The Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race KD3 Steering Wheel Controller is part of the company’s latest line of racing wheels. Aiming to set a new gold standard in racing controllers, the KD3 provides strong feedback and precise control, creating an immersive driving simulator experience. With a list of advanced features and hardware, does the KD3 have what it takes to win gold? Let’s take a closer look.
The VelocityOne Race KD3 is designed as a complete driving system out of the box. It comes with a steering wheel, magnetic paddle shifters and a dual floor pedal system, making it ready for any racing simulation. A full desk-mounting kit, adjustable tilt steering and companion software for further customization make it clear that Turtle Beach worked to create a streamlined system compatible with both PC and Xbox Series X|S.
Setting up the VelocityOne Race KD3 is simple and, when using the clamp desk mount, requires no tools. The direct-drive mount clamps to most desktop surfaces and is secured by a hand-tightened thread system. Once attached, the steering wheel locks in place with a tension ring that releases a ball-bearing clamp, allowing the wheel to connect to the drive.
“The VelocityOne Race KD3 is designed as a complete driving system out of the box.”
The wheel can only be attached one way, reducing the chance of misalignment. Once connected, a single power cable attaches to the base of the unit and powers the system. Two USB-C cables connect to the back of the drive: one links to an Xbox or PC, and the other connects to the floor pedal system. After the companion software is installed, the VelocityOne Race KD3 is ready for action.
The KD3 also includes extra USB-C ports for attaching additional VelocityOne peripherals if desired. The side of the drive unit features menu buttons typically found on a controller, along with a roller control for onboard steering wheel settings. This setup enables on-the-fly system controls, profile swapping, and configuration without leaving the game. It’s a slick feature that works well.
Another welcome addition is the tilt adjuster built into the mounting plate. As the name suggests, it allows for quick tilt changes via a threaded shaft at the base of the wheel. Adjustments take only seconds, making it ideal for households with multiple players.
The steering wheel provides a full set of onboard controls for navigating the Xbox interface as well as in-game menus, all within reach of your thumbs. Button placement is excellent, allowing for quick access without removing your hands from the wheel. The magnetic paddle shifters are also well-positioned, remaining easy to reach even during tight turns in-game.
As for the shifter’s performance, they are incredibly smooth and consistent in their operation. Regardless of the title or even the car being used, the system is quick and responsive with no notable delay. The feedback from the paddles also provides a satisfying click when engaged.
The wheel is attached to a direct-drive force feedback motor that delivers up to 3.2 N·m of torque to simulate resistance while turning. Force levels can be adjusted through the Tuner app, which offers extensive tuning and customization options. The direct-drive system offers strong feedback, resulting in an immersive driving experience. Responses feel instantaneous, adding to the realism of racing.
“Whether on a track or off-road, the wheel delivers consistent and appropriate resistance.”
The VelocityOne Race KD3 excels at simulating different environments, road conditions and vehicle types across a variety of games. Whether on a track or off-road, the wheel delivers consistent and appropriate resistance. Overall, the performance is impressive, with the wheel feeling responsive and tight throughout use.
As for the accelerator and brake pedals, they, too, were great to use. Both provided excellent input responses, which can also be adjusted from the tuner app and via the tension screw on the back of each pedal. My one small critique of the design is simply the angle of the pedals. While quite functional, I found that sitting in an office chair can cause a little strain on the ankles. While the tension force can be adjusted, it would be nice to also be able to adjust the pedal’s physical angle slightly.
As for connecting the system to your Xbox or PC, there are a couple of things to consider. If you are looking for the most plug-and-play experience, I would recommend leveraging an Xbox Series X|S. Supported titles immediately recognize the Wheel and work as you would expect. Any additional customization is still easily managed via the Tuner App for Xbox and functions similarly to the PC version.
“…I cannot recommend the KD3 Steering Wheel enough.”
Connecting to PC is a bit more of a process and requires running an additional Telemitry app. With this second app, you’ll need to select the supported title you intend to play, confirm the wheel is connected and then launch the game. Additionally, in some titles, you may still need to configure the wheel in-game. Thankfully, due to the 10 profiles available on the VelocityOne Race KD3, it’s a one-and-done process.
This note is not a critique but rather a consideration for those wanting to race for the first time on PC. If you’ve used wheels on PC before, this is nothing new. Turtle Beach has done a great job at making this as streamlined and easy as possible, but it is still an extra step between you and racing.
The VelocityOne Race KD3 Steering Wheel from Turtle Beach is an excellent racing wheel controller that offers a superb level of feedback, response and customization. Considering all the wheel has to offer, its $499.99 price point makes a lot of sense, and if you are serious about your racing sims, then I cannot recommend the KD3 Steering Wheel enough.
