Turtle Beach is out with its first accessory in its sim racing ecosystem – the VelocityOne Multi-Shift. And much like its base sim racing package, the Multi-Shift is a multi-purpose shifter that can be set up as an h-pattern shifter, sequential shifter, or a handbrake. It can even be configured for up to 14 gears with a high and low mode. But, like I found in my full VelocityOne Race review, is it trying to do too much? Let’s check it out.
Turtle Beach is taking an interesting approach with its first offerings in the sim racing world. The VelocityOne Race package included the wheel, pedals, a button box, and a digital dash display – things that other companies offer, but not many include them all in a single non-configurable package.
The Mutli-Shift, which costs $130, is similar in that it can switch between h-pattern, sequential, and hand brake modes. The sequential shifter that we checked out from Moza is also $130 and only does one thing—but it does it very, very well.
Turtle Beach VelocityOne Multi-Shift: Design
The Multi-Shift is designed to work mounted to a desk or on a full-blown sim rig. Originally, I was using it with the VelocityOne Race wheel on the GT Racer from Next Level Racing. Eventually, I mounted it on the GT Omega Titan I typically use and set it up alongside my Moza gear.
If you use it at a desk, a clamp built into the front will securely hold the unit.
Out of the box, the Multi-Shift looks as high-quality as you might expect for a $130 shifter. It has a leather boot around the shifter shaft, and it comes with two different handles of varying lengths for h-pattern mode and sequential mode.
On the right side, a switch toggles between h-pattern and sequential modes. Behind the boot on top, there are buttons for high and low mode, as well as a button for hand brake.
Turtle Beach VelocityOne Multi-Shift: Video
How does it feel in-Use?
From my testing of the Multi-Shift, mainly in Forza Horizon 5 and Assetto Corsa Evo, I found it to work well in the h-pattern mode. I was having a blast in the Abarth, even though I still need a lot of practice when it comes to heel-toe shifting.
The gears were all easy to find, even with rapid shifts.
I never noticed it in use, but when you slowly move the stick around through the gears, you can feel some gritty resistance and a bit of cheap-feeling notchiness on the far right side of the shifter. It didn’t take me out of the moment or cause issues while I was racing, but feeling the shifter alone isn’t the smoothest experience. I can only imagine this is because of its multi-purpose design.
Switching into sequential mode
Things get a little less impressive in sequential mode, though. Flipping the switch and screwing on the longer shift knob make it work, but it’s also scratchy, notchy, and flops around a bit when you shift gears.
It works, but I think the incredible feel of the Moza sequential shifter has ruined me. Now, once again, this is an all-in-one package, so the fact that it can be configured to work as a sequential shifter is pretty cool.
I’ve seen people mod their $60 Logitech H-pattern shifters to mimic a sequential shifter. So, the fact that the MultiShift can do it out of the box is a great reason to take a closer look.
I wouldn’t buy it strictly for the sequential functionality, but it is a nice added bonus. If you’re usually driving with an H-pattern but want to try rally driving, then this can be a great way to get an immersive driving experience.
gadgetnewsonline’ Take
Like with the VelocityOne Race package, I’m glad Turtle Beach is in this space. They’re bringing something new and fresh – and a one-stop shop for sim racers. While the Multi-Shift doesn’t do everything perfectly, this one product can get you set up for almost any racing scenario. And thanks to the Xbox compatibility of the VelocityOne Race, it will work on your console as well.
Buy Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race
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