49 replies to this topic

[Grendalsh]

I've used the Nostromo series of gamepads extensively, across several versions, for the past 10 years. I can't reccomend it enough for PC gaming.. with some caveats.

1. There are 3 models, the Belkin N52, the Belkin N52te, and the Razer Nostromo. The N52 and N52te are now discontinued. You can still find them on eBay, used or new, for around $20. if you're going this route, get the N52te - the hardware is far better. If price is less of a consideration, go for the Razer Nostromo. The software and hardware trump all previous models, and is still supported by Razer.

2. There is a learning curve. You will NOT be as good as you were with keyboard right off the bat. However, once you get your keybinds set up, with a few hours of practice, you'll be decent. Within about 10 hours of practice, you'll see improvement over the keyboard.

3. The Dpad is your friend, use it. Folks use the dpad for macros, for switches, etc.. Yeah, it does this. But what it REALLY is good at is controlling movement. Doesn't matter 8-way on the Nostromo or analog on the G13.. It's just as responsive as WASD, so you're not losing any control this way, and you're freeing your fingers for keybindings on the keypad. If you're not going to use the dpad for movement.. don't bother with gamepads.

4. The dpad for both the n52te and Razer Nostromo have .. quirks. These do not affect usability, just require knowledge to work the issue. By default, the n52te's dpad is bound to the cursor arrows, with the diagonals bound to 'diagonal' movement.. this doesn't behave as expected. To enable diagonal movement mode, disable the diagonals. It forces the dpad to interpolate the adjacent values, and gives the expected diagonal movement.
The Razer Nostromo has the same default keybinds. In this case, you have to leave it on the default keybinds to get diagonal movement. If you rebind the dpad to WASD, you will need to disable the diagonals to get diagonal movement. It's easier to just leave the defaults and bind your game to the cursor keys for movement.

I also host a YouTube channel that focuses on the Nostromo controllers, at http://www.youtube.com/user/grendalsh. Most of the vids are for WoW, but I also have vids for SC2 and SWTOR, and will release a vid for MWO after launch. Feel free to contact me if you're having setup issues.

[silentD11]

They still lack mechanical keys and show me one pro player that uses them in an FPS or RTS, which is all that really counts on PC, you can't cause they don't.

[Lightdragon]

i just cant see use for something thats a half assed keyboard and a half assed joystick... jack of all trades master of none useless to me

[Grendalsh]

The Nostromo is non-standard (ie, not a keyboard or a mouse). Since tournaments are about skill over gear, non-standard gear are not allowed. THIS is why the Nostromo isn't used by Pro players.
The keyboard and mouse were designed for two-handed typing, and selecting items in a GUI work environment. Neither was designed for gaming. The Nostromo was. Evolve.

Edited by Grendalsh, 28 July 2012 - 09:28 AM.

[TLBFestus]

An update to my original quest when I started this post.

I realized the other day that my new keyboard, a steelseries MERC STEALTH has a built in keypad on it's left side. How did I not see it? Just plain stupid I guess, the thing was new to me and I was struggling getting used to the new feel of the board itself I guess.

Anyhow, I discovered that it works pretty good once I programmed the key bindings to the "pad" portion of the keyboard. So, if you are thinking of a pad or new keyboard it might be a solution.

I will say that the software that comes with the keyboard isn't all that great though, but I haven't found it necessary.

[Lightdragon]

the steel series merc board is just a modification of its original counterpart the zboard

[Dexion]

I'm wondering if one of these would be a good idea for me. I'm mostly an Xbox gamer (stop throwing things!), so mouse and keyboard feels awkward to me. I've noticed that in order to be comfortable using AWSD I have to shift my keyboard over to the left.... which seems like the natural placement for something like this... and having the option of controlling my direction and speed with the thumb stick would be amazing. Considering that I already suck using the AWSD, the learning curve might actually make me better! lol

[DoctorJest]

If I might ask a question of you chaps - which controls do you map to the Keypad, and which to the mouse?

If your Joystick is ancillary then which does that deal with?

I have a feeling I would be far more at home with a Keypad + mouse than a Joystick/Mouse/Keys but I would like to hear a few specifics from experienced users if you would be so kind

[Gremlich Johns]

DoctorJest, on 29 July 2012 - 11:49 AM, said:

If I might ask a question of you chaps - which controls do you map to the Keypad, and which to the mouse?

If your Joystick is ancillary then which does that deal with?

I use the Nostromo n52 (yes, the oldest version) for my keyboards commands. The d-pad I use for my throttle (N=W (100% speed), S=slow down, D=reverse, A=50% speed, "X" I have mapped on the keys as 01) the JS I use for controlling mech movements (left/right, up/down, torso twist and firing, number 2 button for PPT comms or next target depending on the game or whim). For MW:LL, I have separate wait states for BA or aircraft (it allows you to have four per profile)

[DoctorJest]

That's interesting - I'm on the fence about Gamepads if I were honest. I nearly picked one up when I was heavily into Wow, and since then I've been vacillating between all manner of control interfaces. For me, headphones + a decent monitor is immersion enough so as far as input devices are concerned I want to focus on the most comfortable and efficient method of interacting with any given game environment.

As awesome as it would be to have rudders/HOTAS Warthog etc etc.....I don't see a massive benefit (or indeed, any.....) over a keyboard and mouse. As far as a Gamepad is concerned there's a G13 I'm watching at the moment and should it realise a modest price I'll pick it up for the sake of experimentation.

I was considering a WASD mapped on the G13, joystick for throttle, mouse for torso twist/fine aim and firing, then other commands mapped to either the Gamepad or mouse depending on how frequently I used them.

Joysticks feel quite alien to me - been a mouse person for far too long

Edited by DoctorJest, 29 July 2012 - 02:12 PM.

[phelan]

Has anyone had any luck getting the G13 to actually function in MWO controls?

I have all my keys mapped, and it works in everything but MWO. Seems like the game just isn't recognizing it at all.

Suggestions/help much appreciated!

[DoctorJest]

phelan, on 29 July 2012 - 10:23 PM, said:

Has anyone had any luck getting the G13 to actually function in MWO controls?

I have all my keys mapped, and it works in everything but MWO. Seems like the game just isn't recognizing it at all.

Suggestions/help much appreciated!

Oh God, I wish I had read this before placing a bid on one.

Any joy with recognition?

[MntRunner]

phelan, on 29 July 2012 - 10:23 PM, said:

Has anyone had any luck getting the G13 to actually function in MWO controls?

I have all my keys mapped, and it works in everything but MWO. Seems like the game just isn't recognizing it at all.

Suggestions/help much appreciated!

Mine works fine. I also don't think you need the game to recognize it, just the operating system.

[Henchman 24]

I know it's a little on the pricey side, but you may want to check the new Razer Ouroboros? I think the spelling is close.

It's their new wireless/wired mouse, fully adjustable for hand sizes/heights, good for regular or south paw...and uses both optical and laser sensors for accuracy, and boasts a 1ms delay tops.

Now, I am going to wait and see myself for some folks to get this and play a bit with it....but for the extra buttons, and precise control...it's looking pretty nice. I don't even like Razer stuff, but Logitech of late has me a little worried. My G9 has been acting funny lately, and I had 3 weeks left on my warranty....they played more games trying to get out of warranty work...I'm done with them I think.

The worst part was, somewhere between getting my wife's wireless mouse fixed with them....and mine, I read an article criticizing their new warranty policies, and things people were reporting. Low and behold if I didn't encounter the crap after the pleasant experience with hers.

Anyway, any hardcore gamer will tell you to get yourself a good mechanical keyboard, and a reliable mouse....none of those semi-keyboards fit that really. I'm sure plenty of folks like them, and they have some nifty features, but nothing considered a deal breaker if you don't have it.
A friend of mine had the Thrustmaster pad, and the Nostromo n52te I think, and until the raping I gave him in MW:LL and TF2...use to use it a lot. LAN parties are good for showing off little problems like that. "how come you can turn so fast?"....."I use a real keyboard, not a toy?"

[phelan]

MntRunner, on 30 July 2012 - 02:47 PM, said:

Mine works fine. I also don't think you need the game to recognize it, just the operating system.

Well, tell that to my game then... Because like I said, it works in all my other programs and within general OS use... But I get zero response in game.

[Mr Steik]

I'm using the Nostromus and it's awesome

[MoTiV]

I have a G13 and love it and will probably use it until joystick support comes out. I also have CH Fighterstick and CH throttle that I cant wait to use!

[silentD11]

phelan, on 29 July 2012 - 10:23 PM, said:

Has anyone had any luck getting the G13 to actually function in MWO controls?

I have all my keys mapped, and it works in everything but MWO. Seems like the game just isn't recognizing it at all.

Suggestions/help much appreciated!

Anybody that confirms this is violating the NDA, just a heads up. However... in Cryengine 3 games and a lot of other engines you have to bind things via .ini and .cfg files, rather like in the days of Quake World.

[phelan]

silentD11, on 30 July 2012 - 03:52 PM, said:

Anybody that confirms this is violating the NDA, just a heads up. However... in Cryengine 3 games and a lot of other engines you have to bind things via .ini and .cfg files, rather like in the days of Quake World.

Maybe I was misinformed, but I was under the impression that aspect of NDA violation went away when they announced publicly that all founders were now granted beta access. Otherwise, just the fact that I can see your Legendary tag means I know you're in the beta too.

Thanks for the tip though, I'll see if I have any luck!

[silentD11]

phelan, on 30 July 2012 - 03:58 PM, said:

Maybe I was misinformed, but I was under the impression that aspect of NDA violation went away when they announced publicly that all founders were now granted beta access. Otherwise, just the fact that I can see your Legendary tag means I know you're in the beta too.

Thanks for the tip though, I'll see if I have any luck!

If it is than... edit your configuration files manually and it will work