SimNet SSQ-1 Sequential Shifter

SimNet SSQ-1 Sequential Shifter

The SimNet SSQ-1 is a metal sequential shifter designed for sim racing, rally and drift setups, built from stainless steel and CNC-machined aluminium. It combines adjustable resistance, a configurable notch feel through five interchangeable detent balls, a height-adjustable handle across a 25 mm range and a programmable multi-command grip. It connects to PC over USB, to selected wheelbases through its TRANSIT port, and works on PS5 via a Fanatec or Thrustmaster base with the matching SimNet RJ12 cable.

Main Features

• Metal construction and refined finish: stainless steel and CNC-machined aluminium with a powder coating designed to resist corrosion and give a refined, non-slip texture. Net weight 1.5 kg.
• Adjustable notch feel and resistance: tune the mechanical feel from a smooth, quiet movement to a pronounced, audible notch using the supplied interchangeable detent balls, with spring preload adjusted through the grub screw.
• Five interchangeable detent balls in varied materials and sizes, each with its own character and durability.
• Seamlessly adjustable handle height: continuous adjustment across a 25 mm range to personalise ergonomics, shift throw and notch feel for your seating position.
• Multi-command programmable handle: instant engagement for neutral and reverse, with additional inputs programmable for frequently used controls, right at your fingertips.
• USB and TRANSIT connectivity: direct USB connection to PC, or TRANSIT connection to selected third-party wheelbases where the shifter is recognised as a native local device.
• Console ready: works on PlayStation 5 when connected to a compatible Fanatec or Thrustmaster wheelbase using the matching SimNet RJ12 cable, sold separately.
• Software settings and calibration: monitor gear-up and gear-down inputs, invert the gear mapping, and set separate activation points for upshifts and downshifts.
• Interchangeable handbrake grip options and a dedicated shifter and handbrake mounting plate available as accessories.

Technical Specifications

• Type: sequential shifter
• Materials: stainless steel and CNC-machined aluminium
• Finish: corrosion-resistant powder coating, non-slip texture
• Net weight: 1.5 kg
• Handle height adjustment: continuous, 25 mm range
• Detent balls: five interchangeable types and sizes supplied
• Connectivity: USB and TRANSIT port
• Overall height: 295 mm
• Base width: 145 mm
• Lower body width: 62 mm
• Knob diameter: 35 mm
• Upper handle section: 115 mm
• Mounting plate: eight M6 threaded positions and Ø7 through holes
• Software: SimNet Sim Connector Manager, with automatic firmware updates

What's in the Box

• SSQ-1 Sequential Shifter unit
• Ergonomic hand grip
• USB connectivity cable
• Five interchangeable shift balls with varied textures and sizes
• Mounting hardware and adjustment tools

Detent Ball Selection

• Nylon PA66, 7.5 mm: pre-installed, balanced notch and quiet click. Recommended replacement after approximately 50,000 to 60,000 push/pull cycles.
• Polyoxymethylene POM, 8.0 mm: quieter and less notchy. Recommended replacement after approximately 70,000 to 80,000 cycles.
• Zirconia ceramic ZrO2, 8.0 mm: self-lubricating, louder than nylon and quieter than steel, requiring little or no additional grease.
• Steel, 7.5 mm: strongest notch and loudest click, with superior durability.
• Steel, 7.92 mm: balanced notch and clear click, quieter than the 7.5 mm steel ball and highly durable.

Always use matching balls of the same type and size on both sides.

Compatibility

The SSQ-1 connects to a Windows PC over USB and to selected third-party wheelbases through its TRANSIT port, where it is recognised as a native local device. For console use on PlayStation 5, the shifter connects directly to a compatible Fanatec or Thrustmaster wheelbase using the matching SimNet RJ12 cable, sold separately.

Optional Accessories

• SimNet RJ12 cable for Fanatec wheelbase: required for console use through a Fanatec base.
• SimNet RJ12 cable for Thrustmaster wheelbase: required for console use through a Thrustmaster base.
• A-HLE Handbrake Lever Extension: adjustable length combinations for the interchangeable handbrake grip.
• A-HSG Handbrake Soft Grip: softer ergonomic contact surface.
• A-PHS mounting plate: holds the SSQ-1 and a SimNet handbrake together, each adjustable independently horizontally, vertically and through a defined rotational range. The plate can be flipped for left-hand-drive or right-hand-drive cockpit layouts.

Setup Notes

• Aluminium profile rig: insert two M6 spring nuts into the profile slot, align them with the shifter mounting holes, then secure with two M6 x 12 socket-head screws.
• Cockpit mounting plate: align the threaded holes underneath the unit with the plate through holes, then install and tighten the two M6 x 12 socket-head screws.
• Handle height: loosen the four screws with the supplied 3 mm hex wrench, slide the handle to the desired height and retighten.
• Detent ball replacement: remove the two side screws with a 5 mm hex wrench, take out the spring and original ball, insert the new ball first, then the spring, and reinstall the grub screws.
• Detent preload: turn the side adjustment screw clockwise to increase resistance, counter-clockwise to reduce it. Adjust only a few degrees at a time — over-adjustment may cause improper operation.
• Console configuration: settings cannot be adjusted from a console, so calibrate the shifter on PC in Sim Connector Manager before switching to console use.

FAQ

Does the SSQ-1 work on PlayStation 5?

Yes, when connected to a compatible Fanatec or Thrustmaster wheelbase with the matching SimNet RJ12 cable, sold separately. The base then treats the shifter as native hardware. Console support ultimately depends on your wheelbase's own platform compatibility, so check that your base is PS5-compatible.

Which RJ12 cable do I need?

There are two versions, one for Fanatec wheelbases and one for Thrustmaster wheelbases. Choose the one matching your base; they are not interchangeable. Both are sold separately.

Can I configure the shifter directly on console?

No. Consoles offer no configuration options for this type of device, so all adjustments — activation points, gear inversion — must be made beforehand on PC in Sim Connector Manager. Once saved, the settings are retained when you switch to console.

What can be adjusted on the SSQ-1?

Resistance, notch feel, handle height across a 25 mm range, and the software activation points for upshifts and downshifts. The five interchangeable detent balls further change the tactile and audible response, from a quiet POM click to the pronounced notch of the 7.5 mm steel ball.

How do I choose my detent balls?

The nylon PA66 balls fitted as standard offer a balanced notch with a quiet click. Move to POM for a softer, quieter action, to zirconia ceramic for a self-lubricating middle ground, or to steel for the strongest notch and the loudest click. Always fit matching balls of the same type and size on both sides.

Can I mount it alongside a handbrake?

Yes, with the optional A-PHS mounting plate, which holds the SSQ-1 and a SimNet handbrake together. Each unit adjusts independently horizontally, vertically and rotationally, and the plate can be flipped for left-hand-drive or right-hand-drive layouts.