Anyone using this? I'm wondering if I'll be able to map keyboard shortcuts to it for Planet Zoo.
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Razer Tartarus Gaming Keypad
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I use an Orbweaver, although not for Planet Zoo, I use a 18 button mouse for that, they have many options for customization - so you should be able to fairly easily map keyboard shortcuts to it.
The synapse software can take a little time to learn, but I never had any problems with it.
The synapse software can take a little time to learn, but I never had any problems with it.
Thanks, good to know! I have a Razer keyboard and am used to Synapse. I want this for couch gaming. Hopefully, Planet Zoo will be able to keymap to it.
In case anyone is considering one, I got my Tartarus from Amazon yesterday and set up the keybindings last night. I'm using it with my Wacom Intuos Pro graphics tablet and got it because it fits on my lapdesk better and I can see already it is FAR superior to a keyboard and mouse setup. The tablet is far more accurate than a mouse and the keypad - once I learn the new keybindings - is faster because I can do everything with my left hand and keep my pen in my right hand. This gives me excellent precision and allows me to play the game on the couch with my big 4k TV as a monitor. I've never had PC gaming this good! Once Frontier gets the bugs worked out I'll be settled in for the winter 
I tried PZ with a mouse & keyboard first because I really wanted to get away from my desk and play on the couch but my hand got sore. Not the game's fault, I've worked online for decades and have hand issues from overuse. Holding a pen doesn't bother my hand like a mouse does. Also, once you get used to the precision of a tablet, it's hard to go back to a mouse. To me, it feels like pushing a brick around, and I was using a very lightweight mouse
I was fine with the keyboard but it didn't fit well on my lapdesk with the tablet, that's what led me to the Tartarus, which fits much better.I have the Logitech G Pro gaming mouse and keyboard. I really like the small keyboard for my lapdesk but the mouse not so much. It's lightweight but almost too much so, the heavy cord drags it. A bungee fixes that but it's still this big thing to move around and nowhere near as accurate as my pen & tablet. I notice it most when I'm trying to move something a very tiny bit.
What did you specifically think of the Tartarus? Was it easy to switch over to using it from the keyboard? Any reason you got it instead of the Orbweaver?
Been thinking about getting one for a while, but it's a lot of money for something I'm not sure I'll enjoy using!
I was the same, looking at them for quite some time but not wanting to buy because it's so different and I didn't know if I'd like it. For me it was this game that made me make the leap. I sit at my desk all day and wanted to game from the couch. I needed something that would fit on my lapdesk with my tablet. I didn't do a heck of a lot of research but I watched a few videos and decided on the Tartarus mostly because of the scroll wheel to be honest. I can scroll with my tablet but I have to change my pen position so not great. Orbweaver has mechanical keys, which I do like and have on my small and main keyboard at my desk, but I didn't think it was worth the extra price, especially considering it didn't have the scroll wheel. I've only had it a couple of days but so far I can say this much:
- It has a solid-build feel to it and the cushioned palm rest is very nice
- The keys are membrane but they are extremely well done and don't feel flimsy at all
- Keybindings are very easy to set and change in the new Razer Synapse app
- The scroll wheel is very easy to get used to on the left and in Planet Zoo seems to make sense to me because I use my left hand to move the camera
- I was having trouble getting used to controlling the camera in Planet Zoo but somehow it's easier for me with Tartarus, not sure why
- There are plenty buttons and I was able to map everything I commonly use to just one so I don't have much in the way of combinations (2 keys pressed simultaneously)
- I'm not fussy about the d-pad and don't tend to use it much at all but it being there isn't a problem either, someone with larger hands might have more use for it, it's a reach for me
- LOVE that I can adjust the palm rest, it's not much but it was enough for my small hands
- RGB lighting is fun
- The thing looks badass and would make a great xmas present to yourself
If you are good with muscle memory it won't take long to get used to this at all. I tried to set buttons for things that put my fingers in approximately the same place as they would be on the keyboard for the most used keys but I'm already getting the hang of it and I've only used it twice. I made a little cheat sheet of the buttons until I get them memorized. It helps if you don't think x = 11 but instead think Adv Move = 11.
Hope this helps!
Brilliant, thanks for the in-depth reply. Certainly going to reconsider getting one!
Not what you asked, but for couch gaming I can highly recommend the "Couchmaster" from nerdytec. I can't think of (keyboard and mouse) pc gaming without it. Maybe take a look at it.
I looked at a lot of couch gaming lapdesks but I knew I really wanted to use my graphics tablet with this game so that ruled out most of them. I ended up getting something very simple so I could use my own gear. I chose this one because it's big enough and allows me to sit with my legs up on a stool or cross-legged like I normally sit:
Bamboo Lap Desk,Portable Large Laptop Lap Desk with Cushion Detachable, Suitable as Lap Lray, Bed Tray, Lap Table, Writing Table - Pezin & Hulin : Amazon.ca: Electronics
Bamboo Lap Desk,Portable Large Laptop Lap Desk with Cushion Detachable, Suitable as Lap Lray, Bed Tray, Lap Table, Writing Table - Pezin & Hulin : Amazon.ca: Electronics
www.amazon.ca
I also wanted something really low profile so that my hands would be in a more natural position. This one works pretty great and is cheap too. I removed the cushion to get it even lower and don't miss it. It's also nice that I can just set it aside easily when I need to get up for a break.
Gaming on the couch is great. Planet Zoo on my big 4K TV is absolutely beautiful. It really is worth the money and effort to setup.
Yeah, for tablet using the lapdesk thing is also great.
Yes, in fact, I also prefer 4K games on a big TV in my home cinema instead of a monitor on a desk. For me, the problem was sitting on a desk all day, so I didn't want to sit even more at the desk in the evening.
Although this problem can be easily solved with a PS4, but with just a console you are missing such beauties like Planet Zoo or Anno 1800.
Yes, in fact, I also prefer 4K games on a big TV in my home cinema instead of a monitor on a desk. For me, the problem was sitting on a desk all day, so I didn't want to sit even more at the desk in the evening.
Although this problem can be easily solved with a PS4, but with just a console you are missing such beauties like Planet Zoo or Anno 1800.
Yes, in fact, I also prefer 4K games on a big TV in my home cinema instead of a monitor on a desk. For me, the problem was sitting on a desk all day, so I didn't want to sit even more at the desk in the evening.
Although this problem can be easily solved with a PS4, but with just a console you are missing such beauties like Planet Zoo or Anno 1800.
I only play PC games and it was Assassin's Creed that spoiled me for couch gaming because I could use an XBox controller for it. I didn't much like the controller but after that there was no way I was going back to sitting at the desk to play games. I'm really loving my Tartarus
Change the dpi settings and/or the mouse speed in game. That helps a lot for these things