Sim racing · head‑to‑head
Choosing between the Asetek Aluminum Button Color Kit and the Ascher Racing Gen5 Paddle Shifters comes down to whether you want to customize your wheel's ergonomics or upgrade your shifting mechanics. One is a premium cosmetic and tactile overhaul for Asetek owners, while the other is a high-performance mechanical upgrade for compatible hubs.
The Ascher Gen5 shifters produce a very loud, metallic clacking sound that may require DIY silencing mods like rubber pads. Additionally, the metal pivot pins can become sticky over time, requiring periodic maintenance with PTFE dry lube.
The Asetek kit does not include matching aluminum thumb rotaries to complete the look. At $89.00, this upgrade is hard to justify if you drive exclusively in VR where the visual changes are lost.
If you already own an Asetek wheel and want to get rid of the plastic buttons for a grippier, premium feel, the Aluminum Button Color Kit is a solid cosmetic upgrade at $89.00. However, if you need a mechanical upgrade to your shifting action, the Ascher Racing Gen5 Paddle Shifters provide unmatched magnetic precision for $129.58, provided you do not mind the loud metallic noise.