In the small world of sim racing, the Fanatec CSL Pedals Clutch Kit plays a very specific role: it's the extension that transforms the basic CSL pedalboard into a "complete" three-pedal unit, with a dedicated clutch pedal. It's not a spectacular product, but a key element in the transition from paddles to a more realistic management of starts and shifts.

This kit appeals for three simple reasons: its price remains affordable within the Fanatec ecosystem, it integrates neatly with the original CSL crankset, and it lets you sample a more "mechanical" experience without jumping straight to a top-of-the-range load cell crankset. It's a small upgrade, but one that has a big impact on the way you drive, especially in classic, GT or rally formulas.

For my part, I looked at three things in particular: build quality (because a poorly designed third pedal can spoil the whole ergonomics of the crankset), consistency of feel compared to the two original pedals, and real interest in play, especially at the start, in heel-toe and in clutch management in manual cars. The idea is to find out whether this Clutch Kit is worthwhile in a CSL setup, or whether it's better to save up directly for a more advanced solution.

Design and manufacturing

The Fanatec CSL Pedals Clutch Kit uses exactly the same design language as the CSL pedalboard: metal frame and arm, steel pedal plate, sober, slightly industrial look. In hand, the first impression is good: it's dense, with no parasitic play and a real feeling of rigidity. Once mounted on the bracket, the pedal doesn't feel like an "add-on", but like part of the original block.

The finish is consistent with the rest of the CSL range: this is an entry/mid-range model, so no jewel-like machined parts, but a clean, functional package, above the plastic cranksets often found in bundles with mass-market steering wheels. Fastening points fall nicely, adjustments are serious, nothing creaks or rattles in a worrying way.

The feel underfoot remains typical of spring-loaded pedals: rather long travel, progressive but linear resistance, no "kick" or hard point like a sports car clutch. For a kit dedicated to clutches, some might expect a more pronounced feel, with a clearer grip zone. Here, we're sticking with a fairly homogeneous pedal, which has the advantage of being easy to get to grips with, but a little less spectacular in terms of realism.

Compared to more serious cranksets with dedicated clutches and more sophisticated mechanisms, this Clutch Kit is obviously simpler. On the other hand, if I compare it to the third pedals of entry-level plastic packages, the gain in rigidity, stability and perceived durability is clear. It feels like a real piece of hardware, not a fragile optional accessory.

Settings, customization and compatibility

This kit is physically installed on the basic CSL pedalboard. Installation is straightforward: the pedal is attached to the crossbar, the cable is connected to the small electronic card provided, and the pedalboard is automatically recognized as three pedals by the Fanatec base. There are no menus dedicated to the Clutch Kit itself: everything is managed via the usual pedalboard settings in the Fanatec drivers on the PC or via the base on the console.

Adjustment options remain in line with CSL logic: lateral pedal position, limited inclination by adjusting the fixing points, and slight variation in resistance via the spring and its preload. We're not talking here about advanced settings such as adjustable stops or mechanical curve changes, but you can still adapt the position for correct heel-toeing and avoid ending up with a clutch that's too far off-center.

The learning curve is fairly gentle. We're sticking with a position sensor clutch, so dosage is very easy to read. Once you've set the stroke and calibrated the crankset in the drivers, you'll quickly find your bearings. For someone coming from a two-pedal crankset without a clutch, adaptation is quick. The important thing is more the ergonomic setting in the cockpit than the software parameterization.

Compatibility-wise, the Clutch Kit follows the CSL pedalboard: PC no problem, consoles via compatible Fanatec bases. As long as the pedalboard is recognized, so is the clutch. Integration into the ecosystem is complete: CSL base, Clubsport, various steering wheels, H shifter, handbrake... This kit is clearly the gateway to a more "manual" setup. You can then move on to a load cell kit for the brake, or even change crankset later on. This Clutch Kit is not an end in itself, but a coherent intermediate brick.

Sensations in play

On the track, the first thing that stands out is its consistency. The CSL Clutch Kit's clutch pedal offers a fairly long, progressive stroke, allowing you to work the skid point cleanly. You can clearly feel the position of the foot, with no jerks or strange variations. For standing starts, it's very comfortable: you can dose the clutch to avoid excessive slippage, especially on powerful drives.

When cornering with an H-shifter or sequential shifter, the clutch is easy to find, even without looking at it. The force required is moderate, limiting left-foot fatigue over long sessions. It's not the clutch that's going to break your leg after an hour's endurance riding. It's more an efficient tool than an ultra-faithful reproduction of a racing clutch.

In fast corrections, especially when downshifting abruptly on corner entry to stabilize the rear end, the pedal's consistency really helps. There's the same resistance, the same feel, whatever the situation on the track. This predictability inspires confidence: you know exactly what the clutch is going to do when you mash it or release it gently. Less unknowns, more concentration on the trajectory.

Grip readings, on the other hand, still depend mainly on steering wheel force feedback and brake quality. Of course, the clutch does not transmit grip information in the strict sense. It does, however, contribute to the car's overall stability during starts and downshifts. When clutch metering is mastered, wheel lock-up and loss of traction become more predictable. It's easier to understand what the car is doing when you step back on the throttle.

The CSL Clutch Kit's clutch remains fairly neutral on vibrators. There's no vibration transmitted to the pedal - that's not its role. What's important here is that there's no rebound or stray movement of the foot when you pass over a vibrator while still releasing the clutch. In this respect, the rigidity of the crankset prevents annoying deformations, and control remains clean.

Compared to a more basic two-pedal crankset without clutch, the difference is clear in all disciplines where clutch management is important: rallying, drifting, vintage touring cars, GT with manual start. You go from "semi-arcade" driving to something more engaging. You really feel like you're driving with three active limbs, not just two feet to accelerate and brake.

Compared to a higher-end crankset with a hard-spot or multi-spring clutch, the CSL Clutch Kit is simpler and gentler. It loses a little in mechanical "character", but gains in accessibility. The advantage is that it remains very easy to live with on a daily basis: no headaches, no surprising behavior, just a clutch pedal consistent with the rest of the crankset.

Over long sessions, the absence of excessive fatigue is a real strength. The force required remains reasonable, the running comfortable and the elastic return constant. You can run one race after another without feeling your left foot saturated or sore. For a sim racer who rides several hours a week, this is a detail that counts.

Who's it for? What we like / What we don't like

The Fanatec CSL Pedals Clutch Kit is aimed primarily at sim racers equipped with a two-pedal CSL pedalboard, who are beginning to feel cramped with the steering wheel paddles alone. Typical profile: motivated beginners or serious intermediates, who drive a lot on PC or console with manual or semi-manual cars, and who want to take immersion to the next level without blowing their budget.

What works well is the natural integration into the CSL pedalboard: same material, same logic, same overall feel. Install, adjust, and you've got a coherent, sturdy, pleasant package. The perceived reliability is good, the rigidity reassuring, and the overall experience well above that of entry-level consumer cranksets. Another plus point is ease of use. The clutch is quick to master, the proportioning is easy to read, and starts are immediately more controlled. Finally, the Fanatec ecosystem's utility/price ratio is interesting: for a moderate cost, you can unlock a new dimension of driving.

On the other hand, there are a few limitations to bear in mind. In terms of "realistic clutch feel", the Clutch Kit remains relatively linear. You don't get that famous straightforward engagement point found on more ambitious cranksets. Those looking for a sensation very close to that of a sports or racing road car will be disappointed. Another point: the physical adjustment options remain fairly basic. You can adjust the position and a little resistance, but you can't go too far into customization. Finally, this kit has a side that's very specific to the Fanatec ecosystem: you're investing in a part that only makes sense if you stay with this crankset. In a long-term logic, some may prefer to spend more money directly on a complete, more upgradeable crankset.

On the notion of investment, the perceived value depends very much on your use. If you drive mainly paddle-shifters, the interest is limited. If you spend hours on H-patterns, rallies or vintage cars, this Clutch Kit becomes a very worthwhile purchase, which will improve the quality of your driving.

Verdict

The Fanatec CSL Pedals Clutch Kit doesn't transform a setup, but it does intelligently complete it. It takes an already decent CSL pedalboard and adds the missing brick for a credible three-pedal riding experience. The impact is most obvious in the way you handle starts, downshifts and everything else that has to do with the "mechanical" feel of driving.

On the market, this kit is clearly a mid-range, value-for-money solution, rather than an ultra-realistic premium product. It's aimed at those who want to take a step up from entry-level gear, without necessarily aiming straight for a competition crankset. For a user already established in the Fanatec ecosystem, the choice is a logical one.

I wouldn't recommend it to someone who prefers modern cars with paddles and hardly ever touches a shifter. In that case, the money would be better invested elsewhere, such as in a better brake or a more accomplished steering wheel. On the other hand, if you often ride H-pattern, classic GT, rally or drift, this Clutch Kit can clearly make the difference in your setup.