Nostromo vs G13?

[Pazzolupo]

Ok, so with my birf-day just having passed me by...I have some freedom for a toy or two. I am looking for some good gaming luxury items, and I am deciding between which gamepad/speedpad/whatever you call these things. (Optional: a single badass gaming keyboard.)

Do any of you use any of these types of things? I have only found two that people come to in the end of a debate. The supposedly top two products:


A Logitech G13:





OR



A Razer Nostromo






Some of the major differences comes from the number of programmable keys. This is not as huge an issue for me, since I already have a Razer Naga which I use extensively.




Something else to take into account is that the G13 has a true joystick with free ranging movement, while the Nostromo has a D-Pad with a detachable joystick top. The main differences here are purely personal, but I wanted everyone's input.

If you have any ideas, personal experience, or wild speculation....share it with me! I will take it into account.

I have also considered just getting a gaming keyboard. Whatever recommendations you have, post em here!

[Slurm]

I have a G13. Almost never use it. I keep meaning to, but... I just don't.

[trapsinger]

I have a logitech g15 gaming keyboard, that i used and loved for several years, but the reason i stopped using it is the same reason i probably i wouldn't get one of the game pad things you have listed above, and that is: it's an extra thing to juggle.

one keyboard and one mouse is about all i can manage, so when i switched from desktops to laptops i couldn't keep up with the extra keyboard anymore.

i've never used the razors, but i love all things logitech. I understand they are pretty comparable performance wise, but when i was looking for a new mouse the logitechs were way cheaper, not sure if that carries over to game pads or not.

alternatively, if you really want to save money, do a google search for a program called AutoHotkey. lets you write your own macros and bind them to any key you want, that's what i use for my swtor macros since i'm not using the G15 anymore.

[Pazzolupo]

I'll definitely try out that AutoHotkey thing. I'm not as worried about the macro's on my luxury toy either, since the Naga does all the macro's I've ever needed. Though, the AutoHotkey seems to able to perform much more complex actions, which I enjoy entertaining the idea of.

I think I'm more thinking of the weird hybrid of keyboard and controller as stimulating. I've been watching/reading tons of reviews for both peripherals and yet I can't seem to find a...deciding factor. Knowing me however, it's probably likely I would end up buying a stack of books for my library after a month of indecision about these damned toys!

[trapsinger]

If you want books, and you haven't already, read everything by Jim Butcher.

www.jim-butcher.com

[Maeve]

I have the Razer Nostromo before it was Razer. Belkin I think. I just couldn't ever get used to it and as was mentioned, had a hard time figuring out where to put it on my desktop. I have the Razer Naga as well, but have never really gotten the hang of using it. I wish I had it when I first starting gaming with a keyboard.

That being said, I LOVE my Merc Stealth keyboard. Well, the lights are just extra bling that attracts the baby these days. But I love the layout for gaming and it's all one keyboard, so I didn't have to find extra room. I use it all the time as a regular keyboard. The only quirk when typing is that you have to turn the num lock off to use the delete key. But I've had the keyboard for so long now, I'm used to it. Drives my husband crazy though.

And if you do get the stealth version, after all these years, the letters are coming off the keys. Luckily, I'm a good typist and just know where they are.

www.amazon.com/SteelSeries-Merc-Stealth-Gaming-Keyboard/dp/B00292OW1U/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1334798414&sr=1-1-catcorr

Oh, forgot I have one of these lying about somewhere as well: www.amazon.com/Cyber-Snipa-Game-Pad-Black/dp/B000MV2BBS/ref=pd_bxgy_e_img_b I was looking for a cheaper alternative for the old computer. I liked it better than the Nostromo, primarily because it was set up more like my Merc Stealth.

[Pazzolupo]

Yea, I have no problem with desk space, since in the event of having a gamepad of this nature it would sit on my desktop where my keyboard sits on its handy-dandy slide out platform. Not to mention my intention of getting a nice large desk soon, separate in funding from the toys.

[Maeve]

I'd be happy to send you the older Nostromo if you want to play around with it. It works as far as I know. It's just taking up space. The design of it is pretty much identical to the picture of the Razer version.

[Pazzolupo]

Sure! I wouldn't mind testing out the ergonomics of it and whatnot. If it works for my purposes, then all the better! I LOVE YOU!

[Lanir]

I've had three Nostromo's, two Belkin and one Razer. Neither of them broke, I just wanted to upgrade for the extra little changes they added from model to model. I can't play a FPS/MMO game effectively without it.

I also use the Naga, got it last Christmas. And together, I only have to touch the keyboard to type chat messages.

I have yet to try the G13, but its looks impressed me. I was afraid that I wouldn't use all the keys, since I don't use three of the bottom keys on the Nostromo.

The top hat on the Nostromo D-pad also comes off if you prefer the cross pattern feel more. Also, programming profiles is a snap.

[Maeve]

Okay, I'll get it together and get it in the mail. Is your address the same? You still living in the same mansion or did you need a larger, more luxurious one? :-)

[Pazzolupo]

Maeve, I have a larger more luxurious one now. Complete with candy-cane lampposts.

Lanir, how do you feel about the D-Pad vs having a true controller style analog joystick? I can't imagine it would bother me, since it's 8 directions...just curious.

[Jay]

I love my Nostromo, and have been using it solidly for the last 3-4 years. I bought a Naga too for my laptop, so that when I was away from my main PC, I didn't have to take the Nostromo - but I really can't get on with it - far too many buttons for my thumb/brain to contend with!

If my Nostromo broke tomorrow, I'd replace it over the G13, which I have used. I prefer the button layout on the G13, but it's not as comfortable.

I never use the joystick to move, preferring the WASD set-up, but it does get used for various abilities.

[xXJayeDuBXx]

Which ever one you choose there will be a slight learning period. I've tired the Nostromo a couple of times and was never able to grasp using it, but I do however have a Naga and I love it. It took me a bit to get comfortable, but I can't imagine not using it when playing a MMO these days.

[Winin]

I have the original nostromo, but never use it. I don't like spreading my arms out too far (bad ergo) and I type a lot, so I stick with the trackball and keyboard.

Although, it might be good for a faster game with no chatting (I'm looking at Wrath of Heroes).