Heusinkveld DisplayDash Unveiled: First Hands-On Impression Sim Formula Europe

Heusinkveld Engineering presented a new product at Sim Formula Europe in Maastricht that clearly goes beyond the classic button box. The Heusinkveld DisplayDash Combining physical controls with an integrated digital display, it responds to a recognisable problem within sim racing: the lack of context to inputs.

I watched and tested the prototype extensively at the fair. My first impression is clear: this is a well thought-out, functional and interesting concept with a lot of potential.

What is the Heusinkveld DisplayDash?

The Heusinkveld DisplayDash is a combination of a button box and a dashboard in one housing. Instead of fixed labels, stickers or memory work, the system uses an elongated LCD screen that dynamically displays information above each button. Depending on simulator, car or profile, the context adjusts automatically.

The display is physically interrupted by three horizontal bars containing a total of 12 push-rotary buttons. Below are four push buttons and a seven-way switch. This layout creates the illusion of four separate displays, when in reality it is one screen divided by software. This is not only visually clever, but above all functional.

First impression of the Heusinkveld DisplayDash

During Sim Formula Europe, I got the chance to experience the prototype up close. What immediately stood out was its calmness and clarity. Each button has its own digital context: function name, status and current value are displayed directly above the control.

On the demo setup, Heusinkveld ran its own dashboard in the lower part of the display, including animations that respond to input. The upper part of the display showed the popular Lovely Dashboard. That combination made it immediately clear where the strength of this product lies: physical control without interpretation, doubt or guesswork.

Especially in more complex cars, where you want to adjust multiple settings while driving, this feels like a definite step up from traditional button boxes.

Why contextual ministry makes the fundamental difference

The biggest problem with traditional button boxes is not the number of buttons, but the lack of flexibility and context. Remembering functions, stickers or switching profiles without immediate visual confirmation works, but remains error-prone.

DisplayDash solves this problem at the core. The meaning of each input is literally on screen. If you switch simulators or cars, the context automatically changes with it. For sim racers who use multiple simulators or regularly switch between classes, this is a considerable advantage.

Full SimHub integration and smart technical choices

Heusinkveld confirmed that the DisplayDash is fully controlled via SimHub. The display is software-divided into two dashboards:

• The lower part shows dynamic button context, including labels and current values
• The top section can display any SimHub dashboard you want

One practical detail that immediately stands out: no HDMI or DisplayPort connection is needed. Everything runs through a single USB-C cable, including power, data and touchscreen functionality. That keeps cable management uncluttered, especially in compact sim racing rigs.

Design, finishing and montage capabilities

The DisplayDash looks sleek and industrial and fits well with the rest of the Heusinkveld ecosystem in terms of design language. You can clearly see the design similarities with the recently released Heusinkveld One steering wheel.

Thanks to its 100×100 VESA mount, the display is easy to position within almost any sim racing rig or monitor setup. However, it is clear that this is still a prototype: the finish of buttons and housing feels functional, but still lacks the refinement you might expect from a final product. The same goes for the LED lighting, which at this stage does not yet look uniform and sleek everywhere.

At the rear is an integrated 2-port USB hub. This may seem like a detail, but it actually underlines the DisplayDash's practicality: fewer loose cables, more overview and a setup that is logically structured.

Specifications Heusinkveld DisplayDash

• 12 programmable push-rotaries
• 4 pushbuttons and 1 7-way switch
• Full touchscreen display
• Dynamic context per button
• Fully SimHub compatible
• Additional dashboard space for existing SimHub layouts
• Connection via a single USB-C cable
• 100×100 VESA mount
• Integrated 2-port USB hub
• Dimensions approx. 265 × 150 mm

Expected pricing and planned release

Heusinkveld says he is aiming for a price around €300. The DisplayDash is scheduled for release in spring 2026. This clearly positions the product in an interesting middle segment, but what in line with the functionality and ease of use it adds.

You actually get a lot for relatively little, solving the problem of not needing both a DDU and a button box. An integrated solution is smart and innovative!

First conclusion: a logical evolution in sim racing hardware

Based on my first experience during Sim Formula Europe, I see the Heusinkveld DisplayDash as more than just a logical next step. I was honestly positively surprised by this first prototype. Yes, the finishing is still clearly prototype-level, but the underlying idea is solid. The power is not in more buttons, but in the fact that every input finally gets the context you need while driving.

This is precisely what makes the DisplayDash interesting for sim racers who value overview, flexibility and confidence in their controls. This is a product that can bring peace of mind rather than distraction in practice. As soon as a retail version is available, an extended review will undoubtedly follow in which I will go into more detail about daily use and long-term experience.