Gaming Keypad - Are they any good?!

[@pipebomber04]

I use it for shooter games. Its more easily positioned to my comfort than a full sized keyboard. It also complements gaming laptops greatly.

[@heldermonteiro2718]

Also they are good for console players that want to try to play on PC

[@psychometry544]

This isn't what gaming keypads are used for. You don't actually use the DPad on that razer tartarus as a mouse. It's meant to replace WASD movement into your thumb instead of using three fingers. If we're talking about gaming keypad, razer tartarus is the worst example because of the DPad. The best example would be Azeron. It has been popularized by many Fortnite players but it's meant for anyone who wants to play like that. Now, the software aspect doesn't really have that big of a deal. The analog joystick for xinput/directinput will appear buggy is most games like the control hud changes to keyboard and mouse to controller inputs if you were to use xinput/directinput. If you were to switch it to just WASD 8-way movement, it doesn't bug out. Simply put, software support for simultaneous kbm and controller inputs is not implemented in games. It's worth it if you find the comfort of having flexible movement and keybinds, freeing up your 3 finger which was originally for WASD. It's not worth it if you think otherwise.

[@180doman]

OMG what a great feeling to finally meet someone with the same POV. I have used 2x PZ31a since 2008 and i bought them for WASD games mainly. And for years i was commenting various reviews, fb and reddit discussions, youtube vids where 99% of discussing people had no idea about the real purpose of those devices. But now i see more ppl understand this, more are aware of WASD@joystick advantage and i hope that we will se more of such devices in the future.

[@polanialmoni6274]

So which one is best. I like to play in my bed with my laptop and I need a mini board for ergonomic reasons

[@Starbyter2]

I've had this style of gaming keypad since the OG Belkin design which is probably in a storage bin in my family home still. People never understood you pair this with a mmo mouse for maximum flexibility. Since you now have a dedicated wasd in the form of the d-pad, easy to access keys for both fingers as well. One of the most relaxed forms of gaming experiences ever. No weird hand origami, just gaming.

[@pedronanton443]

i have the tartarus and i didnt like the d pad for wasd so i use it for good action like sprint or charge or rezzing and so on

[@MrKrishnadevotee]

You make sense, I prefer the thumbstick directional movement of a Xbox controller, but enjoy using a mouse for FPS games. So the Razor makes sense, although I hope the razors thumbstick sensitivity is as good as an Xbox controller. PC gamers won't understand the feel and speed of a thumbstick.

[@gregray4011]

I still use the older version of the discussed Razer device. (Mine is a Razer Nostromo.) I enjoy using it. Once it is programmed for a game, it takes away all the thinking for me. With a little effort, I could adapt to using a keyboard, but I am satisfied with my set up. Thanks for the great video!

[@brianrichardson3744]

I had the older one too... loved it for Battlefield 1942..Vietnam.. and BF2

[@trololoev]

I dream about it when playing mmo. You cam macros on it changing weapon, automatically drinking health potions etc.

[@fruitgums]

I only have one fully usable hand which I use the mouse with. Because of my condition I am bedridden or in a chair. My set up allows me to use the mouse primary and keyboard secondary leaving my good hand to prop me up in bed to play games as I must lay on my LHS thus making my left hand useless. A small keyboard like this would allow access to WASD without losing space for mouse movement. I am not software clever so the complaints at Razors software is troubling to me. However if it comes out of the box with the basic WASD commands supplied I may be able to use it? If it doesn't can you suggest something a little more friendly please

[@munster1404]

I have a Razer Orbweaver. Two in fact, a spare in case the first one wears out.

[@GTD22]

I love that you made your own tech to sovle your problem I use the "koolertron 23 key" for the same thing im going to make a wrist rest like you have Thanks for the idea

[@Fredroc57]

I have been a PC gamer since 1993 and I can tell you that using a keyboard to play pc games has never been a thing for me. In my early days, it was Doom and Wolfenstein 3d. Games that had no complex setups to play them like in today's games. I still had problems with the WASD or arrow keys because my fingers would either tangle up or cramp up. I remember playing Doom and Wolf3d using mostly a flight stick controller. Then came the Microsoft sidewinder (think of it as an early version of an Xbox controller) and things changed dramatically. I could customize the button but, it was still a pain in the ass. Then Belkin came out with the N50 (later replaced by the N52/N52te) and my gaming in FPS went through the roof. I was a lean mean fraggin' machine. Then for whatever reason, they sold all the rights to Razer and it's been an up and down experience ever since that time. The orbweaver I had died on me 2 years ago so I had to purchase the controller you are holding up the Tartarus v2. The orbweaver was a good controller but, the thumb switch is a bit too small for my taste. The software and the keys were all tight no problems for me. The problems started when Razer decided to move the software controlling the controller to all online as you stated. Terrible idea and it has failed me in the past and I am sure it will do so in the future. One huge problem with the Tartarusv2 is the buttons used on the device are of poor quality and they tend to stick at times. Also, as you stated the software is a bit of a mess. One thing I'd point out is that I do use the controller differently than you and many others. I use the directional pad (d-pad) for my WASD and that is what makes the difference for me in gaming. My left thumb does all the work of movement and frees up my four fingers to handle the keyboard. Absolute heaven for me and my gaming. I read a review of the Tartarus v2 sometime ago (I think it was PCGamer) saying that the device is a "luxury purchase" which made no sense to me at all. It's not a luxury for me, it's a necessity for me to play pretty much any game. Great review and I do like your DIY gaming pad idea, very cool.

[@Nyxson]

That is a very interesting way to play, and actually more common than you think. But have you tested this?: www.gamingmodkits.com/product/keyboardjoystick/2

[@Fredroc57]

@@Nyxson This is my first time seeing this gaming peripheral but, this is just a d-pad/hat switch without a keyboard. I do use the keyboard on the Tartarus v2 for fire, alt fire, etc and my mouse buttons I use for crouch and jump. I found out many years ago my aim was affected by my using the mouse to fire so I moved it over to the keyboard on the controller. My aim improved dramatically from that point on. I do like this idea and I think it will come in handy for a lot of people but, for me, I don't like how a keyboard works for gaming since I always seem to have to look at the keyboard itself. The controller just seems to work well for me once I set it up and get the layout down it's all good. I know my brain works in strange ways when it comes to gaming and how I play them. Thank you for this heads up though. 🙏👍

[@novusseclorum9058]

bro I game from 91 but I never hear of such a cringe way of gaming... but you do what works for you ofc.

[@JoeOfAllTrades100]

You raise a lot of very good points. Thanks!

[@N0strapapas]

I still have an original Razer Tartarus stashed away somewhere. Aside from not wanting Razer's software breaking my shit (a constant problem in recent years): I really just got tired of reprogramming it every time I started a new game.

[@TheKobool]

the only reason i would get one of those is for the analog stick. instead of WASD. for something like the upcoming POE2 where they just added WASD it would be cool. as you can use the buttons for skills

[@kcato8459]

My Logitech G13 finally became too intermittent to use after 15 years of use, so I had to by the razor Tartarus V2, it's not a patch on the G13 which IMHO Logitech were stupid in not either upgrading or making a replacement

[@biofringe4983]

Highly disagree about the Tartarus. I have used one for over a year now and won't think about going back. The software works just fine and I haven't had a single game that I couldn't use it on.

[@Nyxson]

Glad you are enjoying it, I guess you are lucky one, or maybe I am the one who is unlucky

[@biofringe4983]

@@Nyxson Nope. I'm a very unlucky person so I highly doubt that I'm the one being lucky here. I can't use a keyboard for gaming due to an injury and I can't hold a controller for more than 10 minutes. So, the Tartarus allows me to position everything just right so that I can actually play. Without it I'd probably have to stop gaming all together. Also, the biggest reason for most of us to use something like a Tartarus is because developers don't care about keybinds. Half the time they don't work correctly, you can't rebind half the keys or it's a console port and the keybinds are a total mess. With the Tartarus this isn't an issue. I can always program any key (even hardcoded keys) to my favorite buttons. This isn't possible with most regular keyboards. While others struggle with keybinds I continue to game happily.

[@BB_MMX1]

I have been gaming since 2001. The best peripheral that I ever purchased is a Razer Orbweaver in 2015. It is now October 2024, and I am still using the same Orbweaver that I purchased 9 years ago in combination with a G502 which is my 4th purchase due to extensive usage. I use the Orbweaver as my primary gaming keyboard over a brand new and more expensive wireless gaming keyboard that serves as back up to the Orbweaver and for typing. I don't know what you're talking about when you made a bold statement that these peripherals do not have good software support. Swapping keybinds and setting up macros was never simpler and quicker. There is nothing more dangerous than a content creator who misinforms the public on facts.

[@RealUncleFlynn]

I personally use g13 logitech. Still awesome. I bought it of second hand. Only downside it's OLD membrane.

[@Nyxson]

Still have it as well. It was very cool

[@bro_ice]

I'm also using my G13, been using for so long I'm afraid it'll break and I won't have any replacement :D

[@panzer948]

I have the old Nostromo Speedpad N52 which looks to be the granddaddy of this Razar Tartarus.... and its still going strong. But at 15 plus years old, i was thinking its time to upgrade. Mine doesn't use Razor Synapse though but a simple Nostromo Profile Editor that is saved to my hard drive (doesn't need internet/account). Are you guys saying I should just continue with my Nostromo N52, cause that Razar Tartarus does have a few qualities that appear to be a step in the right direction. If so, that is kind of depressing....

[@Starbyter2]

Find someone to mod the board for some mechanical switches and you'd be golden!

[@CGS11900]

Personally my tartarus pro is great. I use the thumb pad as WASD as i find using 3 fingers to just movement silly and inefficient. people like to say oh but its not an analog stick and thats great instant movement. Not sure what you mean by not well supported has all same support as a normal razer keyboard and yes it can be played offline I do all the time while keeping all my profiles. Perhaps you have not set up synapse?..... so far i have 6 profiles and each profile has 8 keymaps. Negatives for me is that it can be used as a xbox controller that comes up as HID controller in windows settings. So if I wish to use my and actual controller I have to unplug the pro connect the controller and start the game then plug the pro back in for games like BF2042. I do not recommend the V2 now that thing is crappy.

[@gulong612]

If you use WASD for movement why get this keyboard, you just need a hand rest. Isn’t the benefit of keyboard the thumb stick? You just need one finger for all movement instead of three, right?

[@Nyxson]

No... well yes but not for the most. First things first, it is not a thumb stick, it's just a dpad. Second most buy gaming micro pads, because it takes much less space than full-size keyboard, leaving more space for mouse, thus putting you into more ergonomic position for your wrists and hands. Third, this keyboard is ortho, linear keyboard, with vertical stagger, meaning that it is more economic for your finger, positioning, allowing you to play for longer without strain on your fingers. And finally, many simply buy this, for an ability to remap key bindings with ease, and on the fly. Technically, you can use your thumb for gaming but because it is just a D pad it will not be much more precise, or comfortable than just using WASD keys

[@180doman]

@@Nyxson Dpad the BIG flaw of this particular model (actually whole N52>Nostromo>Tartarus/Orbweaver line). The main reason i bought my two PZ31a back in 2008 was moving WASD to thumbstick. Its MUCH more comfortable (if you have gamepad you will agree) and it requires only 1 finger instead of 3 for moving your character. So you have much more freedom to use any other skills. Some downside is that this also forces you to use different finger for space skills (usually 'jump'). So NO, you dont want to use the button below dpad but rather ring or pinky fingers buttons. This is SIGNIFICANT change but once you get used to it you will never go back. Thats the way PC games should be played. People tend to forget that keyboards - their shape, button placements etc- were designed for typing. So even the most fancy, gaming ones are really not the best option for gaming.

[@polanialmoni6274]

I look for a product exactly like you mention.im playing in my bed with my laptop. What keyboard do you recommend?

[@mikerochburns4104]

Absolutely all over the place. It's bad, it's good, it's comfortable, it's bad, it's good, it's bad software program.... I GIVE UP after 4 minutes!!!

[@Nyxson]

Let me explain: It is bad because it is not well supported for gaming. It is good as a content creation device. It is comfortable because it is very ergonomic. It has bad software... well that needs no explanation. You see my friend, with complex device like this one I can't just "OOGA-BOOGA THIS GOOD", it has both good and bad sides, and with patience you would get full picture. But you don't have patience I guess. No problem, you can just ask me anything here

[@dandel1345]

That's what she said.

[@GTD22]

Can the corne be used as just one half so just for one hand?

[@Nyxson]

Technically yes

[@GTD22]

@@Nyxson awesome thanks!

[@liameneuk]

Have seen people buying this kind of keypad for productivity.

[@180doman]

Damn such a shame that Hori Tactical Assault Commander 4 PRO is not produced anymore. Real joystick and no synapse-bullshit made it much better offer than Razers. AFAIK it was recognised as common gamepad in windows so there is 99% of chance that Xpadder should recognise it!

[@ToxicVengeanceGaming]

I’m disabled and need to find a way of just gaming 1 hand any ideas? I have no function or anything in my right arm.

[@Nyxson]

Have you tried Xbox Adaptive Controller?

[@ToxicVengeanceGaming]

@@Nyxson nope :// but I’ve just brought a gaming pc so need more options as been told the razer v2 you need a mouse as well ://

[@JohnnyWishbone85]

Azeron Cyro. Combines a mouse, a modest number of keys, and a thumbstick. Not yet out, but will be available for the left hand. If you have full or near-full function in your left hand, probably worth a look.

[@Yittt]

Don’t buy anything razer their products need 2-3 programs to work, ppl have been complaining for awhile now of very high cpu usage 5-10% in some cases causing pc to overheat.

[@eleosiluvatar7828]

I don't need it any more now that most games are action-based. It was good for games like WoW and SWTOR. Maybe if you play FFXIV, it's good. But I don't play any of those games, so mine is just collecting dust along with my HOTAS joysticks.

[@pedronanton443]

its weird that you say synpse is bad, i had Corsair products which i didnt use anymore because i really hate the icue software i had many logitech products i also dont like the software and than i bought a naga plus the tartarus and synapse is the most intuitiv software EVER you can change ANYTHING without a problem

[@karlmoore1837]

@Nyxson Do you have links for the recommended open source keyboards for doing what you've done? And any recommendations on which split keyboards to look at?

[@Nyxson]

keyhive.xyz/shop/corne-v3 Corne, that's what I use. But it's difficult to recommend to everyone since it's 40% keyboard and might be difficult if you switch from full size keyboard. Instead I recommend Lily58. It's 60% keyboard and much easier to get used to. However, if you already use 60% keyboard, Corne is fine

[@karlmoore1837]

@@Nyxson Thanks. These don't have the number row, was that another keyboard - which one was that?

[@Nyxson]

keyhive.xyz/shop/lily58 Lily58, it does have number row. There is also Sofle if you want something with RGB, but I don't recommend it if you are going for wireless build

[@EttoreSenatore]

Great video as aways! It's fascinating how much freedom we have today with so many possibilites of DIY devices, specially when the official products put some limitations that don't make sense anymore. Would love to see more DIY content from you.

[@Nyxson]

I have plenty of DIY videos planned (from tech to furniture) and will upload them gradually 😊

[@biswarupbandyopadhyay3266]

@@Nyxson and also the setup tour😉

[@heldermonteiro2718]

Is good for console players that want to try PC

[@Nyxson]

Steamdeck or other handhelds are good for that

[@heldermonteiro2718]

@@Nyxson I was thinking about PC desktop for people that want to switch to mouth and keyboard

[@Vektorion]

I don't like being made to recharge every single thing in my life Cable for life

[@Nyxson]

Well, my keyboard and mouse last 6 months each on a single charge and charge up fully in a minute, because they have replaceable batteries that I have always ready. I just think that you are thinking about wrong kind of wireless devices

[@bsmracing6592]

Use Elgato Deck instead.

[@180doman]

Its similar but for totally different purpose. Even its shape would be problematic for gamig.