Immersion? Useful Sim Racing Feedback? Buttkicker Gamer Plus Review

[@phillheth]

I'm just getting into SIM racing and have found your videos head and shoulders above many others. It might just be that your soothing English tones chime with my own hello from Chester. Cheers for the vids

[@OhItsThat]

It’s great that they have a wireless remote now. What I really want from Buttkicker is a single amp that can power 4 or 5 of these suckers with a control panel that can be mounted to my rig with volume dials for each transducer. Also I just need to say. Dealing with Buttkicker has always been a pleasure in the past. I had amps go bad, Gamer2 mounting bracket brake and those guys send out new replacements the same day they received my email. In both cases was the next day. No “send us in your broken stuff so we can can place blame on you so we can charge you” or ask for a credit card or anything. Three times this happened to me I had my new replacement product and return box within 5 days of the response to my email. Fantastic product support and customer service.

[@TheCameltotem]

Transducers are like the best thing after my simucube 2. It really gives you a life to the sim, that physical connection. I love it

[@Kefuddle]

Great review Chris! The quality of your presentation and delivery of the info is second to none, has to be said.

[@ChrisHaye]

Thanks dude! Much appreciated.

[@franklinnash]

Back b4 sim racing was as serious as it is these days, I discovered that if I stuck my subwoofer under my chair I got some great haptic feedback. I've continued this practice ever since. Sure it probably doesn't offer me the subtlety of feedback that the Buttkicker does, but it definitely makes my setup just that little bit more immersive. Sticking a desk fan on each side of your monitor is another v. cheap upgrade too.

[@ChrisHaye]

Good tip, though I'm not sure my Mrs would put up with that! Though I have to say, I used to do this with flight sims a lot many moons ago - I'm sure my parents loved that.

[@Bambeakz]

i Have 2 x 4000 RPM fans on a Uno with Motorshield controlled with simhub and i love it. Cheap and very usefull. (needed in VR :) )

[@wreck.create.MAK0]

That’s pretty much what bks are but in a commercial product/

[@robertl8069]

Instead of a subwoofer check this out Dayton Audio BST-1.

[@SolidSL510]

Back with GT1 and GT2 I did the same. Man it was awesome, mom use to tell me to turn it down when it’s late. Lol

[@edteach3r]

Thanks for another excellent video, Chris. I bought a ButtKicker two years ago to assist with indicating loss of traction at the rear of the car, particularly the hyena-lame rear-end in ACC (which has improved significantly since then). It took quite a while to get the BK dialed in, eliminating unwanted rumbles. Now I only use it to indicate rear-end slip and to provide a hefty clunk when I change gears but, boy, is it ever amazing! It has helped me to be much more consistent, catching excessive slides much earlier, and steering the car more effectively with the gas pedal. RF2 and R3E are simply outstanding. I am not an immersion junky as I play purely for the enjoyment of racing; so; with the BK working so well, I truly cannot see the need for a motion rig (all that bouncing around seems a bit goofy, to be honest).

[@scottbedford6138]

It's interesting to see someone actually mount it directly to the Aluminium profile, rather than using a bracket or trying to put it directly on the seat. It's helpful to hear the vibration effect is still good, even on such a rigid rig.

[@SpatialDragon]

I have used my Buttkicker 2 for 12 years on console and PC. My first one did break the mount and they sent me a new transducer with mount and I sent my broken one back to them with included shipping label. The replacement from the first year works great still. I added a Buttkicker LFE transducer with a cheap amplifier and it does work just fine. I really do not drive w/o my Buttkicker going.

[@alpenmerlin]

Nice review. As they are compact, I would consider buying one or two for my rig. However, would you please provide some information regarding the introduced noise level? I live in an apartment and don't want to annoy my neighbors or cause them not to be able to sleep when having these installed on my P1-X. Thanks a lot!

[@henryjames3580]

Got a plus for Xmas and your video help a lot thanks

[@pagenotfound7248]

Finally! USB!

[@ChrisHaye]

Yeah, that was my thoughts to start with. Standalone USB audio devices have been a thing for a long time, and they're generally pretty bulletproof these days. It's a shame that it's tied to their software though, as I think a lot of users will be keen to keep with whatever system they're already using. And I've got a bit of a soft spot for Sim Hub 😂

[@felixveber3376]

Insane quality as always

[@ChrisHaye]

Gracias Felix!

[@EvilCreedy]

Can you do a review with this on a PS5 playing GT7?

[@mrb552]

Fantastic review Chris, as always. 🙂🏁

[@ChrisHaye]

Thanks! 👍 Glad you enjoyed it.

[@OrganizationalEngineering]

Does your amp make noise when it is turned off with the remote but still has the physical power switch turned on? My plus makes a noise louder than my computer fans and it is super annoying. They sent me a replacement amp and it does the same thing and they said it's normal.

[@Juggernaut76-e7m]

I hope they have improved the amp reliability I went through 4 then gave up

[@kevinmurray1764]

Great video again Chris keep up the good content. What monitor are you running in this video?

[@angryginger791]

Great timing, Chris! I had a bad experience a few years ago when I tried a DIY transducer setup. I gave up on it and just recently starting looking into it again. I really wanted a no BS, plug-n-play solution, and here you are. And while I'm throwing out compliments, have you lost weight? You look good, man! If I had to guess, I'd say it's from chasing the little one around. Cheers, mate!

[@stefandenninger920]

I have BK Gamer plus and i use it via USB and SimHub without the extra audio connections. Works well.

[@DuckReconMajor]

Do you think the buttkicker can offer the same level of useful feedback as a motion rig? I've heard people say a motion rig would eliminate the need for a direct drive wheel and I wonder where buttkicker would fit in that scale. I of course mean this in the "driving better/more consistently" way not the immersion way

[@ChrisHaye]

Good question. I think they do different things. I've use a lot of different motion setups, and I can't say I've really enjoyed more than a few. The best ones forgo the flashy movement, trying to replicate G-Force and the like. Instead, they offer fast, sharp, small movements that can certainly give valuable feedback. That being said, they can't really give you much of a sense of things like slip, which is where FFB wheels are in their element. Haptics are in the same boat IMO. It compliments the wheel feedback nicely, but it's far from being a replacement for it.

[@DuckReconMajor]

@@ChrisHaye Thanks for the reply! Great video as always

[@fullspeedfly1370]

@@ChrisHaye Did the motion platforms you tried have Traction Loss or Double TL?

[@AussieDaves]

While I've yet to try a buttkicker, I have built myself a basic seat-mover rig and can say this certainly adds a lot to the feedback available. That said, it doesn't replace having a DD wheel-base, it compliments it as you're sensing the movement and forces through your hands/wrists with the wheel base and your a$$ with the seat mover. Won't necessarily make you faster, but you'll enjoy it and you'll also enjoy watching others give it a try!

[@lee986]

Another great video Chris! As a UK person, are you aware of a UK reseller for the Buttkicker Gamer Pro? Trying to pre-order from their US store pops-up they only sell to the US :'( Since they've sent their products out to a bunch of UK sim 'influencers' would be silly some of their UK followers couldn't get the product....

[@northernmonkeyx4889]

Any more info on this?

[@mrvtec1922]

Would you be able to make a video for us die hard consoles gamers, using a buttkicker plus on consoles xboxseriesX and Ps5 set up. Thank you for your videos.

[@onetripwonders]

love the rumbles, and I don't care how it may or may not be useful feedback. It makes VR much more immersive for me.

[@timayres2405]

Good to know about the software.

[@VishnuRajam4x4]

Eloquent as always Chris

[@danielhass4812]

So is there a benefit to hapticonnect standard over base if you only use iracing?

[@motionsimroom6085]

Very interesting device! I also have a home motion simulator driving video available on this account. I wanted to try this as well, especially since vibration is an important feedback.

[@bigmike4133]

Can you use more than one and how do you set it up?

[@bobbydazzlerracing6091]

Great review Chris - class presentation and content. Can you have sim hub drive it via USB or do you need to keep the analogue route?

[@pocketpotter]

Where can we buy this though? As only found in USA and they don't ship to UK

[@LarryMcDonald08]

What size screw did you use and what type of screw did you use to attach directly to your profile rig?

[@xJMC]

Hello, do you know where to buy this in the Uk can't find anywhere that stocks this.

[@Simracing25]

what if you want 4 of them so you have onw for each tire. Will their software be able to do that

[@SolidSL510]

Hai do you think Gran Turismo 7 will get it own setup for Buttkicker gamer plus?

[@vikingcat794]

Chris, would you say that doing four corners with the gamer plus on a heavy rig such as the PSR-1 is enough?

[@ttitojb]

How do I setup my PC audio settings to use the Game Connect? When I select the Speakers BK-Plus option, I loose my Razer Wireless headset connection, it's either the BK or the headsets, but not both.

[@bekrah5961]

What size screws did you use to mount it?

[@PhilDiasPJD]

Hi Chris, great video. I think giving the option of what sims you would like software for is great feedback for Buttkicker. What size Turn Racing wheel have you got? Im getting the Turn racing wheel next week to pair with my Ascher button plate. Yours looks awesome.

[@Casomyro1983]

I need help. Can I clamp this to my playseat challenge to the frame? Or to much for this small light seat?

[@CamaroWarrior]

It seems to have the same power as the gamer 2, is this better or the same but updated design?

[@ChrisHaye]

Yeah, it's meant as a replacement for the Gamer 2. The amp and transducer are identical in terms of power etc. the main changes are mostly quality of life updates, and the USB connectivity. The Gamer Pro kit comes with a 150w amp and a 1lb transducer, which I've not tried, but at least on paper it should provide a lot more... wobble!

[@Bowd3n46]

But how can you get one ? They say only US or Canadian ?

[@happyweekender777]

Is this currently only available as import from the US or are there any webshops in Europe that have it on offer?

[@ChrisHaye]

Good question. There are stockists in Europe for Buttkicker products, but these only launched yesterday, so I I would presume they will arrive shortly.. normal caveats about global logistics apply!

[@dembol]

Which one would you choose - Pro or Plus? In EU they're almost in the same price. Only PRO is missing mounting holes...

[@scar3sl]

I am concerned that the Buttkicker will interfere with my VR Setup. Do you know if it will mess up the Gyro in VR Lighthouses? They are Bolted on my Rig aswell but further away.

[@saintvallen123]

Great review Chris! All I need to know now is, does it overheat like the gamer 2 does? Do I need a fan on the floor or on top of the amplifier? None of the reviews so far mention this, and I'm still pending customer support reply

[@edteach3r]

I have been using BK Gamer 2 for two years and have never had an issue with overheating. The BK itself is only warm to the touch after racing for an hour, and the amp is barely warm. Having said that, I live in Canada 😊 (my basement is cool), and I use it only to indicate slip and provide a hefty clunk when I change gears.

[@saintvallen123]

@@edteach3r I think the people I heard of the overheating problem from was probably clipping or using too high values. I asked support about it and they said it used to be a thermal limit issue which is now fixed in the new products due to upgraded Amp and the better clamp that has less energy loss They claimed they have had them running for 8 hours without any problems

[@edteach3r]

@@saintvallen123 Good news, indeed! FYI, mine is a two year-old ButtKicker Gamer 2, so not one if the newer releases. I stay well clear of clipping.

[@EddieOtool]

Price price price?!

[@goodgoodxy]

Whats the difference between this and simulation kit?

[@Kaalaan]

Why do you choose to see the drivers hands and wheel on screen when you already see your own real hands and wheel in front of you?

[@Hotdognzz]

Great review, pity there not available anywhere.

[@mattvs117]

I'm looking to get the Buttkicker Pro for use with DCS. I've been trying to do research and what I've found is that the Hapticonnect doesn't support DCS and I've looked at SimHub and didn't see DCS there. Is buttkicker something I can use with DCS and if so is it going to be a huge pain to get working? Anyone please chime in!!

[@xXxBo5sANaCxXx]

Why do you have so much input lag when turning the wheel?

[@gustauadolf4315]

Very well explained but I want to hear the sound or noise it does.

[@cbrroadracer]

Can this be used with a PS5 and if so would there be enough feedback to make a difference or would it just be generic vibration?

[@pstoppani]

Per their website “*Gaming consoles supported with 3rd party HDMI and Optical Extractors (not included).”

[@simracer1256]

Chris, I think it is time for another "best assetto corsa mods" video!

[@GraemeGibbs]

How loud is it in use? Is it audible at all?

[@edteach3r]

It is audible; but if your floor is carpeted and you don’t crank it up, it is not excessively loud. If your floor is wood, it could resonate loudly (particularly to rooms below) if you don’t isolate the feet with rubber. Mine is in the basement which has a concrete floor, and only I can hear it.

[@giovannigiorgio3211]

Can we make this vibrate when you are on the very edge of traction like in real life when you have "feeling"? Having to listen for the inaccurate audible screeching of the tires for maximum grip is pretty lame in Iracing. I would like it to lightly vibrate when the tires begin screeching and be progressively stronger until traction is full broken. As the tires slip, it still vibrates but too a lesser degree. If this device can't be set up for this then I don't care for it.

[@abuelb]

The buttkicker brings life to otherwise dead feel of DD wheels that are too smooth and lifeless. Its a must have for sim Racers. Best immersion for a fraction of a cost.

[@sebastianmeldau2250]

So..... How would it connect to a ps5...?

[@pstoppani]

Per their website “*Gaming consoles supported with 3rd party HDMI and Optical Extractors (not included).”

[@333hp7900rpm]

@@pstoppani I have my PS5 plugged into a Denon 4700 receiver, I was wondering if I could plug it into the amps pre-outs?

[@simdidracing]

Great video, very good SIMDID recently released a new formula steering wheel, it's great, the price is super discount, come and see

[@melvince73]

You are wrong when usb is connected, the amplifier is identified as a sound card visible and manageable via simhub ! usb is not limited to haptic software …

[@Juggernaut76-e7m]

Man they are taking a lifetime to release in the uk!!!!

[@kanojo1969]

The effort of smiling more than you normally would is uncanny valley stuff. You look like a robot trying to simulate enthusiasm. I know that broadcast pros tend to smile far more than they would in-person, but you also have to be yourself. You're not smiling, you've got rictus.

[@speedgoat7496]

Unfortunately my better half has offered to kick my but for free if I spend more on my sim

[@virtual_GaRy]

Maybe we can hope that someone can write a universal simhub plugin that connects to the box via USB

[@ChrisHaye]

I'm a big fan of Sim Hub, so I'd certainly welcome that!

[@reanash2096]

Why jump cut to your face a million times but only for a a half a second lol

[@m3n4cE6]

"it's sooner than you think" They will seek forgiveness but they will not recieve it, anybody that forgives them will be put to death.

[@pmacnz]

Just use sim hub with USB

[@eequalsawesome9907]

Hi

[@codygrams]

HOLY INPUT LAG! 😵

[@chrisc3825]

Stop when I saaaaaay freeeeeeeeeeze

[@Ivwin]

Yeah no with that software model im out

[@vikingcat794]

Tired of the subscription model trend already!

[@lexx348]

Sad console player noises :( Seems that no telemetry in console games means no good feedback

[@pstoppani]

Per their website “*Gaming consoles supported with 3rd party HDMI and Optical Extractors (not included).”

[@lexx348]

@@pstoppani Yeah, I know, but it’s basically a subwoofer channel signal, instead of proper multi-channel telemetry data

[@makug]

Can't get over your forced smile making you look like an android