These terms refer to the different types of force feedback that racing wheels offer, specifically the way the motor applies torque to the wheel.; Belt drive: When you’re out and about doing research, you’ll likely see belt-drive wheels most often. These are very smooth and very quiet, but they aren’t without downsides. The rubber belt can stretch and degrade over time, losing some precision, and the rubber by nature absorbs some of the force feedback for a less stout result. Gear drive: These wheels are similar, but the force is transferred through a network of gears rather than a belt. This is a durable system, but it’s noisy and can lack precision. Gear-drive tech is also among the oldest in the category and has been phased out in large part. Direct drive: At the top of the range you’ll find direct-drive racing wheels. These include large motors that are connected directly to the wheel (hence the name), reducing latency and providing the highest amount of feedback. They’re considerably spendier than the alternatives, though, often costing $1,000 or more, but they are quite simply the best available.;