xkeys versus Nostromo N52

[Thaeds]

So I am considering my main input device, and I've looked at tons of stuff...

I have used the Nostromo N52 before, and found it amazing. The reason it beats out a keyboard is simple, you never have to look down at the keys, no matter what you want to press, and you never misskey.

No doubt the higher number of buttons on the Xkeys Pro makes it very valuable to multi-boxers, but you guys don't have the same... quickness as a nostromo user would, do you? Using shift states I've found I can get more than enough functional keys on my nostromo for boxing. I've never tried Xkeys, but it seems like it has the same clunkiness that a normal keyboard would. Not to mention the hefty price tag. ($170 X-Keys, $30 Nostromo)

I really do dig the custom key pictures and sizes though, awesome!

And before someone says it, I touch type about 80 words a minute, no one needs to look at keys, unless they are moving their hand position, which you do on an X-Keys, but not on a Nostromo.

So why did you guys choose what you did, does anyone use both?

[zanthor]

I've owned a nostromo for about two years, I find it's shape odd and uncomfortable for overall use. It's not viable for movement in MMO's where I often find myself strafing, circle strafing, or otherwise moving in a complex fashion...

I don't have an x-keys however I've grown VERY used to running my G15 keys without my hand losing track of the home row on the keyboard. My intention is that when I get my x-keys pro to place it directly left of the G15 which means it's just a little farther to have access to more keys. The ones closest to the G15 will be the commonly used, the farther ones will be the less commonly used.

Ultimately it's really pretty easy to find keys on anything that has common breaks like the G15 clusters of keys and I'm assuming the X-Keys layout will lend its self to that sort of blind navigation as well. Of course as with anything, the more you use it, the less you have to look to get to it.

[Thaeds]

It's interesting that you don't find the Nostromo useful for complex movement, because that's exactly what I love so much about it. Of course I use it with a mouse as well, but I found the D-Pad to be incredibly useful for helping aid mouse movement. I also put forward, backward and strafe on it.

The breaks in the X-Keys are what makes it better than a standard keyboard for blind access I guess. But are the breaks good enough to compensate for having to move your hand?

You haven't used an X-Keys yet, right? I'm curious how those who have feel about it.

[Quix]

It's interesting that you don't find the Nostromo useful for complex movement, because that's exactly what I love so much about it. Of course I use it with a mouse as well, but I found the D-Pad to be incredibly useful for helping aid mouse movement. I also put forward, backward and strafe on it.

The breaks in the X-Keys are what makes it better than a standard keyboard for blind access I guess. But are the breaks good enough to compensate for having to move your hand?

You haven't used an X-Keys yet, right? I'm curious how those who have feel about it.

I love my X-keys. I have both an N-52 & an X-keys. I tend to use the X-keys more.

Its more useful for things like granular control of heals than everyday attacks/movement. I just use the keyboard for the movement stuff.

[kermitforney]

Can someone shoot a link in this thread? I am trying to search for X Keys, but can't find it.

BTW ~ I am currently using a Logitech G15 and LOOOOVE it !!!! :wink:

[Katharsis]

I am trying to search for X Keys, but can't find it.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://xkeys.com

[Xzin]

X keys have just as many, if not more possible layers as the N52. I have tried out tons of hardware and I found the N52 clunky and the buttons to be too firm. Yes, there are shift layers but witht he Xkeys, any key can be a shift layer. Toggle or press on off. Plus, with the advent of the 2.2 patch, you now have 6 extra toggle layers (for a total of 7) because they separated left shift, alt and control from right.

If you REALLY want something ideal, you need to skip the Xkeys pro and simply build your own keyboard to fit YOUR hand. Not that this is easy or inexpensive but keep in mind that I bought a few N52s for $25 each maybe 3 years ago. They as cheap as you get and you get what you pay for. That said though, I usually use the main xkeys "desktop" part of my pro as my "home" position and then when I need to, I use the top and left/right keys for less critical tasks. I obviously mapped less frequently used keys there. All of my heals are on the far right (where my index finger rests) and my damage spells are in the middle of the "x keys desktop", with utility spells to the far left and individual control of my "drones" at the top. To be clear, I use a Pro and I find it adequate for the majority of tasks.

One step below a fully customized keyboard though. It would be nice if it was less "flat" and conformed more to my hand. If I get back into WoW, I will consider using advanced tech to create a custom XKeys. Scan in my hand, build rapid prototypes and then "print" out a final ABS plastic shell, designed specifically for my hand. It's a good thing that I happen to be working to build a company that will be buying and using said prototyping equipment :)