PXN Vector X Sim Racing Pedals – Review

With the Vector X Pedals, the Chinese manufacturer PXN has finally arrived in the upper segment of sim racing hardware. Available starting at around 500 euros, the new pedal set features a 200 kg load cell brake alongside a solid base plate and footrest, utilizing high-quality materials throughout.

Ordering and Shipping

Like the GT-ONE steering wheel we reviewed recently, the Vector-X pedals are also available directly through PXN’s online store. They are in stock at various warehouses across the EU, the UK, and the US. PXN estimates a typical delivery time of 7 to 10 business days.

The pedals themselves are available as both a 2-pedal set and a 3-pedal set. The clutch can also be purchased separately at a later date.

• PXN Vector X Pedals (Brake + Throttle): 519,00 €
• PXN Vector X Pedals (Brake + Throttle + Clutch): 629,00 €
• PXN Vector X Pedals (Clutch): 149,00 €
  
  
  

5% PXN Gutscheincode / Coupon code: simracingpc

The product tested was provided by the manufacturer for the duration of the review. At no point was the content of this review influenced.

Scope of Delivery

The scope of delivery for the PXN comes as a pleasant surprise. In addition to the pedals, mounting hardware, two-piece base plate, and heel rest, the well-padded PXN package also includes a wrench, five Allenkeys, and M8 screws in two different lengths for mounting the set to the rig.

Specs

Below are the technical specifications for the pedal set, as provided by PXN.

Compatibility and Ports

The pedals are connected via an aluminum controller box. This box features inputs for the various sensors, as well as future ports for a power supply and vibration motors (not yet available). The connection to the PC (a direct connection to a PXN-Base is not provided) is then established directly via the USB-C port on the front of the box, allowing the pedals to be combined with products from any manufacturer on the PC.

Mounting

Installing the pedals is very simple and well thought out. The individual pedals are screwed into the rear section of the included baseplate. Since threaded holes are already pre-drilled here, the pedals do not need to be laboriously screwed in from below, unlike with some competitors’ models. The position of the pedals relative to each other can be chosen relatively freely. For even more flexibility, the threads could have been run through the center section as well. The heel cup, made of 3-millimeter-thick forged carbon, along with the aluminum heel rest, is then mounted on the front section of the baseplate. The heel rest can be screwed into three different positions, allowing the position relative to the pedals to be easily adjusted. The plate is then connected to the rig of your choice via the existing slotted holes. PXN includes M8 screws in two lengths, which should cover virtually any rig. During assembly, you should install the pedals or the heel rest afterward if necessary, as this makes it easier to access the appropriate screws for mounting on the rig.

Overall, the design is extremely sturdy and well thought out. Currently, there are hardly any better solutions on the market. Especially not at the advertised price as part of the set. Overall, the pedals, including the base plate, measure 360 x 326 millimeters, making them relatively compact. The controller box can then be stowed away under the rig, for example, as the length of the cables offers sufficient flexibility.

Pedals

According to PXN, the pedals are made of stainless steel (304) and aluminum (6061) and are each individually mounted on ball bearings. Their position can be adjusted laterally, and they can be angled individually using slotted holes on the back. In addition, the pedals, which are very similar in design, each feature an adjustable silicone stopper. This effectively dampens the sound, making the pedals comparatively quiet. After about 50 hours of testing, slight signs of wear are visible. If necessary, the stoppers should be rotated after a few months to ensure even wear.

The design is strongly inspired by VRS pedals overall, but differs in nearly every detail. In particular, the build quality appears significantly higher than that of the VRS pedals.

Brake Pedal

The brake pedal is equipped with a 200-kilogram load cell, which is housed in the front section of the pedal and measures the force there. The braking action itself is achieved through a combination of a spring and a linkage rod. The spring is supplied in two versions:

• Red: Up to 125 kg
• Green: Up to 187 kg

In addition, the length of the linkage rod above the spring can be adjusted. This primarily changes the initial braking feel (softer or harder), similar to what is otherwise achieved by adjusting the preload. However, this adjustment is very fiddly, as the middle section consists of two opposing threads. Furthermore, PXN definitely lacks detailed instructions here and an explanation of how the settings specifically affect the braking feel. The official manual should be updated accordingly to fully utilize the potential of this otherwise excellent brake. The braking process itself is very smooth and consistent thanks to the sturdy bearings on the pedals, which eliminate any play. The brake is very easy to modulate, and in testing, lap times were already on pace after just a few laps. The only thing missing here is a 2-stage system, as some manufacturers have started offering.

Throttle Pedal

For the throttle pedal, PXN incorporates another unique feature in addition to the unusual, exposed, and consequently curved spring. In addition to the built-in load cell, an angle sensor is also used here, combined via a technology the manufacturer calls the X-Cross Dual-Sensor Fusion Algorithm. Depending on the settings, this is intended to significantly smooth out the curves and, for example, dampen the initial deflection upon actuation. The extent to which you want to use this feature can be freely adjusted in the software (on a scale from 0 to 100 percent). Aside from the end stop, there are no mechanical adjustment options, and no alternative spring is included in the package. However, this did not prove to be a negative during testing, as there was absolutely no need for any alternative settings. The throttle pedal feels extremely good right out of the box. It can be applied very smoothly when exiting a turn, and the resistance is very comfortable (medium level) . However, those who prefer a softer or harder pedal will need to use third-party springs. The spring preload cannot be adjusted here either, though you can increase the preload by adding an extra nut.

Clutch Pedal

The 3-pedal set is completed by the optional clutch. It features a 30-kilogram load cell, which, in combination with the tilting mechanism, simulates the feel of a clutch. This does a relatively good job of mimicking the response of a bite point. Overall, this is a very solid and practical all-around clutch. However, if you’re looking for a wide range of adjustment options, this isn’t the right choice for you.

Initial Stage: Downward force

• High sensitivity & Low resistance

Mid Stage: Lateral force

• High sensitivity & High resistance

Final Stage: Upward force

• Delivers defined two-stage pedal feel

Face Plates

Contact with the foot is established via the face plates made of forged carbon. These have a smooth finish and can be adjusted for height, angle, and distance from the rider using slotted holes. This allows for a wide range of adjustment options, which can be particularly advantageous for heel-and-toe techniques. Due to their smooth finish, the plates offer relatively little grip, but they can still be used very well, especially with the right shoes.

Base Plate and Heel Rest

PXN includes a matching baseplate with the bundle. It is made of 6-millimeter-thick aluminum, while the heel support is made of 3-millimeter-thick forged carbon and the heel rest is made of aluminum. Overall, the assembly is extremely sturdy and can be adjusted in a wide variety of ways thanks to the slotted holes and threads provided for the individual pedals. PXN has done an excellent job here.

Haptic Feedback

Haptic motors are not currently available. However, the controller box already has the necessary ports, which could be used for this purpose in the future.

Software

PXN’s software is straightforward, yet it offers all the features you need in a modern pedal set on a single page:

• Throttle, brake, and clutch pedal curves
• Dead zones and calibration
• Profiles for various simulations
• Throttle pedal settings (choice between load cell and angle sensor)
• Real-time output monitoring to verify functionality

Conclusion

Mit den Vector X Pedals liefert PXN ein sehr starkes Simracing-Pedalset ab, das vor allem durch sein herausragendes Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis besticht. Für rund 500 Euro erhält man eine exzellente Verarbeitung aus Forged Carbon, Edelstahl und Aluminium sowie eine extrem robuste Baseplate. Letzteres ist in dieser Preisklasse absolut ungewöhnlich. Die verbaute 200-Kilo-Loadcell an der Bremse sowie die sehr weiche und präzise Abstimmung des Gaspedals ermöglichen eine präzise Kontrolle und sorgen sofort für konstante Rundenzeiten. Kleinere Schwächen wie die etwas fummelige Einstellung der Bremsfeder oder das verbesserungswürdige Handbuch fallen angesichts der sehr hohen Materialgüte und des starken Fahrgefühls kaum ins Gewicht. Wer den Sprung ins High-End-Segment wagen möchte, aber auf hohe Individualisierbarkeit verzichten kann, erhält hier ein sehr überzeugendes Gesamtpaket.

Pedals

PXN Vector X

PROS

• Braking feel
• Materials
• Base plate
• Software
• Scope of delivery
• Value for money

CONS

• Fiddly adjustments
• Manual

MSRP 519 €

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COMMUNITY SCORE

8,3 / 10 (3 votes)