If you race on PC, you will eventually need a keyboard. Not because you love typing mid-corner, but because sim racing is full of “small tasks”:
- Changing setups and keybinds
- Entering a session password
- Typing in chat
- Managing overlays, apps, and streaming tools
This is why accessories like the Next Level Racing keyboard and mouse tray are so popular. They turn a cockpit into a workstation.
The real goal: fast access without breaking your driving position
A keyboard tray is “bad” when it forces you to twist your torso or move your legs. A keyboard tray is “good” when:
- It swings in quickly when you need it
- It disappears when you drive
- It doesn’t hit your knees, shifter, or handbrake
- It keeps cables tidy and out of the pedal area
If you do endurance races, this is not convenience. It is fatigue management. Less twisting and reaching means you stay relaxed and consistent for longer.
Tray vs side mount: two keyboard philosophies
| Approach | Best for | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Front tray (keyboard + mouse) | Workstation-style control | Mounted too low, knees hit it under braking |
| Side swing mount | Quick access with minimal cockpit clutter | Mounted too far back, shoulder twist fatigue |
Where aluminium profile rigs help
Adjustable aluminium rigs make keyboard mounting easy because you can place the tray exactly where you want, and move it as your setup evolves. The profile slots let you:
- Mount the tray higher for tall drivers
- Offset it left/right depending on shifter and handbrake placement
- Add cable strain relief so USB cables don’t get yanked
SIMGASM workstation solution
On SIMGASM, a clean workstation approach is:
- Keyboard swivel mount for swing-away keyboard positioning
- PC tray to keep the PC close and reduce cable runs
This combination is especially useful if you use triples, because extra screen real estate often means more apps and more controls.
Practical placement tips
- Place the keyboard slightly below elbow height when seated.
- Keep it out of the brake leg zone. Your brake leg needs space to move.
- Plan the mouse zone: avoid placing it where your arm is suspended (fatiguing).
- Route cables along profiles and add service loops for any swing arm.
Extra tip for rally and drift setups
If you mount a handbrake and shifter, your right side gets crowded fast. In those cases, a left-side keyboard mount is often the cleanest solution because it keeps your right-hand controls free.
Recommended SIMGASM build for PC racers
- Rig: SIMGASM Club simulator (or SIMGASM Sport simulator for more routing and adjustability)
- Keyboard: Keyboard swivel mount
- PC management: PC tray
- Monitor plan: Integrated triple monitor stand or Freestanding triple monitor stand
- Peripherals: Shifter and handbrake mount if you run shifter/handbrake
FAQ
Do I really need a keyboard tray if I use VR?
Yes, but you may prefer a small side-mounted solution you can find by touch. Keep it consistent so you can reach it without removing the headset.
What is the number one keyboard tray mistake?
Mounting it so low that it becomes part of your braking motion. Your legs should never hit accessories under load.
Continue reading
- Shared rig setup for multiple drivers
- SIMGASM rig setup for tall drivers
- VESA mounting and monitor stand guide
