Do You Really Need 12-bit vs 18-bit Encoders?

Sim racers often hear about encoder “bits” like they’re horsepower ratings: more bits = higher precision, right? The debate rages on: does a wheelbase with an 18-bit encoder (about 262,144 counts per revolution) actually feel better than one with 12-bit (4,096 counts) out on track? Let’s break it down. In simple terms, 12-bit means 2^12 = 4,096 discrete positions per 360° turn, whereas 18-bit means 2^18 = 262,144 positions – a 64× increase in raw resolution. On paper that’s a huge difference, but can a driver really sense it?

Encoder Bits 101: What’s the Difference?

An encoder’s “bit” rating just tells you how many steps it can report in one full wheel rotation. For example:

• 12-bit encoder: ~4,096 positions per revolution (4096 discrete steps around the wheel). Each step is about 0.088° (360°/4096).

• 18-bit encoder: ~262,144 positions per revolution (2^18 = 262,144). Each step is only about 0.001° – roughly three orders of magnitude finer.

Put another way, turning the wheel 1° is split into ~11 steps at 12-bit, but ~1,000 steps at 18-bit. This ultra-fine granularity theoretically lets the wheel “know” exactly where it is at any moment. Some manufacturers even advertise it as capturing every micro-bump on the road. For instance, one wheel spec sheet boasts an 18-bit encoder (262,144 counts) that “translates your smallest steering inputs into precise force feedback effects” – promising “no detail goes undetected”

Micro-Detail on Track: Hype vs. Reality

So what does that mean when you’re racing? In practice, this colossal jump in resolution usually translates to smoother low-speed rotation and potentially crisper feedback on tiny ripples. An 18-bit encoder can report position changes as small as ~0.001°, which is on the order of micrometers of rim movement. One sim-racing insider quipped that “micro machining or medical robot levels of accuracy” – essentially beyond what any human can feel.

Think of it like video resolution: claiming 16-bit output from a 12-bit sensor is “like having a 540p monitor and streaming 8K video. No new detail magically appears; you’re just upscaling. In real driving, many argue you’d need a robot rig to even notice 0.001°. For example, 18-bit equates to about 250,000 discrete wheel angles, whereas humans (and most games) simply aren’t sensitive enough to exploit that extra data. In short, beyond ~16-bit, the gains tend to diminish into noise.

That said, higher-bit encoders do have some practical benefits. They virtually eliminate any “stepping” in the feedback and allow extremely smooth, jitter-free motion at very low speeds. A fine-resolution encoder can make the wheel feel ultra-smooth as you slowly drift or crawl over uneven surfaces. It can also improve consistency and repeatability of the torque output. But remember – this is real hardware with limits, and games usually output force commands at fixed rates (e.g. 1000Hz USB) anyway.

Pros & Cons at a Glance

• Pros of high-bit encoders (18-bit): Smoother, more granular feedback (every tiny bump and curb can be captured). Negligible cogging or “notchiness” at low speeds. Very future-proof for any software updates that might use ultra-precise data.
• Cons of high-bit encoders: Diminishing returns – beyond 0.001° or so, humans can’t discern the difference.
• Pros of 12-bit (4096 steps): Still very high precision for typical racing. Already much finer than older wheels.Capable of smooth FFB if paired with a good motor/controller.
• Cons of 12-bit: In theory, slightly less smooth at ultra-low speeds (you could count the “clicks” if you turned extremely slowly).

So, Do You Need 18-bit?

If you’re a casual or even a hardcore sim racer, 12-bit (4096 counts) often feels plenty accurate already. As one experienced racer put it, dialing two wheels to the same torque feels almost identical once properly tuned – the extra bits don’t instantly translate to lap-time gains. In fact, on the track, your own hands and arms can’t micro-adjust nearly as finely as a 18-bit encoder could detect.

However, if you do chase absolute finesse and every possible micro-detail – and don’t mind paying a little more – an 18-bit wheelbase might give you that last 1% of clarity. The feedback will be extremely linear and smooth. For example, even some budget-friendly direct-drive wheels now have 18-bit encoders. Cammus’s new C12 steering wheel has an 18-bit high-resolution encoder, aiming to deliver every “slip, bump, brake lock-up, and tire load shift… in real time.”

In practical terms:

• If you want buttery-smooth detail and have the budget, 18-bit is nice to have – it truly can capture every nuance.

If you’re budget-conscious or upgrading from a mid-level wheel, 12-bit is already highly precise.

Final Recommendation: Most sim racers will be very happy with a good 12-bit setup (4096 CPR). You get solid feedback and smooth FF.. But if you’re a tech geek who loves bleeding-edge spec sheets, or just want bragging rights that you’re running 262K points of precision, go for 18-bit. And yes, the Cammus C12 wheel embraces 18-bit resolution suggesting that extreme resolution has trickled down to more affordable gear. Whether that turns every pebble into a telepathic tarmac whisper is up to you – but either way, you can be confident your wheel’s position is super-duper dialed in. Happy racing!