Belkin n52te

[moosejaw]

Does the saitek work with direct input? I would like to know because Innerspace can bind directly to any device that shows itself to direct input. It is pretty slick binding directly to a device instead of programming keys to the device and going from there.

I guess you could check in DXdiag to see if it shows there. Aside from running a test script in IS, I don't know of another way to test it.

[moosejaw]

Here is a link to the Saitek pro gamer unit. They call them cyborgs now.

[jettzypher]

they have two different versions (similar to belkins n52 and n52te).

to answer your question, idk. i just make profiles and map keys where i need em instead. sometimes i dont want to use a gamepad and just roll with the keyboard, so directly changing key binding in-game doesnt work out so well for me.

[aboron]

I have used both the N52 N52te and the Saiktek. The N52 does have a better thumb side button but the N52te has all better buttons otherwise. I don't use that button for a critical function so it doesn't matter that it's a bit frail. My hand is a little big for this pad, but the hand rest does come off and move out to a second set of holes further back. And I find that using the top row as home positions for all but my pinky gives me good access to all but 2 buttons. Plus the n52te lets you use a button to momentarily select a new map - like shift, but a complete keyset change, if you want. So I use one set for tanking, one set for healing, and one set for dpsing.

The Saiktek I think is too fragile for my grip and feels relatively insecure compared to holding the n52s, I can't lay my hand flat on it like the n52. Also, the map swapping on the Saiktek is done with a 3 position slider switch that is in a very bad position for me to try and use in combat, so it essentially limits me to just one keymap, which is tough for instancing. The thumb stick on the saitek is an analog joystick and is far far better for games with aiming reticles. In WoW there is no way in the world that i'm using it as mouse input, so all i can do is map it for movement directionals and it always seems to be a few degrees off from the way i want to be pushing on it to move.

So i'd take an N52 over a Saitek, but have not yet put my hands on the G13. Although I like resting my whole hand flat and just applying pressure, and I don't see how this would work on the G13 either.

Here's my hand on the n52te (if that's not ergonomically neutral, i can't imagine what is):



And showing the top row position better (the wrist kink here is because im trying to stand up and take a shot of my own hand):



Of course your results may vary, esp. if you don't have a large hand and you can use the center row as a default.

[elsegundo]

just fyi... previously lusted after item has dropped in price now that g13 is out...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...169019&Tpk=n52

currently its at $50.

[Alptraum]

I got mine about 6-8 months ago for about 55.00, rock solid couldn't box without this beauty, you can basically set everything up to run with just one hand..I dont often even need to touch the mouse, the thumbpad works almost perfectly once you get used to using it.

[Mooni]

I got mine about 6-8 months ago for about 55.00, rock solid couldn't box without this beauty, you can basically set everything up to run with just one hand..I dont often even need to touch the mouse, the thumbpad works almost perfectly once you get used to using it.

That is why my n52te is collecting dust... I thought the thumbpad would work more like a mouse (position cursor) or a joystick (Same thing). So I tried to set up separate movement keys for my tank to run off the thumbpad, so that way I could just steer her with that and have the others on autofollow or whatever, but I refuse to be a keyboard turner! (except in Wintergrasp when those pesky alliance get ideas)
My n52te is currently sitting under some dirty dishes on top of a table next to my computer desk. Stubborn pride did it in.

[elsegundo]

I got mine about 6-8 months ago for about 55.00, rock solid couldn't box without this beauty, you can basically set everything up to run with just one hand..I dont often even need to touch the mouse, the thumbpad works almost perfectly once you get used to using it.

That is why my n52te is collecting dust... I thought the thumbpad would work more like a mouse (position cursor) or a joystick (Same thing). So I tried to set up separate movement keys for my tank to run off the thumbpad, so that way I could just steer her with that and have the others on autofollow or whatever, but I refuse to be a keyboard turner! (except in Wintergrasp when those pesky alliance get ideas)
My n52te is currently sitting under some dirty dishes on top of a table next to my computer desk. Stubborn pride did it in.

well maybe i can take that off your hands (without the dishes of course)... hehe. im looking for a replacement, and looking at the g13. but its pricey.