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The Thrustmaster TS-XW Servo and Cammus C5 Direct Drive have some notable differences. The TS-XW boasts a higher torque rating at 6.4Nm, while the Cammus C5 settles for 5Nm. However, both wheels are direct drive, which is a significant advantage over other wheel types. Compatibility-wise, the TS-XW supports PC and Xbox, whereas the Cammus C5 is limited to PC only.
I've seen firsthand what happens when you try to use a subpar product in a high-stakes environment like Sim Racing. The Thrustmaster TS-XW has its fair share of problems, but they're mostly related to the specific unit I tested. One user reported a buzzing noise and calibration issues on startup, which is just unacceptable. And then there's the dead zone problem - when driving straight with a hand at 3 and 9 o'clock positions, the car in-game floats, making it nearly impossible to control. The fact that Thrustmaster acknowledged this issue and offered to repair or replace the unit is some consolation, but it doesn't change the fact that this product has significant reliability concerns. In contrast, the Cammus C5 Direct Drive has its own set of issues. Users are reporting problems with the pedals, which must be skipped altogether due to their propensity for breaking. I've also seen complaints about the rotary buttons being finicky and inconsistent in their behavior. The customer support from Cammus seems abysmal, with users citing long wait times and unhelpful responses. The big problem here is that these products are trying to compete with established brands like Fanatec at a premium price point. If you're looking for something that'll last you thousands of hours without issue, I'd say save your money and look elsewhere. The TS-XW might be the lesser of two evils in this case.
When it comes to Sim Racing hardware, reliability is paramount. If you're looking for a wheel that'll see you through countless hours of racing without breaking the bank, I'd recommend the TS-XW Servo over the Cammus C5 Direct Drive. Yes, it has its issues, but at least Thrustmaster acknowledges them and offers some semblance of support. That being said, if you're on a tighter budget and don't mind taking a chance on a product that might not last as long, the Cammus C5 could be worth considering. Just don't say I didn't warn you when it breaks after a few months of use.