CIV III Specific Keyboard, What do you think?

-G-Man- · February 4, 2003, 20:01

Hey All,

I'm looking to get some more insight into gamers thoughts on these keyboards being manufactured by a company called Ideazon.

They make game and application specific keyboards. The keyboards, or ZBoards as they are called, are just about to hit the market all over North America. They are starting off with Civilization III, Age of Mythology, Madden 2003, Unreal II, Tomb Raider and a few more. Some of the keys are are laid out differently to make them easier to use if used frequently, and all of the hot keys are labeled in order to help you learn the game easier and quicker.

Take a look at the links belwo and let me know if you are excited about the product indeferent, interested... I'd love to hear your feedback.

I'm not trying to advertise for them, I have my reasons for wanting your feedback and it would be appreciated greatly if you could share it with me!

Here are some links to get a closer look at the ZBoards:

Product Demo

Age of Mythology Keyboard

Medal of Honor Keyboard

Photoshop Keyboard

Keyboard Base

bongo · February 5, 2003, 06:46

Interesting, sort of. But I've already programmed the 'launch favourite application'-key to start civ3. That's all I need really.

Centauri18 · February 5, 2003, 06:47

This is a truly cool idea. I'm surprised no one came up with it sooner. Keyboards set specifically so you can use them for your favorite games? Incredibly cool.

alva · February 5, 2003, 06:53

I'm too lazy to change the cd between game, let alone keyboards..

TacticalGrace · February 5, 2003, 07:02

Quote:

Originally posted by alva
I'm too lazy to change the cd between game, let alone keyboards..

what do you mean between games?

I'd advocate a civ3 specific PC. You press the on button and it starts civ3.

bongo · February 5, 2003, 07:22

It's not that difficult, just place a .bat-file in the startup folder that starts civ 20 seconds after you log on.

TacticalGrace · February 5, 2003, 09:19

Quote:

Originally posted by bongo

It's not that difficult, just place a .bat-file in the startup folder that starts civ 20 seconds after you log on.

That's not what I meant. I never said anything about starting an operating system let alone logging in.

(BTW .bat files are a bit outdated. just put a shortcut in startup or even better add an entry to the run key in the registry)

Alex · February 5, 2003, 11:59

oh, I imagine my wife trying to understand what's "wrong" with our keyboard...

Jaybe · February 5, 2003, 13:20

Quote:

Originally posted by TacticalGrace
...
I'd advocate a civ3 specific PC. ...

That's the way I do it, although I also download Civ stuff with it.

I use my Mac for everything else,

and that is the way it will be until PTW becomes available on it.

Tattila the Hun · February 6, 2003, 07:44

Hmm, I read about similar game-spesific keyboards back in 1996, I think. It had changeable cover with the games controls in it.

Don't think they catshed on... I use my programmable HOTAS flight yoke system.