Opinons on the X-keys 84 and 128 keyboards?

[penguini]

I have been looking into getting X-keys now, and while professional looks just fine, I was wondering if anyone has used the 84 or 128 keys keyboards? Sure it seems like overkill, but I can think of other uses for the other keys. Just wondering what your experience has been with them.

[beyond-tec]

neeed.... more...... fingers....... need..... more...... fingers....... :lol: :lol: :lol:

sry, never tried them.

[zanthor]

The biggest problem i see with those bigger models is lack of landmarks.

X-Keys Pro has 2x18 over 2x5 4x5 2x5 clusters which gives you lots of relative landmarks for finding keys easily...

Hit key 7 row 3 easily on an 80 key array... not easy!

I know it's not comparable cost wise but I'd rather see dual x-keys pro over the bigger models.

[Xzin]

You are right about lack of landmarks. What you CAN do is use blank key caps to make the keys literally blank and "not there" and then create arrays or logical groups of keys.

Which may be overkill but is viable. The downside is they are arranged in a vertical / horizontal plane only. Nothing "custom" or form fitting, like the Ergodex.

[Xzin]

You mean like the little nipples on the j and f keys? or h and g?

What you really need is a 3d printed "custom" xkeys shell / cherry keypad deal. Sort of like a custom Ergodex but made specifically for you and with non changeable key caps.

You could probably produce one for about $300 if you know how to design in CAD. ABS plastic rapid prototypes run about $5 - $10 per cubic inch plus setup fees at a 3d printing service company.

[Bradster]

The biggest problem i see with those bigger models is lack of landmarks.


Man your so right. Just the way my setup is I could never get used to reaching over that far to press a key. It felt unnatural and slowed me down. Don’t get my wrong I get my uses out of it, but more or less for more passive things like buffs. Now with EQ2 I’ll have so many darn buffs this thing is really going to shine.

Pretty soon I’ll be making EQ2 labels. I’ll post them when I’m done for anyone use. Who knows who might box EQ2 in the future *cough xzin eq2 now! *cough :D

[Xzin]

heh, unlikely but I wouldn't rule it out.

[Sam DeathWalker]

Just put a drop of glue or epoxy on the key for a "bump" ...

[zanthor]

Just put a drop of glue or epoxy on the key for a "bump" ...

Let it dry before use.

C'mon Sam, this IS the internet... you gotta be specific.

[Memn]

I was eyeing the 84 key X-keys as well, but it only comes in USB. (I hope I'm wrong about this though)

It is still not ideal. I'd like to be able to have actions that bind to all characters at once, or only one character specifically and the 4x5 grid on the xkeys just isn't enough. Preferably, I'd like a Nx6 grid, so I could bind the first key to go to all, and each subsequent key go only to one of the characters.

When you consider all the actions that you need to have easy access to it is no wonder you see so many pics with 2 XKey pros.

[Xzin]

I would think it would be smarter to simply use modifier keys. See my layout on my FAQ. The little PVP icon is my modifier key, which doubles the amount of keys but keeps everything in reach. You could triple or even quadruple it.... Up to 7 layers if you really wanted to.

[Slats]

I had been meaning ot message you about your key layout Xzin. By modifier key I assume you mean toggle the 'second layer' or the 'red layer' on the X-Keys Pro?

And by up to 7 layers I assume you mean making CTRL / ALT / Shift combos for all the keys?

-Dan