Having the Simagic GT NEO and MOZA KS side by side reveals differences that separate reviews can obscure. I drove with both and compared grips, buttons, paddles and software capabilities. The GT NEO feels more refined to me, but the KS remains a coherent lower-budget option and has a shape I enjoy.
Two different grip shapes
Both wheels use a composite structure and soft grips, but their appearance and feel differ. I prefer the GT NEO’s matte finish. The KS feels lighter in my hands and its grip shape lets me close my fingers more, with palm support that I enjoy.
The Simagic leaves more space around my thumbs and its grip feels thicker. On the MOZA, I more easily feel the structure beneath the grip. Hand size and driving grip therefore influence the preference.
Buttons and encoders: small differences add up
Each has ten backlit buttons. The GT NEO’s click sounds softer to me and its flatter surface feels pleasant under a finger. In the filming conditions, I also find its colours more accurate; achieving a neutral white seems less straightforward on the KS.
The Simagic has four illuminated rotary encoders against three unlit ones on the MOZA. The GT NEO’s multidirectional controls also rotate. Those extra inputs provide more options for organising car adjustments and menus.
The thumb wheels occupy different positions. The KS places them higher, where I occasionally activated one unintentionally. The GT NEO’s feel firmer and better protected by their location. The difference is modest.
Paddles, resistance and finger room
Both shifting systems are magnetic and relatively quiet. I prefer the GT NEO’s more positive click; the KS offers less resistance. The MOZA analogue paddles also feel lighter with little resistance, while the Simagic has a more perceptible spring action.
Adjusting paddle position is easier on the GT NEO. On the KS, my fingers can rub when I change hand position, and I have less scope to correct it. For me, that ergonomic difference matters more than a simple preference for one sound.
Other bases and customisation
The Simagic quick release has a collar I find easier to grip. To use the GT NEO outside its own ecosystem, USB or MagLink can be combined with the appropriate mechanical adapter. The KS uses MOZA’s designated hub and adapter. In either case, the chosen base and any electronic requirements still need to be considered.
SimPro Manager and Pit House configure colours and controls. In the versions compared, the GT NEO makes greater use of buttons and encoders for telemetry indications; the KS mainly reserves this information for its LED strip. Over USB, the Simagic can also be customised in SimHub with the plugin shown, including colour-based encoder indications.
What we liked
- GT NEO: more complete controls, paddle click, adjustment options and lighting customisation.
- KS: an enjoyable shape, low noise and a lower cost at the time of comparison.
- Both are enjoyable GT wheels with clutch paddles available for suitable uses.
What we liked less
- KS: less paddle adjustment, tighter room for my fingers and occasionally unintended thumb-wheel inputs.
- GT NEO: the extra cost matters if the additional functions are not useful to you.
