GamePro Labs Gadget and Gear Roundup (7 of 8)

Belkin Nostromo n52te (Tournament Edition)

What is it: Like the Wolf King, the n52te is a specialized control pad for hardcore PC gamers who no doubt feel limited by the standard keyboard layout. The ergonomically shaped pad has a cluster of keys that closely resembles the WASD layout familiar to FPS players, a scroll wheel and a point-of-view hat switch. It connects to your system via a USB 2.0 interface.

How does it perform: Pretty well, actually. The relatively small size of the unit makes it unobtrusive, letting you keep it next to your standard keyboard and pull it out only when you need it. The clustered keys can be a little overwhelming but if you're dedicated enough, you can easily configure all the buttons you'd need for games like Call of Duty 4 and World of Warcraft. The ergo-design was also a nice touch, with a nice wrist support that eased the pain that comes with rapidly pushing buttons.

What did you like about it: The unobtrusive size and the familiar clustering of keys made the n52te feel more natural and everything is laid out in such a way that it's possible to easily reach everything with your fingers. Once we configured it for games like Counterstrike, we really did have everything we needed right where we wanted.

What didn't you like about it: The n52te doesn't really do anything wrong per se-we didn't like the placement of the space bar, but that's about it-and really, our only issue with the n52te and other pads like it comes down to this: do you really need it? Maybe we've just become too accustomed to our standard keyboards but the n52te felt a little odd under our hands and we didn't see any short-term benefits in games like Call of Duty 4. Sure, it was nice to not have to fumble for less used keys like the air-strike and such but we weren't sure that having the n52te was resulting in a huge advantage for us. Maybe we just don't play computer games as much as we should?

Should I buy it: It really comes down to how much you play computer games. If you play a ton of FPS, RPG and RTS games or if you're one of the millions of helpless WoW addicts, then the n52te would no doubt prove useful, especially if you put in the time to learn the nuances of the device; the fact that it's called the Tournament Edition isn't a joke, as lots of professional cyber athletes use the n52te. But if you're just an average schmoe who only logs a few hours on the PC every now and again, you probably should think long and hard before you invest in one-unless you've got gobs of money lying around.

www.n52te.com
MSRP: $69.99
Fun Factor: 4.00

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war02orc

Good article GamePro, but I won't be using any of those devices lol. I have a surround sound audio system for my PC, an iPod, and no need of $100 earbuds. And who in their right mind would buy a set of 2.1 speakers for ~$500-600 instead of buying a surround sound system instead?

war02orc

I might use that 6 port charger though, but I'm worried about proper distribution of power to my devices. All it takes is one power spike or irregular power flow to destroy my iPod, PSP, or DS. For $45 it sounds too good to be true.

MegaGeek

This Keyboard would definately fit my lifestlyle except for the price. if anyone knows where to get an awsome keyboard like this cheap they are stupid not to buy one for at least backup.

Sire

okay, now the keyboard is just getting into a HUGE console controller looking keyboard, it's funny, I can't really tell how big it is but if you held it like a big controller and used your thumbs, it's like a Spinal Tap looking thing. And wasn't there just an article on how console controllers have too many buttons?......Or maybe you can hold it to your chest like an autoharp...........what you need is a keyboard or controller in where you pull, rather than push the buttons, you know, like an old cigarette machine, kinda like an operators switchboard.

colossus16

The Keyboard looks totally badass!!!! I see that there's multiples of some of the keys. The P button should be in a more convenient position, because in a lot of online games, P is pause, the all important function.

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