Enhance Your Gaming with Vista-Friendly Peripherals - Part 1
KEYBOARDS AND MICE - cont.Microsoft Reclusa | Average Retail Price: $65 / £40 Microsoft Reclusa In partnership with Razer, Microsoft has entered the game keyboard arena with the Reclusa. A full-size keyboard, this hefty, well-constructed device is one of the better and more affordable game-oriented offerings available for those seeking a keyboard designed with games in mind. Features include responsive key action, a pair of 360-degree jog-dials, four programmable bumper buttons, six programmable hot keys, on-the-fly profile management (in supported games), a detachable, padded wrist rest, two gold-plated USB ports and blue ambient LED backlighting for gaming in low- or no-light conditions. It’s one rugged, Vista-certified keyboard that makes a great combo when paired with Microsoft’s Habu mouse (described below).
Razer Tarantula | Average Retail Price: $90 / £72 Razer Tarantula One of the best keyboards offered for gamers is Razer's Tarantula. From heft (over two pounds) and appearance, build quality is evident. A combination of gloss and matte black finishes, the slick-looking Tarantula offers a gaggle of game-friendly features. It follows a traditional key layout with ten programmable, backlit game keys flanking the keyboard (five on each end). Up to five game profiles can be stored in the keyboard's 32KB of onboard memory at a time, key response is exceptional with built-in 1000Hz Ultrapolling (for a delay of just 1ms between keystroke and key reaction – eight times faster than most boards), anti-ghosting capability for up to 10 key presses at a time without signal failure (three or four on competing products). There is on-the-fly sensitivity switching, interchangeable game keys, media center keys, an accessory dock to handle add-ons like a keyboard light, headphone-out and microphone-in jacks, and two USB ports. But, is it right for everyone? Probably not. FPS fans will gain the most from this keyboard. However, those who dislike easily-marred surfaces should look elsewhere as the gloss black finish is a scratch prone, fingerprint magnet.
KEYBOARD ENHANCEMENTSFor some players, a keyboard is simply not enough. To augment that intrepid device, several manufacturers offer separate command pads that a PC recognizes as an additional keyboard. Here are two for your consideration. Ideazon Fang Gamepad | Average Retail Price: $45 / £25Already have a favorite keyboard? If so, the functionality of Ideazon's MERC can be added via the USB-based Fang Gamepad. Developed originally as a tactical training device for the U.S. military, the ambidextrous Fang places 41 keys, including four thumb-specific keys, 11 weapon keys and a central butterfly hub, within easy reach for both right- and left-handed players. It employs the same Z Engine technology and pre-defined key layouts as the MERC, and features advanced editing tools and drag-and-drop capabilities to make custom key-mapping a simple process. The Fang Gamepad also includes standard multimedia keys, a carrying handle, USB cable organizer and detachable wrist rest. It's relatively compact, as well. But, be prepared to devote some time to surmount its initial learning curve.
CH Products Multi Function Panel | Average Retail Price: $180Thanks to the last driver updates, CH Product's Multi Function Panel (MFP) is now Vista compatible. Billed as a "fully programmable keyboard for gamers," the MFP allows you to program individual keys to emulate any combination of input from keystrokes, joystick buttons, mouse buttons, and joystick axis and mouse axis movement. Each of the unit’s wireless, programmable keys, 25 are provided, is re-usable and can be removed and re-positioned anywhere on the panel desired, enabling a customizable layout for every game including printable templates that underlay the keys. An additional 25-key set is available as are extra clear trays, allowing you to have several templates set up and ready for use at a time. Especially applicable to simulations, the MFP can be programmed for just about any game.
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