I use the Saitek "Cyborg Command Unit", which was the cheapest gameboard I could see. It's a fine piece of hardware.
The software for programming it isn't very intuitive, and it sometimes activates two powers at once, which I think is probably a result of me not programming it right.
(Specifically- let's say I map a button on it to Ctrl+4. Hitting that button activates the power set for Ctrl+4 and the power set to just the number 4. This isn't a problem for me as I've arranged the powers so this happens to complementary things, but it would be a problem for some)
...and I can't help but think I'm using their indecipherable profile editor incorrectly. But I would reluctantly recommend spending the extra money for a Belkin or Logitech instead. Should be much easier to set up.
I have been looking at gaming keypads for quite a long time. I finally broke down and ordered the Logitech G13. It should be here in a week or so. (I went for free shipping).
What is amazing to me is how different I use my keyboard with STO. I have tried using it in the same fashion as Ops and Con used their consoles. It was just lacking some buttons or positioning of the buttons.
I think the G13 in tandem with my keyboard will bring me one step closer to a Star Trek console!
What I am really waiting for is for gaming keyboards that don't use keys. They will be glass, touchscreen boards for which players can load/create game profiles that work for them.
I am thinking if STO starts taking off with players that it would be feasible for someone to develop and market the STO programmable console. Now that WoW is hugegantic they are marketing every little bit and bob you can imagine!
I'm using a Nostromo N52te. I have it set up rather strangely - pm me and I'll try to post a profile file someplace.
I also have a G15 (v1 with 18 keys) and a Razer Naga, but that's overkill for this game (I use all that though in AoC, for example).
I HIGHLY recommend you use a Logitech gaming KB, as the Logitech macroing and key bind driver is FAR, FAR, FAR superior to the Razer drivers (including the Nostromo)- Logitech can bind a multi-keypress to a single key without macroing it, which is an enormous drawback to Razer-based products.
That in mind, you may want to look to the Logitech G13 pad. I cant speak to the physical design (the Nostromo is very comfortable), but the Logitech driver behind it is likely going to outshine the Nostromo.
Find a shop with no restock fee and buy both, keep the one you like after a week?
I used to use a Belkin n52 (original) but since it's worn down now, I had to get something new. Literally everybody I have chatted with who went to the n52te from the n52 hates it. Aside from a very few consumer reviews on sites like Newegg, it's hated. Thus I pulled the trigger on the Logitech g13. Took me awhile to figure out how to properly set up not only a basic profile, but macros. Still, aside from the joystick being a little too responsive for my tastes, I'd recommend it over the n52te.
All the buttons are programmable, and all can accept a macro. You can program the macro on the fly, just as advertised, or do it from within the keyboard interface software. You can even rename your macros later. Takes a couple days to really get a feel for it, but once you do, it's easy to work with.
I use a n52te and overall it works pretty well. for simplicities sake I try to use the same keymaps from game to game, since they are already in my head, and I have had issues with WTO accepting combo keybinds (Ctrl 1 et al) since the n52te needs them input as macros. In STO hitting one of those keys will usually fire the number while ignoring the Ctrl, but works sometimes, so I am guessing it has something to do with how STO takes that input.
The idea of a keyboard that changes to suit the task you're doing has been taken a step further than assigning functions to keys, but it's only a concept so far. There may be others with more than a concept but I don't know of them so until that time there's only one concept and it hasn't gone forward from there for a long time.
With the increase of touchscreen technology I don't see it being too big a hurdle for someone to create a physical keyboard of standard dimensions with a screen to suit. Capacitive screens are great for phones and tablets but for a keyboard I think resistive would be a better option. The possibilities are quite fantastic and I'm more surprised that someone hasn't taken the leap to do it yet.
I for one have physical limitations that keep me from doing the whole WASD keyboard FPS style play. I can't keep my right arm extended for long periods of time, like I would have to do to play pretty much any game. Thus, a gamepad like the g13 is what I need to be able to play comfortably.
I use a G13 with this setup. I had to set Alt + # to Numpad # (except num 1, thats used for torps) to stop it activating the wrong ability. Num 0 is Dist Shields and T is just for vent. I had tab targetting mapped to G23/24 but never really found it useful (I use the mouse for targetting).
Throttle control is mapped to the side buttons on my mamba, and I either click or use the g13 to activate stuff so lack of ctrl line doesnt bother me (I use that for devices and 2nd torp button anyway). Find it a lot easier to use (especially with throttle mapped to the mouse).
i just set up a couple of profiles on my n52te for sto. on one of them, i set up macros for alt +1, alt +2 etc. in limitted testing so far, sto seems to fire the "1" command, rather than the "alt +1" command, for example. a search on the forums reveals some others have had this issue as well.
has anyone found a solution? i thought to try to increase the delays between key presses and releases. has anyone tried that and how did it work?
I use both a logitech G13 gameboard and a Razer Naga MMO mouse for my gaming setup on the pc, pretty much only needed to tweak/add a few bindings in the options the rest are defualt. naga is set to the numpad for tray access on the 12 buttons in tandem with having ctrl and alt on the G13 for quick access. will need to update my zip if anyone uses them aswell and wants the bindings for the game and gameboard.
also the only main macro i have is on the M1 profile for space bindingd is autofire toggle for the phasers (space) combined with distribute sheild power (delete) so i can toggle that on/off for space, M2 is for the ground profile (have 1 and 2 keys macroed as a hold toggle so as not to activate a power when not needed when pressing ctrl +1-6) and M3 is for extra keys that arnt used as often but are accesed when needed.
*for ground i have the option to use the 1 and 2 keys for the bat'leth on the mouse, toggle ingame autofire for missions or use the hold toggle on the G13 for STF's for aggro managment.
I no im going to sound like an idiot for say this.
But what's wrong with just using a good old fashion keyboard that you don't have to spend alot of money on?:rolleyes:
It's a valid question.
For me it helps to immerse myself in the Star Trek experience. A flat screen programmable/designable keyboard would be much better, but you make do with what you have. I try to imagine I am at a console on the bridge of one of the ships. It's working for me so far.
I am still getting my new G13 set up. I have taken a break from it and rolled a Caitian and now am getting him all set up. My other Captains are providing him with the best gear.
For me it helps to immerse myself in the Star Trek experience. A flat screen programmable/designable keyboard would be much better, but you make do with what you have. I try to imagine I am at a console on the bridge of one of the ships. It's working for me so far.
I am still getting my new G13 set up. I have taken a break from it and rolled a Caitian and now am getting him all set up. My other Captains are providing him with the best gear.
It is all about the 'fun' factor!
This game isn't really complicated enough to warrant the use of keyboards or mice designed for macroing.
This game isn't really complicated enough to warrant the use of keyboards or mice designed for macroing.
It may or may not be. I wouldn't be qualified to state an opinion. The whole thing with the keyboards, etc., is to get in to the Star Trek frame of mind. It helps me to enjoy the experience. I have sooo few things in life that give me enjoyment these days. It is all a personal preference thing.
This game isn't really complicated enough to warrant the use of keyboards or mice designed for macroing.
valid till Commander but from Captain and Rear Admiral for space you have 30 total abilities (2 more after both Vice admiral and Admiral ranks are released) to manage and having a macro to manage the phasers and shields, leaves you free to react to the battle at hand esp in pvp where reaction times are a critical factor.
..I decided to use my Wii remote with Classic Controller that I had sitting around collecting dust. Using software by the name of GlovePIE, I have a script programmed that maps all the keys and analog pads to functions in the game - including one analog pad to control the mouse cursor. I'm still at lower ranks (just joined not too long ago!) so I don't have dozens of skills yet - but for simply piloting the ship, or on the ground - it's an ideal solution for me right now.
With the keyboard and mouse not too far away - I have 90% of my keys bound on the controller.. I find it so much easier in battles using a gamepad than WASD.
have been using a G13 for nearly a year now on several games, got an old injury on my right wrist so having it on my left hand is great.
never bothered with any of the macro features, just basic keystrokes, and having the little thumbstick as WASD has been the best option ever as far as im concerned. :cool:
have been using a G13 for nearly a year now on several games, got an old injury on my right wrist so having it on my left hand is great.
never bothered with any of the macro features, just basic keystrokes, and having the little thumbstick as WASD has been the best option ever as far as im concerned. :cool:
ye great thing is once joy support is in in season 2 then we can set that as the joy for space mabye even on ground (will see how well it works on ground on tribble)
valid till Commander but from Captain and Rear Admiral for space you have 30 total abilities (2 more after both Vice admiral and Admiral ranks are released) to manage and having a macro to manage the phasers and shields, leaves you free to react to the battle at hand esp in pvp where reaction times are a critical factor.
as a person who has zero desire to be anything but a ship's captain, any one who makes me a admiral will find me ignoring the promotion, or guilty of insubordation, to get reduced in rank back to being a captain of a starship.
I no im going to sound like an idiot for say this.
But what's wrong with just using a good old fashion keyboard that you don't have to spend alot of money on?:rolleyes:
After getting past level 1 and level 2, I found that I did not like how the keys on the keyboard were programmed. So I want some thing I can program so I can train my hand to use to get a more logical response pattern to the keys. Since this is my first game controler, after visiting Best Buy, and looking at differnet game controllers, I went with the BELKIN n52te, one of several choices Best Buy had for game controlers, because it had a logical lay out with up down left and right arrows, and a reasonablly ergonomic lay out. So far I have been able to program STO to accept input from the n52te.
Now I have to figure out how to program the n52te to better match the way my mind functions. I figure I may want to program the n52te, Map 1 for space actions, and Map 2 for ground actions, but time will tell on that issue.
I got the n52 to make play easier. I am a sad typist. Maybe 30 words a minute while LOOKING at the keyboard. If you can type or maybe play the guitar behind your back, save your money and don't get one! I love my n52.
I use both the Idealzon Fang and the Logitech G13 at the same time with my keyboar commands. Works well together....expanding shortcuts. However, you have to remember where everything is..lol
Comments
just looking now but wanted to know how good it is.
all buttons are programable?
Macros??
any info would help.
The software for programming it isn't very intuitive, and it sometimes activates two powers at once, which I think is probably a result of me not programming it right.
(Specifically- let's say I map a button on it to Ctrl+4. Hitting that button activates the power set for Ctrl+4 and the power set to just the number 4. This isn't a problem for me as I've arranged the powers so this happens to complementary things, but it would be a problem for some)
...and I can't help but think I'm using their indecipherable profile editor incorrectly. But I would reluctantly recommend spending the extra money for a Belkin or Logitech instead. Should be much easier to set up.
What is amazing to me is how different I use my keyboard with STO. I have tried using it in the same fashion as Ops and Con used their consoles. It was just lacking some buttons or positioning of the buttons.
I think the G13 in tandem with my keyboard will bring me one step closer to a Star Trek console!
What I am really waiting for is for gaming keyboards that don't use keys. They will be glass, touchscreen boards for which players can load/create game profiles that work for them.
I am thinking if STO starts taking off with players that it would be feasible for someone to develop and market the STO programmable console. Now that WoW is hugegantic they are marketing every little bit and bob you can imagine!
I also have a G15 (v1 with 18 keys) and a Razer Naga, but that's overkill for this game (I use all that though in AoC, for example).
I HIGHLY recommend you use a Logitech gaming KB, as the Logitech macroing and key bind driver is FAR, FAR, FAR superior to the Razer drivers (including the Nostromo)- Logitech can bind a multi-keypress to a single key without macroing it, which is an enormous drawback to Razer-based products.
That in mind, you may want to look to the Logitech G13 pad. I cant speak to the physical design (the Nostromo is very comfortable), but the Logitech driver behind it is likely going to outshine the Nostromo.
Find a shop with no restock fee and buy both, keep the one you like after a week?
All the buttons are programmable, and all can accept a macro. You can program the macro on the fly, just as advertised, or do it from within the keyboard interface software. You can even rename your macros later. Takes a couple days to really get a feel for it, but once you do, it's easy to work with.
Optimus Tactus keyboard
With the increase of touchscreen technology I don't see it being too big a hurdle for someone to create a physical keyboard of standard dimensions with a screen to suit. Capacitive screens are great for phones and tablets but for a keyboard I think resistive would be a better option. The possibilities are quite fantastic and I'm more surprised that someone hasn't taken the leap to do it yet.
But what's wrong with just using a good old fashion keyboard that you don't have to spend alot of money on?:rolleyes:
Throttle control is mapped to the side buttons on my mamba, and I either click or use the g13 to activate stuff so lack of ctrl line doesnt bother me (I use that for devices and 2nd torp button anyway). Find it a lot easier to use (especially with throttle mapped to the mouse).
has anyone found a solution? i thought to try to increase the delays between key presses and releases. has anyone tried that and how did it work?
also the only main macro i have is on the M1 profile for space bindingd is autofire toggle for the phasers (space) combined with distribute sheild power (delete) so i can toggle that on/off for space, M2 is for the ground profile (have 1 and 2 keys macroed as a hold toggle so as not to activate a power when not needed when pressing ctrl +1-6) and M3 is for extra keys that arnt used as often but are accesed when needed.
*for ground i have the option to use the 1 and 2 keys for the bat'leth on the mouse, toggle ingame autofire for missions or use the hold toggle on the G13 for STF's for aggro managment.
http://www.thrustmaster.com/Upload/1/thrustmaster/products/168/1/Files/3365/MFD-VT21.jpg
It's a valid question.
For me it helps to immerse myself in the Star Trek experience. A flat screen programmable/designable keyboard would be much better, but you make do with what you have. I try to imagine I am at a console on the bridge of one of the ships. It's working for me so far.
I am still getting my new G13 set up. I have taken a break from it and rolled a Caitian and now am getting him all set up. My other Captains are providing him with the best gear.
It is all about the 'fun' factor!
This game isn't really complicated enough to warrant the use of keyboards or mice designed for macroing.
It may or may not be. I wouldn't be qualified to state an opinion. The whole thing with the keyboards, etc., is to get in to the Star Trek frame of mind. It helps me to enjoy the experience. I have sooo few things in life that give me enjoyment these days. It is all a personal preference thing.
valid till Commander but from Captain and Rear Admiral for space you have 30 total abilities (2 more after both Vice admiral and Admiral ranks are released) to manage and having a macro to manage the phasers and shields, leaves you free to react to the battle at hand esp in pvp where reaction times are a critical factor.
With the keyboard and mouse not too far away - I have 90% of my keys bound on the controller.. I find it so much easier in battles using a gamepad than WASD.
never bothered with any of the macro features, just basic keystrokes, and having the little thumbstick as WASD has been the best option ever as far as im concerned.
ye great thing is once joy support is in in season 2 then we can set that as the joy for space mabye even on ground (will see how well it works on ground on tribble)
as a person who has zero desire to be anything but a ship's captain, any one who makes me a admiral will find me ignoring the promotion, or guilty of insubordation, to get reduced in rank back to being a captain of a starship.
After getting past level 1 and level 2, I found that I did not like how the keys on the keyboard were programmed. So I want some thing I can program so I can train my hand to use to get a more logical response pattern to the keys. Since this is my first game controler, after visiting Best Buy, and looking at differnet game controllers, I went with the BELKIN n52te, one of several choices Best Buy had for game controlers, because it had a logical lay out with up down left and right arrows, and a reasonablly ergonomic lay out. So far I have been able to program STO to accept input from the n52te.
Now I have to figure out how to program the n52te to better match the way my mind functions. I figure I may want to program the n52te, Map 1 for space actions, and Map 2 for ground actions, but time will tell on that issue.