Decoding the G923: How Much Force Feedback Are We Really Talking About?
The Logitech G923 racing wheel delivers approximately 2.3 Newton Meters (Nm) of peak torque. This figure represents the maximum force the wheel can exert, simulating the resistance and feedback you’d experience driving a real car. This is a crucial figure for sim racers, influencing the realism and immersion of their virtual driving experience. Let’s dive deeper into what this means and how it compares to other wheels on the market.
Understanding Force Feedback in Sim Racing Wheels
Force feedback is the technology that allows a racing wheel to simulate the physical sensations of driving. It uses motors and mechanisms to transmit forces to the driver’s hands, mimicking things like road texture, tire slip, collisions, and engine vibrations. The strength of this feedback is typically measured in Newton Meters (Nm).
The G923 utilizes Logitech’s TRUEFORCE technology, an attempt to move beyond simple vibration and offer a more nuanced and detailed simulation of the forces at play in a racing game. However, even with TRUEFORCE, the raw torque figure provides a concrete way to compare the wheel’s power against competing products.
Is 2.3 Nm Enough? Comparing the G923 to Competitors
While 2.3 Nm might seem like a small number, it’s important to put it in context. Many entry-level and mid-range racing wheels offer similar levels of force feedback. The Thrustmaster T300 RS GT, for example, is often considered a direct competitor and operates in a similar torque range.
However, higher-end wheels, especially direct drive (DD) wheels, offer significantly more power. The Logitech Pro Wheel, mentioned in the provided text, boasts an impressive 11 Nm of torque. Fanatec’s CSL DD, another popular DD option, can deliver up to 8 Nm (or 5 Nm in its standard configuration).
The difference in force feedback strength between the G923 and a DD wheel is substantial. While the G923 provides a noticeable and engaging experience, DD wheels offer a level of fidelity and realism that’s palpably different, allowing you to feel nuances in the car’s behavior and road surface that are simply lost on weaker systems. The article “Before You Buy.. WATCH THIS!! | Fanatec CSL DD Comeback Review 2023” makes this very point.
The TRUEFORCE Factor: Marketing Hype or Genuine Improvement?
Logitech markets TRUEFORCE as a game-changing technology, claiming it delivers more accurate and detailed force feedback by directly connecting to in-game physics. While TRUEFORCE can enhance the experience in compatible games, its impact is often overstated.
TRUEFORCE relies on specific game support to function correctly. In games without TRUEFORCE integration, the G923 functions more or less like a standard force feedback wheel. Even in supported games, the overall strength of the force feedback is still limited by the 2.3 Nm torque figure. Many users feel that the biggest upgrade the G923 offers over the older G29 is this software driven Trueforce.
TRUEFORCE adds layers of vibration and tactile feel to the driving experience and while these textures are rendered at a much higher frequency the low torque of the wheel limits the sensation to added vibration instead of the real ‘feel’ of the road.
Is the G923 Right for You?
Ultimately, the suitability of the G923 depends on your budget, expectations, and existing setup. If you’re new to sim racing or upgrading from a very basic wheel, the G923 can provide a significant improvement in immersion and realism. Its premium build quality, including aluminum paddle shifters and a leather-wrapped wheel, adds to the overall experience.
However, if you’re a seasoned sim racer looking for the most realistic and immersive experience possible, you might want to consider investing in a direct drive wheel. While DD wheels are more expensive, they offer a vastly superior level of force feedback that can significantly enhance your driving experience. It is also important to note that the gear driven mechanism of the G923 can be quite loud.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Logitech G923
1. Is the G923 force feedback?
Yes, the Logitech G923 features dual-motor force feedback. It also incorporates TRUEFORCE technology, which aims to provide a more detailed and immersive force feedback experience in supported games.
2. How many Nm of force does the Logitech G923 have?
The Logitech G923 can reach approximately 2.3 Nm of torque.
3. What force feedback type is Logitech G923?
The Logitech G923 uses TRUEFORCE, next-generation force feedback, along with dual motors, to dial into game physics for a higher fidelity realism.
4. Is the G923 better than the G29?
The G923 is an upgrade over the G29, primarily due to the inclusion of TRUEFORCE technology. However, the difference is relatively small, and the G923 can be more difficult to drive with due to its more realistic and nuanced force feedback.
5. What does TRUEFORCE feel like?
TRUEFORCE provides a wider variety of inputs to the driver, resulting in constant vibrations and subtle changes in the road feel, and even the engine rev.
6. Is G923 too loud?
Yes, the Logitech G923, similar to its predecessors (G29 and G920), is known to be loud, even louder than those models, due to its motor-driven force feedback.
7. What is TRUEFORCE force feedback?
TRUEFORCE delivers directly rendered kinesthetic and tactile force feedback calculated internally at up to 4000Hz, providing a real-racing experience.
8. How do I fix force feedback on my G923?
Ensure the G923 is powered properly, enable and adjust the Centering Spring in G HUB, check in-game settings, and test with different games or PC.
9. What is a realistic amount of force feedback?
The overall FFB setting at 5 seems to be the general consensus for being the best all-around feel.
10. Does G923 vibrate?
Yes, the G923 vibrates, and you can adjust the vibration strength in the game settings under ‘Options’> ‘Controllers’>’Vibration Function’.
11. Is TRUEFORCE any good?
TRUEFORCE can enhance the driving experience in compatible games, but it may not be worth the price for all users. Going back to games that are not compatible with TRUEFORCE can feel like something is missing.
12. Is the G923 belt driven?
No, the Logitech G923 uses a gear-driven system, which is less powerful and detailed than belt-driven or direct drive systems.
13. Why is the G923 so loud?
The G923 is loud because it uses gears that rattle and make noise when force is applied through the wheel.
14. Which is better Logitech G923 or Thrustmaster?
The Thrustmaster can offer increased power and quieter operation. However, the G923 features TRUEFORCE, providing unique force feedback.
15. Is it worth it to get force feedback?
Yes, force feedback enhances your gaming experience by providing additional sensory cues and interactions, enabling you to respond with greater precision and accuracy, ultimately enhancing your performance as a racer. Studying the impact of such technologies on learning, performance and training is of interest to organizations like the Games Learning Society, which investigates how games can improve education and skill development. GamesLearningSociety.org
The G923 offers a solid entry point into the world of force feedback sim racing, providing a noticeable upgrade over basic wheels and a taste of more realistic driving simulations. While it might not match the raw power and fidelity of high-end direct drive systems, its accessibility, build quality, and TRUEFORCE technology make it a compelling option for many aspiring sim racers.