The Cammus C5 surprised me with the strength and smoothness of its force feedback in such a compact package. I tested the bundle with its two pedals and desk mount, first on a cockpit and then in a simpler setup. The aim is to see what this Direct Drive package offers a PC beginner and which compromises accompany its low price.
The design and bundle contents
The motor is integrated directly into the wheel assembly. The C5 is rated at 5 Nm sustained torque, and in use its force felt ample for this kind of setup. The bundle shown cost around €349 delivered to France at the time of the video. That budget comparison belongs to the period of this test.
The D-shaped wheel has neither a quick release nor an interchangeable rim. Its small size, around 27–28 cm, recalls the beginner bundles it competes with. It works on PC, without PlayStation or Xbox compatibility. This is the standard C5 with floor pedals, rather than the e-pedal version mentioned in the introduction.
The box supplies the XT60 power supply, cables, a fan, stickers and mounting brackets. I liked the covering’s finish and grip. Controls are plentiful, with buttons, three encoders, a three-digit display and an LED strip. The paddles are tiny, but their click is positive and I use them without particular difficulty, including in F1.
Cockpit installation and pedals
The mounting points matched my support, so I did not have to drill anything. You can use the two brackets alone or retain part of the desk mount to add inclination and install the fan. The mount assembles in a few minutes; the instructions are not in French, but the illustrations make the process understandable.
The pedals also need some assembly. They attach to a metal base and use magnetic position sensors, without a load cell. Travel is long and cannot be mechanically adjusted. On my cockpit, I therefore tilted the deck considerably to find a suitable position. The faces also seem small for my size-45 feet.
Coming from much more advanced pedals, I needed some adjustment time. I nevertheless recovered my reference points and managed to drive well. These pedals are best suited to a simple first set; software curves remain their main adjustment method.
Software and phone adjustments
The software handles updates, profiles, rotation angle and the usual force-feedback settings: damping, centring and filters. It also adjusts brake and throttle curves, plus screen and LED brightness.
The iOS or Android app lets you change settings in real time after creating a Cammus account. It contains manufacturer and community profiles and lets you save your own. I particularly appreciate the three software end-stop levels: the steering limit is clear and provides useful information in hairpins.
Tests across several simulations
In iRacing, I used dirt driving to assess rapid direction changes, followed by the Mazda MX-5 and GT3 cars. I quickly found my reference points with convincing force. In Assetto Corsa Competizione, a personal profile also gave me a feel I enjoyed.
EA Sports WRC needs a little more attention when assigning buttons because the wheel and base appear separately. Once that step is complete, my preset allows enjoyable driving. The small paddles remain usable in rally, and a button can act as the handbrake.
At the desk: comfort and securing the pedals
The format lets the screen sit close to the wheel. The mount installs and removes easily, which suits a space shared with other activities. With a desk chair, the pedal angle felt more natural than on my cockpit.
The pads improve support, and the set does not tip over in my test, but it still slides on the floor: I need a wall or furniture behind it to hold it in place. The cable is long enough for a tidy installation. General operation is quiet, although the additional fan adds noise.
What we liked
- Force feedback and the perceived power reserve for this budget.
- The compact format, removable mount and clearly defined end stop.
- Profiles and settings accessible from a phone.
What we liked less
- The small fixed wheel, with no option to change its shape.
- Non-adjustable pedal travel and the need to secure the pedals on the floor.
- The confusing manufacturer-site purchase process at the time.
