Ergodex DX1 Review

[V. Slayer]

I have published a review of the Ergodex DX1 input device.

This is the best darned input device I have ever used.

Ergodex DX1 (http://www.nvnews.net/reviews/ergodex_dx1/index.shtml)

http://www.nvnews.net/reviews/ergodex_dx1/final_attempt.jpg (http://www.nvnews.net/reviews/ergodex_dx1/index.shtml)

[saturnotaku]

What a brave corporate logo! I accept the challenge of Mr. Sparkle.

Good review, by the way. How many times would you say that keyes could be repositioned on the board before the glue wears off? Is there a way to order replacement keys/glue just in case you mess up?

[Clay]

What a brave corporate logo! I accept the challenge of Mr. Sparkle.

Good review, by the way. How many times would you say that keyes could be repositioned on the board before the glue wears off? Is there a way to order replacement keys/glue just in case you mess up?Brian can correct me if I'm wrong but I believe you can clean the adhesive backing with water and they are magically sticky again. Kind of like those octopi we used to get in our cereal boxes as kids.

[V. Slayer]

Brian can correct me if I'm wrong but I believe you can clean the adhesive backing with water and they are magically sticky again. Kind of like those octopi we used to get in our cereal boxes as kids.

I don't have to correct Clay, his assessment is spot on. I have adjusted these over a dozen times, and each time they stick without an issue. If they get dirty, use a wet paper towel to clean them, and they're magically sticky again. Remember that you need to twist them off, not pull them off. The only keys that appear to be available on their website is the additional set of keys numbered 26-50.

The Ergodex website has this to say about what the stickyness is:
The DX1 keys have a special material (Ergodexians refer to this as “molecular velcro” or “gecko feet”) on their bottom side, which enables them to stick to the plastic tray on the pad. The molecular velcro is like a mechanical adhesive, which helps the keys stick to the pad very firmly with a gentle press down, and yet, requires just a simple twist on the key base to detach it. Molecular velcro lasts for a very long time and can easily be cleaned with a damp cloth to maintain its effectiveness. Some Ergodexians have experimented with molecular velcro on their own bottom sides presenting interesting results. Don't try this at home.

[YOGIx213]

What a nice review. The photo alone had me wondering what the hell this was and reminded me of the Nostromo. But, when I saw that the keys were completely removable and adjustable, I thought,"Wow, that's really a cool little idea they have." The only downside I can see is the price though. I'll wait for the price to drop down some before considering. Great review though!

[Ninjaman09]

Great review and man that thing is cool. I'm with Yogi on the price issue though. Still, really neat little device. :D

[GlowStick]

Nice review, however im wondering what kind of learning curve is on useing hte device. also the keys are kinda big and i wonder how effective tha twould be for gameing. However it would be cool to have it for common tasks, may have to look into it.

[V. Slayer]

Nice review, however im wondering what kind of learning curve is on useing hte device. also the keys are kinda big and i wonder how effective tha twould be for gameing. However it would be cool to have it for common tasks, may have to look into it.

The learning curve, for me, was about 20-25 minutes. It took me far less time to understand how this device worked than it did for the Nostromo n52, or the n50 for that matter. The Ergodex Manager is very intuitive.

As for the key size, the actual key is a little smaller than those on my Saitek Eclipse keyboard, and the base of the keys is about the same size as the keys on the Eclipse. The tops of the DX1 keys have a nice contour, moreso than the Eclipse. Hope that helps.

[GlowStick]

The learning curve, for me, was about 20-25 minutes. It took me far less time to understand how this device worked than it did for the Nostromo n52, or the n50 for that matter. The Ergodex Manager is very intuitive.

As for the key size, the actual key is a little smaller than those on my Saitek Eclipse keyboard, and the base of the keys is about the same size as the keys on the Eclipse. The tops of the DX1 keys have a nice contour, moreso than the Eclipse. Hope that helps.
Hm, still sounds cool. However if i had one i would want to use it as a 'app launcher' sorta like a desktop on your desktop :cool:

any chance it can be configured to launch an app when pressed. if app is open it gives it 'focus'. and if app is open and has focus it minimizes it? or something silimar?

[V. Slayer]

Hm, still sounds cool. However if i had one i would want to use it as a 'app launcher' sorta like a desktop on your desktop :cool:

any chance it can be configured to launch an app when pressed. if app is open it gives it 'focus'. and if app is open and has focus it minimizes it? or something silimar?

You can use the 'Global' profile and create macros in there that open up files, just like opening URLs. Then, you could change a profile preference to Automatically load unassigned Keys with Global Profile Assignments. Another setting is to Use Global Profile for programs without Profiles, which does what it says. If you have a setting in the FireFox profile for Key 18, and a setting in the Global profile for Key 18, and you're running FireFox, key 18 is used from the FireFox profile.

[GlowStick]

You can use the 'Global' profile and create macros in there that open up files, just like opening URLs. Then, you could change a profile preference to Automatically load unassigned Keys with Global Profile Assignments. Another setting is to Use Global Profile for programs without Profiles, which does what it says. If you have a setting in the FireFox profile for Key 18, and a setting in the Global profile for Key 18, and you're running FireFox, key 18 is used from the FireFox profile.
Sweet, they have a 'private' dev section. HOwever i hope osmeone comes up with a 'exposet' clone type thing that uses this id buy it in a heart beat!

[tobywong]

This device looks great and I say this as a longtime n50/n52 user.

The software looks well designed and as anyone who's used these type of devices before knows, the hardware doesn't mean jack if there isn't a good piece of macro editing software to back it up.

I had to laugh at the "can I have the stickers" line too. Women... sheesh! :p

[Rytr]

It does look very good and that from a long time n50/n52 user. Nice review!