Truck simulation on PC has quietly become one of the most demanding corners of sim racing, and the right shifter changes the entire feel of a long haul. Keyboard taps get you down the road, but a dedicated 18-speed unit adds the mechanical rhythm real drivers learn. The list below covers USB shifters built for ATS and ETS2, plus a couple of bicycle shifters that keep showing up in nearby searches for people building motion rigs or hybrid setups.
A Side-By-Side Look
SRAM MRX Comp 5-Speed Rear Shifter
Besilo USB Truck Simulator Shifter 18-Speed
Logitech G Driving Force Shifter (G29, G920, G923)
microSHIFT M11 11-Speed Thumb Shifter
Camoo USB ATS & ETS2 Gearshift Knob
HORI Truck Control System for Windows
RASTP USB ATS & ETS2 Shifter (Style 3)
AUGFAZ USB ATS & ETS2 Shifter Knob
aikeec USB Truck Simulator Shifter
HCXLELD USB Shifter Knob for ATS & ETS2
Taking A Closer Look At The Options
The SRAM MRX Comp shows up here because bicycle twist shifters keep appearing alongside truck sim shifters in PC builder searches, and it’s a useful reference point for the rest of the list. Designed for mountain bike drivetrains, it offers a 5-speed indexed shifting system in a compact right-side pod that mounts on flat bars. The composite body keeps weight low, and the included steel cable is ready for installation on a real bike.
This is not a sim racing accessory, and treating it as one would lead to frustration. Where it earns its place is on commuter bikes, vintage MTB builds, or rig tinkerers who need a tactile indexed shifter for custom control boxes. The honest read is that it’s a quality bike part that wandered into a sim list because the term “shifter” covers both worlds.
Everyday Advantages
- Lightweight Grilon composite housing won’t add noticeable weight to a flat-bar build.
- Indexed 5-speed action gives predictable clicks across the cassette, useful for daily commuting.
- Includes a die-drawn steel cable, so a working cable comes in the box.
- Compatible with both Shimano and SRAM front derailleurs, easing mixed drivetrain setups.
Points To Note
- This is a bicycle shifter, not a USB peripheral, so it requires mechanical mounting rather than plug-and-play.
- Limited to 5 speeds, so it’s a poor match for anyone wanting an 18-speed Eaton Fuller feel in ATS or ETS2.
At A Glance
Right Fit For
Cyclists upgrading a flat-bar commuter or vintage mountain bike who want simple indexed shifting without breaking the budget.
Skip It When
You’re looking for a truck sim accessory; the Besilo USB Truck Simulator Shifter is purpose-built for ATS and ETS2 instead.
The Besilo unit is one of the more polished USB shifters in the truck sim space, and the difference shows up the moment you mount it. The body combines ABS plastic with aluminum alloy hardware, giving the lever a solid, planted feel that lighter all-plastic builds struggle to match. A leather-wrapped knob adds grip during long ETS2 sessions, and three adapter sleeves (8mm, 10mm, 12mm) cover most shifter shafts you’ll find on a Logitech or Thrustmaster base.
Setup is the real headline. Plug it in, configure ATS or ETS2 to recognize the joystick, and map the H-shifter to an Eaton Fuller 10/13/18-speed pattern. No driver download is required, which puts it ahead of older USB shifters that need hunting for drivers on Windows 11. The tradeoff is that it’s a shifter knob upgrade, not a full standalone base; you’ll still need a compatible wheel or standalone shifter mount to drive it.
Good Reasons To Consider
- 18-speed support covers the full Eaton Fuller pattern used by ATS and ETS2 transmissions.
- Plug-and-play USB with automatic driver install saves time on Windows 10 and 11.
- Three adapter sleeves fit the major shifter shaft diameters across Logitech and Thrustmaster hardware.
- Customizable buttons let you bind splitter and range changes without keyboard contortions.
Honest Caveats
- It’s an add-on knob, not a complete shifter, so you need an existing H-shifter base to mount it on.
- Leather wrapping is a comfort feature, but heavy-handed pulls over time may show wear at stress points.
Made For
Sim truckers running Logitech G25, G27, G29, or Thrustmaster TH8A who want an authentic 18-speed knob without rebuilding their rig from scratch.
Look Elsewhere When
You don’t yet own a shifter base; the HCXLELD USB Shifter Knob offers a similar knob upgrade path but is worth comparing if you prefer its multi-pattern covers.
Logitech’s Driving Force Shifter is the long-standing reference point for entry-level sim racing, and the G29, G920, and G923 compatibility list keeps it relevant for truck sim owners who already run a Logitech wheel. Inside the housing, a solid steel gear shaft gives the lever a confident, weighted throw, and the rubber boot over the gate keeps dust out of the mechanism during long ATS hauls. Six forward speeds plus reverse cover most truck transmissions, though the Eaton Fuller 18-speed pattern is achieved through software mapping rather than physical gate positions.
The trade-off is that this is a 6-speed H-pattern shifter at heart, with the 18-speed feel coming from in-game button mapping for the range and splitter. You won’t get the same satisfying “two-position shift” of a dedicated 18-speed unit like the Besilo, but the build quality and Logitech ecosystem support are hard to argue with. For PC-only setups running a Logitech wheel, it’s the most predictable choice in this roundup.
Standout Benefits
- Steel gear shaft delivers a precise, repeatable shift throw that feels closer to a real automotive unit than plastic alternatives.
- Native compatibility with G29, G920, and G923 wheels means no extra driver fuss for the Logitech ecosystem.
- Sturdy clamping system fits a wide range of desk and rig profiles without slip during aggressive shifts.
Things To Consider
- Native 6-speed gate, so the 18-speed Eaton Fuller feel is achieved through software mapping rather than physical detents.
- Designed primarily as a wheel ecosystem add-on; standalone use without a Logitech base is limited.
Best Suited To
Logitech G29, G920, or G923 owners who want a matched shifter with a steel-shaft feel and don’t mind mapping 18 speeds through software.
Consider Something Else When
You want a true 18-speed physical gate; the Besilo USB Truck Simulator Shifter delivers that as an add-on knob for existing bases.
The microSHIFT M11 is another bicycle component, included here for the same reason as the SRAM entry: it’s a reliable indexed shifter that DIY sim builders repurpose for control panels and custom rigs. The 11-speed thumb pod is compatible with Shimano DynaSys mountain drivetrains, and the convertible indexed-or-friction mode is genuinely useful for older or non-standard cassettes. Construction feels solid in hand, with a positive click on each downshift.
Where it differs from the Besilo is the absence of USB electronics entirely. This is a mechanical cable-pulled unit, so it only works in a sim context when paired with an encoder, Arduino, or similar interface. For mountain bikers, that doesn’t matter; the indexed mode is the main draw. For rig builders, it’s a known-quantity component that drops cleanly into custom enclosures.
Useful Touches
- Indexed and friction mode convertible, giving flexibility for older or unusual cassettes.
- DynaSys 11-speed compatibility integrates cleanly with modern Shimano mountain drivetrains.
- Right-hand thumb pod format keeps controls in the natural position for grip shifts.
Less Ideal Details
- No USB output, so sim use requires adding an encoder or microcontroller to read the cable pull.
- 11-speed cassette geometry is narrower than older 9 or 10-speed setups, so spacing on vintage bikes may need shimming.
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Mountain bikers building a 1x or 2×11 trail bike, and DIY sim tinkerers comfortable wiring their own encoder interface.
Reach For A Different Pick When
You want a true plug-and-play USB solution; the AUGFAZ USB ATS & ETS2 Shifter Knob gives that without custom electronics.
The Camoo USB shifter targets one of the most common entry points for new sim truckers: turning a Logitech or Thrustmaster base into a more authentic 18-speed unit without replacing the whole rig. The setup is straightforward enough that you don’t need a manual deep dive; the included instructions cover ATS, ETS2, and FIA ETRC, and the USB side installs its driver automatically. From unboxing to first shift is a short walk for most users.
The build leans lighter than the Besilo, with more plastic in the housing and a less refined knob finish. For most sim truckers on a budget, that’s a fair exchange for the price, especially if the alternative is sticking with the stock 6-speed knob. Where it stands out is the 12mm shaft compatibility, which is the upper limit for the major Logitech and Thrustmaster H-shifter bases.
Strong Points
- Multi-game support covers ATS, ETS2, and FIA ETRC for variety beyond the two flagship truck sims.
- Automatic driver installation keeps the Windows setup fast, which matters on fresh rigs.
- 12mm shaft compatibility covers most aftermarket H-shifter bases on the market.
Trade Offs
- Lighter plastic housing doesn’t feel as planted as the Besilo’s aluminum-reinforced body.
- Requires a separate H-shifter base to mount on, so it isn’t a complete standalone unit.
Who It Suits Best
New sim truckers on a budget who already own an H-shifter base and want a quick path to 18-speed feel.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
You want bundled wheel and pedals; the HORI Truck Control System comes as a complete truck control package for the same kind of starter audience.
HORI’s Truck Control System is the most complete package in this list, bundling a force feedback wheel, a three-pedal unit, and a separate shifter control panel into a single Windows-targeted kit. The wheel offers an extra-large diameter with 1800 degrees of rotation, which is closer to a real truck’s lock-to-lock range than most entry-level wheels. Steering column mounted levers give quick access to blinkers and wiper controls, which adds a layer of immersion for role-play focused ATS sessions.
The shifter control panel is the highlight, with 34 buttons and both sequential and H-pattern modes. Adjustable resistance lets you tune the throw to taste, whether you want a light detent for quick shifts or a heavier feel for loaded hauls. Hall Effect sensors in the metal pedals add durability, which is the kind of detail that shows up after months of daily use. The honest read is that this is a starting kit, not a replacement for a high-end wheel, but it’s the most cohesive option for someone new to truck sim entirely.
A Few Strong Suits
- Complete package covers wheel, pedals, and shifter in one purchase, removing the guesswork of mixing brands.
- Adjustable shifter resistance and dual-mode sequential plus H-pattern support cover most truck transmission preferences.
- Hall Effect pedal sensors resist drift over time, which is a known pain point on cheaper potentiometer pedals.
- 1800-degree wheel rotation matches the lock-to-lock range of real long-haul trucks.
Some Limits To Know
- Force feedback strength and refinement sit below Logitech’s mid-range wheels, so enthusiasts may want to upgrade later.
- Designed specifically for Windows 11 and 10, leaving console truck sim users without a path here.
Key Specs
Who Should Grab It
First-time truck sim owners who want a single purchase that covers wheel, pedals, and shifter without research paralysis.
Swap It Out When
You already own a Logitech or Thrustmaster wheel ecosystem; the Besilo USB Truck Simulator Shifter is a more targeted upgrade for those bases.
RASTP’s Style 3 shifter is a USB knob upgrade with one of the broader compatibility lists in this roundup, covering Logitech G25, G27, G29, G920, Thrustmaster TH8A, and Fanatec SQ bases. For rig owners who mix brands or have legacy hardware, that cross-base support is the main draw. The “Style 3” label refers to a specific visual variant, so users can pick the look that matches their cockpit.
The mechanical concept is similar to the Besilo and Camoo: it replaces the stock knob with a high and low gear handball head, plus two external switches for quick splitter and range changes. Up to 18 gears are supported through software mapping. The catch is that materials feel a step below the Besilo’s aluminum-reinforced body, so the tactile feedback during a hard shift is less convincing. For users who prioritize compatibility breadth over premium feel, that’s a fair trade.
Reasons It Performs
- Cross-base support across Logitech, Thrustmaster, and Fanatec reduces the chance of incompatibility on mixed-brand rigs.
- External high and low gear switches enable quick splitter and range changes without keyboard input.
- Multiple Style variants let shoppers match the knob look to their existing rig aesthetic.
Potential Compromises
- Plastic-dominant construction feels lighter in hand than aluminum-reinforced options like the Besilo.
- 18-speed support is software-mapped, so the physical detent count is lower than dedicated 18-speed units.
Perfect Match For
Rig owners with mixed-brand hardware, particularly anyone running a Fanatec SQ alongside a Logitech wheel, who needs one shifter that bridges both ecosystems.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
You’re a Logitech-only household and want a more premium knob feel; the Besilo USB Truck Simulator Shifter is the stronger pick in that setup.
The AUGFAZ shifter knob is one of the most remappable options in the budget tier, with customizable buttons that can be assigned to splitter, range, or any in-game function you prefer. That flexibility is the headline feature, especially for role-play heavy ATS players who want horn, hazard lights, and marker controls without lifting a hand off the wheel. Plug-and-play USB means Windows recognizes the device without manual driver work.
Compatibility runs deep: Logitech G25, G27, G29, G920, G923, Moza HGP, Thrustmaster TH8A, Fanatec SQ, and PXN A7 bases are all on the supported list, making it a strong alternative to the RASTP for users who want similar broad coverage. The housing is plastic, so it sits below the Besilo in tactile feel, and the button layout is denser, which helps cover more functions in a smaller footprint. For users who value button density over premium materials, the trade is worth it.
What Stands Out
- Customizable button mapping for splitter, range, and accessory controls reduces keyboard dependence during hauls.
- One of the broadest compatibility lists in the roundup, covering nine major wheel and shifter base brands.
- Plug-and-play USB on Windows saves setup time over older HID-based units that need manual mapping.
Where It May Fall Short
- Plastic housing feels less substantial than the Besilo’s aluminum-reinforced knob during heavy shifts.
- Dense button layout has a learning curve for users with larger fingers or limited hand mobility.
Feature Card
Who Will Love This
ATS and ETS2 players who want maximum button remapping for horn, hazards, and markers on a budget-friendly knob.
Not Your Match When
You want a more planted, premium-feeling knob; the Besilo USB Truck Simulator Shifter offers aluminum-reinforced construction for that audience.
The aikeec USB shifter is a no-frills add-on knob aimed squarely at casual ETS2 and ATS players who want a more tactile 18-speed feel without diving deep into configuration screens. Setup is the kind most users can finish during a coffee break: install the knob on the existing shifter base, plug the USB into the PC, and Windows handles the rest. The custom buttons on top of the knob map to splitter and range by default, but they can be reassigned in-game for other functions.
Where the aikeec earns its spot is the 18-speed support that covers the Eaton Fuller 10/13/18 pattern common in American Truck Simulator. The housing is a basic plastic shell, so the tactile experience lands below the Besilo, but the price reflects that gap. For users who already have a compatible Logitech base and want a quick 18-speed knob without overthinking it, this is a sensible option that doesn’t try to be more than it is.
Practical Pluses
- Straightforward plug-and-play install keeps first-time setup under fifteen minutes for most users.
- Customizable top buttons adapt to personal in-game layouts beyond the default splitter mapping.
- Full 18-speed software support covers the most common ATS transmission patterns.
Honest Caveats
- Plastic housing feels less substantial than aluminum-reinforced options, especially noticeable during heavy gear changes.
- Compatibility list is shorter than the AUGFAZ, missing Fanatec SQ and Moza HGP coverage.
Built With In Mind
Casual ATS and ETS2 players who want a quick, budget-friendly 18-speed knob for an existing Logitech shifter base.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
You run a Fanatec or Moza base; the AUGFAZ USB ATS & ETS2 Shifter Knob covers those ecosystems where the aikeec does not.
The HCXLELD USB Shifter Knob is the most pattern-flexible option in the list, with cover plates for 8, 10, 13, and 18-speed layouts that slide over the top of the knob. The “speed pattern” refers to the printed gate diagram on the cover; swapping them lets you match the visual layout to the in-game transmission you’re using, which is a small but real help when switching between ATS trucks with different gear counts. An extension adapter for non-standard shifter shafts comes in the box, easing fitment on DIY bases.
Where it stands apart from competitors is the inclusion of those pattern covers, which most other knobs skip. The 1:1 reference design is modeled on real truck shifter knobs, so the grip profile feels closer to a real Eaton Fuller than smoother round knobs. Compatibility covers Logitech Driving Force shifters, Thrustmaster TH8A and TH8S, and PXN A7 bases, with a 12mm maximum shaft diameter. The trade-off is the basic plastic body, which lands below the Besilo in build quality but above most no-name options.
Where It Excels
- Four interchangeable speed pattern covers adapt the visual layout to different in-game transmissions.
- Extension adapter in the box eases fitment on DIY shifter bases with non-standard shaft lengths.
- 1:1 reference design based on real truck knobs delivers a more authentic grip than generic round knobs.
Where It Is Less Suited
- Pattern covers swap visually but the underlying switch feel remains the same, so it doesn’t replicate a true Eaton Fuller detent.
- Windows-only support excludes console-based sim racers from this upgrade path.
At A Glance
Made For
Shifter base owners who switch between trucks with different gear counts and want a knob that visually matches each transmission.
Consider Something Else When
You want a more planted, premium-feeling knob with aluminum hardware; the Besilo USB Truck Simulator Shifter covers that profile.
Picking The Right 18-Speed Shifter For Your Sim Rig
A truck sim shifter should match the wheel base you already own, the games you actually play, and the level of realism you want from each shift. The biggest split in this list is between complete packages like the HORI Truck Control System and add-on knobs like the Besilo and HCXLELD, which require an existing shifter base. First-time owners often do better starting with a bundle, while experienced sim racers usually want a targeted knob upgrade for an existing rig.
Wheel base compatibility matters more than any single feature. A shifter knob that doesn’t fit your Thrustmaster, Logitech, Fanatec, or Moza base is useless, regardless of how many buttons it has. Check the supported bases list carefully before buying, since “G29 compatible” doesn’t always mean the same physical shaft diameter across brands. For users with mixed-brand hardware, the AUGFAZ and RASTP offer the widest coverage in this list.
Real-world use cases vary widely. Long-haul role-players in ATS tend to want remappable buttons for horn, hazards, and marker lights, which puts the AUGFAZ in a strong position. Pure gear feel enthusiasts gravitate toward the Besilo for its aluminum-reinforced body and leather grip. Casual players who just want a basic 18-speed feel often do fine with the Camoo or aikeec, both of which are budget-friendly and quick to set up.
Game support is worth checking too. While ATS and ETS2 dominate this list, the HORI and Camoo units also work with FIA ETRC and other truck sims. If you play across multiple titles, broader game support is a quiet but real advantage that pays off over time as your library grows.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Pitfalls Shoppers Hit
The most common mistake is buying a shifter knob before confirming the shaft diameter of your existing base. A knob designed for a 10mm shaft won’t fit a 12mm Thrustmaster TH8A without an adapter, and a few products in this list don’t include one. Check the maximum shaft diameter in the spec list before ordering, and keep in mind that the Besilo and HCXLELD include multiple adapter sleeves while some budget options do not.
Another frequent slip is assuming any 18-speed shifter has 18 physical gear positions. Most units in this roundup are 6-speed H-pattern shifters with the additional 12 gears handled through software mapping for splitter and range buttons. That’s not a flaw, but it does change the tactile feel compared to a true 18-gate unit, and shoppers expecting real detents for every gear may be disappointed.
What The Higher Tier Buys
Spending more on a shifter tends to buy three things: better materials, a more confident shift throw, and wider compatibility. The Besilo’s aluminum-reinforced body and leather grip, the Logitech Driving Force’s steel gear shaft, and the HORI’s Hall Effect pedal sensors all sit at the top of their categories for specific reasons. Those upgrades show up after months of daily use, when cheaper plastic housings start to creak and softer knobs wear through.
For casual players, the budget tier is genuinely good enough. For users who log multiple hours per week in long-haul sessions, the durability and feel difference of the higher tier becomes noticeable fast.
