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Page 4 of 5
Now that the device was set up and I had a chance to play with
it in a real scenario, I dug a little deeper into the packaging. First
thing to catch my eye was the 3 pages of stickers which contained a
sticker for virtually every command imaginable, pressed into clear
heavy-duty plastic. Once the stickers are laid on the keys it looked as
though the keys had come straight off the line with the stickers on
them; Very impressive.
Here’s an image of my keyboard layout after indulging in a few
minutes of sticker-frenzy. I placed a "Pentel R.S.V.P" standard
ballpoint pen in the picture to help establish reference to product
size.
Now I believe at this point it is important to address the
“nay-sayers” out there reading this that have undoubtedly decided that
this device won’t work because the keys are attached with an adhesive.
The adhesive used on the DX-1 keys is a remarkable material
described by Ergodex as an “Inexhaustible” adhesive. While those two
words are often considered to be mutually exclusive, it certainly is
not the case with this product.
Just to test the level of inexhaustibility, I took a DX-1 key from the
device and stuck it to the carpet in my office several times. After a
few repetitions, the bottom of the key was covered with a fine layer of
carpet fiber and would no longer stick to the DX-1.
Taking the advice of the instruction manual (yes, I read the manual) I
gently rubbed the bottom of the pad with a wet towel to get the carpet
fiber off. Once I was certain that all the fiber was removed I was
shocked to find that the key stuck right back to the board and seated
just as firmly as every other key.
After the adhesive test, I was compelled to try and test the
strength of the adhesive. I mean, who wants a device with keys that
move all over the place? Nobody!
Well that’s exactly who will get it when using the DX-1. Nobody!
Nothing short of an act of God will separate a key from the
DX-1 when pulling upward or pushing in any direction. The key is
absolutely affixed to the surface of the board and does not budge until
a light twist to the left is applied. Once the key is twisted to the
left about 45 degrees, it pops effortlessly off the board and leaves no
adhesive residue behind. Now the key can be placed anywhere else on the
board or put back into that unlabeled white box.
It’s also important to note here that Ergodex sells additional
top-panels ($15) and an additional 25 key set for $50. The DX-1
supports up to 50 keys, and each key has its own frequency. In essence
a home user could set up all 50 keys on a single top-panel, or set up
any combination of keys on any combination top panels which are quickly
interchangeable by simply depressing the tabs on the top of the unit
and pulling back. See below for a picture.
The keys themselves also have a great feel to them, unlike many
other controllers I have had the displeasure of using over the years.
The vast majority of other gaming peripherals have keys that do not
feel ergonomic on the fingertips, have an unusual click, or an abnormal
distance to engage the key. The DX-1 certainly does not fall short in
this category as each key is carefully crafted for a feel that is like
no other. Just enough “Click” to know you pressed it, and just enough
distance from the click that you aren’t likely to accidentally press a
key by leaning on it.
The only complaint I have regarding the keys is that they are fashioned
with a tapered base which makes it difficult to get top surface area of
the keys really close together like you would normally have with a
QWERTY keyboard. Fortunately the distance apart even when closely
situated is far from uncomfortable, and just a few moments of using it
and you’re likely to forget all about it.
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