Shifter
Actuation
Mechanical
linkage or cable or both
mimics actuation used on motorcycle
+Cost [citation needed]
+Simplicity [citation needed]
+Robust [citation needed]
-Most implementations mean driver has to take hand off steering wheel [citation needed]
-Minimum shift time is longer [citation needed]
-Maximum shift time is longer [citation needed]
-Unable to convert to automatic
Electronic
solenoid
+OEM solutions available[1] (they can be expensive)
+simplest upgrade to automatic
I have no idea on shift times
-cost
-everyone knows electronics always go wrong
Pneumatic
pneumatic solenoid
Which gas to use
- N2
- compressed air
- CO2
Valving
+OEM solutions available [2]
+Actuation speeds [citation needed]
-safety (compressed gas can be dangerous)
-largest number of points of failures of all actuation methods [citation needed]
-inherently limited number of shifts per tank
-shift gas pressure can change when running low on gas
Automatic Shifting
not going to touch on driver controls (paddles or whatever)