This is the all-new Cammus C12, the older brother to the popular C5, and with a promised 12nm of torque for only $550, it's offering something nobody in sim racing has managed to do before. Cammus provided this unit to me for review, and so in this video, I'll be putting the C12 through its paces, telling you all what I like, what I do not like, and whether this unique offering by Cammus could be for you. Keep in mind that if you are interested in purchasing, using the code "ocsimracing" at checkout will give you an additional 5% off on the official Cammus store.

Review

Fully redesigned but retaining the same concept as the older C5, the Cammus C12 integrates the direct-drive motor onto the wheel rim itself, with a smaller desk clamp holding everything up. Many significant upgrades have been made on this new version, involving more than just an increase in its torque capabilities; the entire wheel has been redesigned, giving the C12 a much more professional and clean look, especially compared to the controversial design of the C5.

Notably, the size of this new wheel has been increased to 300mm and is now a completely round rim. In hand, its quality does feel very good - the rim is made from synthetic leather material, which feels of high quality, and the stitching on the inside is also very nicely done. The metallic center plate is a bit of a fingerprint magnet, but it gets overshadowed by the carbon fiber button module, which brings a load of functionality. On this, a total of 14 mappable buttons, 7 encoders, a funky switch, and a multifunction display with RGB telemetry lights are found. Though the blue thumb encoders could use some more resistance, I found the quality of all the encoders and buttons to feel and sound very good; just take a listen for yourself.

The ergonomics of this rim are okay but could be slightly better. For starters, adding a slight groove where your hand rests would make it feel more comfortable, and increasing the space between the rim and the thumb encoder would make it far easier to press down - something that is very hard to do with the stock rim. I say "stock rim" because by removing the six bolts in the center cap, the entire wheel can be pulled out and swapped for any third-party rim with the same mounting pattern.

Unfortunately, there appears to be something slightly sticking out from inside the housing, meaning that unless you have a spacer or a wheel rim without a center cap laying flush with the rim, you won't be able to mount it - this seems like a big oversight by Cammus and hopefully one that gets fixed in future units.

All in all, though, from just a design perspective, this has been a big step up from Cammus, and the large 300mm round wheel will provide loads of versatility, especially for those who were limited by the D-shape of the C5.

Taking a look behind the wheel, you'll find the magnetic carbon fiber paddle shifters, not the quick release system, but rather the entire direct-drive motor. Starting with the paddle shifters, they are now larger, made of carbon fiber, and extremely clicky; take a listen for yourself. Although they feel good, I personally prefer a quieter click, but that's of course subjective. From a feel and responsiveness perspective, they are very well made, although it wouldn't hurt to make them just a tad longer. Anyway, the 12nm direct-drive motor is housed in an entirely aluminum alloy casing and features a unique mounting system, which is sold separately for $30 but isn't entirely necessary if you're using a cockpit or wheel stand. Back here, you'll connect the power and USB cable, as well as the small fan inside the mounting system, which provides some added cooling if you're using that.

Force Feedback Performance

Moving onto the on-track performance, there's a lot to uncover. Immediately, the 12nm max torque of this wheelbase does become apparent - at this price range, I’ve never felt a wheelbase that can put out this much force and resistance, something that a lot of people value, especially when immersing themselves with older cars with no power steering, for example.

In terms of on-track detail, feedback, and performance, though, in my opinion, it feels like what you’re paying for. Though the wheel is quick to react and has a lot of torque, at the current stage it’s at with its software, there is an almost dampened feel to a lot of effects which other wheelbases do manage to convey better. Small details like road texture, bumps, curbs, and similar effects don’t feel as realistic here as I would like - in that sense, it almost gives off a slightly robotic and grainy feel which still gives off the actual feedback; it just doesn’t feel as good as higher-end wheelbases at similar torque specs. Whether this is a limitation based on hardware or software I can’t really say, though a large part of me wants to blame this on the software as in its current state, there isn’t nearly as much customization as you would find with competitors.

Playing around with these settings for quite a while, I eventually got this wheelbase to feel commendable and respectable for the price tag it's asking, but I wouldn’t say it stretches to the realism given off by more high-end wheelbases, and that, of course, makes sense.

Several hours into use, the C12 remained consistent and silent in operation, and under passionate use, it still remained perfectly rigid with no sort of flex. In my opinion, the greatest benefit to the C12 is for those on a tight budget who very much value the immersion given off by a strong wheel you can fight against and really feel that kick to; for those who want the max in terms of detail, feedback, and max on-track performance, though, the C12 does a good job for the price, but stretching your budget a little bit more will get you further in this regard.

Now with that said, I do feel very optimistic about the C12. The hardware, from the leather rim to the carbon paddle shifters, is of very high quality, and I believe that if Cammus invests just more time into refining the software side of its performance, this could make for a simply unbeatable product, albeit it’s not quite there yet.

Conclusion

The Cammus C12 stands out as a formidable contender in the sim racing market, particularly for those seeking robust performance without breaking the bank. Its combination of a high-quality build, significant torque output, and potential for future software improvements offers a compelling package for mid-range sim racers. While it may not yet match the nuanced feedback of higher-end models, its current capabilities and price point make it a valuable option for both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts looking for an upgrade. In my opinion, with further refinement, the C12 could indeed redefine expectations for budget-friendly racing sim hardware, and ultimately, that's a great thing for all of us. It’s for this reason that I’ll be keeping my C12 and revisiting it in a few months' time.

OC SCORE: Total 7.2

FAQ

What is the Cammus C12?
The Cammus C12 is a direct-drive sim racing wheel, designed as an upgraded version of the previous C5 model. It boasts a 12nm torque output, a fully redesigned structure for a more professional appearance, and a host of functional improvements over its predecessor.

How does the torque of the C12 compare to other sim racing wheels?
The C12 offers a maximum torque of 12nm, which is notably high for its price range. This torque level provides a strong force and resistance, offering a level of immersion especially appreciated in older car simulations without power steering.

What are the main improvements over the C5 model?
Major improvements include increased torque, a larger 300mm round wheel rim made of synthetic leather, enhanced quality of materials and build, more functional buttons and encoders on the wheel, and a redesigned appearance that offers a more professional and clean look.

Are there any compatibility options for mounting third-party rims?
Yes, the wheel can accommodate third-party rims by removing the six bolts in the center cap. However, due to a slight protrusion inside the housing, a spacer may be necessary for certain rims to fit without issues.

What materials are used in the C12's construction?
The C12 features a synthetic leather wheel rim, metallic center plate, carbon fiber button module, and carbon fiber paddle shifters. These materials contribute to the wheel's high-quality feel and durability.

How does the C12 perform on the track?
On-track performance is strong due to the 12nm torque, but the force feedback and detail in simulating road textures, bumps, and other effects might feel less realistic compared to higher-end models. The feedback can feel somewhat dampened and grainy, though it's still commendable for the price point.

Can the software of the C12 be customized?
While the C12 does offer some software customization, it currently lacks the depth found in competitors' offerings. Further software refinement by Cammus could enhance the wheel's performance and feedback realism.

What are the main criticisms of the C12?
Criticisms include the need for better ergonomics, such as more comfortable hand grooves and easier access to the thumb encoders, and some issues with compatibility and mounting of third-party rims. The dampened feedback and lack of software customization depth are also noted.

Would you recommend the Cammus C12?
The C12 is recommended for mid-range sim racers and those on a budget who value robust performance and immersion. It's a valuable upgrade from lower-end models, but those seeking the utmost in feedback detail and realism might consider stretching their budget for a higher-end model. With potential future software improvements, the C12 could become an even more compelling choice.

Where can I purchase the Cammus C12 and are there any discounts available?
A: The C12 can be purchased from the official Cammus store. Using the code “ocsimracing” at checkout will provide an additional 5% off.

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