SteelSeries Announces SRW-S1 Racing Wheel

With the launch of its “Desmo” eyewear just over a month ago, it became evident that SteelSeries didn’t want to stop at just making keyboards and mice. Today, that fact is further proven with the release of the company’s SRW-S1 steering wheel, designed in conjunction with the folks behind the Simraceway online racing service, Ignite Technologies.

There are a couple of things that make the SRW-S1 special out of the gate (no pun, of course). First, it’s designed to mimic that of a professional race car wheel, such as IndyCar or F1, so it’s not round in shape and features a large collection of buttons and knobs. Second, it’s not meant to be used with a mount. If you think this implies that you’ll be holding the wheel in the air while you race – you’re absolutely correct. Oh – there are also no pedals.

These decisions might seem a little crazy, but SteelSeries is pricing the SRW-S1 at $119.99, so it’s clear that the company hopes to get the wheel into the hands of many. I’m skeptical, I admit, but my skepticism has been waned a little bit with the fact that some professional race drivers “approved” the design, such as Dario Franchitti and the late Dan Wheldon.

While the wheel could be used by the amateur (me), it should prove full-featured for the hobbyist or professional. The wheel is designed to offer quick access to all of the car’s main functions, such as assist adjustments, steering sensitivity, the HUD, the ability to look left and right, the lights, horn and so forth. It also includes a D-Pad and “Select” button, so that once you’re into a game, the keyboard will no longer be needed.

We’ll be getting one of these in soon to take for a spin (I need to kick these puns), and we’ll be relaying our experiences with it as soon as possible. As I mentioned before, I am a bit skeptical about there being no mount, but I’ll have to experience it first-hand before making a final judgement call.