Thrustmaster T818 vs Logitech G Pro: Direct Drive

What the Thrustmaster T818 and Logitech G Pro Are

The Thrustmaster T818 and Logitech G Pro are direct drive wheel bases designed for PC sim racing. Direct drive means the motor drives the wheel directly without gears or belts, a technology that both bases share. These bases are sold without a wheel rim, allowing you to choose from each brand's lineup of rims.

The Logitech G Pro is part of the PRO series, which Logitech G lists under the "Direct Drive" and "Quick Release" feature filters on its site. The Thrustmaster T818 is Thrustmaster's direct drive base, intended for use with Thrustmaster's ecosystem of wheel rims and accessories. Both are aimed at sim racers who want a direct drive experience without moving to a higher-priced tier.

For a broader look at direct drive options, see the best direct drive racing wheels guide.

Drive Type and Torque

Both bases use a direct drive motor. Direct drive connects the motor rotor directly to the wheel shaft, providing force feedback without the mechanical lag of gears or belts. This is the same technology used in higher-end sim racing bases and is widely considered the most responsive drive type.

The Logitech G Pro is listed under the "Direct Drive" filter on Logitech G's site. Thrustmaster's T818 is also a direct drive base, as stated in the product's name and category. Neither maker publishes a torque figure on the source pages used for this article, so torque is not compared here. For torque specifications, refer to the maker's product pages.

If torque is a key factor, the best high torque racing wheels guide lists bases with stated torque figures.

Ecosystem and Wheel Rims

The Logitech G Pro uses a quick release system, as indicated by the "Quick Release" feature filter on Logitech G's site. This allows you to swap wheel rims designed for the PRO series. Logitech G offers a range of rims, including the RS50 and PRO series wheels, which are sold separately.

Thrustmaster's T818 uses Thrustmaster's own quick release system, compatible with Thrustmaster's wheel rim add-ons. Thrustmaster's site lists several wheel rims, such as the Formula Wheel Add-On Ferrari SF-25 Edition and the GT Wheel Add-On, which are designed for their direct drive bases.

The choice of ecosystem is important because rims and accessories are not interchangeable between brands. If you already own Logitech G or Thrustmaster rims, that may guide your decision. For more on brand ecosystems, see the best Logitech racing wheels and best Thrustmaster racing wheels guides.

Software and Compatibility

Both bases are designed for PC. Logitech G Pro is listed under the "PC Only" platform filter on Logitech G's site. Thrustmaster's T818 is also a PC-focused base, as Thrustmaster's site categorizes its racing products under the "PC" platform filter.

Software control is handled by each brand's own application. Logitech G uses G HUB for tuning force feedback, setting rotation, and updating firmware. Thrustmaster uses the Thrustmaster Control Panel for similar adjustments. Both are free and available from the maker's support pages.

For PC-specific recommendations, the best racing wheel for PC guide covers a range of options.

Pedals and Add-Ons

Logitech G offers the PRO pedals with a load cell brake and the RS Pedals SE with hall effect sensors, both listed on Logitech G's site. These pedals connect directly to the base or via USB. Logitech G also sells the RS H-SHIFTER, a 7+R speed H-pattern shifter.

Thrustmaster offers the T-LCM Pedals, a multiplatform magnetic pedal set with a load cell brake, as shown on Thrustmaster's site. Thrustmaster also sells shifters, handbrakes, and other accessories that work within their ecosystem.

If you want a complete system with pedals included, the best racing wheel and pedals guide lists bundles from both brands.

How to Choose Between Them

The decision between the Thrustmaster T818 and Logitech G Pro often comes down to which brand's ecosystem you prefer. Consider the following:

If you already own Logitech G rims or pedals, the Logitech G Pro is the natural upgrade path. If you own Thrustmaster rims or prefer their rim selection, the T818 is the better fit.

Both bases are direct drive and PC-only, so they offer a similar core experience. The software differences are minor; both allow you to adjust force feedback and rotation settings.

For a premium setup, the best premium racing wheel guide includes both bases and other high-end options.

• Logitech G Pro: part of the PRO series, quick release, G HUB software, PC only.
• Thrustmaster T818: direct drive base, Thrustmaster quick release, Control Panel software, PC only.
• Both require a separate wheel rim and pedals.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

Are the Thrustmaster T818 and Logitech G Pro compatible with consoles?

Both bases are designed for PC. The Logitech G Pro is listed under the "PC Only" platform filter on Logitech G's site. The Thrustmaster T818 is also PC-focused. For console compatibility, check the maker's compatibility list.

Do I need to buy a wheel rim separately for these bases?

Yes, both the Thrustmaster T818 and Logitech G Pro are sold as wheel bases without a rim. You need to purchase a compatible wheel rim separately from the same brand's ecosystem.

Can I use Thrustmaster rims on the Logitech G Pro?

No, the quick release systems are brand-specific. Logitech G Pro uses Logitech's quick release, and Thrustmaster T818 uses Thrustmaster's. Rims are not interchangeable between the two brands without an adapter.

Which base has higher torque?

Neither maker publishes a torque figure on the source pages used for this article. Torque is not compared here. For torque specifications, refer to the maker's product pages.

What software do I need to use these bases?

Logitech G Pro uses Logitech G HUB. Thrustmaster T818 uses the Thrustmaster Control Panel. Both are available from the maker's support pages.

Can I upgrade from a belt-driven wheel to one of these direct drive bases?

Yes, both are direct drive bases that offer a different force feedback experience compared to belt-driven wheels. You will need to ensure your wheel rims and pedals are compatible with the new base.

Do these bases work with a desk or do I need a stand?

Both bases are designed to be mounted to a desk, stand, or cockpit. Check the maker's mounting instructions for specific requirements. The mounting options desk or stand guide provides general advice.

Are the pedals from one brand compatible with the other brand's base?

Generally, no. Pedals from Logitech G are designed to work with Logitech G bases, and Thrustmaster pedals with Thrustmaster bases. Some pedals can be used via USB on PC, but compatibility may vary. Check the maker's support pages.