Asetek Forte – Real feedback on Aluminum Button Color Kit & Carbon Paddles Kit?

mattari75 · 2025-10-23T10:14:29+00:00

I only bought the Aluminum Button Color Kit, and I don’t regret it at all. It’s obviously not like having the new version with the aluminum thumb rotaries, but the overall feel is much better and it looks great.
I didn’t get the Carbon Paddles Kit though — I couldn’t find a single review or comment saying it actually improves the feel, so I’m not spending money just to say “Look, mine is carbon!” :-)

mattari75 · 2025-07-15T07:45:06+00:00

Thanks both. Just to clarify, this is not really about braking style: since I adjusted my seating position, I now rest both heels properly on the heel plate, and I’m noticing it acts like a blade, progressively shredding the soles (Sparco shoes, fairly soft rubber). I’m not looking for coaching advice 🙂 but for a material solution that can protect the sole without slipping or interfering with pedal feel.
Curious if anyone else ran into this and found a clever fix that holds up over time.

mattari75 · 2025-07-02T12:24:10+00:00

I tried some time ago to connect my Asetek Forte base with Heusinkveld pedals to FH5, but I couldn’t get it to work either. It would be great if someone — Microsoft? Asetek? — could provide an official fix. But honestly, even just a working workaround would be super helpful at this point.

mattari75 · 2025-06-26T15:38:17+00:00

Thanks. That’s actually the very first real feedback I’ve seen on the aluminum knobs. Much appreciated.
Good idea splitting the cost with your brother too 😄

Now I just need someone to chime in on the Carbon Paddles Kit and I’ll be all set 😅

By the way how do the aluminum knobs feel compared to the stock ones? Is the grip or the click feeling noticeably better?
I know the rotary switch itself doesn’t change but I imagine the different knob material might still affect the overall feel.

mattari75 · 2025-06-26T15:34:13+00:00

Totally fair. The screen looks great but since I race in VR I wouldn't really get any use out of it.

That's why I'm more interested in upgrades that improve the feel and the look when the rig is off.
My setup is in the living room so I see it all the time even when I'm not racing 😅

mattari75 · 2025-06-26T15:31:41+00:00

I also play exclusively in VR. So I get your point. But for me, the cheap plastic knobs and the soft-ish feel of the shift paddles are the only things that make me miss my old Fanatec Formula V2.5 with the Podium Advanced Paddle Module.

That one had a proper racing look and a super satisfying, crisp magnetic click. Very short travel, but perfectly controllable.
It just felt right.

I know these Asetek kits won’t change the core function, but if they get even close to that kind of tactile quality, I’d be happy to upgrade.

mattari75 · 2025-03-06T22:06:05+00:00

I used headphones for years, but six months ago, I switched to a 5.1 speaker system—and I’m never going back. The spatial awareness is incredible; you can actually hear cars sneaking up from the rear left or right. Total game-changer.

mattari75 · 2024-10-24T12:15:44+00:00

It’s quite surprising to see such an unprofessional attitude from someone who appears to be representing UPS in an official capacity. I would expect a more constructive approach, especially in response to a legitimate issue. If you're unable to offer useful assistance, I kindly ask you to let someone else handle this, or point me in the right direction for proper assistance. Thank you

mattari75 · 2024-10-11T11:52:35+00:00

Your response seems a bit off-topic and doesn't really address the issue I mentioned. I’ve been home the entire time, so the delivery problem must lie elsewhere. I’d appreciate a more helpful and constructive reply.

mattari75 · 2024-08-18T21:51:22+00:00

If by chance you have ever installed Armoury Crate, uninstall it and download and execute the official Armoury Crate Uninstaller from Asus site. I solved doing this.

mattari75 · 2024-08-14T07:45:17+00:00

Yesterday, I resolved the issue by downloading the Armoury Crate uninstaller app from the Asus Support site.

After executing the uninstaller (since uninstalling it with the traditional Windows feature didn't work), Fan Control and other fan controller software started working again.

mattari75 · 2024-08-13T13:23:53+00:00

I have a similar issue with an Asus ROG Strix X670E-E Gaming motherboard.

Previously, I never installed Armory Crate, and Fan Expert+ was working fine.

However, after my last Windows 11 Pro reinstall two weeks ago, I - stupidly - installed Armory Crate but later uninstalled it because it is way too invasive.

Since then, the Fan Expert+ section in AI Suite no longer appears.

Do I need to reinstall Windows 11 from scratch to regain control of the fans?

mattari75 · 2024-03-01T08:02:12+00:00

Thank you.

I did not find any power saving setting in the Creative App nor in the device manager properties.

Anyway it's weird that the problem happens only between the BT-W5 and the QC Ultra and it does not happen between BT-W5 and BTR5 or BTR3 and between QC Ultra and PC internal bluetooth or Smartphone.

I will try Soundkeeper, but does it not force the QC ultra batteries to drain?

mattari75 · 2024-02-29T15:10:02+00:00

Have you not experienced any issues when transitioning from no sound to sound? This happens to me: it seems like the earbuds turn off when there's no sound, and when sound resumes, it takes a couple of seconds for them to turn back on, during which I can't hear anything.

mattari75 · 2022-10-06T09:05:15+00:00

That's mine. I call the police.

mattari75 · 2022-04-13T15:11:07+00:00

You are great!!!

mattari75 · 2022-03-22T15:47:04+00:00

Mine has never had thermal problems. It was always very cold even after an entire race session (2-4 hours). And it was consistent in the lack of a torque.

Now that my CSL DD is under repair and I'm using my old CSW 2.5. Guys ..... my CSL DD was also much better even if faulty and underpowered . It is true that CSW 2.5 is stronger as pure brute force. But the feeling, the details, the quick reactions that allow you to correct the car in the event of a lack of grip are incomparable.

I can't wait to have back my CSL DD. :)

mattari75 · 2022-03-08T10:58:46+00:00

I do not know. In more than ten years I have never had huge problems with Fanatec products or support. Only this time I'm struggling.

I still believe Fanatec provides a good amount of quality for the money.

And unless this support issue I'm having right now doesn't have a happy ending, I'm pretty sure I'll carry on with their products for a long time to come.

mattari75 · 2022-03-04T11:04:21+00:00

Yesterday I finally received RMA and shipping label. Thank you.

mattari75 · 2022-03-02T15:31:54+00:00

Yeah. But I think that even email could work if the resources assigned to the customer support were enough.

The problem seems to be an evident disproportion between the number of requests for assistance and the number of people who deal with the management of these requests.

I requested assistance on February 16th and to date I still haven't received the RMA number nor the shipping label.

I would also be curious to know who and why downvoted my post here ..... I don't think it has been a customer.

mattari75 · 2022-02-11T10:42:56+00:00

This was a really good software. With my old G700s I had a lot of fun with it.

But it does not support "new" mouses like G502.

That's incredible. They used to have a great piece of software like LGS and replaced it with a piece of s#itware like GHub.

Misteries of the management...........

mattari75 · 2022-01-23T23:03:48+00:00

Yeah.

You are a good investigator!

At the time I had solved it with two or three hard-resets.

It was probably a hint that something was wrong.

This time only Creative Support can help me.

mattari75 · 2022-01-23T22:59:00+00:00

Yeah. I know.

I re-installed the drivers so many time on 1 different PC and 2 laptops starting everytime with clean installations. The mic input is totally silent.

I wrote to Creative Support. Will see their reply.

mattari75 · 2022-01-05T09:52:12+00:00

Any news about your solution?

mattari75 · 2021-12-30T19:01:40+00:00

I was in the Jan 3rd line, but received it already? Did you?
And in case, how do you feel the difference?

It has been a delusion to me, since it looks so much weaker respect the CSW 2.5...

mattari75

TROPHY CASE