Thoughts on "Gamepads"

[Jerakl]

By "gamepads" I mean things like the Logitech G13, or the Razer Orbweaver/Tartarus.

I've been looking at picking up maybe the Tartarus as it comes with a Goliathus extended mouse pad (Aren't those the huuuuuuuuge ones?).

 

For those who don't know, a gamepad is basically a pad of macro buttons with a joystick, like this (Razer Orbweaver Stealth)

 

Now, the only options I have been able to find are the Razer Orbweaver, Orbweaver Stealth (I can't tell the difference and they cost the same...), Razer Tartarus and Logitech G13 (Which TBH if I am going to buy one looks like it's out of the running, just from reviews I've read).

 

Thoughts? And anyone know of any other ones?

 

[DeViLzzz]

All I know is I could never learn to use this.  It is an even bigger monstrosity than the gaming mice with 12 buttons on the left side.  As for knowing of other game pads like this sorry I can't be of help as I don't go looking for these.

[Prastupok]

By "gamepads" I mean things like the Logitech G13, or the Razer Orbweaver/Tartarus.

I've been looking at picking up maybe the Tartarus as it comes with a Goliathus extended mouse pad (Aren't those the huuuuuuuuge ones?).

 

For those who don't know, a gamepad is basically a pad of macro buttons with a joystick, like this (Razer Orbweaver Stealth)

 

Now, the only options I have been able to find are the Razer Orbweaver, Orbweaver Stealth (I can't tell the difference and they cost the same...), Razer Tartarus and Logitech G13 (Which TBH if I am going to buy one looks like it's out of the running, just from reviews I've read).

 

Thoughts? And anyone know of any other ones?

 

I used an Orbweaver for a while... didn't particularly care for it. Keyboards tend to be easier when paired with a good multi-button mouse.

 

Lol, @DeViLzzz I use a naga 

 

But! In fairness every button has bindings for Pro Tools.

[LancerBG]

I use to use the logitech one, forget the model. I liked it a lot with rpg's but only in ones where my teammates used some chat/voice program. Sometimes you have to type and that's where things got cluttered on my desk because you also need a keyboard. I ended up demoting it to only be used with single player rpgs and shooters where communication was not needed. Later on I used it less and less then just sold it. I had never owned a 10keyless keyboard before and that's what I ended up getting for gaming. I remember liking that logitech when I used it, felt well made and was very comfy but in the end it had to move aside for usefulness. 

[Jerakl]

@Prastupok apparently the quote function is broken. So just tag for now.

 

I don't have a multi-button mouse. I have a G502, not exactly multi-button. It's still my favorite mouse though

 

 

@LancerBG

 

Fair enough, I remember trying to use my detachable numpad as a gamepad a really long time ago. I found it immensely enjoyable for MMOs. Of course the ergonomics were terrible so I had to stop! I also enjoy playing League and I hear gamepads are really good for MOBA/RTS type games.

[TAK]

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[Jerakl]

I used Nostromo back in the day (Now named Tartarus with shittier 8 direction pad).

Honestly, I tried Guild Wars 2 just the other day with a keyboard and mouse and now I'll have to get another Nostromo (not gonna touch those shitty round 8 directions pads (Orbweaver, Tartarus) with a long stick, nothing but X works for me). Luckily you can still get the Razer one from eBay and it has that stupid round BS on it, but it's removable, hurrah).

 

Anyway, I tell you what, try an MMO where moving while using abilities is needed and you'll see why having the movement on the X pad (for thumb) and 4 fingers for using spells and such, is awesome. Can't do that with a keyboard, no way to replicate it and you are wasting 3 fingers for movement (technically 4 since the last one can't be used for shit, when the other 3 are used for moving), leaving you the thumb to try and do anything and usually that means jumping with space since the thumb is like the most uncoordinated finger ever.

 

So, yeah, I'd get one if you're into MMOs, if you play FPS' you might be fine with just a mouse of a thousand buttons.

 

EDIT:

Also I think the difference in the Orbweaver's was that the "Stealth" uses the shitty Razer keys (or the Kaihl, Kahil, Kalifi, whatever Chinese knockoff crap), so it's cheaper to make, but Razer doesn't pass on the savings. So, buy the older one just to fuck their bottom line, cos let's face it, they are Apple of gaming accessories. Or better yet, get one from eBay and make sure they get no sale out of you.

@TAK

 

I'm actually sitting at the Razer store right now with my mouse on the "purchase" button for the "Tartarus Classic" which is a tartarus with bluish backlight and it comes with a "free" Goliathus extended addition. (44.99$ value).

 

What's your thoughts on that deal? Total price is 90$. (regular tartarus is 100$.)

 

The other option is a new keyboard (~150$)

[TAK]

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[Prastupok]

@TAK

 

I'm actually sitting at the Razer store right now with my mouse on the "purchase" button for the "Tartarus Classic" which is a tartarus with bluish backlight and it comes with a "free" Goliathus extended addition. (44.99$ value).

 

What's your thoughts on that deal? Total price is 90$. (regular tartarus is 100$.)

 

The other option is a new keyboard (~150$)

 

The Tartarus doesn't have mechanical switches. For me, that's a turnoff, but of course everyone has their opinion.

[Jerakl]

The Tartarus doesn't have mechanical switches. For me, that's a turnoff, but of course everyone has their opinion.

I am not willing to spend another 80+$ for mech switches. Not to mention Blues are way too loud for me.

 

@TAK

 

I know, I've used a detachable numpad before to experiment. It took some getting used to. I do have a mousepad (20$ Logitech G240) but I'm finding it a little small.

[Prastupok]

I am not willing to spend another 80+$ for mech switches. Not to mention Blues are way too loud for me.

 

@TAK

 

I know, I've used a detachable numpad before to experiment. It took some getting used to. I do have a mousepad (20$ Logitech G240) but I'm finding it a little small.

 

@Jerakl As I said, I prefer MX Blues, but everyone has differing opinions.

[TAK]

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[Jerakl]

Well, as I said, the choice in this is yours. At least Tartarus is way better ergonomically than a detachable numpad and that 8 directional will makes it miles above one.

$80 is quite a lot just to add some mechanical keys, tho the Orbweaver does have some other things to it too. Still, I was fine with the Nostromo, back in the day. And while I prefer mechanical keyboards for typing, I don't really anything against membrane keyboards either, I have to use one at work anyway. Haven't seen a mechanical keyboard do much for my gaming, but I don't play twitch based games like FPS' anyway, so maybe there might be a difference.

@TAK

 

Another deal killer on the Orbweaver for me was that In Linus' review he compared the Tartarus and the Orbweaver, he said that the orbweaver was too big for his hands and that the tartarus fit better. Now, I have smaller hands then him. So the Orbweaver would be worlds too big for my hands. And yes, 80$ is a lot for mech switches, but it's Razer. So I'm not surprised.

[Prastupok]

@TAK

 

Another deal killer on the Orbweaver for me was that In Linus' review he compared the Tartarus and the Orbweaver, he said that the orbweaver was too big for his hands and that the tartarus fit better. Now, I have smaller hands then him. So the Orbweaver would be worlds too big for my hands. And yes, 80$ is a lot for mech switches, but it's Razer. So I'm not surprised.

 

@Jerakl Mechanical switches are indeed much more expensive though, and they do have to make some money on it... you can't say that it's without reason.

[TAK]

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[Prastupok]

Well, in the case of Razer you can.

I think they switched to those cheapo Chinese knockoffs with the "stealth" model... and guess if the consumer is seeing the savings they are making, of course not, this is Razer. Same as they did with their keyboards when the latest models came out.

@Jerakl

Yes, for smaller hands the Tartarus would be better, tho you can adjust the Orbweaver, I think it's close to the same size in the smallest form.

 

I was referring to when they used Cherry switches 

[TAK]

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[CyanideInsanity]

After using an orbweaver stealth (difference being brown swtiches instead of blue on the regular orbweaver) for over a year I'd say its really up to how your arms and desk are situated and if you want more functionality available to your thumb or if you have issues using alt,c,v or near by keys like me. I had a two tiered "table" top with a keyboard tray below. While they tray was level with my chairs arms the first table on top wasn't, and while I don't need to stare at my keyboard to type I sure wasn't going to have it completely out of view. So upon learning about these keypads I figured it would be nice to have my arms level and to stop having my wrist pressed up against the edge. I decided on this because there were not mechanical alternatives.

 

 

It's not the next greatest thing everyone's missing out on, and that pricetag certainly isn't doing them any favors.