Various keyboards and gamepads... I'm addicted.

[Vyndree]

I stumbled across this nice list of keyboards of various types -- from "Gaming Macro Keyboards" to "Hybrid" to "Gamepads" -- it seems like a well put together (though not totally conclusive) list.

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/...2337585,00.asp

I really like taking a look at all the devices out there -- even though I'm a hardware 'boxer I have been known to noodle with USB devices every now and then. I really like keeping my eyes open to things like the FrogPad, Steelseries WoW Mouse, Reclusa, XKeys, and all those sorts of things. Anything to give me more physical button real estate. I want to try it all, pretty much.

Anyway, thought other people who are equally interested in the different types of hardware might like taking a look. Of course, G15's and N52's are listed in there as well as some lesser-known stuff like the Sidewinder X6 (macro-able numpad like an additional XKeys? Yes, please!), but it misses some gems like the WolfKing XXtreme which also seems interesting...

In any case, I've purchased a few toys to play with and if I see anything particularly interesting I'll try and throw a review up. Thus far I've tried out the Microsoft Reclusa, Ergonomic Mice and Keyboards (my favorite mouse EVAR -- someone needs to start putting gaming & ergonomics together), Nostromo N52, Saitek GameCom, XKeys Pro (another favorite for buff space and low-risk situational abilities -- make sure you get the PS2 version if you want full hardware compatability), Sidewinder Mouse (too big/uncomfortable for me), and I'll be moving on to the AlphaGrip this weekend -- seems pretty interesting.

Some devices on my "try out later" list:
[list][*]Logitech G15 keyboard (the more popular macro-capable keyboard... I'm not a huge fan of the LCD screen and size, but I might skip to the newest version when it comes out and try it for a spin)[*]Microsoft Sidewinder X6 keyboard (potentially just the numpad, heh. MOAR MACRO SPACE)
[*]Logitech MX Revolution mouse[*]Belkin Nostromo N52te gamepad (I like the 4-way pad and thumb button better, from in-store fiddling. Seems smoother, but I don't normally use my standard N52 as it is)[*]Logitech G13 gamepad (like the Nostromo, I'll probably play with it but never use it)[*]WolfKing XXtreme (non-macro capable buttons, so I can't "rebind" them to ctrl/shift combinations... Another fun toy, but not too serious about it. Not very ergonomic looking either)
[*]Genius ErgoMedia 500 gamepad (a Nostromo knock-off?)[*]Some Ideazon Fang product or another... (I'm not thrilled with this device but I ought to try at least one before passing judgement... Just doesn't feel comfy.)[*]

I'm really excited about the AlphaGrip Keyboard/Mouse/Gamepad -- it's the closest I could get to an ergonomic gaming device (it does give a nod to gaming, but instructs users to utilize AHK to remap keys to more comfortable gaming profiles, bleh). I work 9-5 in front of a computer, I come home to a computer and I regularly do small detail work with my hands (crafting, knitting, that sort of thing) so anything that gets me further away from carpal tunnel... it's only a matter of time...

[Vyndree]

I'm a foot-sitter.

I generally sit on one (or both) of my feet, even if I'm in a chair. Maybe it's because I'm short, maybe it's just comfortable, but after a long gaming session I usually end up limping off of my chair because one or both of my feet have fallen asleep.

I'm terrible, I know.

I used to use one of those "kneeling chairs" that was supposed to help with posture, but it ended up being too low to the ground and not high enough to reach my desk properly.

[Sajuuk]

I wonder if you can take the keypad from another Sidewinder X6 and have two gamepads? =P

[Vyndree]

[quote='Sajuuk',index.php?page=Thread&postID=190249 #post190249]I wonder if you can take the keypad from another Sidewinder X6 and have two gamepads? =P[/quote]

Not sure, I never looked at the connectivity of the keyboard itself.

I'd imagine the macros are software-side, in which case it's not likely you can run multiple devices on the same machine. The hope is, though, that the keypad is on a seperate USB tether from the keyboard and can be plugged in on its own (minus the full keyboard) to use just the macro-capable keypad. Again, not likely considering that the main keyboard has the switch for "gaming mode" (keypad functions as macro pad) and "normal mode" (keypad functions as a numpad)

It does say it has 90 "macro capable" buttons, but I don't really see where they get a full 90 buttons from...



EDIT:
I found another good list of devices on [url='http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/Keyboards-Mice']this[/url] website. Includes alot of single handed and adaptive hardware, so not gaming-specific but still certainly useful for 'boxers to browse through.

There's a few gems like the orbiTouch...


And the behemoth one-handed Maltron... Oh, and a foot mouse for Fursphere.

[Poetry]

I'm a foot-sitter.

I generally sit on one (or both) of my feet, even if I'm in a chair. Maybe it's because I'm short, maybe it's just comfortable, but after a long gaming session I usually end up limping off of my chair because one or both of my feet have fallen asleep.

HAHA me too! I thought about foot peddles but that would have meant actually sitting in my chair properly and that just isn't ever going to happen.

[Khatovar]

I'm a foot-sitter.

I generally sit on one (or both) of my feet, even if I'm in a chair. Maybe it's because I'm short, maybe it's just comfortable, but after a long gaming session I usually end up limping off of my chair because one or both of my feet have fallen asleep.

HAHA me too! I thought about foot peddles but that would have meant actually sitting in my chair properly and that just isn't ever going to happen.

Let's start a club...and share podiatrists! I swear, I have a constant bruise on my left knee from whacking it on the side of the desk while "settling in" at least once a week! ;(

[mrmcgee21]

I feel pretty sure that wolfking's line of keyboards are simply the very best keyboard's you can find for any kind of gaming. Their round design makes hitting any key extremely fast, and y ou won't hardly ever have to lift your palm's up, eleminating almost any kind of keylag I suppose. If you watch ellay's video where he's constantly moving from one keyboard to the other, well a wolfking eliminates that. Over 60 keys right at your finger tips, not including modifier combo's. Only down side is it takes a bit of time to get used to it, and depending on which one you get you might need a regular keyboard behind it to chat on, but the wolfking will take care of any char control while actually playing. Personally I have a wolfking warrior, it was only 30 dollars and its the best keyboard I've ever had.

[Darm]

How about a mouse with not one, not two, but three D-pads?

http://sandiotech.com/sandio_3d.html

[Poetry]

How about a mouse with not one, not two, but three D-pads?

http://sandiotech.com/sandio_3d.html

I thought the AlphaGrip was intriguing, but this! I currently use the Saitek Pro Gamer Command Unit, mostly because I like driving with the hat switch, but a mouse with a d-pad. Make that three d-pads. The possibilities! The peripheral junky in me might need this!

[Vyndree]

[quote='Darm',index.php?page=Thread&postID=190512#p ost190512]How about a mouse with not one, not two, but three D-pads?

[url]http://sandiotech.com/sandio_3d.html[/url][/quote]

[url='http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MR1TWY?ie=UTF8&tag=wemultibox-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creative ASIN=B000MR1TWY'][/url]
I did a search for "Sandio" and found the Visiontek XG6 gaming mouse, which seems to be similar (3 joystick/d-pads for about $30). If you ignore the directional movement of the pads (you can macro/bind the buttons) you get a total of 14(?) buttons -- very competitive when compared to the Steelseries MMO WoW Mouse (which I've already reviewed).


I got my AlphaGrip this weekend and was only able to noodle with it for a short while since we spent much of the weekend remodeling our house. Overall it's relatively comfortable (keeping in mind that I have small girly hands) but some of the keys (namely the "CKYL/JV/XZ" keys on the front of the device) do not map well to the standard Qwerty keyboard. Plus, my name IRL is "Jennifer" and I have a hard time reaching the "J" key with my thumb without adjusting my entire hand. Shortcuts are somewhat tricky (CTRL+V and CTRL+C placement could be improved upon -- namely putting CTRL on the left hand side rather than the right), but I feel it has a bit of potential once I increase my speed... Right now I'm at a measly 5-10 WPM after about an hour or two of on-and-off practice, whereas normally I'm upwards of 100 WPM on a standard QWERTY. The tactile feedback of the keypresses could definitely be improved -- they are way too "soft" and are easily depressed by accident... though I'm told I like the excessively "clicky" keyboards so take that with a grain of salt if you will.

It's also wired (with an included 6ft USB cable), which is both good and bad... Good because I can't stand changing/charging batteries, bad because it would be nice to have more freedom of movement with a mouse+keyboard handheld device like this. There's a USB expansion port (standard USB) in the back that is intended for upgrade to a wireless version, but I'm still not disappointed.