Guild Wars: ZBoard Keyset Review: Guild Wars Factions

One of WarCry's own has written a review of the ZBoard Keyset Guild Wars Factions edition. Citing a singularity of use in a world which demands multiuse functions, Razor said:

Do one thing and do it well. The Zboard is a great example of that, as it chooses to focus on being a great custom keyboard layout for various videogames. The specific layout I had the chance to use was for Guild Wars Factions.

Setting up the keyboard was a fairly simple operation, once I had figured out that the newer keysets were not compatible with older Zboard bases. After installing the drivers, it was only a matter of plugging in the USB Zboard in and letting the system detect it. The Zboard application was immediately able to show what keyset had been used, with a graphical representation of the Guild Wars Faction layout.

And wrapping it all up:

Focusing on doing one thing well hinders the Zboard, however. It functions poorly as a regular keyboard, due in part to its design. The tri-fold design means that the space bar is broken into 2 keys, with a metal hinge protruding from between those parts. This is annoying in that for many, the hinge is sitting right where you would hit the Space Bar with your thumbs when your fingers are in the home position. Also, the Numpad is not present, so all the spreadsheet junkies are completely lost.

If you play several games and would like a custom keyboard layout for each one, labeled so you don't forget which game you are playing then the Zboard is for you. Just don't expect to type any reviews on one.