SimNet SSQ-1 Sequential Shifter: What's New | $159
SimNet built its name on the Push-Pull Rally Sequential Shifter, but the SSQ-1 is a different animal entirely. It's a lever-style sequential shifter with stainless steel and CNC-machined aluminum construction, a Hall effect sensor, and a feature none of our other shifters offer: five interchangeable detent balls that let you tune the shift feel to your exact preference.
The SimNet SSQ-1 sequential shifter is available for pre-order now at $159, and we expect our first units to arrive by the end of this week. Here's what it does, and where it fits into our sequential shifter lineup. You can also watch our full hands-on review of the SSQ-1 on the Inside Sim Racing YouTube channel.
What Makes the SSQ-1 Different
Most sequential shifters give you one shift feel. The SSQ-1 gives you five.
The detent system swaps between:
- PA66 nylon (7.5mm): smooth, quiet, rated for 50,000 to 60,000 shift cycles. Eight balls included.
- POM (8mm): similar to the nylon but less notchy, rated for 70,000 to 80,000 cycles. Six included.
- Zirconia ceramic (8mm): self-lubricating, quieter than steel but louder than nylon. Two included.
- Steel (7.5mm): the most notchy feel with the sharpest audible click. Two included.
- Steel (7.9mm): a balanced notchy feel with a clear click. Two included.
Swapping balls takes a few minutes with the included hex wrenches, and shift tension is separately adjustable by tightening or loosening the mounting screws on either side. Between the ball selection and tension adjustment, you can dial in anything from a soft, quiet shift for late-night sessions to a loud, mechanical click that mimics a real rally car.
Build and Setup
The SSQ-1 is built from stainless steel and CNC-machined aluminum, with a Hall effect sensor handling the shift input for consistent, wear-free detection. The handle adjusts up to 25mm in height, and it's interchangeable with SimNet's soft grip handle or extended with SimNet's handbrake extension kit if you want to run it taller and closer to your handbrake.
It connects to PC over USB, and it's compatible with third-party wheelbases like Fanatec. Console players can run it too, using a Fanatec RJ12 cable (sold separately). Once connected, adjustments to the shift activation point and an upshift/downshift reversal option are available through SimNet's Sim Connector Manager software.
How the SSQ-1 Compares to Our Other Sequential Shifters
We already carry several sequential and dual-mode shifters. Here's how the SSQ-1 stacks up on paper:
| Shifter | Price | Construction | Modes | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SimNet SSQ-1 | $159 | Stainless steel and CNC-machined aluminum | Sequential | 5 interchangeable detent balls for tunable shift feel |
| SimNet Push-Pull Rally | $139.95 | Aluminum and stainless steel | Sequential (push-pull, wheel-mounted) | Shift without leaving the wheel |
| Moza Racing SGP | $129 | Aerospace-grade aluminum and steel | Sequential | Most affordable lever-style option, RGB lighting |
| Simagic Q1S | $239 | Full aluminum | Sequential | Short-throw handle, dual USB ports |
| Simagic Q1 | $239 (sale from $269) | Full aluminum | Sequential | Planetary gear mechanism, gear display, 4 programmable buttons |
| Simagic DS-8X | $299 (sale from $369) | Aluminum alloy with steel core | H-pattern and sequential | Switches between both modes in one unit |
| VNM Simulation | $249.95 | Full aluminum | H-pattern and sequential | Switches between both modes, quick-release knobs |
SimNet Push-Pull Rally Sequential Shifter ($139.95) is SimNet's original sequential option, and a completely different mechanism. It's a paddle-style push-pull shifter mounted near the wheel rather than a floor or console-mounted lever, built for rally drivers who want to shift without taking a hand off the wheel. If you want that specific push-pull feel, this is still the one to get. The SSQ-1 is the better pick if you want a traditional lever shifter with a customizable detent feel.
Moza Racing SGP Sequential Shifter ($129) is the most affordable lever-style option we carry, with aerospace-grade aluminum, a non-contact Hall sensor, and RGB lighting. It's a great entry point, but it doesn't offer adjustable detent feel. The SSQ-1 sits $30 above it and adds that customization, along with steel construction, for drivers who want more control over how the shifter feels.
Simagic Q1S Sequential Shifter ($239) is a full-aluminum shifter with a short-throw handle built for fast, competitive shifting, plus dual USB ports for flexible cable routing. It's a step up in both price and shift speed from the SSQ-1, aimed at drivers who prioritize quick, repeatable inputs over tunable feel.
Simagic Q1 Sequential Shifter ($239, sale from $269) is our most feature-loaded standalone sequential shifter, with a planetary gear mechanism, integrated gear display, real-time input monitoring, and four customizable buttons. It's built for drivers who want the most realistic mechanical engagement along with built-in electronics, at a higher price point than the SSQ-1.
Simagic DS-8X Dual Mode Shifter ($299, sale from $369) and VNM Simulation H Pattern and Sequential Shifter ($249.95) both let you switch between H-pattern and sequential shifting in one unit, which the SSQ-1 doesn't do. If you need both modes in a single shifter, these are the ones to look at. If sequential is all you need, the SSQ-1 gets you there for significantly less.
Who Should Buy the SSQ-1
The SSQ-1 is built for PC and console sim racers who want a dedicated sequential shifter with more adjustability than an entry-level option like the Moza SGP, without stepping up to the price of the Simagic or VNM lineups. It's especially well suited to rally, drift, and touring car drivers who want to fine-tune exactly how much resistance and click they feel on every shift, and who might want to run it alongside a compatible handbrake using the extension kit.
If you're deciding between our sequential shifters based on customization, the SSQ-1's five-ball detent system is the most tunable option we carry at this price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SimNet SSQ-1 compatible with consoles?
Yes. The SSQ-1 connects to PC over USB and is also compatible with console setups when paired with a Fanatec RJ12 cable, sold separately.
Can I use the SSQ-1 with a Fanatec, Simagic, or other third-party wheelbase?
Yes. The SSQ-1 is compatible with third-party wheelbases, including Fanatec bases.
How do I change the SSQ-1's shift feel?
The SSQ-1 ships with five types of interchangeable detent balls: PA66 nylon, POM, zirconia ceramic, and two grades of steel. Swapping them takes a few minutes using the included hex wrenches. Shift tension can also be adjusted separately by tightening or loosening the mounting screws on either side of the shifter body.
When will the SimNet SSQ-1 ship?
The SSQ-1 is currently available for pre-order, and we expect our first units to arrive by the end of this week.
Get It First
The SimNet SSQ-1 is available for pre-order now, with units expected to arrive by the end of the week. Shop the SSQ-1 here and be one of the first to get your hands on it.
Disclosure: SimNet provided a unit for review on Inside Sim Racing. We also sell SimNet products through Sim Motion. All opinions are our own.