Sim racing has come a long way from arcade-style gameplay. Racing simulator manufacturers are focused on creating the most realistic experience possible, that closely matches how a real car feels. This allows motorsport professionals to practice at a fraction of the cost of real-world track racing.

Competitive sim racers choose technology that provides consistent and accurate feedback, helping them build muscle memory and improve lap times. Enthusiasts also want their sim racing gear to deliver an authentic, realistic feel.

But what powers this level of realism? Let’s explore the technology behind it and why it’s been chosen to help you get the most out of your sim racing.

What Is Load Cell Technology?

In simple terms, a load cell is a sensor that measures force. In sim racing pedals, that means it doesn’t measure how far the pedal moves, but how hard you press. The force applied is converted into a digital signal, which is then interpreted by your racing software.

This is important because in real cars, especially in motorsports, drivers don’t brake by thinking about pedal travel. They brake by applying a certain amount of pressure. That force-based input becomes muscle memory. Over time, your muscles learn what 50%, 70%, or 100% braking effort feels like. This makes braking more accurate and repeatable, making it easier to learn consistent braking and reduce variability lap after lap.

Other Pedal Technologies in Sim Racing

Sim racing pedals generally rely on one of four main sensor types: potentiometer, hall, pressure, or load cell. Potentiometer pedals use a rotary sensor to track how far the pedal is pushed. As the pedal moves, the sensor detects changes in resistance and translates that into input. This method is simple and cost-effective, which makes it common in entry-level setups. However, because it measures position rather than pressure, it offers limited realism and tends to wear out over time due to mechanical friction.

A hall sensor is a magnetic sensor that measures the pedal’s position, similar to how a potentiometer works. However, a hall sensor operates contactless, which eliminates wear and tear. It is commonly used for more advanced sim racing setups.

Pedals with hydraulic pressure take a different approach. They use fluid, typically brake fluid or oil, within a master cylinder to simulate the pressure and feedback of a real car’s braking system. As pressure builds in the fluid chamber when you press the pedal, a sensor measures that pressure and converts it into a signal. This method delivers a realistic, progressive resistance that closely mirrors real-world braking. However, such hydraulic systems are more complex, require regular maintenance, and can sometimes suffer from fluid leaks or performance degradation over time. They also tend to be more expensive, often reserved for advanced or professional users.

Load cell pedals work by measuring the actual force applied to the pedal, rather than position or hydraulic pressure. This method is highly accurate, consistent, and durable, with no moving parts that wear out. Load cells require very little maintenance and are a preferred choice for serious sim racers aiming for long-term performance and training consistency. All pedal types are shown in the table below for visual comparison.

Pedal Technologies in Sim Racing

Pedal technology	Type of sensor	Measurement
Potentiometer	Rotary	Position of pedal, how far the pedal moves
Hall	Magnetic	Position of pedal, how far the pedal moves
Load cell	Load cell	Force (weight) applied to a pedal
Hydraulic	Hydraulic pressure	Fluid pressure, then more pressure applied to a pedal then more resistance it gives -progressive resistance feeling

 

Reasons to Choose Load Cell Technology

Control is key to driving well, and consistency is what turns average laps into winning ones. One major benefit of load cell technology is that it measures the force you apply, not just the pedal position. This makes braking easier to manage, more consistent, and more natural to get the hang of. Over time, your muscles learn exactly how much force to use, helping you deliver the same braking every lap.

When you’re driving, it should feel natural, almost like second nature. You don’t have to think about the pedal, you just respond to how the car moves. In sim racing, that is especially important because you don’t get the usual g-forces or that ‘seat-of-the-pants’ feeling. Having a braking system that feels intuitive makes all the difference.

Built to Last

Durability is another key benefit. When you’re practicing for hours or racing competitively, you need hardware you can trust. Load cell sensors are typically made from high-strength materials like stainless steel.  Aluminium is also commonly used because of its lightweight, corrosion resistance, and elasticity, while offering excellent strength and can handle repeated pressure and force without bending or breaking. This construction helps pedals resist wear from friction or mechanical stress, making them far more reliable than potentiometers, which degrade over time due to moving parts.

Hydraulic pedals offer a very realistic feel by using brake fluid or oil in a closed-loop system. Although both hydraulic and load cell pedals provide accurate input, hydraulic pedals require more complex maintenance, including bleeding and leak prevention.

Why Kilograms Don’t Matter for Brake Pedals

When it comes to sim racing pedals, the number of kilograms needed to press the pedal isn’t the key factor. What truly matters is the maximum load capacity of the load cell and how well you can feel and consistently apply the braking force while staying comfortable during long sessions. Real braking is about controlling force, not just pushing the pedal to a certain position or weight.

Both pedals, Simucube ActivePedal Pro and Ultimate, use S-type load cells with maximum capacity of 2000 N and are made of stainless steel. This number shows the actual force measured, not just the pedal “weight” like the 110 kg or 200 kg figures you often hear about.

At Simucube, the load cells are not placed directly under the foot. Instead, Simucube optimises their placement for accuracy, measuring forces digitally across multiple dimensions through software. Most traditional pedals place the load cell directly under the foot, meaning they measure only the direct vertical force applied. That setup works, but it’s not always accurate, as in real use, your foot doesn’t always press straight down.

In addition, in the ActivePedals traditional mechanical systems such as springs and fluids are replaced with a motor-powered setup. A motor-driven feedback system is combined with software-defined pedal feel. This allows adjustment of pedal force and behaviour through software rather than physical components, extending pedal lifespan. Learn more about high-end sim racing pedals in our blog: “A Buyer’s Guide to High-End Sim Racing Pedal”.

Sim racing pedals comparison

Feature	Potentiometer, hall (pedal’s position)	Load Cell (applied force)	Hydraulic (applied pressure)
Realism Level	Basic	More realistic feel, especially for competitive sim racing	Progressive resistance and feedback as in a real car
Price Range	Low	Mid	High
Durability	Low to Medium (Wears out over time – friction-based parts)	High	High (if maintained)
Maintenance	Low, easy to replace or repair	Low	High maintenance (can leak or require bleeding)
Accuracy	Low	High	High
Best fit for	Casual Racers / Beginners   Budget-friendly and simple to use	Competitive / League Racers   Braking becomes more consistent, which improves lap times and confidence	Real-World Racers / Hardcore Sims   The most realistic feel to match real race cars