Saitek out, Nostromo in.

[Dawnstone]

So my 5-boxing is almost at level 40, and I've run into a hardware issue. My left hand gets sore using my Saitek Keyboard & game unit

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ZPB63CYXL._AA280_.jpg

So I'm gonna switch to using a Nostromo n52 (not te, price & reviews haven't convinced me), with shipping its about $32 from ritzcamera.com

http://a1672.g.akamai.net/7/1672/116/20080301/www.ritzcamera.com/graphics/products/e-33/EP5172833.jpg

The end result should be that I can add keybinding and in-game macros to utilize the n52, so I won't have to use the keyboard (alt/ctrl/shift and F1-12 keys) to control my characters. On the Saitek pad, I currently only use my 3x mages while the priest/paladin use keyboard bindings. If this fails, then its the 'foot keypad' option or XKeys (urg, I'm not ready to dump that much money on a keypad). Anyone have any comments to this setup?

[Eteocles]

Off topic, I love your sig & naming scheme...wish I'd thought of it ;p Might spin off of it later...

On topic, I don't understand how you guys can use those things at all, my Left hand is my movement AND hotkey presser most of the time, how you'd work with that thing detached is beyond me; though I'm going by the screenshot and I guess you'd be able to keep it near yer mousehand instead ;p

[Tehtsuo]

Off topic, I love your sig & naming scheme...wish I'd thought of it ;p Might spin off of it later...

On topic, I don't understand how you guys can use those things at all, my Left hand is my movement AND hotkey presser most of the time, how you'd work with that thing detached is beyond me; though I'm going by the screenshot and I guess you'd be able to keep it near yer mousehand instead ;p

Nostromo is actually a beautiful design. Notice there's a d-pad where your thumb rests. I have that set to WASD, and drive with my thumb. I use the round orange button to target nearest enemy, and the rectangle button under the d-pad for my main AoE ability (Concecrate in this case) Then I have my four fingers to hit the hotkeys with. Movement and hotkeys, one hand. Mouse is for targetting, holding right click to turn, and looting. If I need to chat I move my hands together to the keyboard (I don't chat during combat anyways.)

[Dawnstone]

Thanks tehtsuo, sounds like the setup I desire (keyboard free, minus chatting). Looking forward to trying it out.

[0xdeadbeef]

I've been an N52 user for many years and I strongly suggest staying away from the TE version. Its sad when a company makes a decent product but they don't know why, and they go and make the next generation version and fail miserably.

[Djarid]

Just like the new G15 Logitech and Belkin must use the same R&D

[Nitro]

I've been an N52 user for many years and I strongly suggest staying away from the TE version. Its sad when a company makes a decent product but they don't know why, and they go and make the next generation version and fail miserably.

What do you not like about the TE?

I was thinking on picking up a few cause the standard n52 has very stiff/sticky keypresses and I heard this was alleviated in the TE.

[0xdeadbeef]

Its true the keys do feel a bit better but the D-pad, which is one of the greatest features of the N52 is a lot worse now. Also the programming software is not as complete as the old N52, I had some issues modifying pauses between key presses but I admit I didn't try to figure it out for very long.

[Dawnstone]

Update: Got my n52 and am getting better at using it (tricky at first to break old habit of using keyboard).
The design is much better than my old 'flat' pad, my wrist no longer suffers any soreness while playing long periods of time. However, remembering which keys do what is still a problem - as I found out last Saturday night... was pretty tired and kept hitting the wrong buttons :pinch:

Based off suggestions in this form and some free time thinking, my n52 setup is as follows:

Top Row (5 keys):
target & dispell member (1 thru 5) with mod = /focus member

Middle Row (5 keys):
far-left key (pinky finger) is my healing button (nomod=renew, shift=mending, alt=flash heal, ctrl=greater heal)
three center keys are my AWSD (nomod=W, mod=S) for movement (I dont like the D-pad atm for moving, but it might grow on me)
far-right key (index finger) is my caster dps button (nomod=frost bolt, any mod=Arcane Explosion (+alt=AE with Priest Holy Nova;+ctrl=AE with Priest group heal))

Bottom Row (4 keys):
far left key (pinky finger) = /follow focus (mod = mount up/dismount)
left-center key = Counterspell (Mod: /castsequence Bloodelf AE Silence x5)
right-center key = Priest Bubble/Mage Ice Shield
far right key (index finger) is my alternate caster dps button (mod= totem/add kill macro with scorch)

The mousewheel is currently unbound, as I find it a bit sluggish and sticky in respone time
the Dpad I converted as a Shift Modifier in all directions (so any DPad direct + key = mod:shift)
Orange button = Tab on Main only for targeting

Hope this info helps anyone curious or configuring their own keybindings/macros. :)

[Tehtsuo]

Sounds like a good setup. I actually have two configurations for my n52. One setup for PVP, which is all straight keybindings, and only one shift state. I also have another setup for PVE, which uses the two fifth keys on the top right side as shift state toggles for red and green. That way I can utilize more accurate and selective healing and dps, as well as dedicate more keys to tanking, both of which aren't important in PVP. I have them both set up as momentary toggles, so I can basically shift into red or green for single keypresses, while staying in the normal state for everything else.

[NightFire]

Have any of you tried the Saitek Pro gamer Command Unit? I favor this over my N52. The one I use now has lasted 3 years of constant hard use, my N52's didn't last 6 months. You have 120 different keys/macros you can put into it, plus the joystick. It's USB only though.
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff288/PhoenixNightFire/Saitek.jpg

[Dawnstone]

http://saitekusa.stores.yahoo.net/progacoun.html ('http://saitekusa.stores.yahoo.net/progacoun.html')

Looks nice and just as easy to use, I suppose if the n52 has any issues then the command unit would be the next goto. Same price range as the older n52, more buttons, and the mini-joystick looks easier to use than the current d-pad (my opinion, others like the d-pad). Definalty a good suggestion, thanks.

[Vyndree]

Have any of you tried the Saitek Pro gamer Command Unit? I favor this over my N52. The one I use now has lasted 3 years of constant hard use, my N52's didn't last 6 months. You have 120 different keys/macros you can put into it, plus the joystick. It's USB only though.
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff288/PhoenixNightFire/Saitek.jpg


I like the n52 better than the pro gamer command unit. I have relatively small hands, and reaching the F-keys (top set of keys) on the saitek was very uncomfortable. The Nostromo is much more ergonomic.

Note that Suvega didn't see any problem with the saitek, so it could just be my teeny tiny hands.

[Tehtsuo]

it could just be my teeny tiny hands.You know what that means....... small..... gloves?




..sorry. :D

[Gallo]

it could just be my teeny tiny hands.You know what that means....... small..... gloves?




..sorry. :DI don't think that joke translates to women :P

[Katharsis]

After using the N52 for a few months I bought the Saitek thinking more buttons = better, but I'm back to using the N52. I agree that it is better designed ergonomically. I also like the N52's scroll wheel which I use to shift layers. I did like the joystick style of the D-pad better on the Saitek. I use the D-pad for W, S, Q and E movement. It's great for strafing. And I use the bottom button on the Nostromo for jumping!!! I was tempted to get the Nostromo TE because newer must be better but the reviews have not been good.

[Dawnstone]

Thats a good idea with the wheel shifting-states. Might have to try that. I also use the bottom flat button as jump, believe it was the default and I couldn't think of a better binding for it.

[zero]

Have any of you tried the Saitek Pro gamer Command Unit? I favor this over my N52. The one I use now has lasted 3 years of constant hard use, my N52's didn't last 6 months. You have 120 different keys/macros you can put into it, plus the joystick. It's USB only though.
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff288/PhoenixNightFire/Saitek.jpg

i am using it and i like it i have huge hands and it looks like it was made for me;-)
one thing i dont like top left corner there is 3steps switch which you are able to go to 3different settups the trouble is when i try to use the slider its going pretty hard.. so i have to use the other hand ...!

didnt try the nostromo so ..

[Kyudo]

I couldn't box without my N52, my setup has evolved into the following, mainly 4 shammies and a pally.

1 - Heal Lead
2 to 4 - Various other heals
5 - Purge
6 - Heal self (various modifiers for chain or whatever)
7 - Shocks
8 - Chain Lightning (modifier for nuke)
9 - Lightning Bolt
10 - Assist
11 - Totems1
12 - Totems2
13 - Spread out 1
14 - Spread out 2
Scroll forward - tab target
Scroll back - target last target
Scroll press - jump
Orange - Big button (follow, assist, stopcast etc)
D pad - WASD
Lower thumb pad - Shift (mainly for autolooting)

I have ctrl and alt setup as mouse 4 and 5 to do easy modifiers....

Works for me.

[Depherios]

I recently switched from the N52 to the Saitek "Cyborg Command Pad", as they're calling the new one. The Analog stick is a bit annoying in WoW (just to set up and get used to, I love it now, and knew I would) but really sweet in FPSes and games that support it as a joystick, I have big hands so the 'F'keys are no problem, and I don't use internal shift states so I ignore the 3 way switch (although I have it set to force down modifiers for a form of paging, I rarely use it)

Went from 16 buttons on the N52 to 21 buttons, and the Fkeys were just what I needed for shift states for Warrior/Druid.

Still getting used to the Saitek in some ways though, after 2.5 years of N52 I'm still a bit conditioned to it on my old solo 70s :S

Also: CTRL/ALT as Mouse 4/5 FTW! (I also have shift as a pinky key on Nostromo/Saitek)

[sWaTs]

I really don't get how some of you do their movement with the n52 dpad. I tried it a few times, but my movement sucks with this method. I will stick to my old fashioned wasd on 3,7,8,9 buttons.

Love my n52 and n52te though. For me there's no alternative. Only thing which isn't comfortable when using "pads" like this is chatting.

Oh and btw. I think the feeling of the button presses and overall quality of the te is slightly better than the old one. Other than that I can see no real difference.

[noir]

Saitek, Nostromo out. They're for right-handers only. I'm a lefty. I use a Zboard Fang. 49 programmable buttons.