Can a €120 shifter really compete with established budget favourites? I tested the SIMSONN HS Pro dual-mode shifter in both H-pattern and sequential modes, and its value for money surprised me. It isn’t perfect, particularly when it comes to shift resistance and switching between modes, but there’s a lot to like.
1. Introduction
The SIMSONN HS Pro is a €120 dual-mode sim racing shifter offering both H-pattern and sequential operation. That puts it directly in the territory of the SHH shifter, one of my usual recommendations for people on a budget. I went into this test wondering whether SIMSONN could deliver something comparable for the money. After unboxing it, mounting it to my rig and driving in both modes, I was genuinely impressed — although there are some important compromises.
2. Price and Value
At the time of filming, the HS Pro was listed at €120 on SIMSONN’s website. I estimated that shipping and other landed costs could still leave it below roughly €160, depending on where you order. There was also a discount code available at the time. Those figures are a snapshot from the video, not a guarantee of today’s price. Even before considering a discount, the amount of hardware here is remarkable.
3. Unboxing and Build Quality
The presentation is better than I expected at this price. There is a proper printed user guide, USB-B cable, metal shift knob, fixing hardware, thread adapters and interchangeable shift gates. The shifter itself has a distinctive hexagonal housing, a carbon-fibre H-pattern gate, two illuminated buttons and an RGB strip at its base. The metal knob has a pleasing weight and finish. Some packaging was awkward to remove, but the overall impression was of a product that had received attention beyond the mechanism alone. Compared with the SHH, the materials and visual finish feel considerably more premium.
4. Mounting and Installation
The HS Pro is primarily base-mounted, with plenty of mounting holes but no included side-mount bracket. SIMSONN offers a separate mounting plate, and my custom shifter mounting solution worked well: the unit was secure, the handbrake remained accessible and both buttons were within easy reach. Depending on your cockpit, you may need additional brackets or a suitable mounting plate. It is worth checking your available space before ordering.
5. Switching Between H-Pattern and Sequential
The dual-mode capability is useful, but switching is not quick. You have to remove the knob and associated hardware, change the gate arrangement and reassemble the mechanism. I also needed a 15 mm spanner that was not supplied. The included gate options allow seven-speed or six-speed-plus-reverse layouts. If you regularly jump between cars using different shifter types during a single session, this process will become tedious. The SHH is much more convenient in that respect. I could live with the HS Pro’s conversion process if I planned to stay in one mode for a full session, as I often do with other mechanically converted shifters.
6. Software, Inputs and RGB Lighting
SIMSONN provides software for checking the shifter inputs, selecting the appropriate H-pattern or sequential configuration and controlling lighting. During testing, the H-pattern gears and reverse registered correctly. One important limitation is that sequential operation uses the same inputs as third and fourth gear, rather than separate dedicated sequential inputs. You may therefore need to change bindings in your simulator when switching modes. The RGB strip and button illumination can be customised, although the preview did not always match the hardware immediately and I needed to save changes to apply them. The illuminated buttons were less bright than the base lighting from my seating position.
7. H-Pattern Driving Experience
My first driving test was in a 1990s Alfa Romeo 156 touring car. The H-pattern shift felt crisp, accurate and almost clinical. Fifth and sixth gear were easy to find once I adjusted to the gate positions, which differed slightly from the shifters I had been using. The mechanism was smooth and satisfying, with more precise gate placement than I remembered from the MOZA H-pattern shifter. The biggest limitation is resistance. The HS Pro is very light to shift and there is no adjustment to make it firmer. Coming straight from a much more substantial BDH shifter made that contrast especially obvious. Still, finding gears wasn’t an issue, and the experience was enjoyable even under spirited driving.
8. Sequential Driving Experience
I switched to a Caterham 620R in Assetto Corsa to test sequential mode. The car was an absolute handful, but the shifter remained enjoyable to use. The sequential action is extremely light, and although it sounds and feels decent for the price, it does not deliver the mechanical weight of a higher-end unit. There is also a distinction between the audible or tactile click and the point where the input actually registers: you need to complete the lever travel for the shift to engage. That is worth knowing if you tend to make very short, rapid shifts. This is a fun, usable sequential shifter, but not a substitute for the feel of a premium dedicated mechanism.
9. How Does It Compare?
The SHH remains my preference for the actual shifting experience, particularly because it offers more resistance, adjustability and much quicker mode changes. The SIMSONN, however, has the more substantial materials and more premium appearance. Compared with the older Logitech shifter and the Thrustmaster TH8A, I found the SIMSONN significantly more enjoyable. I have not tested Logitech’s newer H-pattern shifter, so that is not part of this comparison. The MOZA H-pattern has slightly more resistance but, in my experience, a less precise-feeling gate. The VNM is substantially better built and feels better in operation, but costs more. The Simagic DS8X is superior overall, including its quick mode switching, although it is not competing at this price. What makes the SIMSONN compelling is how much it delivers for €120, not that it beats every expensive shifter.
10. Verdict: Incredible Value, With One Major Compromise
The SIMSONN HS Pro is one of the best-value shifters I’ve had on my rig. I love its distinctive styling, solid-feeling construction, precise H-pattern gate, useful buttons, lighting and — above all — its price. But it looks and feels more expensive than the shifting mechanism itself. Anyone expecting the resistance of a serious mechanical H-pattern or sequential shifter may be disappointed. You cannot tune that resistance, and switching modes takes time and may require remapping controls. If you want a crisp, accurate and very light shift, however, there is an enormous amount to like here. Its mounting options and accessible price may also appeal to DIY enthusiasts interested in modifying the mechanism, although I haven’t tested any such modifications. At the time of filming I planned to continue using it on livestreams over the following weeks; this article reflects the hands-on test in the video, not a completed long-term durability assessment.
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Disclosure: This article is based on my video test. The transcript does not establish whether this particular sample was supplied free of charge; that detail should be confirmed before publication.
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