Ergodex DX-1 Input System lets you build a custom key layout
posted Apr 19th 2005 11:19AM
Not happy with the options offered by standard ergonomic keyboards? Then how about just designing your own? That's
the theory behind the Ergodex DX-1 Input System, which includes 25 keys (with additional keys available) that you can
position on a special tray and configure to perform any functions you want. The keys communicate wirelessly with a base
station under the transparent tray, allowing you to position them literally anywhere and still use them. The company
has mostly marketed the $150 system to gamers with itchy trigger fingers, though their software lets you define macros
to use it with any software. Touch typists, however, might have a little trouble getting used to the keys' limited
tactile feedback. Still, it's a creative solution to the need for truly customized keyboards.
[Thanks, Pankaj]
Well that and there's the issue of only having 25 keys. Last I checked, it takes several more to make a usuable keyboard.
what's the point of this can't you just make a device or a program that reads the keycode and converts to whatever you want it to be?
for example if you wanted to have the 'a' on the keyboard be 'b' can't you get a program/device to do that for you automatically or is there something more to this?
I think the feedback is pretty good, the keys depress similar to a regular keyboard key.
Also, this keyboard is not intended as a replacement keyboard, but for games that usually do not require all 100+ keys.
Or we could take a cheap keyboard and pry off the keys that get in the way while gaming, paint it and relabel the keys, and have my own gaming keyboard. W,A,S,D are good enough for me!
This device has been around for a while now. Some users put the keys on their fingertips and used it that way.
You can buy more keys BTW.
This device has been around for a while now. Some users put the keys on their fingertips and used it that way.
You can buy more keys BTW.
3, I understand the game part, but don't most games require at least the alphabet anyway? e.g. typing in consoles, shortcut keys, chatting, entering passwords or names. I can see using it in addition to a full keyboard, but how are you going to position these three things in an effective manner?
I just got it last week, and it rocks! A must for anybody that plays games. I can put the keys however I like to arange them. The best part though is the ability to record macros on the fly. For example, in game, I can hit record and then press a series of keys to kill something and then asign that to a key. Click a new monster, and repeat, it get's rid of that repetetive stuff for you. Same with work, it can adapt to each program independently. And time I have a series of repetetive tasks, this thing saves my hand the stress of it.