Throttle Pedal Curves: Linear vs Logarithmic Response

What a throttle response curve is

A throttle pedal response curve is the mapping between where the pedal is in its physical travel and the output value that the wheel sends to the racing game. When you press the throttle, the pedal's sensor reads the position, and software decides what output to report. The curve is that decision, and it is usually drawn as a graph with pedal travel on one axis and output on the other.

The curve is not part of the pedal mechanism. The same pedal can report a different output for the same travel, depending on which curve is active. This is why the curve matters even when the pedal hardware stays the same.

Most racing wheel and pedal sets let you adjust the throttle curve in the maker's software, and many racing games have their own pedal response settings. If you want to know how the pedal hardware measures travel, see pedal sensor types and throttle sensor options.

Linear response

In a linear curve, the output rises in direct proportion to travel. Half the pedal travel gives about half the output, and three quarters of the travel gives about three quarters of the output. The same ratio applies at every point in the travel.

Because the ratio is the same everywhere, the response is even across the whole travel. A linear curve is a common starting point and is often the default in games and wheel software. It is a good choice when you want predictable behavior at every part of the pedal stroke.

Logarithmic-shaped response

In a logarithmic-shaped curve, the output changes slowly at the beginning of the travel and more quickly toward the end. The first part of the travel produces only small output changes, so you have room to control the throttle when it is barely open.

The word "logarithmic" is used loosely in racing software and games. Some programs call the same shape "progressive" or simply "curve". The important idea is that output is not proportional to travel. It is compressed near the start and expanded toward the end.

The practical result is that you have more pedal movement available for the low part of the power range. That gives you room to make small changes when the throttle is barely open, which is useful when you are trying to keep the tires from spinning.

Which curve fits traction control

When a car is low on grip, you need to add power gradually. If the throttle output jumps quickly at the start of the travel, a small movement can produce a large change, and the tires may lose traction.

A logarithmic-shaped curve keeps the early part of the travel from producing large output changes, so you can open the throttle a little at a time. That is why many racing games and wheel setups use this shape for corner exit and low-grip conditions.

A linear curve gives the same ratio everywhere. It suits situations where grip is consistent and you want the same response at every pedal position.

The right choice is a setting, not a hardware feature. Most wheel software and games let you switch curves, so you can change it for a wet track, a corner exit, or any situation where you need to be careful with power. If you want to control the start of the pedal travel too, see pedal deadzone adjustment and two pedal and three pedal sets.

Where the curve is set

The throttle curve lives in software, not in the pedal mechanism. You can find it in the wheel maker's software, and many racing games have their own pedal response settings. On a PC, the maker's software usually offers more choices; on a console, the available options depend on the game and on whether the maker provides software for that console. If you adjust force feedback curves as well, see force feedback curve tuning.

To know what your wheel supports, read the maker's product page and manual. The maker's pages describe what their pedal sets include and what the software covers, so you can check the options before you buy. You can start with the racing wheel reviews compared on stated details and the racing wheel and pedal sets guide.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

What does a linear throttle curve mean?

In a linear curve, the output rises in direct proportion to pedal travel. Half the travel gives about half the output, and the same ratio applies at every point in the travel.

What does a logarithmic throttle curve mean?

In a logarithmic-shaped curve, the output changes slowly at the beginning of the travel and more quickly toward the end. The naming varies between games and software, but the idea is the same: output is not proportional to travel.

Which curve helps when traction is limited?

A curve that keeps early pedal movements gentle, which is what a logarithmic-shaped curve does. It gives you more room to add power gradually, so the tires are less likely to lose grip.

Where is the throttle curve set?

In software. You can usually find it in the wheel maker's software or in the racing game's own pedal settings. On a console, the options depend on the game and the maker's software.

Is the throttle curve a hardware feature?

No. The curve is a software mapping on top of the pedal's travel. The sensor type, such as a Hall effect sensor, is a hardware detail and is separate from the curve. See pedal sensor types.

Can I change the curve after buying?

Usually yes, through the maker's software or the game's settings. What exactly is available depends on the wheel, the game, and the platform. Check the maker's product page and manual.

Is a linear curve ever the better choice?

Yes, when grip is consistent and you want the same response at every pedal position. A linear curve is a common starting point, and you can change to a gentler-at-the-start curve for low-grip conditions.