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Sim-Lab SQ1 Sequential Shifter: The Best Sim Racing Shifter?
The Sim-Lab SQ1 shifter may be the new kid on the block. However, this small sequential sim racing shifter packs a huge amount of adjustability and excellent performance, making it one of the best around.
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Dutch sim racing brand Sim-Lab is probably best known for its incredibly sturdy aluminium profile sim rigs and cockpits. However, in recent years, they have become more and more well known for their hardware as well.
They have openly stated that the long term goal for Sim-Lab is to provide a complete sim racing ecosystem. They currently have a set of pedals with the XP1, multiple steering wheels such as the incredibly premium Mercedes-AMG F1 wheel. And they are soon to be releasing their own wheel base.
The SQ1 shifter fits nicely into this ecosystem as the brands only dedicated shifter. And, much like its incredibly well-built cockpits, and premium steering wheels, the SQ1 is an incredibly good shifter. But is it the best sim racing shifter around?
What is the SQ1 shifter?
The SQ1 is a sequential-only sim racing shifter, meaning you cannot use it as a traditional H-pattern. Instead, you get forward and back motions, aimed to replicate sequential shifters found in rally, TC and GT cars.
Much like other Sim-Lab products, the SQ1 has incredible build quality, and one of the cleanest designs. Unlike most Sim-Lab products, the SQ1 won’t break the bank. Instead, it is an incredibly well-priced shifter, designed to compete with brands such as Fanatec and MOZA.
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Shifter Specs
| Shifter | Sim-Lab SQ1 Shifter |
| Compatibility | PC Only |
| Shift Style | Sequential |
| Price | €195 / $199 |
| Where to buy | Buy from Sim-Lab |
Sim-Lab SQ1 shifter review
We have been lucky enough to have the SQ1 shifter on our cockpit, and have spent many hours racing with it. This has allowed us to create a comprehensive review of the SQ1, to see whether it truly is one of the best shifters on the market today.
You can watch our complete review below, where I look at its overall design, adjustability and performance.
How much does the Sim-Lab SQ1 shifter cost?
I mentioned earlier that the SQ1 isn’t an ultra premium piece of hardware. Instead, its price puts it firmly in the mid-range price bracket. This is important if Sim-Lab want to compete with popular brands such as Fanatec. And it allows them to undercut more premium shifter manufacturers such as Heusinkveld.
| Shifter | Type | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sim-Lab SQ1 Sequential Shifter | Sequential | €195 / $199 |
With the Sim-Lab SQ1 shifter priced at €195 or $199, it is still an expensive addition to any sim racing setup. However, it isn’t an earth shattering price tag that we have come to expect from some of Sim-Lab’s other products. After all, the Mercedes-AMG F1 steering wheel costs over $2,500!
Should you buy the SQ1 shifter?
My time spent with the SQ1 shifter has led me to fall in love with it. The overall design is incredibly sleek and compact, with really well thought out areas. The mounting is super simple, the USB port well concealed, and the ease of adjustments is, well… easy.
I don’t find myself racing in cars that require a sequential shifter all that often with my preference being Formula 1 games. However, when I do, I absolutely love racing with this shifter, and couldn’t see myself choosing a different option.
Reasons to buy
- Well priced
- Incredible design and high build quality
- A lot of adjustability and customisation
Cons
- Can be noisy
Sim-Lab SQ1 sequential shifter specs
Below are the official hardware specifications for the SQ1 shifter, which you can also find here.
- All-metal construction
- Includes three roller profiles
- Quick-adjust tension knob
- Compact dimensions (LxWxH): 84 x 68 x 275 mm
- Removable shifter rod and knob for customization
- USB cable included
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sim-Lab SQ1 shifter loud?
In a word, yes. The SQ1 is a loud shifter to sim race with. There are four distinct noises that happen with every shift due to the way the internal mechanism works. Sim-Lab have included a quiet roller profile with the SQ1, which does reduce some of the noise.
Is the SQ1 shifter out of stock?
Since its launch in 2025, the SQ1 has gone out of stock a few times. The best way to check all Sim-Lab stock levels, is with our Sim-Lab deals and discount tracker. This tracker checks stock and if any deals are available for any sim-Lab products, including the SQ1 shifter.
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Article written by Rich
Rich is the founder, F1 car setup creator and content writer for SimRacingSetups. With over a decade of experience as a graphic designer, marketing director, competitive sim racer and avid motorsport fan, Rich founded SimRacingSetup.com to share his passion and knowledge of sim racing and Formula 1 with other sim racers. Regularly writes for sim racing website SimRaceReviews.com
View all articles written by Rich
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