Anyone using a gaming keypad?

[Dr Roly]

I've been looking at the Logitech G13 as it looks like an interesting choice for a secondary controller.

Having a load of definable keys to my left would be useful and the joystick looks potentially good for controlling lateral thrust.

However, sometimes these things look great but don't work in practice. Does anyone here have first-hand (pardon the pun) experience of using one in ED?

 

[dumbo]

I've been looking at the Logitech G13 as it looks like an interesting choice for a secondary controller.

I used 2 of those devices a few years ago, and (for my hand) the G13 was completely useless. The keys are not exactly 'ergonomically positioned' and it turned out to be really awkward for me to use. I assume with different sized hands etc, it works better. (the other device I had was very nice - although I think it's discontinued now).

My own suggestion is to take a look at the 'CH products pro throttle'. I don't own one but it seems to have a great number of very useful buttons/hats that are easy to reach (and it naturally has an analog throttle which is very nice).

But, that's just me - I think some people like the G13 .

 

[forger]

i had hotas, now while i will get new one i use just t16000m stick and gaming keypad:

as a throttle it works ok, it has less buttons than throttle (in single mode) but has enough for what i need, so i am pretty happy with it, never have to look down at it and that's a huge plus when i have right hand on stick, left on keypad and can concentrate on the game, but i do miss throttle

 

[Kross]

I use the Logitech G13 Gamepad + Saitek X55-Rhino HOTAS.

Initially I was just using the G13 and a mouse (Logitech G500) but due to the complexity of the cockpit controls (and their sheer number) it just became a hassle. Plus, piloting with the mouse in this game was a bit tough for me; I wasn't extremely accurate. I decided to opt for the X55; best decision I ever made!

As a supplementary device to the HOTAS, the G13 is awesome! I have all the UI interaction keys mapped to it. So I exclusively use it as my UI device while piloting. I have the G13 sitting on my desk, left of the X55 throttle unit. So while flying, I just take my left hand off the throttle and am able to use it without looking at it.

 

[uncle bulgaria]

I picked up a Razer Orbweaver yesterday and it's a definite improvement over a regular keyboard. The little control hat is perfect for energy management and the keys are nicely laid out and have a nice mechanical clickyness to them, my only gripe is the bottom thumb one is a little bit far away for me but for a 6' tall bloke I have quite small hands

Like I said I only picked it up last night so further tweaks to come but overall positive feelings. I've not started looking at the macro functions yet but I see some very good potential there too.

 

[bassman]

I started off using a razer gamepad but found it ultimately too limited. I now use a ch pro throttle which IMO is vastly superior especially for speed/trust controls.

 

[Clifford]

I've been looking at the Logitech G13 as it looks like an interesting choice for a secondary controller.
.....
However, sometimes these things look great but don't work in practice. Does anyone here have first-hand (pardon the pun) experience of using one in ED?

I have been wondering the exact same thing.
I had the idea of using the thumb-stick to control either lateral thrust or maybe head looking.

I usually play with KB & Mouse but lately I bought a Logitech 3D pro joystick and a G13 gamepad. I think playing with the joystick on my right and keyboard on my left is working-out okay.

I Haven't opened the package on my g13, I may return it. I keep thinking "what does the G13 do for me that the Keyboard doesn't already do?" The thumb-stick hat control is the only thing I can think of, and don't really know how useful that would be. I already use WASD keys for lateral thrust, would having an axis control for lateral thrust really change anhything?

Plus the G13 was expensive, even more than the 3d pro joystick, so that's why I might return it.

One thing I can say from experience is the Logitech controller software is nice: can set key presses or Sequence of keyboard presses to trigger from any controller button, and can adjust sensitivity curve to a limited degree.

Enough of my speculation... Anyone actually played ED with one?

 

[Iain M Norman]

I'm using a PS3 Dualshock 3.

If like me you've been using a PS controller since the PS1 days then it's immediately very comfortable and usable!

 

[Vandyl]

I used the Razor Orbweaver extensively before I started using VoiceAttack. Now it serves as a backup to VoiceAttack. Orbweaver gave me 22 extra buttons and a thumb stick to make up for the lack of buttons (12) on my T-Flight HOTAS X.

 

[.Stu.]

same here with the exception I have the G13 to the right of the throttle.

I have used it for a good while for a variety of RPGs etc and mutiboxing on one.

I love it and have spent ages contructing LUA scripts for gameplay.

Not much LUA for ED et the moment, only a button switcher to use the two buttons by the stick to toggle modes, as I find the mode keys a bit fiddly to get to under pressure

Stu

I use the Logitech G13 Gamepad + Saitek X55-Rhino HOTAS.

Initially I was just using the G13 and a mouse (Logitech G500) but due to the complexity of the cockpit controls (and their sheer number) it just became a hassle. Plus, piloting with the mouse in this game was a bit tough for me; I wasn't extremely accurate. I decided to opt for the X55; best decision I ever made!

As a supplementary device to the HOTAS, the G13 is awesome! I have all the UI interaction keys mapped to it. So I exclusively use it as my UI device while piloting. I have the G13 sitting on my desk, left of the X55 throttle unit. So while flying, I just take my left hand off the throttle and am able to use it without looking at it.

 

[mojonaut]

Xbox gamepad here, with Voice attack it works very well

 

[Ben Ryder]

I've got a spare old N52te. It's very worn but works perfectly.

This is a stock image

Private message me if you want it for free.

Engadget review 8.3
http://www.engadget.com/products/belkin/nostromo/speedpad/n52te/

 

[cpbtrading]

Nostromo and mouse does practically everything for me. Used the combo for a good while now in a few games, works very well, I find.

 

[rogueuk]

I use the logitec gaming mouse and speech recognition software. Make the gaming experience excellent.. There are so many keys to remember. Using voice commands makes ED superb. Imagine telling the ship computer to deploy landing gear.

 

[Yaesu]

I use the Razer Nostromo, formerly known as the Belkin N52TE speedpad. Once you get use to it there is no turning back. I use it for everyday programs, game editors and of course gaming.

Due to lack of buttons on my X52 Pro throttle i decided to go with the Nostromo and the X52 Pro flight stick. Been a great combo for me so far.

 

[Zephyriel]

I've been using the original Belkin n52 Nostromo Speedpad for several years :

The colors aren't very sexy compared to the more recent models, but it works perfectly fine. I hesitated before buying it, fearing it would be another one of those gadgets that end up taking the dust on a shelf, but since I tried it I simply couldn't play without it! Unlike a keyboard, no matter how "gamer" they call some of them, this feels like an actual gaming device. It is so much more comfortable than a regular keyboard, and the directional arrows are very handy. I like mapping jumping and crouching movements to the up and down arrows, moving in 3D space this way feels very natural. I use the big black button as a modifier. Any button can either toggle between the four modes, or you can use it as a modifier while you hold it. You can pretty much customize it the way you want it, with each key mapped to up to four different functions.

Anyway, the keypad is a great addition to my HOTAS setup, like someone else mentioned here I use it to navigate the UI, both in flight and on stations. It will also prove very useful when we get to walk out of our ships! I used it like this on X Rebirth, it was perfect. It sits nicely next to the throttle, symmetrically to the way the mouse sits next to the stick, unlike my keyboard which has to rest awkwardly behind the HOTAS...

I definitely recommend getting a keypad to anyone who plays with mouse/keyboard on PC, it's a worthy investment. The Razer keypads are essentially updates of this old model, and look pretty good. The Logitech G13 on the other hand looks very weird, the shape and button placement seem very awkward, I bet it's no way near as comfortable as the original Belkin design.

 

[hydraSlav]

I've been using the original Belkin n52 Nostromo Speedpad for several years :

The colors aren't very sexy compared to the more recent models, but it works perfectly fine. I hesitated before buying it, fearing it would be another one of those gadgets that end up taking the dust on a shelf, but since I tried it I simply couldn't play without it! Unlike a keyboard, no matter how "gamer" they call some of them, this feels like an actual gaming device. It is so much more comfortable than a regular keyboard, and the directional arrows are very handy. I like mapping jumping and crouching movements to the up and down arrows, moving in 3D space this way feels very natural. I use the big black button as a modifier. Any button can either toggle between the four modes, or you can use it as a modifier while you hold it. You can pretty much customize it the way you want it, with each key mapped to up to four different functions.

Anyway, the keypad is a great addition to my HOTAS setup, like someone else mentioned here I use it to navigate the UI, both in flight and on stations. It will also prove very useful when we get to walk out of our ships! I used it like this on X Rebirth, it was perfect. It sits nicely next to the throttle, symmetrically to the way the mouse sits next to the stick, unlike my keyboard which has to rest awkwardly behind the HOTAS...

I definitely recommend getting a keypad to anyone who plays with mouse/keyboard on PC, it's a worthy investment. The Razer keypads are essentially updates of this old model, and look pretty good. The Logitech G13 on the other hand looks very weird, the shape and button placement seem very awkward, I bet it's no way near as comfortable as the original Belkin design.

I've got the exact same one, got it around 14 years ago. I do wish for extra row keys at the top, the ~ to 4, so to speak. Unfortunately my "space" thumb button is so worn out that it's no longer reliable, which is a shame, since it's a great "modifier" button like you said.

 

[Weathers]

If you ever plan on playing ED through the Rift (I don't see how anyone wouldn't - it's damn impressive) you've got to go the HOTAS route.

I was playing with a joystick and keypad which worked ok (tho no analogue hat control for lateral/vertical thrust wasn't ideal) but got the CH pro throttle and it's just so much better. Plenty of inputs and the hat is placed nicely for your thumb, unlike the saitek, and the immersion goes up a level.

As others have mentioned, a keypad is useful for the UI (tho I still find myself using the hat on the throttle most of the time)