The Best Race Deck Led From Apex Sim Racing: Review Complete Buyer’s Guide

Apex Sim Racing – Race Deck LED Button Box – In-Depth Review

The Race Deck LED Button Box from Apex Sim Racing (Apex Engineering) stands out as a premium solution for sim racing enthusiasts looking to enhance their setups. This innovative control panel is not just a collection of buttons; it features an integrated Elgato Stream Deck (MK1 or MK2) within a meticulously designed enclosure. By combining dedicated sim buttons, rotary encoders, and advanced customization options, the Race Deck LED aims to provide quick and ergonomic access to essential controls ranging from wipers and lights to brake bias and ABS.

For racers who prefer to avoid clutter and shy away from relying solely on keyboard shortcuts, this device offers a compact, efficient solution.

Unboxing & First Impressions

Upon unboxing the Race Deck LED, the first thing that strikes you is its impressive design. The genuine carbon fibre front and rear plates, each measuring 2 mm thick, present a matte twill finish that adds a professional, motorsport-inspired aesthetic to your rig. Unlike many competitors, the carbon fibre is authentic rather than a mere vinyl wrap, which speaks to the quality of materials used.

The enclosure is 3D-printed and hand-finished, resulting in a rugged, textured feel that sets it apart from generic button boxes. Measuring 172 mm tall, 150 mm wide, and 45 mm deep, it fits comfortably on most racing rigs while still providing ample surface area for controls. It’s worth noting that the Elgato Stream Deck is not included, so you’ll need to purchase that separately, but the unit is compatible with both the MK1 and MK2 versions.

Design & Build Quality

Materials & Enclosure

• Carbon Fibre Panels: The 2 mm thick front and rear plates offer durability and a premium look.
• 3D Printed Body: The textured finish provides a rugged surface that resists wear and tear.
• Compact Footprint: Its dimensions make it easy to mount on a rig or desk, leaving space for other peripherals.
• Rear Mounting: M5 inserts are compatible with 75 × 100 mm or 100 × 100 mm VESA mounts, making attachment to adjustable arms or rails straightforward.

Overall, the build quality feels robust and thoughtfully engineered, making it suitable for long-term use in dedicated racing setups.

Controls & Features

Standard Inputs

• 12 mm LED Momentary Push Buttons: Each button can be mapped to virtually any in-game function, providing immediate feedback with LED color changes from red to blue when pressed.
• CTS Rotary Encoders: Ideal for fine adjustments like brake bias, ABS, or menu selection, allowing for precise control.
• Optional 7-Way Multi-Switch: This can replace the center button, providing a cluster with Up, Down, Left, Right, Push, and two encoder directions, perfect for in-game menu navigation.

Elgato Stream Deck Integration

The integration of an Elgato Stream Deck MK1 or MK2 into the Race Deck LED significantly enhances its functionality. This combination allows for:

• App launching
• Profile switching per car or series
• Macro functions such as volume control or chat keys
• Multiple pages for quick access to essential racing tools or utilities

The mix of dedicated physical buttons and the customizable Stream Deck screen ensures that a broad range of functions is easily accessible without needing to switch to a keyboard or overlay.

Installation & Compatibility

The Race Deck LED connects via USB, ensuring a plug-and-play experience on PCs. Its flexible mounting options, supported by rear M5 inserts, accommodate common VESA mounting standards, which is particularly useful for those who wish to position the unit alongside their wheel or rig profile.

This USB-based design, along with its reliance on the Stream Deck ecosystem, allows for seamless integration with most sim racing titles and streaming setups. However, it’s essential to note that the Stream Deck’s software is required for configuring macro functions, which adds a layer of complexity to the setup process.

User Experience

In practical terms, the Race Deck LED excels when it comes to providing quick and intuitive control over gameplay and rig functions. The tactile push buttons are responsive, and the LED color change upon pressing makes it easy to confirm commands without diverting your attention from the track.

Additionally, the rotary encoders offer dial-style control for variables such as brake bias or ABS settings. The optional multi-switch adds a menu controller without occupying extra space on the panel, making it an efficient choice for managing multiple functions.

Integrating the Elgato Stream Deck elevates the experience even further. You can effortlessly switch camera angles, adjust stream layouts, or apply profile presets for different cars—all from the comfort of your racing seat.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• ✔ High-quality materials: Authentic carbon fibre and a textured enclosure convey a premium feel.
• ✔ Versatile input set: LEDs, push buttons, encoders, and an optional multi-switch provide a wide array of control options.
• ✔ Elgato Stream Deck integration: This feature expands the functionality well beyond that of standard button boxes.
• ✔ Flexible mounting: Rear VESA inserts allow for various rig positioning options.

Cons

• ✘ Stream Deck sold separately: This increases the overall cost and necessitates additional setup.
• ✘ Requires configuration software: Full functionality relies on the Stream Deck and button mapping tools.
• ✘ Space needs: Although compact, it still requires a dedicated spot on your sim rig.

Conclusion

The Race Deck LED Button Box from Apex Sim Racing is a thoughtfully designed, high-quality control panel that enhances sim racing setups. By merging dedicated physical buttons, LED feedback, and the capabilities of an integrated Elgato Stream Deck, it caters to racers who seek quick access to both game and streaming functions without the hassle of juggling keyboards or overlays.

While the absence of the Stream Deck in the package may deter some, the Race Deck LED remains a compelling upgrade for serious sim racers and content creators alike, offering both functionality and style in a single, compact unit.