Cube Controls CSX 3 Review: The GT Wheel I Use Every Day in My Own Setup
The Cube Controls CSX 3 is the wheel I use every day in my own sim racing setup. When you invest in a high-end direct drive base, the choice of wheel rim is just as important as the base itself — it’s what you hold every single session, what you feel through every corner. After thorough research and several months of intensive use, here’s my honest take on this GT wheel from Italian manufacturer Cube Controls.
A build that commands respect
The first thing that strikes you when you pick up the CSX 3 is the weight: 1,143 grams, solid, well-distributed. The front face is pure 5mm carbon fibre, the main body is CNC-machined anodised aluminium, and the buttons, dials, and joysticks are also aluminium. There’s no visible plastic anywhere — everything signals long-term durability. After months of use, the finish is still as good as day one.
The Alcantara suede rim provides natural, comfortable grip even during long sessions. The GT format at 28.2 cm grip-to-grip strikes the right balance: precise enough for formula-style disciplines, substantial enough for GT cars where you lean hard on the wheel under load.
Controls built for competition
This is where the CSX 3 really sets itself apart. You get 12 backlit momentary buttons, 2 toggle switches with status LEDs, 4 front-facing rotary encoders, 2 thumb encoders, 2 encoders integrated into the grips, and 2 multi-directional joysticks with built-in encoder. In practice, you can manage everything from the wheel without looking away from the track: brake bias, differential, fuel mix, traction control — all at your fingertips.
The shift paddles are magnetic with adjustable stops for travel length. The click is crisp, precise, unambiguous. You can choose a 4 or 6 paddle configuration depending on your disciplines. The 17 RGB LEDs are fully customisable via SimHub for visual alerts: rev limiter, DRS, pit limiter.
The touchscreen: a real on-track tool
The 4-inch (800×480 px) touchscreen is one of the CSX 3’s genuine strengths. Native SimHub compatibility lets you display real-time telemetry data: engine RPM, lap times, tyre wear, race position, or fully custom dashboards tailored to each simulator. The screen responds to touch directly from the wheel, which is genuinely useful for navigating in-game menus mid-session. Brightness is more than adequate even in bright room conditions.
Compatibility and connectivity
The CSX 3 uses Cube Controls’ proprietary Q-Conn magnetic connector — a system that allows quick, effortless attachment. To mount it on a direct drive base, you need a standard formula quick release hub (3-bolt, 1-inch, 70mm PCD) compatible with its connection. It works with all major brands: Simucube, Fanatec, Moza, Ascher Racing. The PC version offers full compatibility; a PlayStation version is available for console setups.
The reason I chose the Cube Controls CSX 3 for my own setup comes down to three things I consider essential in a wheel rim: build quality that leaves no doubt about longevity, a density of controls that covers every real competition use case, and a display that is genuinely useful mid-session rather than just decorative. At €1,335 it’s firmly in the high end of the wheel rim market — but after several months, I have no regrets. It’s the kind of wheel you buy once, and keep for years.
Specifications
ℹ️ Price checked in June 2026 on the manufacturer’s website. For reference only — prices may vary. Rim only, base not included.