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Saitek had a new game input device this year that was basically their answer to the Nostromo. They call it the Pro Gamer Command Pad, and it looks interesting. Like other Saitek products, it is highly adjustable to allow for perfect ergonomic fit for a wide variety of users. Its programmable keys can replace keyboard input of your choice and allows for much quicker access than searching across a standard sized keyboard to find the key you need to press.
The Pro Gamer Command Pad has a center cluster of 11 standard keys, whose keys are marked with "Q", "E", "R", "F", "Z", "X", "C", and the four directional arrows. In addition to these 11 standard keys, the Pro Gamer Command Pad has three standard keys on the left edge of the face (which would be accessible with the pinky), which are marked with "1", "2" and "3" and, above that, a flat button used to select between three configuration modes, effectively tripling the number of controls allowed. Above the 11 keys in the middle is a bank of four function keys. On the right side of the pad is a four-way digital hatswitch with its own adjustable thumb support that helps to provide easy access and customized ergonomics. All of these are just the default values however, as the keys are all programmable.
As to the topic of style, the Pro Gamer Command Pad was designed to compliment Saitek's PC Gaming Keyboard, except that silver is used on the accent pieces and black on the primary elements instead of vice-versa. They do share the same blue illumination, but the Pro Gamer Command Pad takes it one better, with laser-etched key caps that allow the blue light to light up the labels on the keys. Finally, in a fashionable style Coup-de-Gras, it boldy projects the Saitek logo in front of it on your desk with the same blue light - a nice little extra touch and something to get you a few extra style points at the next LAN party. Those of you who, like me, are working on a blue-light accented computer system may find the Pro Gamer Command Pad more than just a little interesting.
The Pro Gamer Command Pad should be available in September for a suggested retail price of $40 USD. Check back for a full review when we get one in-house for some hands-on testing. |
