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Zboard and Battlefield 2 Limited Edition Keyset Review

With the release of Battlefield 2, many of us are looking for that edge that will give us those few extra kills and higher rankings. Those of you whom have been gaming for years know that the keyboard is one area that needs improvement. EA/DICE has also noticed this need improvement and have teamed up with Ideazon in creating the Battlefield 2 Limited Edition Keyset for Zboards.

Company:

Ideazon, www.ideazon.com

Price:

$49.99 US for Zboard and $20.00 US for the Battlefield 2 Limited Edition Keyset at NewEgg.com

Ratings

Price:
Install/Setup:
Usability:
Support:
Average Rating:

Pros:

• Good key layout
• Automatic software updates
• Does not require special change in BF2 to be compatible

Cons:

• Not a keyboard replacement
• A non-ergonomic keyboard

Getting Started

Although Ideazon has many keysets for other high profile games such as Warcraft, Doom 3, and Medal of Honor, we will only be taking a look at the Battlefield 2 Keyset in this review. Along with our Zboard came a standard gaming keyset that can be programmed and used in any application that does not already have a preconfigured set. Also included is a US standard keyboard keyset for those who need to switch out to do some writing, such as I did when writing this article. Installation is simple so long as you follow instructions and do not plug in the keyboard until the software asks you to do so, which comes on an included CD. Afterwards, an automatic update is required in order for the Battlefield 2 Keyset to be recognized properly. It is good to note that the Zboard software does not appear to have any compatibility issues with other keyboard manufacturer’s software, such as Logitech.

Usability

After double-checking my key binds, I joined a server and prepare myself for Zboard experience. (Going into the control options is only needed if you have changed some of your controls around, but for the most part I left the key binds on default.) Movement at first felt a little clumsy as I got used to using the movement keys, as they are a little larger than the standard W-A-S-D key on my Logitech keyboard. Within 5 minutes though, I am moving like my old self and start to get into my gaming mode.

Selecting weapons does take a little to get used to because the movement keys are aligned center of the weapon select keys, unlike those on my standard keyboard which are offset to the left. For example, I would use my ring finger on my standard keyboard to select my knife (#1 key), but doing so on the Zboard would select the pistol. So in a sense, all the weapon select keys (#1 - #5) have been moved to the left. This, in effect, has required me to start using my pinky for weapon selection.

Scoping out a tank, I decided to see how the Zboard felt driving. The same design differences that were addressed above with infantry movement also apply to driving, other than selecting weapons since this does not apply in the tank. My style of driving did not change, although I felt an aspect of it was enhanced. I found myself using the Deploy Smoke button, which is laid out nicely on the Zboard, more frequently because I was not fumbling around trying to figure out which key to deploy them. I must note that I did not use the Zboard for flying neither a helicopter nor airplane, as I have all required keys bound to my joystick.

Zboard Specifications

Adding It All Up

First, I must state that the Zboard may not be an option to those who game using the arrow keys, keypad, or those who do not want to play with the W-A-S-D gaming style. Now those who believe that their gaming will dramatically improve on the first map using the Zboard will be sorely disappointed. Going into the game with the mind set on learning will assist you in overcoming any difficulties that you may experience when using the Zboard and Battlefield 2 Keysets. The Zboard and Battlefield 2 keysets are an excellent product and addition to any gamer’s Battlefield 2 gear.

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