Belkin's gaming device

**Lilie** · #1 11-07-2007, 11:03 AM

Do you guys know much about this thing? Would it be advantageous to a game like WoW?

**Signu** · #2 11-07-2007, 11:14 AM

I've debated this myself.

The main drawback is you do not have the number keys above your movement keys, so you would have to change your hotkeys all over the place.

If you are 100% click, then that shouldn't be a problem for you.

Mcgarrett · #3 11-07-2007, 12:04 PM

It depends upon your play style.

I currently use the Nostromo n52 and I love it.

If you play on a flat surface the n52 will be stable and allow a tremendous degree of control and movement.

I have heard of people changing their hotkeys around so they can use the "WASD" movement. My approach was different.

Like a PS2 controller, I use the thumbpad to control the direction of my feet, along with my mouse to control my head (right button) or just he camera (left button). I can circle strafe wicked fast, and change directions in a blink. Some people however cannot adjust to this.

The reason I like it, is because I am using my thumb to move and my other 4 fingers are free to use abilities. If you just change the first 12 buttons to 1-10,-,= then you can just drag and drop abilities to your hot bar and you're ready to go. Move, cast, swivel your head, change your direction, run forward and cast while looking behind you. It rocks.

I have the mouse wheel portion cycle my hotbars. That's in addition to the stance bar changes. Up is next bar, down is previous bar. Press down is resurface bar 1. Stance changes change bar 1.

With that done you have 2 extra keys you can use a modifiers and or jump keys.

Your choice, but I find this set up way easier and more comfortable to use while also less carpal-tunnel pain inducing.

I like it so much, I have a back up in the box still waiting for whenever mine finally gives out.

**Anansi™** · #4 11-07-2007, 12:09 PM

That would totally hinder my cyborz skills, which I preffer to do while raiding or running instances just to make it more difficult. . .

It's nice, but I don't see where it accomplishes much more than the keyboard and mouse already does. I have considered a 5 button mouse though.

Mcgarrett · #5 11-07-2007, 12:10 PM

For an old man like myself, constantly holding down wasd to move was excruciatingly painful.

If it weren't for the n52, I would not be playing.

That, and I've yet to meet anyone who can turn and strafe as fast as I can.

Ruminator · #6 11-07-2007, 12:45 PM

Going from defaults to using all 5 buttons on my mouse made a huge difference for me. Also, really making effective use of hotkeys 1-6 has gone a long way.

After a while, though, it doesn't seem like everything I want; I've really been debating a gaming pad of some type. There's a few out there along the lines of the belkin thing that seem like they would put all the hotkey and movement options that I'd ever want within very easy reach (without having to reposition my left hand to reach it). And since we use voice to raid, the typing wouldn't be nearly as much of an issue these days... Maybe I should bite the bullet and start checking these things out.

**ScientificLee** · #7 11-07-2007, 01:12 PM

I've used the n52 raiding from MC - Naxx and I have to say that I loved it.
I also, used my thumb for movement which allowed for superior circle strafing. Unfortunately, my hands are on the small side compared to the rest of my body. Towards the end of long raids my thumb grew tired and I wasn't able to walk straight. I would consider changing back to the n52 if I were to just Arena.

Another drawback is you need to have a keyboard close by for typing.

Skunktruck · #8 11-07-2007, 01:52 PM

I found one somewhat simular that I have been using :

http://www.saitekusa.com/usa/prod/cyborgcommand.htm

very simular to the n52.

First saw the n52 in a pvp tutorial video Swifty made. I liked what I saw, but when i went shopping, I only found the saitek one, and decided to try it out.

Im pleased with it. Warriors seem to me to have alot of different abilities for different situations that have to be accessed quickly, and i was kinda frustrated with a standard keyboard and +shift +alt keybinds. I found this to be a much easier and more effecient way of control.

Mcgarrett · #9 11-07-2007, 01:53 PM

Mcgarrett · #10 11-07-2007, 01:57 PM

That's my setup, so everything is pretty close.

I use the page up button on my mouse (scroll up above the wheel) to toggle autorun. This way, unless I'm in a permanent circle strafe, I'm not continually pressing the d-pad.

And before you ask, yes, the tray was dam expensive, but with my carpal tunnel, it's paid for itself in spades.

**Lore** · #11 11-07-2007, 02:04 PM

I use the N52 as well, with the Logitech MX518 mouse. It took a little getting used to but I absolutely love it now.

I kept the center keys as WASD for movement, with the actions I use most commonly bound to the orange button and the D-pad. Since I'm then using my thumb to cast abilities, I'm able to move around freely without having to take my fingers off the movement keys when casting things - which is incredibly useful for tanking in movement-based fights. I have other abilites bound to the bottom row of keys and the N52's scroll wheel, as well as a shift button to let me bind 2 actions to each key.

**adrenalize** · #12 11-07-2007, 02:38 PM

Show Off :P

Mcgarrett · #13 11-07-2007, 02:43 PM

heh.

I didn't put it up to show off, just to illustrate that in the right interface, it's dam helpful and easier on your hands and wrists.

**Lilie** · #14 11-07-2007, 04:52 PM

This is great. I might give it a try... sounds like it could be worth it.

Gajanana · #15 11-07-2007, 05:16 PM

where did you get the tray??

Marsellus · #16 11-07-2007, 05:22 PM

I also use a n52, and it is the source of all my power.

Being able to move, shield block, hs, and shield slam at the same time is invaluable and nearly impossible on a keyboard. The key to this is being able to move with your thumb.

Mcgarrett · #17 11-07-2007, 06:14 PM

http://www.officeergonomix.com/page....=subcat&s_id=1

Urhan · #18 11-07-2007, 07:14 PM

Just out of curiosity, has anyone tried using pedals intended for flight/driving sims (e.g. http://www.saitek.com/uk/prod/rudder.htm) to control movement? Seems to me like it'd be a big help in freeing up fingers/hotkeys/mouse buttons, but those things are a little pricey to buy just as an experiment.

**Narshe** · #19 11-08-2007, 01:01 AM

Source: Marsellus
I also use a n52, and it is the source of all my power.

Being able to move, shield block, hs, and shield slam at the same time is invaluable and nearly impossible on a keyboard. The key to this is being able to move with your thumb.

What setup do u currently have? I mean which things bound to which buttons?

Pitstarter · #20 11-08-2007, 02:54 AM

I swear by my nostromo N52, which is currently in it's second incarnation since I've worn one out already. My old one is currently in work, where I use it to play X3 when I get spare time.

Been using it since a month or two after EU release of WoW-vanilla, I would be totally lost without it now. Using it, and my mouse, I can do an entire raid without having to take my hands off the devices, unless to type or have a scratch.

My setup is somewhat universal for all my characters, I use the 'wasd' type buttons on it for movement. The top row, barring 'forward' is actions 1-4, the second row barring movement is action 5 & 6. The bottom row is stuff like character sheet, sit, draw weapons etc. The mouse wheel is for screenshots. The missile button is to target' target. The D-pad is for tab target on the horizontal axis, and change action bars on the vertical axis. The thumb button is jump!

So, using it, I can access actions 1-6 on any hotbar, I keep the 7-onwards for the not quite mashed stuff like last stand, sheild wall etc.

Just to reiterate, I love this device. And I think I shall be hunting the new one.