What Is A Button Box?
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So you’ve heard the term button box thrown around in sim racing circles… what is it exactly, and do you really need one?
In plain terms, a button box is a compact control panel packed with momentary buttons, toggle switches, rotary encoders and dials—all wired into your PC as a separate USB controller.
It gives you dedicated in-race access to key functions like brake bias, pit requests, ignition, camera views, and more, without reaching for a keyboard or breaking focus on the track.
Why does it matter? Because standard sim wheels just don’t cut it.
You might be juggling dozens of mappings on your rim, but when you switch car types or wheel style, key controls move around. Using a button box keeps things consistent, intuitive, and muscle memory stays sharp no matter what wheel you mount.
Plus, those tactile buttons and knobs feel realistic, especially if you run in VR or wear gloves during races. Instead of navigating menus or fumbling with keyboard shortcuts while racing at 300 km/h, you flick a toggle or twist a dial and keep your eyes on the apex.
This guide will walk you through exactly what a button box is, why sim racers swear by it, and how it can supercharge your performance and immersion.
Let’s get into it – read on for the full breakdown.
Table of Contents
- What is a button box in sim racing?
- What can you control with a button box?
- Why use a button box instead of a keyboard or wheel buttons?
- Types of button boxes and how they work
- Is a button box worth it for you?
- Meet the PXN CB1: What it offers
- How to set up and map your PXN CB1
- Why the PXN CB1 is worth checking out
What is a button box in sim racing?
A button box is a dedicated control panel you connect to your PC via USB. It’s packed with physical switches, toggles, push buttons, dials, and sometimes even joysticks. It works just like any other game controller, but with one big difference: you decide exactly what each input does.
Brake bias? Assign it to a rotary dial. Pit limiter? Flick a toggle. Engine start? Push a red button.
Instead of digging through keyboard shortcuts or trying to remember what’s mapped to where on your wheel, you get a clean, custom layout that stays the same every race. And because it’s separate from your sim wheel, it doesn’t matter if you switch between GT, F1, rally, or truck setups—your controls stay consistent.
Most button boxes are plug-and-play. Your PC recognises it like any other controller, and you map the inputs inside your sim software. No drivers, no firmware headaches. Just direct control where and when you need it.
So if you’ve ever found yourself fumbling through menus mid-race or stretching for a key at the wrong time, a button box solves that.
It’s simple: more control, fewer mistakes, better racing. That’s the real value.
What can you control with a button box?
A button box gives you faster access to controls that matter during a race without reaching for your keyboard or cycling through wheel menus.
Most sim racers use button boxes to handle the repetitive and critical tasks that need quick inputs. Think pit limiter, wipers, headlights, starter, ignition, engine map, fuel mix, brake bias, traction control, ABS, radio messages, camera views, and pit strategy adjustments.
Having a physical toggle for your ignition or a rotary dial for brake bias gives you faster reaction time. You don’t need to look away from the screen or guess what’s mapped where. Each input has a fixed spot. Once your muscle memory kicks in, adjustments are quick and deliberate.
Rotary encoders and knobs are useful for values that change on the fly like adjusting differential settings, brake bias or traction control mid-corner. Switches work well for toggling functions like lights or wipers. Momentary buttons handle actions like pit requests or menu confirmation.
The real benefit of using a button box isn’t just about adding more buttons. It’s about assigning the right function to the right control so your inputs are fast, consistent, and accurate.
That’s the purpose behind every well-planned layout.
Why use a button box instead of a keyboard or wheel buttons?
Knowing what a button box brings to the table makes all the difference in sim racing.
Compared to relying on keyboard shortcuts or crowded wheel buttons, a button box delivers control that’s faster, more reliable, and more immersive without forcing you to look away during a race. It puts frequently used functions where your fingers naturally fall.
So before you map one more command to your wheel or stretch for a keyboard mid-corner, here’s how a button box shifts tool access to another level of control and consistency.
Speed
Quick access matters when a split-second choice can cost a corner. Button boxes let you operate high-priority functions—pit limiter, engine map, traction control without navigating menus or keyboard shortcuts.
A physical toggle or rotary control responds immediately. That speed matters when braking late or swapping settings under pressure. Users of top sim racing setups mention that actions feel far smoother compared to hitting keyboard keys mid-race.
Muscle memory builds fast—each dial or switch becomes second nature. No need to scroll through wheel menus or pause the sim. Instead, you flick or twist and the adjustment happens.
That extra bit of responsiveness is practical control that keeps you dialed in during tough stints.
Consistency
Changing wheel rims or alternate sims often scrambles your on-wheel controls. Button boxes ensure uniform mappings regardless of setup. You’ll always know which switch adjusts brake bias or triggers headlights, even when swapping from GT wheel to F1 rim.
Once control assignments settle, layout stays stable across platforms. Community players repeatedly emphasize this reliability: mappings don’t shuffle when you change gear. That steady input lineup reinforces muscle memory and cuts mental load.
No more hunting for controls or relearning button locations after hardware swaps.
Immersion
Tactile switches and encoders recreate a cockpit-like feel in your sim environment. The resistance of a toggle or the click of a rotary knob gives physical feedback that wheel buttons or keyboards can’t match.
Drivers wearing gloves or competing in VR especially benefit—button boxes reduce slip and misclicks under glove use and enhance realism.
That tactile interaction reinforces immersion. It connects you to what you’re doing instead of just mapping input to software. You feel the control, not just imagine it.
Why Your Wheel’s Buttons Aren’t Always Enough
Wheel-mounted controls are often limited in number and placement. Under load or hard cornering, reaching for those cramped buttons can shift your hands awkwardly.
Plus, wheel ergonomics change between rims—GT layout versus F1 layout—so your key functions get remapped each time. Keyboard shortcuts?
Worse still—latency, visual distraction, and increased error risk. Many sim racers report that crucial mid-race inputs become unreliable under those conditions. A button box avoids all that. It sits where your hands naturally rest and supports quick, error-free use every time.
The difference becomes clear with sustained pressure: wheel buttons strain consistency and control, while a button box stays predictable and dependable.
Types of button boxes and how they work
In sim racing, button boxes come in a few main styles, each bringing its own practical advantages depending on control count, layout, and build quality. All connect via USB and work as plug-and-play HID controllers—your PC recognises them instantly. Here’s how they differ:
| Style | USB Connectivity | Layout & Controls | Build & Design Expectations |
| Compact 8–16-button | USB-A/B plug-and-play | Simple grid: push buttons and a few toggles | Lightweight ABS plastic, basic feel, budget-friendly |
| Mid-sized 20–30 inputs | USB-A/B recognised | Mix of rotary encoders, toggles, momentary keys | Better button feel, LED indicators, modest casing, standard VESA mount |
| Premium racing-style | USB-A/B or USB-C | Carbon-fibre or high‑grade aluminium panel | Solid finish, bright LEDs, ignition switches, joystick options |
| DIY or custom builds | Arduino/Bodnar boards | Totally custom: flex layouts, joystick, encoders | Any enclosure, varies by builder: usually firmware-based control |
Is a button box worth it for you?
Knowing when a button box makes sense or when it might be unnecessary is key.
A button box excels when your wheel lacks enough buttons or your race demands frequent mid-session tweaks. If you’re driving multiple vehicle types or switching wheel rims, a button box maintains consistent mappings across setups, keeping your muscle memory intact.
For VR or glove users, physical controls reduce input errors and eliminate the need to look away from the screen. It’s ideal for detailed adjustments like brake bias, fuel mix, pit commands, or toggling lights—actions that a mouse or keyboard can’t deliver cleanly under load.
Racers who map overlays, Crew Chief commands, Discord controls, or media functions benefit too.
If your setup is simple and you rarely need to remap across cars, keyboard shortcuts or on-wheel buttons might still suffice. Similarly, building a custom box makes sense only if you're comfortable with soldering and firmware.
Otherwise, buying pre‑built may be unnecessary unless your setup demands more inputs.
Ultimately, if precision, repeatability, and immersion matter in your racing, a button box earns its place.
Meet the PXN CB1: What it offers
When you’re asking “What is a button box?”, the PXN CB1 is a solid example that answers clearly.
Keep reading to each standout element, showing how the CB1 turns into a reliable, structured control hub even if you’re just getting into sim racing.
1. 30 Programmable Inputs
Access a mix of controls—eight push-buttons (some latching, some momentary), four metal toggle switches, two rotary knobs with push function, a joystick, and ESC/Enter buttons. That adds up to 30 distinct inputs ready for assignment in your sim.
2. Rotary Knobs with Extra Button Function
Dual rotary encoders handle settings like ABS and traction control. Each also works as a pressable button. The knobs are light to turn but still offer reliable feedback—even through gloves.
3. Ignition Toggle & Engine Start Button
A metal toggle switch under a protective cover lets you flip the ignition, which then illuminates the start button. Pressing that starts your engine. The lights reflect both stages in sequence, mimicking real cockpit controls—even though they aren’t synced to in-game vehicle state.
4. Joystick + ESC/Enter Controls
The 8-way joystick works like a D‑pad for menu or camera control. Nearby are two buttons labeled ESC and ENTER. You can remap them to other functions by holding the “Handle” modifier button.
5. RGB Lighting & Brightness Control
Seven selectable LED colours highlight all controls. Hold the Handle button and turn the ABS knob to change colours; turn the TC knob while holding Handle to adjust brightness. There’s also a power switch on the back to toggle lighting off entirely.
6. Plug-and-Play USB‑C Connectivity
Includes both USB‑A and USB‑C cables. No driver installation required—Windows and PC sims recognise the CB1 as a standard controller and let you assign functions immediately.
7. Build Quality & Mounting Options
The unit uses ABS plastic with a textured carbon-finish front face. It measures approximately 184 × 144 × 79 mm and weighs around 540 g. It comes with a desk clamp and supports 100×100 mm VESA mounting for rig integration
How to set up and map your PXN CB1
Getting your PXN CB1 up and running only takes a few steps—and gives you reliable control fast.
Mounting the Box
Attach the included table clamp or use the VESA‑compatible mounting points (100 × 100 mm) if you're on a rig. Secure it where your hand naturally rests, around mid‑wheel height. That placement helps with precision and reduces reach fatigue.
Plug In and Recognise
Use the supplied USB‑C to USB‑A (or USB‑C) cable and plug it into your PC. The CB1 shows up as a standard controller—no driver installs or software needed.
Assign Controls in Your Sim
Open your sim’s controller settings and you’ll see the CB1 inputs. Assign each button, toggle, encoder, joystick direction, and start/ESC button to actions such as traction control, brake bias, pit limiter, or camera view.
Convert Default Keys (ABS, TC, ESC, ENTER)
If the ABS/TC knobs or ESC/ENTER buttons behave like keyboard shortcuts, press and hold the Handle button while pressing the specific control to convert it into a joystick input. This ensures they register properly in-game.
Adjust Lighting if Needed
Customise the LED colour by holding Handle and turning the ABS knob. Adjust brightness with Handle and the TC knob. You can also cut LEDs completely using the rear power switch.
Once mapped and mounted, each control falls naturally under your fingers with muscle memory doing the work mid-race. The PXN CB1 setup is clean, fast, and functional and built for racing, not hacking around.
Why the PXN CB1 is worth checking out
Thinking “what is a button box” and wondering if the PXN CB1 is worth it?
You’ve seen how it delivers 30 programmable inputs, RGB lighting, tactile switches, plug‑and‑play simplicity, and mounting that fits your rig—all without breaking the bank.
If you're building a sim racing setup with budget in mind, especially for PC sims like Assetto Corsa, iRacing, Project CARS, or Euro Truck Simulator, the CB1 handles essential race commands like brake bias, pit limiter, and traction control with physical controls that feel reliable under pressure.
It fits right in whether you're using desk mount or a rig. The included table clamp and VESA compatibility make setup straightforward. The housing uses ABS with carbon‑finish detailing, and while some switches are latching, overall the feedback stays consistent even with gloves on .
Here’s what you can do next:
Check out the PXN CB1 on Gamer Gear Direct to see full specs and pricing.
While you’re there, sign up for our email list—you’ll get insider sim racing tips, early access to deals, and exclusive content tailored to your setup.
The PXN CB1 earns its place by offering structured, reliable control at a smart price.
Consider it your practical upgrade to better race performance.
