So i was getting a little worried about wearing out my laptop keys with gaming *Idea*

[Marcos]

And i had an idea, why not use an external USB number key pad:



Has enough buttons for BF2 and the like, with less-used functions still ont he main keyboard.

But it'll save me from having worn-out WASD keys in a year's time, especially since laptop keyboards are expensive.

Any cons? These keypads do work with games right?

[Timmy!!!]

You can get usb gaming keypads that would be more suitable. They are like the above but are moulded to gaming and suit the hand better. The above would work though and is probably cheaper too

I'll try and find a link for the gaming pads

Edit: Have a look at this one, a bit odd but pretty cool: http://www.gamestron.com/benon50spusb.html

[arthurleung]

How bout getting a set of dinovo? Wireless is nice

[Timmy!!!]

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm?co...tail=2mediapad

Yeah that would be great actually, especially if your laptop has built in bluetooth.

[rajagra]

The problem with many keyboards - even gaming keyboards - is they don't always handle multiple key presses properly. Two keys are normally OK, but press a 3rd and you may get unpredictable effects (the system usually thinks extra keys are being pressed.)

Even the Nostromo N50 had this problem. (Hacked me off, cause I bought 2 of them when they were dirt cheap!)

Fortunately the Nostromo N52 solved the problem.

[Trippledence]

You could get a roll out usb keybored.

[Marcos]

How bout getting a set of dinovo? Wireless is nice

I don't need wireless, i'm at a desk and i'd rather not have any possible lag or problems.

You could get a roll out usb keybored.

I don't understand what the advantage of that would be over the numeric keypad

And i want real keys for proper feel

You can get usb gaming keypads that would be more suitable. They are like the above but are moulded to gaming and suit the hand better. The above would work though and is probably cheaper too

I'll try and find a link for the gaming pads

Edit: Have a look at this one, a bit odd but pretty cool: http://www.gamestron.com/benon50spusb.html

I remember those , the d-pad seems like it would be good for movement, not sure if i'm willing to pay the premium

[Nox]

no lag on my dinovo - my only gripe is logitech's lack of linux support, kinda got a wasted media pad sat here :/

Nox

[Butcher]

Why not just get a full usb keyboard? If you're at a desk you presumably have space for one?

[rajagra]

I remember those , the d-pad seems like it would be good for movement

I find the D-pad is awful for movement. Could just be me though. I use it for selecting weapons.

not sure if i'm willing to pay the premium

The price is roughly the same as numeric keypads.
Belkin Nostromo N52 is £22 from Dabs: LINK

Another benefit of the Nostromo is you can setup complicated macros. Don't have to though. You can even use it without drivers, the central movement keys send WASD by default.

EDIT> £18.35 from ebuyer

[Marcos]

Why not just get a full usb keyboard? If you're at a desk you presumably have space for one?

Haha , funny you mention that, that was my original idea but I was put off with having something so cumbersome when i only need 10 or so keys out of it. And i have space for it now but i'll probably need all the space i can get at Uni. Also, price, and a small keypad is much more positionable

[Marcos]

I was planning on ebay'ing it.

Also, since the dpad could be pants, i would prefer the small-travel laptop style keys of the cheap number pad to the full size, big fat looking keys of the nostromo.

But if i can land one of these cheap number pads for under £5 on ebay, i'll be happy

[Butcher]

You can get a full keyboard for under a pound if price is an issue (I make no claims about the longevity of such a keyboard though).

Ifyou're after the laptop feel I can definitely recommend one of these: http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=81986 they're really nice to type on.

[Marcos]

Yeah, that logitech was what i had in mind as i can't stand big fat, huge travel regular desktop keys now after using light-touch laptops for years.

A bit late now as i've ebay'd the number pad but it was very cheap so if its that bad i'll just give it away, no loss

[rajagra]

Well, if small is what you're after...

[ArmagoN]

BUY A Z-BOARD!!!! JUST DO IT

they are quite good, and lazy damn so lazy. i click my Zboard app and select the game, all my keys are perfectly configured.