One of the most impactful upgrades in your sim racing setup is a pedal set with load cell brake. The beauty? You don’t have to spend €500. In 2025 you’ll find three serious contenders under €200 that will radically improve your braking feel. Below we explain why, and which set suits your situation.
Why a load cell brake is such a game changer
Traditional pedals register how far you press the brake pedal. Your brain has to remember an exact pedal stroke, which is difficult when racing under pressure. A load cell measures how much force you apply – exactly like in a real race car. This delivers:
- Consistency – you develop muscle memory for brake pressure.
- Shorter braking zones – you trust pressure instead of pedal travel.
- More realism – the pedal feels like the hydraulic system of a real GT3.
The jump from potentiometer to load cell is bigger than the step from belt-driven to direct drive. That’s why the pedal set often deserves the first upgrade.
Our top 3 under €200
1. Moza SR-P Pedals – €179 (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
- Load cell brake is included as standard.
- Fully aluminum frame and hall sensors for gas and clutch.
- Brake curve and dead zones finely adjustable via Moza Pit House software.
Downside: works only via USB on PC. For console use you’ll need to look at Thrustmaster.
2. Thrustmaster T-LCM Pedals – €199
- Compatible with PC, PlayStation and Xbox.
- Load cell up to 100 kg, mechanically adjustable with included springs.
- Conical rubber mod makes the brake pedal progressive.
The pedal pads are plastic and the set looks less premium than Moza, but the cross-platform support is golden.
3. Fanatec CSL Pedals + Load Cell Kit – €198
- Basic set of €99 is fully metal and sturdy.
- Load cell kit (€99) turns it into a full-fledged brake and adds a third pedal.
- Ideal for existing Fanatec users.
Note: without load cell kit the brake feel is limited. For console use you need a Fanatec wheelbase, as standalone via USB doesn’t work.
Comparison at a glance
| Model | Price | Load cell | Compatibility | Build quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moza SR-P | €179 | ✅ Standard | PC | Aluminum, hall sensors |
| Thrustmaster T-LCM | €199 | ✅ Standard | PC / PS / Xbox | Metal frame, plastic pads |
| Fanatec CSL + LC kit | €198 | ✅ Optional | PC / PS / Xbox* | Metal, expandable |
*Console only works in combination with a Fanatec wheelbase.
What to check before purchase
Brake force and adjustment
Pedals under €200 deliver 90–100 kg brake force – enough for GT3 and formula cars. Moza controls your brake curve via software, Thrustmaster offers four springs for different resistance. Fanatec’s load cell kit lets you set brake pressure via software in the Fanatec Control Panel.
Mounting
Load cell pedals require a solid base. Ideal is a cockpit with pedal plate. Got only a desk? Use an anti-slip mat or pedal tray; otherwise they’ll inevitably slide forward.
Standalone or ecosystem
Moza and Thrustmaster work standalone via USB and combine seamlessly with a Logitech or Fanatec wheelbase. Fanatec’s CSL pedals do require a Fanatec base for console use, but on PC you can use them separately with the USB adapter (optional).
Which should you choose?
- PC simmer: Moza SR-P. Best finish, sharpest price and perfect software adjustment.
- Console racer: Thrustmaster T-LCM. Only affordable load cell that runs on PS5 and Xbox without hassle.
- Fanatec fan: CSL Pedals with load cell kit. You stay in the ecosystem and can expand effortlessly later.
Frequently asked questions
Do load cell pedals work with my Logitech or Thrustmaster wheel? Yes. Connect them via USB and select the correct inputs in the game.
Should I get load cell immediately? If your budget allows it: definitely. The time gain and consistency are enormous and you avoid a quick reinvestment.
Are pedals of €300 or more expensive better? They offer more refinement and modularity, but in terms of speed you’re already 90% towards a pro setup with these three contenders.
Our choices are based on our own tests and community feedback. Some links are affiliate links; you pay nothing extra and we keep MySimRig running. ❤️