Best Shift Knobs: Personalize Your Car’s Interior
Make your car’s interior look better—and also drive better—with a new shift knob
We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›
You’ve probably seen it on the big screen: that captivating moment when a character clutches the shift knob and engages a gear to launch into a flurry of well-orchestrated driving maneuvers. If you want to replicate that kind of adrenaline-pumping action, you may want to replace your stock shift knob. Check out the best gear shift knobs that are sure to make your driving experience more exciting.
Mishimoto MMSK Weighted Shift Knob
This is a visually stunning shift knob that is designed to make shifting gears smoother and your drive more comfortable.
- It's weighted to allow for faster gear shifting
- Due to its universal fit, it works well with most cars
- Comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer
- When it’s hot outside, it becomes very hot
- Shift knob does not have a lock-in mechanism
DEWHEL JDM Gun-Black Nickel Round Shift Knob
This shift knob features a unique design and is made of high-quality aluminum alloy. It has a chrome finish for a sporty look.
- It comes in a range of stunning colors and is ideal for most cars
- Sphere shape is a superb choice as it is wrist-friendly and boasts an ergonomic design
- Doesn’t take long to install
- Color fades after prolonged use
- Its temperature changes according to the weather
Ryanstar Carbon Fiber Shift Knob
A sleek plastic and carbon fiber shift knob that comes with three different adapters for impressive versatility in any vehicle.
- Comfortable and solid when in hand
- Adapters work in many different makes and models so you can use and reuse the knob
- Nicely weighted for quick shifts
- Some knobs can arrive with off-center holes that pose attachment problems for some shifters
Benefits of a Shift Knob
- Improves aesthetics. Stock shift knobs are okay at best. However, if you want to personalize your car’s interior, cool gear knobs are some of the most affordable mods you can incorporate.
- Smoother gear shifts. Using the typical stick shift can get tiring. Custom shift knobs make it easier to shift gears, and you can have a more comfortable driving experience.
- Better grip. A shift knob that’s tailor made for your car fits your hand nicely. When you shift gears, you can apply the right amount of pressure to engage the gear.
- Increased durability. Shift knobs made of durable materials—such as aluminum alloy—give you more years of service. The longer your shift knob lasts, the more money you save by not having to buy a new one.
- Customizable. One of the most underappreciated things about aftermarket shift knobs is that you can customize the position cues. This can come in handy when you are teaching someone how to use a stick shift.
Types of Shift Knobs
Stock Shift Knobs
Stock shift knobs come with the car and usually match the interior. They are pre-installed and have numerical marks on the top, indicating the various gears. They are also factory-tested for compliance and safe operation.
Vehicle-Specific Knobs
Vehicle-specific shift knobs may seem interchangeable with stock shift knobs. However, they differ in that the manufacturer modifies the knob to fit the purpose of the car—off-road driving or racing, for example. Vehicle-specific knobs are a manufacturer’s brand statement—whether it’s for aesthetic purposes or improved performance.
Weighted Shift Knobs
These are user-specific. Their standout feature is the extra weight. The weight is meant to improve gear switching and provide a better driving experience. These shift knobs are usually made from materials that are denser than ordinary knobs, which allows them to weigh more without affecting their overall dimensions.
Custom Shift Knobs
Custom shift knobs reflect a driver’s personal style. They might have features that affect both the beauty and performance of the car. Unlike vehicle-specific knobs, custom shift knobs are the work of the driver. They may include additional buttons, custom positional indicators, and even personal branding.
Top Brands
Mishimoto
Mishimoto is an American automotive enterprise in the heart of Delaware with headquarters in New Castle. It was founded in 2003 to provide performance upgrade solutions to car enthusiasts. It has heavily focused on research and development to create excellent racing stick shift knobs such as the Mishimoto MMSK-CF Carbon Fiber Shift Knob.
Dewhel
Dewhel is a New York-based company dedicated to manufacturing aftermarket car parts. It makes and distributes parts that enhance the look, performance, and efficiency of cars. One of its top products is the DEWHEL Universal JDM.
Toyota
Toyota was launched in 1933 as a division of Toyoda Automatic Loom Works. Years later, after the company had established itself as one of the world's best car brands, it started manufacturing shift knobs for cars. It manufactures both manual and automatic shift knobs. The Toyota TRD 6-Speed Shift Knob is one of its top-rated knobs.
Shift Knob Pricing
- Under $10: It is not unusual to find cheap shift knobs that deliver both comfort and smooth handling. The designs may not be cutting edge, but you will find functional shift knobs that give your car a different look.
- $20-$30: Good shift knobs don’t have to cost a lot of money. In this range, you’ll get nifty shift knobs that fit different tastes and preferences—from budget custom knobs to the best aftermarket shift knobs. Shift knobs in this category are made of durable materials and can work with both manual and automatic shifts.
- $40-$50: While some people may consider shift knobs in this category pricey, they are geared towards car enthusiasts who don't mind spending a little extra on their cars. These knobs are made using premium materials for aesthetics and smooth gear switching. Some of the best shift knob brands have their products in this category.
- Above $100: There are not many products in this price range. However, you can get custom-made, high-quality shift knobs here. You might even get limited edition knobs in this category.
Key Features
Material
This is one of the most important features when choosing a shift knob. Shift knobs are made from wood, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or even carbon fiber. The material dictates how durable the shift knob will be. Before settling on any material, you need to know how extreme temperatures affect it. For instance, aluminum retains heat in hot weather.
Fit
Many shift knobs have a universal fit. You can install them in a wide range of cars and shift levers. However, you will need an adapter if the shift knob you get doesn't fit the shaft correctly. It’s important that you research the product to make sure it’s compatible with your vehicle.
Functionality
Shopping for a shift knob is all about choosing one that works with a manual transmission or automatic transmission. Depending on your car, you can pick cool manual shifter knobs or cool automatic shift knobs. However, some shift knobs work with both technologies.
Other Considerations
- Design: The design affects how the shift knob feels in your hand and, as a result, affects the overall driving experience. In the end, it is a matter of preference. You can test out different designs to make an informed choice on which shift knob designs give you the smoothest gear shifts.
- Finish: The right finish depends on the statement you’d like to make with your shift knob. Chrome finish looks good in sporty cars, while gunmetal black or grey finishes make car interiors look simple yet sophisticated. It is worth noting that prolonged use erodes the finish, leaving the base color exposed.
Best Shift Knob Reviews & Recommendations 2021
The Mishimoto Weighted shift knob appears to be a simple shift knob. But it is much better than it looks. It has a glossy finish that gives it a classy look that’s fit for any interior. The company logo completes the sleek look.
Weighing only 0.8 pounds, it is heavy enough to foster fast shifting yet is light enough so it's not bulky. It has contours that make it easy to handle, even in high-octane situations. The shift knob allows you to make hard shifts without extra palm strain. To cap it off, it has universal fitment and can fit most gear systems right out of the box. It comes with the Mishimoto lifetime warranty.
On the downside, the shift knob does not have a lock-in mechanism that makes for a tight fit in any gear system. It also gets very hot when it’s hot outside. Additionally, the adapters don’t go far into the shifter’s threaded part.
If you are looking for a balance of fun, functionality, and great value, you will find it in the Dewhel JDM shift knob, which fits Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Honda, and Acura models. The colorful knob is a cool manual shifter knob that gives you great wrist control and easy shifts. It's a low-profile, spherical knob that works for both five-speed and six-speed manual transmissions. It's made from lightweight aluminum alloy and is coated with gun-black nickel for a gleaming shine.
It features a 1.96-inch diameter and comes with three threading brass adapters of varying sizes that are made to last. And even though it’s not weighted, it delivers a smooth driving experience. It is available in different colors and offers easy screw-on installation.
However, it comes up short in the heat-retention department, and you must be careful when handling it in extreme temperatures. Additionally, that dazzling color finish fades off, especially with rigorous use. The base color is dull and contrasts with the bright finish.
Finding a good shift knob involves more than just getting one that feels great in hand — it also requires achieving just the right fit for your vehicle. Fortunately, the Ryanstar Carbon Fiber Shift Knob gives you everything you need to get a perfectly fitted replacement. This knob, which features high-quality plastic, a carbon fiber pattern, and aluminum adapters, includes three adapters.
Each individual adapter is made to fit a different thread size, and you’ll have what you need for Honda, Acura, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Toyota, and other vehicle makes.
The knob is a round ball that makes it easy to hold while you shift. It has a 2-inch diameter and stands 1.9 inches high. The color is a perfect match for just about any vehicle’s style or interior. It feels solid and heavy in hand, and you can screw it into place in just seconds.
The DC Sports SKT1000 Shift Knob is a great option for any driver who’s in need of more precision while shifting. This knob is designed to provide an all-around better driving experience, but it’s a standout when it comes to crisp, precise shifts.
This shift knob is specially weighted to improve your precision on the road, totaling about one pound. You’ll feel the difference as you grip to shift — this knob feels heavy, and it can improve your motions. Shifting is smooth and quick, giving you more control and ultimately more precision. It’s a noticeable improvement if you’ve been using a factory knob or a very light one.
In addition to the knob, you also get four inserts that fit most shifters. All of the hardware you need is also included, and you can get your knob swapped out in just a few minutes due to the universal sizing and fit.
The Abfer 5” Heavy Weighted Shifter Knob offers everything that other products on our list have. Instead of a smooth ball, this knob is more of a lever — it measures five-inches long and extends outward. This makes it a great choice if you’re looking for something a bit longer and easier to pull.
The Abfer shifter knob is made with aluminum alloy and comes in black as well as an array of different colors. No matter what color suits your style or vehicle’s interior, every knob includes three different adapters in various sizes. This ensures you’ll get just the right fit for your car’s specific shifter. It fits most manual transmission vehicles, including SUVs and trucks.
Just keep in mind during installation that you’ll get a tight fit from this shifter knob. That can make getting the treads just right a bit tricky — but once everything is in place, you’ll get a firm final result.
Tips
- Never allow the shift knob to bottom out on the shifter. You risk damaging both.
- After installation, drive a short distance to check to make sure it fits correctly. This is to avoid potential accidents on longer drives.
- Some shift knobs change according to the weather conditions. When it’s extremely cold, for example, you may want to wear gloves to keep your hands warm.
FAQs
Q: Is a weighted shift knob better than a stock shift knob?
A: Both serve different purposes. A stock shift knob is usually built for comfort and convenience. A weighted shift knob, on the other hand, is designed to give you faster shifts.
Q: How do I know when to replace a shift knob?
A: If shifting gears has become a struggle, you may want to change the knob. You can try out different designs and see what works best. It is also advisable to replace your shift knob if you notice increasing instances of discomfort.
Q: Is it safe to replace the shift knob?
A: Replacing a shift knob does not require deep mechanical knowledge. However, if you find the process too technical, you can get one installed at your local body shop.
Q: Do custom shift knobs affect performance?
A: Unless the placement is wrong, a custom-made shift knob should improve your car’s performance.
Final Thoughts
If you want brand guarantee, faster switches, and a sleek finish, we recommend the Mishimoto MMSK Weighted Shift Knob.
However, if you’re looking for a shift knob that strikes a balance between value and function, look no further than the DEWHEL JDM Gun-Black Nickel Round Shift Knob.
Why Trust Us
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
Learn more