Technical Face-Off

Asetek Forte vs Thrustmaster TS-XW Servo

Last Updated: November 03, 2025

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Asetek Forte

Torque 18Nm
Drive Type Direct Drive
Compatibility PC
Quick Release Standard


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Thrustmaster TS-XW Servo

Torque 6.4Nm
Drive Type Direct Drive
Compatibility PC/Xbox
Quick Release Standard


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Omni-Engine Methodology: Aggregated analysis of 50+ technical threads, official datasheets, and user telemetry. Zero sponsorship.

The Specs: On Paper

Asetek Forte and Thrustmaster TS-XW Servo both boast Direct Drive technology, which is a big plus. However, when it comes to torque, Asetek takes the lead with 18Nm, while Thrustmaster lags behind at 6.4Nm. Compatibility-wise, Thrustmaster has an edge with support for Xbox, but both wheels share PC compatibility.

The Ugly Truth (Real User Experience)

I've seen some users struggling with the Asetek Forte's power supply issues – apparently, their original ones are faulty. Users are reporting that they just shut down without warning, leaving you in the dark. And if you're unlucky enough to experience this, good luck getting it replaced; Asetek's warranty won't cover it. I've also heard tales of users dealing with calibration problems and stiffness issues – it takes time to get used to these wheels, but some people just can't adjust. The big problem here is that these issues seem to be more frequent than they should be for a premium product like the Asetek Forte. And don't even get me started on the customer support; it's like they're not taking your problems seriously. On the other hand, users are reporting that Thrustmaster's TS-XW Servo has its own set of issues – buzzing noises during calibration and deadzones in the middle of the wheel. It's a nightmare to deal with these problems, especially when you're in the middle of a heated racing session. But here's the thing: despite all these issues, some users are still raving about these wheels. They say that once you get used to them, they're game-changers – and I'm inclined to believe it. The feedback from users is that Thrustmaster's TS-XW Servo has a better sense of immersion, but Asetek Forte has its strengths in terms of precision.

The Verdict

So, who gets my money? In the budget-friendly category (because let's face it, these wheels are not cheap), I'd say the Thrustmaster TS-XW Servo is a decent choice – it may have its quirks, but it seems to offer good value for money. However, if you're willing to splurge on something with more premium features and potentially better precision, Asetek Forte might be worth considering. But let's get real: these wheels are not without their flaws. You'll need to weigh the pros against the cons and decide which one is right for you. Just don't say I didn't warn you – both of these products have their fair share of issues, and you'll need to deal with them yourself.

Sources: https://www.reddit.com/r/simracing/comments/un088v/thrustmaster_tsxw_issues_and_my_experience_so_far/ https://www.reddit.com/r/simracing/comments/14f1a1p/does_anybody_actually_buy_asetek_products/ https://www.reddit.com/r/simracing/comments/181481x/asetek_forte_wheel_beware/ https://www.reddit.com/r/Thrustmaster/comments/17pqxqk/an_honest_tsxw_review/ https://www.reddit.com/r/simracing/comments/180p11k/i_bought_asetek_forte_pedals_and_i_dont_regret_it/
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Marco 'Drift' Rossi - Lead Engineer
Sim racer since 2010. Hates marketing, loves data.