WolfKing howls about wacky gaming keyboard
Qwerty circled
Peripherals manufacturer WolfKing has created what it claims is the world’s first hybrid PC gamepad and keyboard for gamers - and, we might add, poser typists - everywhere.
Wolfking's Warrior Xxtreme: in the round...
The Warrior Xxtreme [sic] builds on the company’s earlier circular Warrior model, adding 40 additional keys in a modified Qwerty arrangement that looks, well, worlds apart from any standard keyboard. However, WolfKing insisted the shape of both keypads makes data-entry easier. Although, there’s bound to be a period of typing retraining required.
The original Warrior keyboard
A blue backlight’s been added to each circular keypad that, WolfKing claimed, makes the keyboard ideal for use in low-level light - perfect for those through-the-night monster gaming sessions, in other words.
Each key has a silicon membrane covering that supposedly dampens the sounds of keystrokes. Two USB 1.1 ports for peripherals, such as mice or headphones, are also built in.
The Warrior Xxtreme works with PCs and Macs, and is available now in the US for $80 (£40/&euro60). A UK release date or price has yet to be announced.
COMMENTS
Alternative Keyboards
Another example of 'Lets do something different, just for the hell of it . . ., er, it doesn't need to be practical or anything - does it?' Can you fold it in half and use it as a sandwitch maker or a Frisbee?
Hey, El Reg, hows about a review of the Optimus Maximus? Now there's a realistic concept.
USB 1.1?
Give me a break... when are manufacturers finally going to wake up and get with the fact that USB 1.1 is becoming increasingly useless for file transfers?
Why should I even contemplate a new keyboard with a USB hub in it if I have to plug my 4GB USB memory device into my computer tower anyway?
If the design wasn't reason enough to boycott this thing, the lack of foresight and keeping up with standards certainly is, in my humble opinion.
@ Jeremy
>'Nobody uses arrows'
>Except left-handers, obviously. You wanna try using WSAD with your right >hand while holding the mouse in the left?
A lefty would probably use the numpad for control then, wouldn't you think? There are lots of keys easily accessed there already.
@Stu
1 - the arrow keys, left and right, the staple key diet of gamers everywhere, are shaped like flint chippings - an odd shape, right at the bottom edge, and easily slippable and missable.
WASD is the staple diet of PC gamers... not the arrow keys
2 - so the concentric circular idea of the left side makes it easy(ier) to hit the 1234567890 keys but to hit the inner circular keys you'll have to contort your fingers? Great!
It brings more keys within reach of a single hand without moving the hand away from the WASD combination... again useful for most gamers.
3 - whats that unlabelled key in the middle of the left hand set? The return key?
My guess is that it'd be the same as the unlabelled key on the keyboard you're currently using (ie. spacebar!)
4 - function keys far too small, nearly under-appreciated!
Again, for gamers. Most games don't use function keys on a regular basis (at least not in my experience). But this keyboard still lets you hit all 12 F-keys without moving the left hand from the magic WASD combination.
5 - the right side seems to just be all the keys arranged in a square grid around a circle - advantageous how exactly?
My guess would be for typing with just the right hand, while the left hand continues to throw grenades / cast shadowbolts etc. Or possibly for users of speciality adult IRC channels to allow them to type one handed?
6 - and what is that big unlabelled key at the lower middle??
My guess would be a spacebar for the right hand. Seeing as spacebars are usually accessible by the left and right thumbs on a standard keyboard, it seems natural to keep this option.
ZBoard
I'm an online gamer and this new wolfking keyboard is a scarry prospect.
I'd much rather use my zboard which has special key functions set out and lets me assign new functions to each key. Also zboards do not have the simultaneous keys problem, I know this from experience of pushing several keys at once and everything working A-OK!
In short: Wolfking a butchered keyboard trying to get in to a gamer markey, and not worth the cash, ZBoard supperiour gaming keyboard with programable funtions and simultaneouis key pushes, i know what my money is on!
