Is the Thrustmaster TMX better than the Logitech G29?

When shopping for a race gaming wheel as a beginner, the Thrustmaster TMX and Logitech G29 are popular choices that you would come across, as they have the force feedback feature that gives you a feel of real-life racing. And they are also relatively cheaper when compared to other options. 

By the end of this article, if you had to choose between both, you would be able to make the best decision based on your preference, trusting your judgement of which is better. But one thing I can guarantee you is that the Thrustmaster TMX and Logitech G29 are great options for a gaming wheel. 

What are the main differences between the Thrustmaster TMX and Logitech G29?

The first difference is in the area of compatibility. The Thrustmaster TMX is compatible with all Xbox consoles and PC, while the Logitech G29 is compatible with Playstation and PC. Another difference is in the area of appearance. But you have to know that despite the design and compatibility differences, they both have the same internal mechanisms, and performance is the same on track – it just boils down to whether you are on a Playstation or Xbox. If you are using a PC, you just have to choose the better-looking one. In my opinion, Logitech game wheels are generally better in design than the Thrustmaster wheels. 

Which one is better suited for different types of racing games?

The Logitech G29 is better suited for different types of racing games though its force feedback mechanism is not as strong as that of the Thrustmaster TMX. It features 900 degrees of rotation and a three-pedal set that ensures its compatibility with the majority of racing games. And with its sturdy gear shifters and button layout, it is highly user-friendly. 

What are the main pros and cons of each wheel?

Both offer an H-pattern shifter to level up the simulation racing experience. But you cannot apply the Logitech’s shifter to the Thrustmaster wheel. 

Starting with the Logitech G29. For the pros – it has a better overall build quality. It comes with quality leather that is hand-stitched throughout the wheel, and it gives a better feel and look than the simple rubber around the Thrustmaster TMX.

Another pro of the Logitech G29 is its steel centre plate that glistens under light, making the wheel look and feel much better than the plastic centre plate of the Thrustmaster TMX. 

The Logitech G29 also has a rev indicator at the top of the wheel, which indicates when it is time to upshift. The Thrustmaster TMX does not offer this feature. 

The pedals are also much better in the Logitech G29’s offering as they come with a clutch pedal, metal pedal plates that are slightly adjustable, and carpet spikes, whereas the default pedals found in the Thrustmaster TMX  come with a pathetic two-pedal set and this gives the feeling of it meant for children under 12.

Another pro of the Logitech G29 is that the majority of users agree that it is more durable than the Thrustmaster TMX. The Logitech G29 also offers hard mounting on the wheel and pedal set, whereas the Thrustmaster does not have the hard mounting feature. What this means is that if you have a dedicated sim racing wheel stand or cockpit, the Logitech G29 wheel can be easily and securely attached with bolts, whereas you will have to rely on the table clamp that comes with the Thrustmaster TMX. 

The Logitech G29 also has noticeable cable management indents that allow you to more discreetly manage your cables. The Thrustmaster TMX does not feature this. 

Now, over to how the Thrustmaster TMX trumps the Logitech G29. First is that the Thrustmaster TMX offers stronger and more precise force feedback with its mixed belt-pulley and gear force feedback mechanism. 

This helps exert more performance than the gear mechanisms within the Logitech G29 wheels. You would feel more precision and higher resistance on the Thrustmaster TMX than on the Logitech G29. 

Another advantage of the Thrustmaster TMX is that it is quieter than the Logitech G29, which clunks around and alerts people that you are gaming.  

A con of both wheels is that due to their popularity, there are hundreds of third-party modifications of wheels, pedals, and shifters available. So one could end up with these. 

How do the Thrustmaster TMX and Logitech G29 compare in terms of price?

You can get the  Thrustmaster TMX for nothing more than $200. At the same time, you can get the Logitech G29 for around $200-$300. 

An interesting add-on is that for an additional $50 (amounting to $250), you can get the Pro version of the Thrustmaster TMX. This comes with the T3PA pedal set instead of the default pedals that come with the non-pro models. 

Which one offers a better overall value?

In terms of overall value, I would advise you to go for the Logitech G29 as it offers you a blend of performance with the build quality. 

Which wheel is more durable?

In the area of durability, the Logitech G29 trumps the Thrustmaster TMX; first, its wheel comes with all-around hand-stitched quality leather. And it also has hard mounting on the wheel and pedal sets. 

Which one is easier to set up and use?

In terms of set-up and use, the Thrustmaster TMX wins in this category. The Thrustmaster TMX comes with a stress-free design when connecting power, USB and pedals into the base. You can easily mount the wheelbase and connect the cables later, whereas, for the Logitech G29, you have to deal with the connectors and cables before you then have to clamp it down. 

Which one provides a better racing experience?

When it boils down to a better racing experience, the Thrustmaster TMX does it, because of its stronger and more precise force feedback, with its mixed belt-pulley and gear force feedback mechanism. This helps you exert more performance as you get to feel, to a greater extent, details like road or track relief, loss of tire grip, braking, bumps and impacts while racing. 

Conclusion

Overall, both the Thrustmaster TMX and the Logitech G29 are top-notch on their own terms. But in terms of all things being considered, I choose the Logitech G29 as the superior in this face-off, as it affords users a perfect blend of performance and builds quality.  Though the Thrustmaster TMX has a better force feedback mechanism, it lacks behind in overall quality. 

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