FPS Gamepad

Been looking for a better FPS solution better than my Sager NP9130s keyboard.

I found the Logitech G13 and the Razor Nostromo.

Thoughts?

 

I have the Nostromo, and based on experience, nothing beats an actual keyboard. The Nostromo is ergonomic and all, but it lacks buttons in my opinion.

 

I am trying to find something that's not a full size keyboard that would fit to the left side of the NP9130.



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I've had the G13 and the Belkin n52te (which has since been re-branded as the Razer Nostromo). They each have their upsides and downsides.

G13 pros: more buttons, programmable LCD screen, joystick

G13 cons: not nearly as ergonomically shaped; fully symmetrical, but southpaws still can't use it with their right hand because the joystick and thumb buttons are stuck on the right side. No scroll wheel.

n52te/Nostromo pros: shape contours very nicely to most hands, and the hand rest can be adjusted to two different positions. Has a scroll wheel and actual spacebar key.

n52te/Nostromo cons: fewer buttons, though with most FPS games, it still has more than you'll need. D-pad instead of joystick, with a removable joystick-style cap. No built-in LCD.

I returned my G13 after a couple weeks; it was just not that comfortable, and frankly, I never really used the LCD. I look at my computer monitor, not my keypad. I still have my n52te and it still works nicely. The shape takes a day or two of getting used to, but once you do, you'll never be able to go back to a regular WASD keyboard setup.

 

Actually, i still prefer a full fledged desktop keyboard to my n52te, but i have to agree that i find the n52te mote comfortable than the G13. I didn't buy the G13 for that reason, i couldn't get a comfortable grip no matter how i tried when i sampled it at a friend's place. The Nostromo on the other hand suits me pretty well ergonomically speaking and has enough buttons. I also got it on sale for $20. I'd take the n52te over my laptop's keyboard though.

 

So both of you vote for the N52TE?

 

Well, i'd vote for a tenkey less keyboard, but i don't think that's an option for you, so yeah n25te. I strongly suggest you find a store where it's on display before getting it though, it will either fir you like a glove or it won't. Same for the G13, some find it ergonomic, others can't have a comfortable grip with it.

 

Very true. Now I gotta find one. Maybe BestBuy.

 

If you can't find them both in store to try, I would order the pair online from someplace like Amazon or Best Buy where you could easily return the one you don't want.

 

My vote is for the G13.

After using both extensively for gaming, CAD, photoshop, etc...

The real deal breaker for me is the software and thumbstick. I like the software better on the G13, and the LCD screen is super helpful if you need to switch profiles on the fly (although both have auto-switching when a different .exe is run). Still, I run CPUID Temp monitor and you can use the LCD screen to watch those. Or perhaps you need an RSS feed, it can display those as well. This as well as having multiple backlighting options.

Comfortability still goes to the Nostromo though. After using the G13 I got addicted to the extra keys and have not used my Nostromo in 4 months now. That is mostly due to using it for CAD but now that it is plugged in its all I use. If you want guaranteed comfort - go Nostromo.

If you need a tonne of keys get the G13, otherwise the Nostromo's are going for cheap right now from I have seen. Start with Nostromo, if you like it great, if you find you need something with a few more bells and whistles, move on to a G13.

W

 

What a cool computer room. Is that a bunker or something?

 

It's my computer nook. All I did was find a kitchen countertop from a local hardware store for under $25, some 25 ft. 12/2 NM-B Wire for $18, and outlet. Slap on some caulk and I was done. With the shelving, it was a $150 job.

I am satisfied with it. Here is a wider angle shot.


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bump, due to activity.

 

i got the razor thing but i hate how it lacks another row it has row q, row a and cor z and thats it...where is the number button row? Also the hand rest is annoying...i haven't gamed enough but i would like to remove or shorten the hand rest. Also some games it works nicely in but other you dont have enough buttons. Brothers in arms it sucks but CS its good. COD...haven't played it in forever so i havent tested it but with lean left and right i doubt it'll work.

I have seen these zboards..i bought one but not sure if its better...i will probably sell mine since it is coorded...trying to stay away form coords.

if the zboard seems cool to you i got it with the SC2 board overlay too if you want to buy it.

 

That's pretty clever, and nice space management.

 

Bump. Looking to buy soon.