Wolf Claw Type II keyboard reviewed

We thought Logitech's new G15 gaming keyboard was pretty slick, but according to ExtremeTech, the one to beat is the Wolf Claw Type II, from Singapore's PD Scientific, which adds a set of dedicated gaming keys on the left, sacrificing some function keys and the numeric keyboard in the process. If you're using this for anything but gaming, you might find that frustrating — though if you're used to a laptop keyboard, it'll seem pretty familiar. The dedicated gaming section includes no less than 40 keys, most customized for FPS gamers. ExtremeTech found that the Wolf Claw worked well for both gaming and productivity apps, calling it "the best gaming keyboard we've come across that is just plain and simple, quick and painless, and easy to use." Not bad for $50.

[Frankenstein Black @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

Ohhhh come on now. That thing is a huge abomination! You want a multiple interface keyboard? Zboard is the one to get! How can you beat interchangeable keypad inlays? The only thing left for them to do is make inlays for the PC mod crowd (i.e. lighted, etc). Now get off your Azz and go cop that yo! http://www.zboard.com/us/

[arthur @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

If the circle part turned, that would be interesting. Be great for FPS to look left/right.

[Falchion @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

"Bridge to Captain Kirk..."

--
http://stoopidme.org
Bringing the world together through our common bond: Our stupidity

[Falchion @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

Actually, here's a neater KB:

http://www.artlebedev.com/portfolio/optimus/

--
http://stoopidme.org
Bringing the world together through our common bond: Our stupidity

[PeterDorsi @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

I use the Belkin - Nostromo Speedpad n52, which is by far the best gaming keyboard (accessory?). Great for FPS, MMO's, anything since it can all be programmed per game.

[Ace1 @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

I was looking at this as a viable gaming keyboard.

Found another pretty good review here:

http://gamezuk.com/forum/kb.php?mode=article&k=19

Looks good!

[Nick @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

It looks weird, and i don't like the way they redid the arrow keys or the Insert/delete block. I'd rather buy the Optimus keybord mentioned by Falchion. THAT is a thing of beauty and fully customizable.

Nick

[travis @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

Well, you can always buy a seperate numeric keypad, then youre all set.

[Paul @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

Actually, the circle design does make this keyboard look alot like an LCARS interface... see the right of this pic.

http://toshitin.hp.infoseek.co.jp/contributions/miral-gra01.gif

Not a terribly bad design here. Hate the grey, though. :-)

[blacksheep @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

Ohhh screw all of these companies who completely disregard the fact that not everyone uses the right hand mouse/left hand keys setup.

I'm right handed, but I play using my left hand on the mouse and my right hand on the arrow keys. Not one of these specialty input devices to hit the market (at least that I could find) offered a reversed version. Bastards.

[hoss @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

The circular part detaches for frisbee mode and circular jigsaw puzzular ornament moment. If you eat each three of these apples upon an annointed paleoscope, the proportion of mucus-like members backwards doubles the third precessional cycle like dual legs pedaling overtime. To see this, remove the fornicular integral on the seventh plane and mesmorize my soup pants. In all reality, the only thing worth lessening was the sauce menustrating from my heightened orifice of oracular joy.

[Twist @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

I really like the look of this keyboard. I can't stand using the WASD set of keys for movement and prefer to use the arrow keys but you sacrifice a lot doing it that way (but then again you don't end up hitting E instead of W). If I played FPS's on my computer more (I am a console gamer mainly) I would have to pick this up.

[Lloyd Hobden @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

"Found another pretty good review here:

http://gamezuk.com/forum/kb.php?mode=article&k=19 "

Hey, I wrote that review!!! I'm the webmaster of GamezUK.com ( :D ).

I find gaming keyboards interesting... On the one hand, the keys are definately layed out more ergonomically. On the other hand 'pro-gamers' like Johnathon Wendel (no comment) seem to favour the traditional keyboard.

I believe that if you put in the time and effort on one of these keyboards there are rewards to be had...

[PiratePete @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

Hey I use a Belkin Nostromo Speedpad n52 too (Also still have the n50). It's great for BF2 or any other FPS. I don't know why more people don't use it. Could be the learning curve.
Anyone else use one?.

[PiratePete @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

Hey I use a Belkin Nostromo Speedpad n52 too (Also still have the n50). It's great for BF2 or any other FPS. I don't know why more people don't use it. Could be the learning curve.
Anyone else use one?.

[gezepi @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

Don't most tournaments force everybody to use the same hardware?
If that circle turned, it would be the greatest (aside from a detatched one, but who wants yet another thing on their desk)
I would actually consider getting this, but I am not looking for a keyboard and the lack of a numpad and the goofy laptop-like layout just is not my cup of tea.
I just noticed the keys are labelled 'WASD'. Why would you bother? I hate the WASD setup (I'm an esdf guy myself). Ya, ya, whine whine.

[Fuego @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

Why don't they sell the gaming side separately?

Most people have perfectly good KBs that thye have bought with specific purposes/likes/dislikes in mind.

Seems like they could have just produced the gaming portion of the keyboard as a USB add-on and that would have been great (except for lefties).

[RobbieH @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

I had put an order in for this keyboard and have been waiting for almost 1 month. The email updates dried up 2 weeks ago so be advised.....do not order this as you may get robbed