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SimRacingPicker
Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake — 2-in-1 Hall-effect handbrake and sequential shifter, mostly steel and aluminum
ThrustmasterHandbrake
pcplaystationxbox

Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake

2-in-1 Hall-effect handbrake and sequential shifter, mostly steel and aluminum

Description

The Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake is a 2-in-1 sim racing handbrake and sequential shifter built for rally, drift and GT driving on PC, PlayStation and Xbox.

Two modes. In handbrake mode it works as a progressive analog handbrake for initiating and holding slides. In shifter mode it becomes a sequential gearbox with push-pull gear changes. A included Horizontal Mode Add-On moves the lever from a vertical rally position to a horizontal GT position.

Sensor. Thrustmaster's H.E.A.R.T (Hall Effect AccuRate Technology) uses contactless magnetic sensors with no potentiometers or tact switches, so the reading does not wear with use.

Construction. About 90% metal (steel and aluminum), with German-made slide bearings, industrial flat coil springs rated at 4 kg (8.8 lb) of resistance and a 1:1 scale aluminum knob. It measures 25.8 × 13.6 × 32.7 cm and weighs about 2.07 kg.

Mounting. Bolt it to a cockpit with M6 screws, or to a desk with the TM Racing Clamp, sold separately.

Compatibility. On PC it connects by USB and works with any wheel brand. On PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One it plugs into a compatible Thrustmaster base: T128, T248, T-GT / T-GT II, T300 series, TS-XW, TX series and T598. Two units can be combined as a handbrake and a sequential shifter. For other handbrakes, see the MOZA HBP and the Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2.

Features & highlights

Progressive handbrake and sequential shifter modes
H.E.A.R.T contactless Hall-effect sensor
About 90% metal (steel and aluminum)
German-made slide bearings
Flat coil springs rated at 4 kg (8.8 lb)
1:1 scale detachable aluminum knob
Horizontal Mode Add-On for vertical rally or horizontal GT position
M6 cockpit mounting, TM Racing Clamp optional
USB on PC with any wheel brand
Mini-DIN to Thrustmaster bases on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series and Xbox One
Weight about 2.07 kg
Handbrake and sequential shifter in one unit
Works on PC, PlayStation and Xbox
Hall sensor with no contact wear

Driving style

The TSS Handbrake suits rally and drift drivers in EA SPORTS WRC, DiRT Rally 2.0, Assetto Corsa and CarX Drift Racing, and its sequential mode adds a shifter for GT, touring and rally cars that use sequential gearboxes. Reviewers describe the progressive handbrake as firm and good for initiating slides, while a few find the stroke short for fine drift modulation. SimRacingCockpit.gg recommends it mainly for console drivers who want both a handbrake and a sequential shifter in one mount.

Best for console rally drivers on a Thrustmaster base and PC drivers who want a handbrake and sequential shifter in one unit; less suited for drivers who only need a handbrake, where the cheaper MOZA HBP or a load cell unit such as the Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2 fit better.

Build quality

Premium build

Thrustmaster says the TSS is about 90% metal, with a steel and aluminum structure, German-made slide bearings, 4 kg industrial flat coil springs and a 1:1 aluminum knob, at around 2 kg in total. Sim Racing Nerd found excellent build quality with no burrs on the surfaces. The contactless Hall sensor has no parts that rub, so precision should not degrade over time.

Software

On Windows 10/11 the TSS connects by USB as its own device and is calibrated with Thrustmaster's PC drivers and control panel, so it works next to any wheel brand. Thrustmaster's support notes that connecting it to a wheel base instead of USB on PC may enable only the sequential mode, and advises against USB hubs and extension cables.

On PlayStation and Xbox it is plug-and-play through a compatible Thrustmaster wheel base via the Mini-DIN cable, with no extra software, in games that support a handbrake or sequential shifter. Thrustmaster lists supported console games on its support site.

Specifications

Sensor TypeContactless Hall-effect (H.E.A.R.T)
GripDetachable 1:1 aluminum knob
Construction MaterialsAbout 90% metal (steel and aluminum), 4 kg flat coil springs
Mounting PositionVertical (rally) or horizontal (GT); M6 cockpit mount or TM Racing Clamp (sold separately)
ConnectionUSB (PC) or Mini-DIN to Thrustmaster base (consoles)
FinishBlack and silver metal
Weight2.07 kg

Pros

  • Two functions in one device
  • Solid, mostly metal build
  • Contactless Hall sensor
  • Rally or GT lever position
  • Works with any wheel brand on PC
  • Officially supported on PlayStation and Xbox through Thrustmaster bases

Cons

  • Expensive at $299.99
  • Desk clamp sold separately
  • Sequential mode can feel loose to some users
  • Changing spring feel means opening the cover
  • Hall position sensor rather than load cell
  • On console it only works through Thrustmaster bases

What's in the box

  • 1 handbrake/shifter
  • 1 detachable gear knob/handbrake lever
  • 1 Horizontal Mode Add-On
  • 1 DIN/Mini-DIN cable
  • 1 DIN/USB cable
  • Mini Allen key, Allen key and key wrench
  • Instruction manual and warranty information

Frequently asked questions

Does the TSS Handbrake work with Fanatec, MOZA or Logitech wheels?

On PC, yes: it connects by USB as its own device and Thrustmaster lists it as compatible with all racing wheels. On PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One it has to plug into a compatible Thrustmaster base (T128, T248, T-GT / T-GT II, T300 series, TS-XW, TX series or T598), so it will not work with other brands' wheels on console.

Should I connect it by USB or to my Thrustmaster wheel base?

Thrustmaster recommends the Mini-DIN/DIN cable to the wheel base on consoles and the DIN/USB cable directly to the PC on Windows. On PC, connecting through the base may only enable sequential shifter mode. Thrustmaster also advises against USB hubs and extension cables, and recommends not touching the lever while plugging in.

Can I mount the TSS Handbrake on a desk?

Not out of the box. It has M6 threads for cockpits, and desk use needs the TM Racing Clamp, sold separately. Reviewers list the missing desk mount as a drawback, and one user on Steam's forums said the TSS with its clamp did not fit easily on a Next Level Racing wheel stand.

How does the sequential shifter mode feel?

Reviewers compare it to the Thrustmaster TH8A, with short travel and precise magnetic sensing. Sim Racing Nerd and SimRacerPro both note it can feel a little loose for drivers who want a hard mechanical shift, and adjusting the springs means opening the cover. SimRacingCockpit.gg calls it a compromise next to a dedicated sequential unit.

Is the handbrake progressive or just on/off?

It is progressive: the Hall-effect sensor reads lever position as an analog axis, with 4 kg flat coil springs for resistance. Reviewers say it lets you modulate rear braking or lock the wheels to start a drift, though SimRacerPro finds the stroke short for fine drift control, and SimRacingCockpit.gg notes a load cell is finer at the top of the pull.

Will the sensor wear out over time?

Thrustmaster's H.E.A.R.T sensor is contactless and magnetic, with no potentiometer or tact switch, and the company says it should not lose precision over time. The unit is about 90% steel and aluminum, and Sim Racing Nerd found excellent build quality with no burrs.

TSS Handbrake vs MOZA HBP vs Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2: which should I buy?

The TSS is the only one of the three that also works as a sequential shifter and is supported on PlayStation and Xbox through Thrustmaster bases. The MOZA HBP is a cheaper handbrake-only unit with a Hall-type sensor, and the Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2 uses a load cell and suits Fanatec setups. SimRacingCockpit.gg recommends the TSS mainly when you need both functions.

What is the difference between the TSS Handbrake and the TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod+?

Both use the same H.E.A.R.T Hall sensor, 4 kg springs, roughly 90% metal build and Horizontal Mode Add-On. The Sparco Mod+ was the Sparco-licensed version. Major US retailers such as B&H and Adorama now list the Sparco Mod+ as no longer available, while the TSS Handbrake is the version Thrustmaster sells in the US, with T128, T248 and T598 on its console compatibility list.

What warranty does the TSS Handbrake have?

US retailer Adorama lists a 12-month manufacturer warranty. Thrustmaster's support site hosts the drivers, manuals and troubleshooting guides; check the warranty terms for your country there.

Is the TSS Handbrake worth $299.99?

Reviewers call it expensive. SimRacerPro rates it highly for rally and drift fans, and Sim Racing Nerd recommends it to those who can afford it but says the missing table mount hurts value for money. It makes the most sense if you need both a handbrake and a sequential shifter, especially on console.

How do I switch between handbrake and sequential mode, and can I use two units?

Switching is a quick mechanical change described in the user manual, and SimRacingCockpit.gg says it takes a few seconds. On PC, Thrustmaster's software lets you calibrate the axis. Thrustmaster says two units can be combined, one as a handbrake and one as a sequential shifter, for a rally cockpit.