A4Tech X7 G100, a $30 alternative to X-keys Pro?

[MrLonghair]

Browsing my old fave of the hardware & modding sites www.metku.net I ran into this review http://www.thinkcomputers.org/index....reviews&id=644


Price? $29.99, http://usb.brando.com.hk/prod_detail...015&cat_id=048

Certainly won't have the production quality of the X-Keys, you get what you pay for I tell myself every other month as I go to pick up a new $5 noname keyboard, and this is nothing but a specially built keyboard that would fit perfectly next to my main computers keyboard and not have too many keys I might accidentally hit in a hurry.


The review brings up the important point that only the rubber covered (very good idea) WASD keys are normal sized, the other keys are a bit smaller, something that large fingered people like me who cannot use most modern cellphones have to take in mind before purchasing.

The WASD setup is also perfectly aligned, instead of at a slight diagonal, but we're going to use it as an input device for other computers. The keyboard lies flat and cannot be raised, the space bar has one point of contact, the keys themselves cannot be rearranged and the ergonomics are not kind on the hand, but then again we're going to use it as an input device, quickly hitting keys as we play on our main characters.


I think it has potential, if I was actively playing at the moment I would pick one up, only $30 and I think it has a tad more promise than the Nostromo and similar solutions.

[Bradster]

Really I think I'd prefer this over X-keys. I am an X-Key pro user as well. Only reason because of price. I myself buy the cheapest keyboard money can buy for a simple reason. I eat/drink at the PC, smoke and I’m very clumsy. Just In a couple months and I don’t know how my keyboard collects a ton of ash. I need to replace the one I have now. All the keys are worn down and shiny and slick. I'm sure if I were to open it up it would have so much ash that people would think I was storing someone’s remains in there. Haha

I’ve split tea twice since I got my X-keys. Both times it missed. One day I won’t be so lucky. I’d feel much better replacing one of these then that x-keys.

[unit187]

lol you are worse PC user then I am

[MrLonghair]

The only x-keys I can see myself getting is the stick, if it'll fit and stick to the Logitech G11 I'm considering, because I won't have to move any hand to reach it (just an inch forwards instead of 3-5" to the side).

As for spills - it's waterproof! The keys look like they'll be less comfy than those of the X-keys, and you lose out on personalized keycaps which is an awesome idea that I love them for :/


This and the X-Keys stick? I'm thinking about that combination. The sixteen macros and skills on the alt(s) that I need in combat on the stick, everything else including out-of-combat stuff on the A4Tech, and it won't ruin my economy.

..of course, might have to find a 3200+ Socket A processor and faster AGP card to max out the second computer if I am to dualbox WAR first.. Plan ahead folks! If anyone finds an alternative to the X-Keys stick let me know, I'm looking into DIY at the moment.

[ytrehod]

That's pretty close to something I've been playing with recently; theWolfking Warrior keyboard (Newegg link). I can't really say without actually using the X7, but I think the key layout on the wolfking is ergonomic, but then I have big hands, so I can reach all the keys pretty easily. I'm still getting used to the change in layout from my n52 (which is still easier to use when moving and casting at the same time). I do miss the programmable keys, but having more keys available makes up for it in my book.

[kadaan]

I don't have anything atm, but I was under the impression that the main draw to XKeys was that it didn't use your normal 104 keys. Otherwise you could just get a $5 USB numpad for a laptop.

[unit187]

nah, actually x-keys is to make easier keybindings

like its pretty hard to press alt+ctrl+P, with x-keys, it is 1 button hit close to your hand :P

anyways I would never find buttons like J or K on my keyboard useful in pvp