new gaming keyboard

[SirPoonga]

Wolf Claw Type II
http://www.wolf-claw.com/
http://zdpub.vo.llnwd.net/o2/wolfclawkeyboard.html

Looks interesting.

[AtomSmasher]

Good idea, but still doesn't look too comfortable to use.  Now if you combined that with the palm rest on the Nostromo and you may have something, until then I'll stick with my Nostromo N52.  Plus it doesn't look much different then the ZBoard and on the ZBoard you can buy new layouts so its much more custom for each game.

Another new release is the Saitek Pro Gamer Command Unit, but the few places that have reviewed didn't think it was all that great, addon a $70 pricetag compared to the nostromos $30 and its no contest. 

I feel like a PR guy for nostromo, but I've been using them years and love them.

[SirPoonga]

True, the n52 is more comfortable, but does it have 40 button in easy reach?  I think the shear number of buttons in that area is what makes it cool.  I've tried a zboard and n52 and I don't like how there aren't many buttons in the usable area.  Granted in your average FPS they are fine.  But I play tactical shooters mostly in which there are team commands and such.  the n52 only has 14 buttons.  Yes, it has shift states but I hate having to remember which state I am in and which state has what.  I have that same problem with my saitek x45.  I'd rather just push one button and not have to remember how to get at that functionality.  Saves brain power for gameplay

The article I saw that reviewed that had a side by side pic with a zboard.  zboard doesn't have near the amount button near the butterfly.  And there's aren't new layouts for the zboard.  they are all slight variation of the butterfly with maybe an extra key here or there.  The big difference in zboard tops is the decal and labelling.
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1851654,00.asp
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/10/0,1425,sz=1&i=104967,00.jpg


I'd think about getting the devour model (just the circular part) when it is released.

Oh, the keyboard is only $50, it's at thinkgeek.com.  So I'd think the devour model will be priced comparable to the n52 as it doesn't have a full keyboard.

[SirPoonga]

I do wonder why the zxc keys are so large though.

[markb]

Unbelievabe 40 keys to play a game! Talk about progress

Atari - Joystick & Fire
Early Arcades - Joystick & 3 Fire buttons
PSone - D Pad and 10 buttons
PS2 - D Pad 2 analog sticks and 12 buttons
Current PC Games - Every freaking key possible (shifted as well) plus mouse

99% of the most addictive games I have played use less than 6 main buttons

[AtomSmasher]

I'd think about getting the devour model (just the circular part) when it is released.

Oh, the keyboard is only $50, it's at thinkgeek.com.  So I'd think the devour model will be priced comparable to the n52 as it doesn't have a full keyboard.

Ya, I'd think about it too.  I've been using the nostromo for years and keep waiting for someone to improve on the design, but so far no one has.  As for the nostromo not having enough buttons, it actually has 20 buttons (including the 6 for your thumb) but thats often still not enough.  Usually theres a number of keys you don't need in a firefight, like a map key, mission key or inventory key, so I set pushing forward on the thumbpad as a shift key (set so the shift state turns off when I release the thumb button) then remapped most of the other keys, except I always keep WASD the same in every shift state so I can always move if something surprises me.  This gives me 10 more keys, plus I have 2 thumb buttons on my mouse giving me a total of 34 buttons (20+10 from changed state+4 from mouse), which is more then enough for most games, although it does take time to get used to the configuration.  The only thing I think the nostromo needs is 9 keys wrapped around the top (or at least 7 keys) so you can have easy access to the weapon keys, if it had that I would no longer even glance at new models of similar products.

If they do release this seperate from the keyboard for around $30, then theres a good chance I'll pick one up and try it out.  At least I will if the reviews are half-way decent.

[SOAPboy]

Been around for a while..

Ill stick to my Saitek

[SirPoonga]

Unbelievabe 40 keys to play a game! Talk about progress

Atari - Joystick & Fire
Early Arcades - Joystick & 3 Fire buttons
PSone - D Pad and 10 buttons
PS2 - D Pad 2 analog sticks and 12 buttons
Current PC Games - Every freaking key possible (shifted as well) plus mouse

99% of the most addictive games I have played use less than 6 main buttons

I guess you never play rts, flight combat sims, mechwarrior, and rainbow six games  

[SOAPboy]

Unbelievabe 40 keys to play a game! Talk about progress

Atari - Joystick & Fire
Early Arcades - Joystick & 3 Fire buttons
PSone - D Pad and 10 buttons
PS2 - D Pad 2 analog sticks and 12 buttons
Current PC Games - Every freaking key possible (shifted as well) plus mouse

99% of the most addictive games I have played use less than 6 main buttons

I guess you never play rts, flight combat sims, mechwarrior, and rainbow six games  

or mmos, any FPS anymore, RPGs..

[SirPoonga]

or mmos, any FPS anymore, RPGs..

At least this wolf claw controller is keyboard input.  I have found many games do not recognize the throttle on my saitek x45.  BF2 doesn't.  It's annoying to have a flight stick and not be able to use throttle!!!!!  Every other analog axis games can see, except throttle.

I was looking at the letter assignment on the wolf claw.  Very interestin, I wonder why some the letters are like they are.

[markb]

I guess you never play rts, flight combat sims, mechwarrior, and rainbow six games  

I had to google for what RTS means so I guess that answers your question