Ergodex DX1 questions

[Ghallo]

Alright, so I have seen the Ergodex, and was interested - but with only 25 keys it didn't really seem worth the price. Now I see this:
http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/Keyboard-Accessories/ErgoDex-DX-1-Add-On-Key-Set-25-Keys

And I am wondering - is this a replacement for damaged keys, or can someone add it to the original and end up with 50 keys? I don't need all 50, but I certainly need more than 25, and with this addition it suddenly looks like a viable and solid option.

So - what do you guys think?

[Dezeral]

I purchased an Ergodex just after Christmas. It comes with 25 keys and you can add an additoinal 25 keys.

[Katharsis]

I went ahead and bought a second set of keys for my Ergodex ('http://www.dual-boxing.com/forums/index.php?page=Thread&threadID=995') after I read rumors of Ergodex shutting down but I haven't used any yet. The second set are not replacements but additional keys. It's a fine piece of equipment but still lacks Vista drivers as far as I know.

[twobztwop]

I bought one a few years ago (also got the 2nd set of keys, 50 total). It was a pretty good piece of hardware -- though you could spend hours trying to set up a "perfect" layout. The software was pretty slick, you could create some fancy macros if so inclined (easier/better than a g15).

They were supposed to write updated Vista drivers -- this was over a year ago -- and so far nothing yet. This isn't like X-keys. You need drivers to get it to work under windows. (I think there might be some community written work-arounds, but I haven't tried them)

I'd recommend against purchasing this as you can't count on using XP forever and the odds are that this company is done. Too bad really.

[Ziran]

I bought the CH version of ergodex with 25 extra keys. Same thing for more money but really good drivers. Basically here is my quick review. This is a good piece of hardware but not for multi boxing. If you just want to play with 1 computer and want a more comfortable controller this will work for you (since you can arrange keys any way you like). If you want to multi box XKeys PRo is 10x better because:

1) Higher key density (big one)
2) Broadcastable (PS2)
3) Superb changeable key labels with cover
4) Better mechanical feel

Ultimately when playing around with it I found that I just kept making as dense grid as possible to access each key fast. Well XKeys pro does just that with less fuss more keys less space more compatibility and less money.

Do buy the device if you have any kind of disability that limits your finger/hand movement, or if you simply cannot find a comfortable standard controller that fits your hands. Do not buy ergodex. It is just R&D outfit that abandoned the device to licensees and does not support DX1 anymore. Buy the CH products version they have superb driver support including vista (their drivers will NOT work with DX1, have to buy CH hardware):

USB multi function panel:

http://www.chproducts.com/shop/usb.html

Ziran