Ceratech - Zboard with World of Warcraft Key-set review
tailor-made keyboard for gamers
Review date: 20 May, 2005. Review by: Darren Allan
The clever thing about the Zboard is that it's a Jekyll and Hyde creation. Not only is it a gaming keyboard, but it's also a normal one too. It achieves this feat not by utilising some quirk of quantum physics, but by having a base onto which you can clip different key-sets. There's a standard QWERTY key-set, a gaming key-set, and also key-sets designed specifically for certain games which are sold separately. We're reviewing the World of Warcraft set here, as well as the Zboard itself.
The basic unit is heavy and sturdy, about two to three times the weight of a normal keyboard. It comes with a handy wrist rest (not shown in the photo) and two built-in USB ports. The standard key-set is just like a normal keyboard, but with a number of embellishments. These include a batch of programmable hot keys which you can tie into starting any application simply by holding them down for a few seconds with the appropriate program on screen. Very smart. There's also a Keytip button which provides online help regarding the function of any key.
The keys are firm and clicky with a smooth typing action, although there's not much space between them and the layout feels a little tight. Also, the space bar was a source of discontent for our nimble fingers, as it's split in two. This is because the Zboard key-sets fold into three sections for easy storage and insertion into the base, which means the lengthy space bar has no choice but to be chopped in twain. It might just be our typing style, but we found our thumb would hit the gap in the bar, which just felt awkward and indeed sometimes caused the key not to register.
Switching out to the gaming key-set and firing up some Unreal Tournament, the Zboard showed what it's truly designed for. The left-hand side of this set has large, ergonomically sloped movement keys (forwards, backwards, etc.) surrounded by thoughtfully placed buttons for weapon changing and actions such as reloading, crouching and so on. There's a mini-keyboard spread across the middle and right sections of the key-set, although it's very tricky to type on this. Luckily, when death-matching you're only likely to be typing "die" or "ha ha!" if anything at all.
Pre-programmed keys for various games can be downloaded from the 'net via the Zboard's control panel, and this side of the experience works very well. However, it does take a little acclimatisation when you're used to a normal keyboard for gaming, but that's no big deal. Incidentally, swapping the key-sets around is a ten second job that doesn't require any rebooting or other chicanery.
How about the World of Warcraft tailored key-set? As it's an online RPG and involves a lot of typing and interaction, this features a full keyboard with added function buttons clustered on the right hand side. These include separate movement keys and dedicated buttons for inventory, character, talent displays and so forth, along with party, guild and many other different types of chat. There are also special emote keys, which are quite fun, but hardly revolutionary.
We did use the chat buttons a fair bit and the emotes occasionally, but in all honesty the Warcraft key-set didn't make any real difference to our 'Orc versus Dwarf' MMORPG experience. It also employs the same dodgy spacebar design that the standard key-set sports.
Verdict
The Zboard is a great idea which doesn't quite come through fully in its execution. The standard key-set isn't too comfortable for everyday typing, as it's a little cramped and has an awkward space bar, but the gaming key-set does perform admirably with 3D shooters. We didn't feel the dedicated Warcraft key-set was a worthwhile extra, as it simply doesn't add much apart from slightly more convenient chatting.
Company: Ceratech
Contact: 01420 85470
