We tested the last Forte GT Button Box from Asetek to check what has changed from the previous (non aluminum) model. This reviews has been written by Mariano B. and tested in Asetek La Prima Direct Drive .
When Asetek launched its product line, most of the criticism focused on the aesthetic decisions behind its steering wheels. It wasn’t so much about the layout of the buttons or how they were integrated into the rims of the various product lines, but rather about the color choices. Although the colors reflected the brand’s identity, their distribution evoked styles from a bygone era.
After several years of feedback from users and reviewers — let’s not forget that the first Asetek Direct Drive units were shipped around late 2022 and early 2023 — the brand addressed this aesthetic issue, partially shifting that responsibility to the consumer.
Depending on the chosen product tier, users now have more freedom to customize their setup. Even entry-level products have adopted more neutral starting points.
After introducing Formula rims with aluminum-finished buttons, it’s now the button boxes’ turn. Following the same approach, all plastic moving parts have been replaced with aluminum. In some cases, the form factor has also been updated.
That doesn’t mean the previous versions have been discontinued — they continue to coexist, allowing users to choose the option that best suits their preferences in both pricing and finish.
In this review, we take a look at the Asetek Forte GT Button Box (Black Alu) with aluminum accents, paired with a round alcantara-finished rim: the Round Comfort+ Rim.
PACKAGING AND PRESENTATION
Any surprises here? Asetek sticks to the same packaging standards we’ve seen across the rest of its product range, as shown in previous reviews. Worth noting: unlike the Asetek La Prima GT Button Box (Black) , this one does include stickers (and a placement tool) so you can decorate it as you see fit. As usual, the shifter paddles come disassembled — something that makes even more sense in this particular unit, as we’ll see in the next section.
MATERIALS & HARDWARE
This button box follows the same design language as its siblings — the Formula Forte and standard Button Box Forte. It features a classic carbon fiber front plate and a body made from a composite mix of carbon, glass, and plastic. The result is a somewhat unusual but pleasant texture — slightly rough, but solid and sturdy.
The main upgrade: all buttons are now made of aluminum, with subtle design tweaks. It’s also worth mentioning that the Funky (or Kinky) switches can be swapped for black versions if you prefer an all-black look.
The LED layout remains the same as the standard version.
Technical Specifications:
- 49 fully programmable ARGB LEDs
- 15 aRGB RevLEDs
- 6 aRGB FlagLEDs
- 8 aRGB button LEDs
- 12 aRGB rotary encoder LEDs
- 12 push buttons
- 2 two-way switches
- 2 seven-way Funky/Kinky switches
- 3 twelve-position rotary encoders
- 4 thumb encoders
- 2 contactless magnetic shifter paddles (with optional upgrade paddles)
- Injection-molded carbon-reinforced composite chassis with laser-etched forged carbon pattern
- 2mm woven carbon fiber front plate
- Compatible with swappable rims from the Asetek lineup
- Zero-play Quick Release, with stable data and power transmission — no cables, no batteries, no wireless signals
ASSEMBLY
As mentioned earlier, much like other button boxes that require a rim, it makes sense for the shifter paddles to come disassembled.
In our case, we paired it with the Round Comfort+ Rim and replaced the Funky/Kinky switches with the black variants.
First, we mounted the rim using the six screws and Allen key provided. Then we installed the paddles — be careful, the magnets are quite strong. Inserting or removing the Allen key could scratch the printed paint on the magnets. To avoid this, simply hold a finger over the magnet while working.
The paddles can be adjusted in distance from the rim, making them suitable for different hand sizes. Once everything is assembled, you just slot it into the base’s Quick Release (in our case, an Asetek base).
How to install a Rim on Forte Button Box Video:
How to install paddles on the Forte Button Box:
SOFTWARE
With the RaceHub 4.0 update, users now have full control over every LED on the button box.
If you run into an update error when trying to update the button box, just connect the rim to the base while holding both top buttons. Full instructions here:
https://www.asetek.com/simsports/knowledge-base/steering-wheel-troubleshooting/
Once updated to the latest version, you can dive into customizing every LED: choose different colors for pressed and unpressed states simply by clicking the button in RaceHub and switching between the Pressed and Unpressed tabs.
USAGE
This is a very well-built button box. Compared to the Asetek Forte Formula Button Box (Black Alu) , the switches are better integrated into the overall design — likely because there’s more space due to the lower button count, allowing for a cleaner and more ergonomic layout.
However, it’s worth mentioning that the new rubber-covered switches (previously exposed metal) may occasionally snag your gloves, potentially causing accidental presses.
The rotary encoders and thumb switches feel fantastic. Their firmness is a plus — you can clearly feel each click, even when driving in VR.
The Kinky switches, like the rotaries, are noticeably stiffer than their plastic counterparts. The standard push buttons have also been redesigned slightly, now featuring a shallow dimple for better finger placement.
Moving to the rear: the paddles haven’t changed, but that’s not a bad thing — they were already well-designed and fully adjustable for different hand sizes.
DRIVING FEEL
During testing with the Comfort+ Rim, I occasionally felt some discomfort in my hands — maybe from gripping too tightly, or perhaps because the rim is thinner than I expected. Other alcantara rims I’ve tried feel more solid thanks to their extra thickness. Even Asetek’s Leather Rim is slightly chunkier and therefore a bit more comfortable for larger hands.
That aside, the button box has quickly become my go-to for almost everything. The buttons feel satisfyingly firm, the overall weight is low enough not to interfere with force feedback (it weighs about the same as the La Prima button box), and the layout works great regardless of which rim you pair it with.
Thanks to its modularity, it’s a true all-rounder — equally suited for GT, street, drift, rally, or whatever else you throw at it. It even supports analog paddles and an additional set of magnetic shifters.
Finally, let’s talk aesthetics: the LED system plays a big role, especially if you’re not using VR. RaceHub lets you configure an endless variety of lighting schemes for different race events — not just RPM and flag LEDs, but also standard button illumination.
FINAL VERDICT
A much-needed visual refresh, opening the door to aesthetic customization — and when combined with its impressive modularity, the Asetek Forte GT Button Box (Black Alu) is shaping up to be one of the brand’s standout products. At its current price point, few other rims on the market offer this level of quality and flexibility.
We at boxthislap.org would like to thank Asetek for providing the gear that allowed us to bring you this review.
You can access the products directly here:
- Resellers (use our links for a 3% or 5% discount)
- Asetek Forte Formula Pro (SimRaceWebshop)
- Asetek Forte Formula Button Box (Black Alu) (SimRaceWebshop)
- Asetek Forte GT Button Box (Black Alu) (SimRaceWebshop)
- Asetek Forte Formula Button Box (Black Alu) (SimUltimate) with 5% Off
- Asetek Forte Formula Pro (SimUltimate) with 5% Off
- Asetek Forte GT Button Box (Black Alu) (SimUltimate) with 5% Off
- Available from their official website (5% discount with code boxthislap)
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