Alternative Input Device (Keyboard, Mouse, Etc)

[Wind Rammer]

I've been looking for alternatives to keyboards for gaming. Keyboards are fine but when I think about it, the ergonomics are bad and there are some limitations. Why WASD has to be 4 keys? A joystick frees those keys that can be used for whatever. That's just an example, but what if we could have a better "Controller" to replace the keyboard and harness more potential?


I got one of those Azeron Keypad. It got that joystick. A bunch of easily accessible buttons. Fits in your hand just like a glove. What's not to love? I've been using it for a couple of months now and regret it. The software is garbage. Everything is 3D printed except the base. This thing is weird to hold. Most buttons to unused because they are not so "easily accessible" and I keep accidentally pressing some of them. It works alright for some games. After spending too much time, I got a bitching layout for Helldivers 2 (except for that one thing I want to do for punching in codes but the software can't hold a key and switch layout at the same time). Too bad you have to do this for every game even if you get a premade layout from someone else. Verdict: Cannot recommend

Here are some more alternatives I considered:


This thing is the Lynxware
It's an open source modular device. It's made for typing but you see the guy already made a module with a joystick. Could be neat but I am worried about the switches not lasting long.


Just found out about the MaxxStick
Its just a joystick you put on the keyboard. I wouldn't trust it. Seems like you have to put your hand lower on the keyboard so you lose ease of access to the top rows anyway.


Svalboard & Lalboard
Also made for typing and probably awful for gaming but I would definitely still give it a try if I had the resources to build* one.
*Buy


Razer Tartarus Pro
Fuck Razer but this is pretty much exactly what I had in mind when I started searching.


Dogma Defy
Half a keyboard with a bunch of extra keys on thumb? Could be cool but

Precision Gaming Fingertip Mouse
Just thought it was cool. Would not use it though.

PMW3389 Mouse
I sort of want one but can't justify the need of more click buttons.

There was one more I wanted to show but I can't find it anymore. It's shaped like a HOTAS thruster but can be moved in every direction to simulate WASD and has a bunch of keys in front.
What device would you try? Do you have one such device already? Share some more because I am still looking and don't want to admit a simple keyboard is more than good enough.

edit: wording and forgot about comfort.

 

[ZMOT]

Why WASD has to be 4 keys?

that's why you join the ESDF master race

but seriously, it doesn't really matter since if you use something alternative you most likely won't switch between that and keyboard. a joystick would replace the mouse, not the keyboard.
in the end what matter is ergonomics and comfort.

 

[peachlover669]

I have a drawing tablet (one without a screen) and i sometimes use it just as a mouse to browse the web with, its not better per say but it freshens up the normal arthritis inducing mouse scrolling that your used to and you can get one for super cheap.
other than that ive always wanted to get one of those foot pedals that racing sims use so that i can hook it up to space or mouse 1 to pretend like im being more economical with my clicks
also regarding a joystick attached to the keyboard i would look into those nubs that old thinkpads have in the very center of them, i bet you could mod a keyboard to integrate that into it and if its as good as the schizophrenic thinkpad fans will have you believe it is then that may just be the solution to your problem

 

[Ultrapenguin]

You'd use WASD instead of a joystick because when directions are 4 separate buttons that means you can instantly input a different direction rather than needing to take the time to move the joystick from one side to the other, which is especially useful when you're trying to move unpredictably in pvp. That would be difficult to emulate unless you had a really touchy joystick with extremely limited range of motion, otherwise in fast paced games that small delay makes you really clumsy.

Then even most basic mouses have one or two side buttons, along with 3 inputs with the mouse wheel (scroll up, down, and click).
If you need even more right side inputs, they make these MMO mouse things:


Maybe you're engaging in super hardcore gaming or something, I could see that Razer deal being ok for certain applications if you were used to it, but since most popular action games have limited inputs anyways WASD has never been a problem. Movement gets 4 keys because movement and positioning is the foundation of victory, child.

 

[Cat tit bingo]

While still just a keyboard I like using the weird wolfking circle keyboard.

Definitely takes getting used to and only works with certain games with few controls but it genuinely feels great. It is an old membrane keyboard and definitely not for most people but I really like it.

 

[relobotomized]

whenever i see alien input gizmos like this i picture fortnite gamers in creative mode and building maze towers

 

[BrodyDaMan]

The only keyboard alternative that's interested me is the very recent Master forge, where instead of normal switches, every key is a joystick that clicks in four directions. It's being crowdfunded but unlike most crowdfunded vapourware the creator has a working prototype already. This seems better to me than just having keyboards with joysticks or gadgets that require uncomfortable movements like the Azeron keypad. WASD could be just one of the joysticks I can control.

 

[Eternal Spirit of Light]

Svalboard

$1000 for that? That's ridiculous. It's just a 3d printed shell housing some electronics. And the self-print kit is $500? For what? Some boards that you can probably get from PCBWay for much cheaper? It's a cool concept and I would definitely try it but with that price tag it feels like a ripoff.

 

[⋖ cørdion ⋗]

It's funny how wasd centric we are when you see Srarcraft pros not hover their hand in any one place, hitting any key with precision.

Been considering an upright mouse but they always feel so.. fragile. I got a solid, simple ambi mouse with few extra buttons.

 

[Dr. Sexbot]

Thumb trackball master race, rise up. This is almost a 1:1 open-source clone of the classic Microsoft trackball which I hold near and dearly. It has a little bit of modernization, but it even works with the old ball.