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Briefly comparing the technical specs, it's clear that both wheels are Direct Drive, with the Moza R12 boasting a higher torque rating of 12Nm. The Thrustmaster TS-XW Servo has a lower torque rating of 6.4Nm. Both wheels have standard quick releases and PC compatibility, but only the TS-XW is compatible with Xbox consoles.
I've seen users experience FFB drop-offs on the Moza R12, where the force feedback strength plummets to under 50% after just a few hours of play. It's not thermal throttling; it's a design flaw that's been reported multiple times by owners of both the R9 and R12 models. The constant fear of your wheel dying on you mid-session is real, and I've seen users go through two or even three wheels in a row due to these issues. Users are reporting similar problems with calibration and buzzing noises on startup for the TS-XW Servo. And then there's the deadzone issue - where the car in-game starts floating when driving straight, requiring constant correction from the driver. I've seen owners deal with Thrustmaster's customer service, only to be met with a drawn-out process that leaves them frustrated and disappointed. The big problem here is reliability. When you're shelling out top dollar for a high-end wheel, you expect it to last. But with these two wheels, you're not just buying a product; you're investing in the hope that it won't let you down when you need it most.
For my money, I'd go with the Thrustmaster TS-XW Servo. It's not perfect, but at least its issues are somewhat more contained and predictable. The Moza R12 is a premium product that fails to deliver on its promise of reliability and consistency. If you're new to Sim Racing, don't be swayed by the higher torque rating - it's a false promise. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that still delivers in terms of performance, the TS-XW Servo might not be your best bet. But if you value your sanity and are willing to overlook some quirks, it's a solid choice. Just don't say I didn't warn you.