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Once you go mechanical, you'll never go membrane again.I like to think of myself as a keyboard enthusiast, though you're free to call me a typing snob if you wish. Either way, I view typing on a membrane keyboard a second-rate experience that pales in comparison to the sweet sensation (and, depending on the key switch, audible clicks) of a mechanical plank. So, I'm more than a little intrigued with Razer's Orbweaver mechanical gaming keypad.
Keypads aren't really my cup of tea, but for those that use them, I imagine the use of mechanical key switches levels up the experience the way it does a traditional keyboard. According to Razer, only 50g of force is required to trigger each key.
In addition to mechanical keys, the Orbweaver allows gamers to bind an "infinite number" of controls to 20 keys. There's also a programmable eight-way directional thumb-pad, which can be used for movement or as a modifier for "endless combinations."
"The Razer Orbweaver is the ultimate gauntlet of game control," said Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder, CEO and creative director. "The feeling of having every command at hand to destroy the competition in so many different ways is just sublime, and the tactile feedback and fast key actuation from the mechanical key architecture gives you a feeling of satisfaction and an added edge in the games you play."
The Orbweaver is available to order now direct from Razer for $130, so it's a bit on the pricey side. That said, here's a question for you gamepad users: Are you interested in mechanical key switches on a gamepad?
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Comments are closed on this article
Ghost XFX
January 07, 2013 at 12:09pm
Where are the admins at on this site? Isn't it about time to put up a check point for Bot usage?
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January 06, 2013 at 1:08pm
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January 05, 2013 at 1:18pm
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Ridnarhtim
January 05, 2013 at 2:58am
"only 50g of force is required to trigger each key."
What does that even MEAN?
Peanut Fox
January 05, 2013 at 12:50pm
I'm pretty sure it means 50 grams. Which would be just over 1 and a half ounces of force.
So less than a pound to actuate each key, which doesn't really mean anything to me since I don't have any relative touch stone as to how much force it takes to actuate a key on most keyboards.
nudagaga
January 04, 2013 at 1:35pm
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Pakrat
January 04, 2013 at 11:06am
I have the Logitech G13 and I think I'd prefer one of these game-boards with scissor keys instead.
Additionally, I also prefer it not be a Razer product. I have too many gaming buddies with Razer made XBOX and PC 'paperweights'. Belkin and Rosewill seem to hold up considerably longer and for less money.
Emmit066
January 04, 2013 at 9:20am
I have a Belkin n52 Nostromo (my second in fact) and still use it everyday. I haven't upgraded to the Razer n52te because I can't justify the price. The Orbweaver is missing 1 thing right off the bat that I use all the time, the thumb button. The thumb button is the natural "space bar" location that I would say most FPS players use it. If my Belkin n52 dies, I'll probably upgrade to the n52te or something else similar due to familiarity. If I can find a local store with the Orbwearver, I'll see how it feels but I'm not going to spend $130 on a controller at this stage of the game.
Papaspud
January 04, 2013 at 1:51am
I have been using a n52 for years, couldn't play without it. That being said, $130 is just a little steep for a gamepad in my eyes. I really doubt that the mechanical switches make that much of a difference.
zaternine
January 03, 2013 at 10:40pm
When I saw the Belkin N52TE (original design) years ago (2008?) I jumped on it and never looked back. I even played old games to see how different the experience was and learned it was well worth the purchase (others may disagree but that's on you). I have never had a problem ever. Seeing this and I am ecstatic about it. I will order it right now! Extra row of buttons and adjustability along with mechanical switches are worth the simulated apple tax.
Gezzer
January 03, 2013 at 10:46pm
I'm one of those that do use a keypad for my gaming, but I won't be trying this one.
Why? because I have what I consider the best one ever made, the Fang.
http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2006/06/4273/
Yes it looks like less of a keypad and more like a video game controller, but that's why I love it.
Having a keypad that's simply a smaller version of your keyboard doesn't make sense to me, why not just use your keyboard?
But once I got used to my Fang I found my playing improved quite a lot.
And the biggest added benefit? No more hitting the wrong key by mistake.
Too bad it's no longer in production. I'd buy a second one as a back up. Maybe I should check on Ebay. lolEdit: Well I found one, used, on ebay. A day an a half to go and it was already at $61US with 10 bids. Not bad for a item that cost $36US in 2006.
noobstix
January 03, 2013 at 10:24pm
While I can't say anything about the quality of their peripherals, their X360 controllers for the PC suck major balls. I bought an Onza and like 5 months later, it really crapped out ("ghosting" in games with the left thumbstick and the 50% working RT button). Also, the rubber "coating" on the thumbsticks peels off. Their RMA support for it was just as bad as the controller so I just trashed it and eventually got an MS 360 controller just before Christmas.
KenLV
January 04, 2013 at 2:10am
This is going to sound like a wise-ass question but I'm serious...
"Keypads aren't really my cup of tea, but for those that use them, I imagine..."
Why imagine? Might I suggest that having someone on the MPC staff who DOES use keypads write this post might have been a better idea?
As to the product itself, I had tried the Nostromo (Razer took over production from Belkin and re-branded the n52)) and used it for all of half a day. It was abysmal.
This however incorporates MANY of the features I told them the Nostromo was lacking. Most notably the "top" forth row of keys. The Nostromo had the "neutral" position with your fingers on the middle row which would be equivalent to the ASDFG row - basically eliminating what would correspond to the number keys row. Silly silly design.
Also, there was almost zero adjustment - two settings for where the palm rest sat and that was it. This appears to be much more customizable for the huge variety of hands that would be on it.
Are mechanical switches a better choice for a keypad? I would probably say yes. Sadly though, due to the horrendous experience I had with Razer during the returns process and failure on their part to refund my money, I won't be finding out. Shame too, as I'd have liked to have found out - but not at $130. Not even from a company I like.
jgottberg
January 04, 2013 at 10:43am
It's not really a review... It's a product brief. He doesn't have to be an expert to report factual information about the product.
If it had been a product review, I would expect a person that used one to give the review - like you are suggesting.
Mekan
January 03, 2013 at 2:29pm
I am a big fan of keypads and mechanicals, but I cannot fathom paying that much for a keypad. I plan on upgrading my keyboard to mechanical, but not my pad.
Pyrophorics05
January 03, 2013 at 12:53pm
Their hardware is garbage, their software is worse and their name is typically only known to PC gamers. Yeah, why not charge Apple prices?!
If you want issues, buy Razer. If you want tech that just works, look elsewhere. I go Logitech but some would disagree.
0ly1r3m@1ns
January 03, 2013 at 1:23pm
I dissagree, My Razer mouse works great, the drivers work great no problems. I liked it so much I bought a Razer keyboard (Arctossa) works as advertised, best mesh keyboard I've ever used (better than most low end mechs)
Pyrophorics05
January 04, 2013 at 12:14pm
I guess their products have to work at some point...
All that I have known to use them have had issues. The Mamba being the worst of the entire line of products.
Still, even working flawlessly I do not believe they have anything that warrants the price tag. To each their own though...
John Pombrio
January 03, 2013 at 12:44pm
Funny this. Starting with HP in 1982, there were ONLY mechanical keyboards. Expensive ones too. They would last forever, the key caps would be worn completely letter free from millions of strikes.
I got used to cheaper membrane keyboards like everyone else tho. Not having to pay $150-200 for a keyboard was a nice deal.
Recently, I bought the Corsair Vengeance 90 mechanical keyboard for games playing as the MS 4000 just was not cutting it. I started typing and it was like "coming home" and it was only a few minutes to get used to the keys. THIS was how a keyboard should type! Never again will I go back to membrane keyboards.
West996
January 03, 2013 at 12:02pm
I've heard that using programmable keyboards like this can get you banned from games like Diablo III, where they are trying to actively monitor against bots.
The games pick up the Razor software that holds your key bindings and thinks that you are a bot.
What do people think about this?
Penterax
January 04, 2013 at 10:02pm
It's absolutely not true that using any kind of programmable keyboard will get you banned for using the hardware in legitimate ways.
The people that HAVE been banned are hiding the fact that what they did with those devices was use them in ways that contradict the ToU (or ToS, depending on game). If you do something against the rules of the game, you can and will be banned from it. Use it within those rules, and you will have no trouble.
GuNNuP
January 03, 2013 at 9:14pm
No i have a G13 though the point of using it for Diablo 3 is poinless but it is constantly running in the backround, never felt the need to unplug it. I have not been banned. I have used it though but i found it pointless to use a macro or what not for Diablo 3. I may start using it more though
ALL games i've used it for I used it for Rift, BF3, I have played around with it with D3, and many others
they do however ban automation, If you figure out to use the software and make a script to basically run all the needs of playing the game close to a bot, but pressing one button for all combat will be an arguable ban. the thing is How do they find out if you use such macro? Its not banning by running in the backround. So basically, many of the people that say they do get banned for the products that are made for macros, are liers and trying to get over on their ban for botting.
If i ever will get banned for having my G13, or using it in my games i will NEVER BUY A GAME again from that maker.
Ryu
January 03, 2013 at 12:35pm
Feel free to disagree with me, mine is not a popular viewpoint:
I think there's a general bot-bias on the internet caused by competing for resources. Whether it be a traditional resource (such as an ore) or a kill, it bothers people to no end when the resources are taken up by a bot. Fighting bots is a losing battle and if looked at from a neutral perspective, it's just another game-play style. There seems to be a slight difference in how players or "legits" feels towards what is called a "main" bot (or somebody who bots their character for levels) vs a "goldfarming" bot. I consider the goldfarming bots to be an annoying consequence of the automata world.
What should one do then? If fighting bots is a constant arms race, then why not simply optimize the game for player satisfaction? GW2 took a GREAT step with this with the way loot and experience are doled out as well as instanced resources. This is what needed to happen. I think they took a backwards step with removing p2p trading outside of the mail system. Why? If they're worried about the economy, then they've already taken the steps to reduce the equation to value = time * effort (or value = insane luck on occasion), which is how it should be. That's a much easier value to insert into a supply/demand economy. Looking at it from another way however, and it could ALSO be deemed a smart move, it just depends on how you look at it. The current p2p trading methods remove the stresses of maintaining an economy, and make people work for equipment without over-taxing them.
Granted, there's two more issues I haven't covered yet:
Bots versus Players in p2p combat. THAT should be unacceptable. Why? Because it places people with an unfair disadvantage.
And time investments : people who play "legit" invest far more time into what they do. Do I consider this an unfair disadvantage? Not particularly. As long as a bot is not directly or indirectly interfering with a player's success it should be a non-issue. Will some people feel like their work is worth less? Yes. But that's going to be the case bots or no bots. Unfortunately people always compare themselves amongst each other trying to find their worth.
PDX-1337
January 03, 2013 at 1:11pm
Wow, that was a very long response that did not at all address the question.
Ryu
January 03, 2013 at 1:25pm
Unless I was mistaken the question was how do people feel about companies tracing hardware and software to combat bots and getting legitimate users banned for using certain hardware. I covered the topic with a general overview which heavily implied that I don't agree with such measures and think that instead focus should be placed on improving the gamers' satisfaction by implementing strategies such as GW2 has done.
If I misunderstood the question, then say so and be constructive about it.
PDX-1337
January 03, 2013 at 2:05pm
I guess during the "general overview" is where you lost me. Your last post answers the question more than your original one, as it is more clear and not just a "heavily implied" view point.
Ryu
January 03, 2013 at 3:10pm
Gotcha, I apologize for being snappy. I've had a long week but that's no excuse.
PDX-1337
January 03, 2013 at 12:14pm
Most gaming keyboards and mice have programmable keys, where you can change the bindings or create custom macros. I can't imagine that they would ban you due to this, as this would ban most PC gamers out of the game.
West996
January 03, 2013 at 12:57pm
No offense but I didn't intend to start a debate on if botting is ethical or not. The fact is companies like Blizzard do ban bots when they find, them or think they find them.
PDX-1337, people have been banned from Diablo III specifically just for using the Logitech G15 Keyboard with the software running. Blizzard even acknowledged this but made no apologies and did not unban the accounts because they view it as an acceptable loss.
If you google banned Diablo III Logitech you'll find many forum threads dedicated to this subject.
ApathyCurve
January 04, 2013 at 12:24pm
"people have been banned from Diablo III specifically just for using the Logitech G15 Keyboard with the software running. Blizzard even acknowledged this but made no apologies and did not unban the accounts because they view it as an acceptable loss."
That sentence shows the difference between the incredibly creative small company which created Warcraft and Diablo, and the modern abomination of corporate greed and incompetence which took a decade to hack together the piece of crap that is Diablo III.
RIP Blizzard. Say hello to John Carmack for us.
GuNNuP
January 03, 2013 at 9:17pm
No i have a G13 though the point of using it for Diablo 3 is poinless but it is constantly running in the backround, never felt the need to unplug it. I have not been banned. I have used it though but i found it pointless to use a macro or what not for Diablo 3. I may start using it more though
ALL games i've used it for I used it for Rift, BF3, I have played around with it with D3, and many others
they do however ban automation, If you figure out to use the software and make a script to basically run all the needs of playing the game close to a bot, but pressing one button for all combat will be an arguable ban. the thing is How do they find out if you use such macro? Its not banning by running in the backround. So basically, many of the people that say they do get banned for the products that are made for macros, are liers and trying to get over on their ban for botting.
If i ever will get banned for having my G13, or using it in my games i will NEVER BUY A GAME again from that maker.
PDX-1337
January 03, 2013 at 1:09pm
I don't play any Blizzard games (mainly into FPS and Guild Wars) so I was not aware of this, too bad they don't care about restoring unfairly banned accounts. That alone would continue to keep me away from their games.
West996
January 03, 2013 at 2:03pm
Yeah I mean I understand their desire to combat bots. To address the first responder more, I actually think that these botters do negatively impact the game for the players.
I'm talking about people botting for money and not the enjoy of the game.
I used to play Asheron's Call back in the day, and botting in and of itself was not bannable, but unattended botting was. Mods frequently did spot checks to see if you were actually at your keyboard with your bot running.
Diablo III has an economy of its own and now with the introduction of the real money Auction House it is more important to protect that then ever. Legit players finding ultra rare loot could turn around and make a profit from it if they wanted. Support their hobby. If the value of that loot is brought down by companies using bots to farm the same loot, that makes the players experience worse.
Anyway I am not positive Blizzard to this day has still done nothing to protect legit users, at the same time I wouldn't recommend any of Blizzard's games at this point. I think they have all run their course.
