Product Description

So youve got the latest 8GHz processor, a real sexy computer case, a hard disk the size of a Shoguns spare wheel and a screen with more focus than a radio telescope so why did you scrimp on the keyboard? Many of todays computers play a dual role, on the one hand they have to be hard working business tools and on the other, capable game stations. The trouble is, all computers come with a standard keyboard that makes typing easy but gaming tedious. The Zboard is the ONLY keyboard that gives you hot swappable key sets. One minute you have a professional Multimedia office keyboard, the next, an unbeatable gaming platform to make sense of all that power. Each key set can be changed in less than 10 seconds without the need to turn off or re-boot the computer. Simply unclip one end, lift out and replace with the other key set its that easy.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2249 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Ideazon
• Released on: 2005-07-01
• Platform: Windows XP
• Dimensions: 1.69" h x 8.86" w x 18.43" l, 4.41 pounds

Features

• USB
• 2 Port Non-Powered USB Hub
• Volume Up/Down, Volume mute, FF/Stop/Play/RW
• 9 Programmable Hot Keys
• Instant record macro facility

Manufacturer's Description
Zboard is the first interchangeable custom keyboard in the world. Update the mod files and stomp the competition in the latest games. Of all the tools in your gaming arsenal, Zboard is your most lethal weapon.

A Zboard Base has an auto recognition feature for any keyset you insert. There's no need to install any additional software. It is the brain behind the brawn. Just switch keysets and play your favorite games. The Zboard Base comes with these standard features:

USB Hub (ZBD-101 USB Version only)
Your Zboard Base is equipped with 2 USB (bus powered) connectors. This HUB supports low voltage devices (up to 100mA) such as mice, joystick or memory sticks. Now you can plug devices directly to your Zboard without the hassle of crawling down to your PC.

Hot Keys
A set of nine hot keys launch common functions such as E-mail, Calculator and My Computer or allow you to instantly return to a pre-selected destination, such as a file, folder, program or web page.

Multimedia Controls
A set of 7 one-touch multimedia control buttons: play/pause, stop, next/previous track, volume up/down and mute.

Additional LED Indicators
In addition to the standard 3 LED (Caps, Scroll and Num lock) Zboard has additional 3 LEDs to indicate Zboard enhanced functionality (Pad Lock, Bar Lock and Enable).

Designed for First/Third Person Shooter and Action games, the Gaming Keyset provides a better gaming experience, advanced layout and built-in technology advantages. It comes loaded with a selection of mod files for today's hottest games.

Customer Reviews

Very nice for the powergamer
A great idea brilliantly implemented, the Zboard is a keyboard aimed squarely at the gamer. The build quality of the product is high and the interchangeable keysets really do give you an advantage in getting to grips with a new game - particularly if you purchase one of the custom keysets designed specifically for your game. Let's face it, no-one likes reading a manual to find out which key does what, and the Zboard does a good job of cutting that hassle right down. I would like to see a greater selection of keysets produced for more titles, but that would be my only criticism of a very fine product.

OK, but...
Clever idea and clever marketing with all the branded keysets for popular games now available. It works really well, I used it extensively with Battlefield 2 and found the big movement keys and placement of weapon and movement selectors to be useful. I wouldn't go so far to say it gives you a competitive edge though. For me, the biggest drawback is the placement of the normal keys. Massively multiplayer online games like World of Warcraft practically require you to "talk" to other people and if you're a touch typist like myself then you'll forever be hitting backspace (once you've found it) to correct your spelling because the layout is no longer ergonomic.

If I only played offline games then I'd give this 4 stars.

Great keyboard for serious gaming
this is a great keyboard. it is simple to use, and has many features. The gaming keysets are very useful. they really help. I've bought both the BF2 and CoD 2 keysets, and they really help, no more frantic looking for the right button - which normally, by the time you've found it you're already dead - on the Zboard they're all clearly marked. great if you're into fps games.