Quick Answer
The Thrustmaster T300 RS and Logitech G923 are the two dominant mid-range sim racing wheels in South Africa, both priced between R6,500 and R9,000. The T300 RS uses belt-driven force feedback that feels more nuanced and precise, while the G923 offers broader console compatibility and slightly easier setup. For serious sim racers, the T300 RS is the stronger technical choice.
Force Feedback Technology: Belt vs Gear
The most important technical difference between these two wheels is the force feedback mechanism. The Thrustmaster T300 RS uses a dual-belt drive system, while the Logitech G923 uses helical gears with TrueForce technology layered on top.
Belt drive systems like the T300 RS are inherently smoother and quieter. There are no gear teeth to create notchiness or dead spots at the centre, and the resistance transition from light to heavy feels more linear. In sim titles like Gran Turismo 7, Assetto Corsa Competizione, and iRacing, the T300 RS communicates road texture and tyre slip with more detail. You feel the difference between gravel and tarmac, and kerb strikes transmit as distinct bumps rather than generalised resistance changes.
The G923's TrueForce technology is Logitech's answer to this. It adds high-frequency vibration cues from the audio engine of compatible games, layering tactile feedback on top of the traditional force feedback. In supported titles, this adds a sense of engine rumble and tyre wear that the T300 RS does not replicate. However, TrueForce support is limited to a shorter list of games, and the underlying gear-driven base still has more mechanical noise and centre notchiness than the belt drive.
Compatibility and Ecosystem in SA
Both wheels work on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC. This matters in the SA context where many sim racers split time between a console and PC, and where the price difference between buying a separate PC and console-compatible wheel is significant in rands.
The T300 RS does not natively support Xbox. If you game across PlayStation and Xbox, the G923 has a separate Xbox variant but not a universal version. Check this before purchasing because the platform compatibility is hardware-locked, not software-switchable.
Both wheels use 300-degree rotation by default but can be configured in software to match the steering angle of specific cars, typically between 270 and 1080 degrees depending on the vehicle. The T300 RS's maximum rotation is 1080 degrees, which suits open-wheel and GT car simulations where full lock to lock matters. The G923 maxes at 900 degrees, which covers virtually all road car simulations.
Pedal quality at base spec is similar for both. The included two-pedal sets (brake and throttle) are plastic and functional but not particularly nuanced. Both wheels accept upgraded pedal sets from their respective ecosystems. The Thrustmaster T-LCM load cell pedal set is a popular upgrade path for T300 RS owners and adds a significant level of brake feel precision.
Price Reality in the SA Market
In South Africa, both wheels land in the R6,500 to R9,000 range depending on promotions and import fluctuations. The T300 RS GT edition, which includes a GT-style rim and the two-pedal set, is typically priced slightly higher than the base G923 bundle. However, the T300 RS base can accept alternative rims from Thrustmaster's quick release ecosystem, which adds long-term upgrade flexibility that the G923 does not offer.
Loadshedding is a practical concern for sim racing setups. Both wheels need to be recalibrated after a power cut, and the T300 RS's calibration routine on startup (where it sweeps full lock to lock) is louder in a quiet flat or res room. If you are gaming in student accommodation at Stellenbosch or UP and walls are thin, the G923's slightly quieter gear drive may actually be preferable for late-night sessions.
Which Wheel Wins for Different Sim Racing Use Cases
For Gran Turismo 7 and casual PlayStation sim racing, both wheels are excellent and the G923's TrueForce integration with GT7 specifically is a real differentiator. The engine vibration feedback adds immersion that the T300 RS cannot match in that particular title.
For PC sim racing in Assetto Corsa, ACC, iRacing, or rFactor 2, the T300 RS's superior force feedback fidelity becomes the deciding factor. These titles have highly refined FFB engines that reward the resolution of a belt drive. Competitive online racers on these platforms overwhelmingly prefer the T300 RS over the G923 at this price tier.
For upgrade potential, the T300 RS is the clear winner. Thrustmaster's ecosystem of compatible rims, including open-wheel F1-style rims and round GT rims, allows the wheel to evolve with your tastes. The G923 does not have an equivalent rim swap ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Thrustmaster T300 RS worth the extra cost over the G923 in South Africa? If you primarily sim race on PC in titles like Assetto Corsa or iRacing, yes. The force feedback quality difference is noticeable in daily use and becomes more meaningful the more time you spend in the seat. If your main platform is PS5 with Gran Turismo 7 and you value TrueForce, the G923 is a legitimate choice.
Do both wheels work on PC without additional software? Both wheels are plug-and-play on PC for basic functionality. The Thrustmaster Control Panel and Logitech G Hub software unlock full force feedback calibration, wheel rotation adjustment, and button mapping. Both software packages are free and work reliably on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Can I use these wheels with a gaming chair or do I need a dedicated rig? Both wheels can be clamped to a desk, but a dedicated sim racing cockpit dramatically improves the experience. The T300 RS specifically benefits from a rigid mounting point because its stronger FFB motor can cause a flimsy desk mount to flex and dampen feedback. Budget cockpits in SA start around R3,000 to R4,000 and are a worthwhile investment alongside either wheel.
Which wheel has better build quality? The T300 RS has a slightly more premium feel in the wheel base, particularly the metal shaft and more solid casing. The G923's leather-wrapped rim feels premium, but the base feels more plastic overall. At this price tier both are durable for years of regular use, but the T300 RS has a slight edge in long-term mechanical robustness.
