Belkin Nostromo Speedpad n52
by Belkin Components
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List Price: Our Price: $39.99 You Save: $10.00 (20%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: CE See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Belkin Nostromo Speedpad n52
Customer Review: Great for MMOs and RTS games; maybe not for shooters?
Summary: 5 Stars
[ EDIT: I revised this review 12-17-03. See below for additions. ]The Belkin n52 is the successor to the n50 Speedpad. Like the n50, the n52 is a mixed bag of plusses and minuses. Belkin has marketed the n52 as the n50 "remodeled by gamer feedback," with added buttons and functionality. They've also said that it'll give you "Faster and More Intuitive Frags!" or some other market-eze. I had wanted the original n50 for quite a while to help me out when playing MMOs and RPGs (AO, DAOC, NWN) and shooters (NOLF, Deus Ex). When I finally decided to buy one, I heard that Belkin was shortly releasing the improved n52. So I grabbed one, and here's the scoop.
Installing this thing was a snap, and using the profile software is also amazingly easy. In only a few minutes of use I was making my own custom profiles. Macros are easy to write. The profile software has a few bugs in it, which I won't get into here. Hopefully Belkin will fix this stuff in the next few weeks. The bugs I describe are really just inconvenient - they won't stop you from using the product.
Construction is a mixed bag on the n52. In it's favor, the n52 generally feels sturdy as hell and doesn't move a bit during heavy play. Despite this it's a compact little thing - I have a cramped desk and I managed to easily fit the n52 between my keyboard and the edge of the desk. I have big hands and the unit fits comfortably under my palm with my fingers resting on the buttons. The hand rest fits right into the curve of my palm and makes the whole thing feel very ergonomic and natural. The hand rest is supposed to be adjustable but I think some n00b at the factory glued mine down, because I can't make it move the slightest bit.
More strong points: Belkin expanded the n50 quite a bit by adding new buttons. The n52 has a total of six new buttons: four new keyboard-type buttons were added in a row under the original ten; a big orange button was added over the directional pad; and a "thumb bar" was added on a little extension that sticks out from the unit on the right side. The original n50 speedpad had a throttle wheel that a lot of people described as useless; this has been replaced with a very useful mouse wheel. In addition, Belkin has apparently heard gamer feedback that the directional pad on the n50 was junky and inaccurate; the n52 features a big, sturdy, and seemingly very accurate directional pad that I really like using.
But the drawbacks: Unlike the regular keyboard buttons you're used to, the action on all the buttons is a little stiff. I don't know if this is intentional design or what - maybe they were thinking that the control will get heavy wear, so some extra stickiness is actually good? The keyboard-style hotkeys are kind of sticky when I press them, and sometimes I have to press twice to get the button to register the keystroke. To push the new orange button by the directional pad, I have to grip the front of the controller with my fingers for leverage. Finally, the "thumb bar" also takes a bit of pressure to activate, and has sometimes not fired unless I push it very deliberately in the "right way."
Likewise the mouse wheel has a funny, cheap feel to it. Clicking the mouseclick action on the wheel is a little harder to do that I'd prefer, and the wheel itself rotates too easily and doesn't lock firmly into place like a normal mouse wheel does.
The stickiness of the buttons leaves me thinking that I won't be using it in shooter type games - I can't be pushing a key over and over in shooter games that require instant reactions. If the buttons loosen up a little over time, perhaps I'll change my mind.
Still, I'm very happy with the n52 despite the flaws I've described. Using it in AO, DAOC and NWN, the thing is nothing short of miraculous. Having all of your crucial commands literally "at your fingertips" without any fumbling, reaching, or looking at the keyboard is a very, very nice thing. Hitting a button and having a macro run a series of keystrokes, saving a lot of time and distraction, is also a godsend. My impression is that it would be great in any RPG / MMORPGs and RTS type games - ones that don't require much sensitivity and reactivity, and benefit a lot from short macros due to their complex command systems. After only using it for a few days, I can't imagine playing without it.
[ EDIT 12-17-03: This thing has been plenty responsive for shooters. I've bumped my rating up to 5 stars. Although sticky, the buttons work great, and my sense is that Belkin was trying to build this thing as tough as a brick - and they succeeded. A month and a half after buying it I cannot imagine playing ANY game without it. It's a truly phenomenal product. ]
Customer Review: From Hating It, To Loving It
Summary: 5 Stars
I was very skeptical buying this gamepad after buying the ideazon zboard. I had a horrible time programming the zboard, and didn't feel it enhanced my game experience whatsoever. I decided to buy this product purely by word of mouth from other gamers who swear by the n52.
This controller I have primarily used to play World of Warcraft with. The two classes I've played it with are a priest and a rogue.
The n52 has a lot of buttons and initially feels very clunky. The buttons were initially stiff, the scroll button is practically useless and the big orange button would move the entire controller unless I held the entire thing down. This controller initially felt no different than using a regular keyboard and modifying the buttons to your liking.
The innovation of this product though is in the software. You can install and start programming macros, spamming buttons, character templates, and button combinations with ease. There wasn't any need for me to read the instructions on how to do this; it was that simple.
When I played with my rogue I noticed I would down mobs noticably faster since I could spam my combo attacks and finishing moves. When timed, my overall attack time improved by 1.35 seconds on an even level mob. I did not try my rogue on a pvp game, just on regular enemies.
When I played with my priest, I noticed I could spam spells faster than I ever could before. With the right healing macros in place with the controller macros, I could keep an entire group of people up in battlegrounds and raids with just one button press. When playing pvp battlegrounds, players on the opposing side ended up targeting me because I was throwing out heals faster than they could terminate the players I was keeping up. I ended up getting most kills alliance side as well, despite being disc/holy spec (holy priests are known for being squishy). This is mostly due to being able to spam spells faster than they could heal, or kill me.
Actually using the n52 while pvping was at first a challenge because I didn't know how to streamline the macros. While I initially thought the three buttons available for just my thumb was going to be worthless, I ended using them more than ever. The big orange button has now become my spam/kill button, the d-pad for targeting, and the space bar-like bottom button for jumping. After streamlining how I wanted my spells and configuration to be, I was owning at raiding and pvping.
There are keyboards out on the market right now that call themselves gamer ones (i.e. Logitech, Microsoft). They have macro command functions similar to this one, but usually the macro keys are in an akward place on the keyboard. Most people don't use the macro buttons due to their inefficiency. This controller despite being clunky, is the only one on the market right now that gives you a easy and time-saving method of programming and adjusting macros and keystrokes to what you want.
Despite the n52's shortfalls, (stiffness, badly placed scroll button) I have to say that if you are interested in pvp on WoW or any other pvp MMORPG, you should definately look into purchasing this controller. A lot of the "legendary" pvpers are good because they kill quickly and efficiently. Most people blame great pvpers for being good because of their excellent gear, being a certain class, cheating etc. All they really do though is use this controller. It's just that good.
UPDATE: 12 Dec 2006 - I've been using the N52 for about 6 months now and am completely addicted to it. I love this pad so much I've bought a couple for my gamer friends. If they don't have one, they already know what I'm getting for them for Christmas.
The pad's buttons have gotten a thorough working in. The stiffness has since worn away form the keys and now feels like a old school nintendo power glove. I moved the adjustable handrest back, and now use the row below the preforated arrow keys on the pad in order to move. This gives me a bigger arsenal of buttons to use with less quirky movements and the ability to smoothly use the scroll button (which can be used as buttons as well). I haven't found much use for the programming states, which usually ends up complicating my already complicated set-up. The orange button still does suck, as you have to hold the controller down in order to press it, though I've learned to adpat my style in order to use it quickly.
Customer Review: Best PC Gaming Device In History
Summary: 5 Stars
The Belkin Nostromo n52 is by far the most innovative and amazing gaming device I have ever used. I previously owned the n50 (see my review here on Amazon), and bought this updated model to see if it is as amazing as people say. I have subjected this device to numerous tests, used it in a number of programs and games, and found it to be truly the most amazing gaming device ever. This n52 device far surpasses the old n50, adding 4 new finger keys (for a total of 14), two new thumb keys, and a greatly improved 8-direction-D-pad and scroll wheel (which can be clicked). Also, the software is truly amazing, allowing you to fully customize the n52 controls any way you want, and set up to THREE (red, blue, green) other on-the-fly profiles in ADDITION to the "main" one you chose (so a total of 4 total control profiles, all intstantly switchable at any moment by touching the key that you define as the "switch" key). It all sounds complex, but don't be scared, it's a sinch. Plus, the n52 comes out of the box with the basic WASD setup, and typical FPS controls already programmed. So if you are just itching to get in some Battlefield or CS, just plug it in, and start playing, because the defualt n52 controls are identical to your keyboard. But the constimization of this beautiful controller is half the fun. I even set mine up to be able to TYPE! That's right, it has a total of 104 possible programmable keys using the switch buttons you define (which you can set to "temporary or toggle"). After about an hour, just out of curiosity, I was able to type a word document. But playing games, particularly FPS games, is where this device shines far above any other technology on the market. You become seamless with the game, you forget you are even using a controller, your mind doesn't have to think about reaching for the Drop-gun key, or the Flashlight key...your hand just reacts perfectly in the cradle of the n52. My only complaints are that, as other people have stated, the two new thumb keys are stiff, and a little distant. But I was creative and just made one my "flashlight" key and one my "drop-weapon" key...because I use the the D-pad directions to jump and perform other critical, common actions. But the point it, MESS WITH IT, it's meant to be customizable...if you don't like something on it then you become the controller programmer and make it the way that you need it. I recommend for better control to just massage out the stiffness of some of the keys, and make it truly fluid. It only takes about 5 minutes, and I got mine so fluid it doesn't even make a sound when hitting a key.
All-and-all, I have really one thing to say...BUY THE N52! This device should come standard with computers or computer games, you'll see what I mean when you use it yourself. You will NEVER use a keyboard again after you buy this. IT goes far above and beyond anything on the market, and will give you the extra edge you are looking for to compete in the online battlegrounds of CS, Battlefield, or any other game.
I would also recommend the Logitech MX500 or MX510 series of corded mice with this gamepad. And if you have an extra penny, check out the Adesso Viper Mouse, or the BFG Boomslang 2100 Mouse here on Amazon.
Overall, the n52 Speedpad is easily the greatest gaming device ever invented, even compared to its earlier brother the n50, this gamepad blows away all other competition. Buy it, love it, and never look back. Sincerely -Logan
Customer Review: Fantastic device!
Summary: 5 Stars
I've never used a previous belkin game product before, although I'm a longtime fan and user of their KVM switches such as the Omnicube. I decided to give the Nostromo N52 a shot, considering Amazon had it on sale for considerably less than my local retailers. My main reason for buying the N52 was to consolidate keys for my FPS gaming into a single comfortable interface. I'm notoriously BAD at most deathmatch games, and I was prepared to do just about anything to improve my game.
My impression of the N52:
~~The 14 main keys are arranged perfectly. the center button is marked for ease of location without looking, and I have no trouble reaching the others quicky and easily (unlike on the keyboard)
--My keys weren't too stiff as other reviewers have claimed. The main buttons are a little stiffer than my membrane keyboard, which I hope to be a sign of higher quality. The orange thumb button does require a little effort to push, but not to the extent of my entire pad shifting to the side.
~~The D-Pad is placed well and isn't stiff either. I do find it more cumbersome for movement, however, and stick to the main keys for that. The pad is perfect to remap keys to, such as jump and alt fire as another reviewer already mentioned for UT2004.
~~The bottom thumb button 15 is not placed well. This is the single button I am not happy with, as it is in an odd possition for my hand to move without feeling a little tension in my thumb. Considering I can map the D-pad for what I would have used this button for (jumping), I'm not upset over it.
~~The adjustable handrest is a godsend. :) I am an adult with large hands, and found the original position of the handrest to be uncomfortable. The scrollwheel was completely out of my range of motion without moving my hand off the home keys. My fingers in their rest position were a full rank of keys too high. The bottom mounted button 15 was completely impossible to reach. However once I realized the black handrest "pops up" and there was a second set of holes a half inch back, I was in heaven. The new position is perfect for me.
~~The mousewheel is stiff and in an awkward postion, even after moving my handrest back. I can access it, but with a looser, more responsive, easier to reach wheel on my logitech mx510 mouse, I'll not use the N52's wheel.
~~The software provided is easy to use and configure. It's powerful and does exactly what we need in mapping the keys to suit my needs.
I've tried out this pad extensively in UT2004 and my goal was achieved: my game improved tremendously. I lost a lot of matches fumbling for keys previously. :P
I also found the pad to be fantastic for navigating virtual environments. I've used it the past two days in The Sims 2 while creating in-game machinima movies. The pad makes navigating in cameraman mode much easier and intuitive.
This is a great device. For hardcore gamers or casual gamers alike, I recomend this highly. I also think Sims 2 movie makers should give this a look. :)
Customer Review: Improved my gameplay a LOT
Summary: 5 Stars
Well, there I was playing World of Warcraft and getting my butt kicked by another player, when I wished I had some faster way to get to my abilities on the keyboard. I did some looking around online and discovered this beautiful piece of technology.
What this does for you is it places most of the important hotkeys you need for first person shooters and pvp-heavy games like World of Warcraft right within your left-hand's reach so you can switch weapons, abilities spells almost instantaneously, and will improve your performance a LOT. Ever since I got this, my reaction time has improved dramatically. When you fight another player in WoW, use of skills to counter-attack other players is CRITICAL. Once you get used to playing with it, I bet you can't play without it.
That being said, there is a transitional period for this thing. I used to play games using the W,S,A,D keys to move around and the mouse button to look. What the speedpad does, is force you to learn a new method of controlling your character, which takes a bit of time to get used to, but after about a week, it becomes second-nature. I personally wanted to throw this thing through the window after configuring the WSAD keys to the thumbpad on the Nostromo, since using the WSAD keys on the Speedpad takes up valuable hotkey spaces unless you bind them to the thumbpad. After dying over and over and over and over, you'll get so frustrated, but give it a week, and you'll notice your gameplay getting better and better and better...to the point where you can't play without it. It took me about 3 days to start to notice some improvements, and about 7 days before I got used to it.
The customization program along with it is amazing too. You can customize your own macros to use in games to get off some nice combos. Or single-bind any one key to any button the speedpad. Its totally up to you, you have total control. What I will suggest though is that you bind the WSAD keys to the thumbpad and take the time to get used to it.
Now for the downsides. Well I only found two. The orange/red trigger above the d-pad and the mouse wheel. Both are VERY VERY hard to press. The mouse wheel turns just fine, but pushing it in requires a little bit of effort, and requires a little more force to push in than to push a key on the keyboard. This is a small problem though, nothing to worry too much about. I bound my jump key to the red button or pushing in on the mouse wheel so jumping isn't really THAT essential. If there was a way to make it easier to push in, it would help a little :).
Overall, this is a great buy. Even if you don't like it, you can send it back to the company for a full refund. Just give it one week, and even though you might get killed a lot, don't give up on it. I kept wanting to go back to the keyboard every time I would get killed, but I kept at it, and I'm glad I did. If you set this up right, you'll notice some signifigant improvements in your gameplay - just keep at it!