.
CONCLUSION
I was concerned that the T300 RS would be of a completely different caliber than the G27. However, I do not regret my purchase for a moment. The T300 RS is a decent handlebar with all the functions I could wish for. It is without a doubt the best wheel for the PlayStation 4. The high price tag may put you off, but if you like to play a racing game, you really can't do without this wheel. You simply do not have other options, or offer no guarantee for the future. Then a cheaper steering wheel is ultimately a waste of your money and you better invest well right away.
Thrustmaster has an excellent product in its range with the T300 RS. If you are still in doubt after reading this review: just buy the steering wheel. Then you can try it yourself, because the feeling cannot be described in a review.
