SOELPEC Spectra LT vs Spectra XR: Screenless RGB Wheel or 5-Inch Touchscreen?

The SOELPEC Spectra LT and Spectra XR share the same 302 mm platform, premium controls and direct-drive mounting concept. The decisive difference is information delivery: LT is the lighter screenless wheel with illuminated controls, while XR adds a five-inch touchscreen and more configurable LEDs. This comparison explains what you gain, what remains identical and how to prepare either wheel for a PC rig.

SOELPEC Spectra LT vs XR at a glance

What both wheels share

Both models use 17 push buttons, two seven-way switches, three central encoders with push function and two dual-action thumb encoders. SOELPEC says the thumb encoders can create eight inputs in total by switching their operating layer. Magnetic shifters use ball bearings and black N52 magnets, while the dual-clutch paddles use Hall sensors.

The main structure is anodised 6061 aluminium with a carbon-fibre centre plate, 50A overmoulded silicone grips, PMMA button caps and diffusers, and textured PVC-film labels. The included 42 mm colour-matched rear hub supports a 70 mm six-bolt pattern. Both packages include a spiral four-pin cable, an internal USB cable for a suitable quick-release connection, extra shifter magnets and mounting hardware.

Why choose the Spectra LT?

Choose LT when you already use a monitor-mounted dashboard, race in VR or simply prefer to keep telemetry off the wheel. At 1,200 g without the rear hub, it is 150 g lighter than XR. That difference is modest but can make rapid direction changes feel slightly less inertial, particularly on lower-torque wheelbases.

LT still provides fully customisable RGB illumination, 16 additional configurable LEDs and light bars. It is not a “basic” version: the core switch, encoder, shifter, clutch, grip and aluminium structure remain premium. Its dedicated settings button helps access configuration without a touchscreen.

Why choose the Spectra XR?

XR is the better fit when you want gear, lap delta, temperatures, fuel and control-state labels directly on the rim. The five-inch touchscreen works with a dedicated SOELPEC dashboard through SimHub. Twenty-three configurable LEDs around the display can carry shift, flag and telemetry information, while dedicated display-side buttons can interact with dashboard functions or be mapped as normal inputs.

The XR also has a dedicated bite-point adjustment button. That is useful for standing starts because the dual clutches can be tuned without hiding the setting inside a large button map. The trade-offs are the higher 1,350 g weight and the need to design a dashboard that remains readable while the wheel is moving.

PC, SimHub and USB planning

SOELPEC states that both products are compatible with SimHub. Install the latest supported SimHub version, select the correct SOELPEC device and install the dedicated SOELPEC plugin from the manufacturer’s support page. Build a simple profile first: RPM across one light area, flags on another and one clear indication for pit limiter or traction-control change.

SOELPEC recommends a powered USB hub when using higher brightness levels. Connect that hub directly to the PC, keep the spiral cable relaxed at full steering lock and prevent the connector from carrying the cable’s weight. If using a quick release with internal USB routing, confirm its electrical compatibility; a shared 70 mm mechanical pattern does not guarantee USB passthrough.

Mounting either wheel safely

1. Choose the quick release. Confirm a 70 mm six-bolt wheel-side pattern and the correct base-side interface.
2. Check assembly depth. Include the 42 mm rear hub, quick release and shaft extension when setting wheel distance.
3. Use the supplied M5 × 12 mm captive screws only where appropriate. Verify thread depth on the selected quick release.
4. Tighten progressively. Start all six fasteners by hand and work in a crossing pattern.
5. Plan USB routing. Rotate the wheel lock to lock with the base powered off and watch every cable.
6. Calibrate clutches and inputs. Confirm analogue clutch travel, shifters, encoders and seven-way switches before entering a race.
7. Build the SimHub profile. Add lighting and dashboards in stages so troubleshooting remains simple.

Practical recommendations by driving style

Formula and prototype racing: either model’s 302 mm size and dense control layout work well. Choose XR if you rely on per-car dashboards; choose LT if the cockpit already has a DDU.

GT endurance: XR can keep fuel, stint and tyre data close to the hands. LT remains attractive when a large fixed display is easier to read through long sessions.

VR: LT usually makes more sense because the physical touchscreen is not visible inside the headset, although illuminated controls can still help outside VR.

Lower-torque wheelbase: LT’s lower mass is the cleaner choice if you value response over an integrated display.

Check the colour variants currently orderable on the Spectra LT product page and Spectra XR product page. Manufacturer specifications are available on the official LT page, official XR page and SOELPEC support/download page.

Frequently asked questions

Is Spectra LT just an XR without any telemetry lighting?

No. LT removes the integrated touchscreen but keeps configurable RGB illumination, 16 additional LEDs and customisable light bars.

Do both wheels fit a 70 mm quick release?

Both include a 42 mm rear hub for a 70 mm six-bolt pattern. The wheelbase side of the quick release must still match your specific base.

Can XR run without SimHub?

Basic USB inputs may be detected, but SimHub and the SOELPEC plugin are required to use the intended dashboard, lighting and telemetry features fully.

Which is better for VR?

Usually LT, because its lower weight and screenless design avoid paying for a display hidden by the headset. XR makes more sense if you also race on monitors.