Are you playing games with the keyboard but finding it boring? Then try something new: MeinMMO presents you a gaming hand that will surely change your daily routine.
The manufacturer Azeron specializes in unique devices for gamers. Azeron produces devices that look like hands and are meant to be used instead of the keyboard for gaming.
Such devices are called “keypads.” They are additional input devices for the PC and are usually smaller than conventional keyboards.
The hand is designed to perform the same tasks as a keyboard but aims to be more ergonomic and better. The Classic version offers you the following buttons and functions:
- A programmable analog stick on the side
- 26 programmable keys
- Customizable ergonomics
- 5-way directional switch
We at MeinMMO have already reported on this quirky piece of hardware and briefly introduced you to the keypad. In the meantime, there are several tests of the Azeron Classic. Besides Azeron, there are other manufacturers offering various keypads.
But all keypads have one thing in common: they are challenging to master.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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Azeron Classic - Programmierbare Gaming Tastenfeld für PC Gaming - 3D gedruckte benutzerdefinierte... | Zu Amazon |
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
Hand is a cool gadget, but requires getting used to
The online magazine PCGamer has already tested the keypad (via PCGamer.com). The conclusion is quite positive: the keys are very comfortable and precise, and the hand rests nicely on the controller.
The magazine Totalgamingaddicts.com also praises the strong build quality and the many options (via totalgamingaddicts.com). Additionally, there are many customization options, and the keypad can be adjusted to fit any hand. The high price of about 200 Euros is considered reasonable for the good build quality.
Even the YouTube channel “Hardware Canucks” tested the hand in a video and expressed a favorable opinion:
- The build quality is well done
- Thanks to the software, you have numerous options to customize the keys and the joystick to your needs.
- The control is very precise but requires getting used to. The tester took several hours to adapt the hand to his needs.
- Shooting games feel very unusual; he quickly switched back to the keyboard.
You can watch the complete video about the gaming hand in the official video. We’ve embedded it here for you:
All testers note, not surprisingly, that the learning curve for the device is quite steep. The idea is cool and it’s fun to game with it, but you must take the time to set up and also “learn” the device.
Keypads have been around for a while, but they are challenging to use
Keypads and devices that aim to replace the keyboard have existed for some time but occupy rather a niche market.
This is partly because such devices are usually not cheap and also require a longer adjustment period.
For example, the manufacturer Razer launched the Tartarus V2 and Tartarus Pro. We at MeinMMO tested the Tartarus V2 and already pointed out the very steep learning curve. However, once you learn to handle the device, the effort pays off through flexible and comfortable control.
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Razer Tartarus V2 - Gaming Keypad (Gamepad mit Mecha-membranen Tasten, 32 programmierbare Tasten,... | Zu Amazon |
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
Many players ultimately prefer to stick with a gaming keyboard long-term, which can also be used for other tasks besides gaming.
Manufacturers like Redragon attempt to provide more conventional versions of keypads. Here, you get the Redragon K585, a smaller version of the regular keyboard, where the right side of the keyboard is missing. The price is around 50 Euros, lower than other keypads. However, you also do not get a special ergonomic position like with Azeron or Razer:
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Redragon K585 DITI Einhand RGB Mechanische Gaming-Tastatur, Blaue Schalter, Typ-C Professionelle... | Zu Amazon |
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
If you are still looking for a good gaming keyboard: In our buying guide on MeinMMO, we present which gaming keyboards are currently the best and for whom the purchase of a keyboard makes the most sense.
Here you can also choose whether you want keyboards in their full extent, or whether you prefer a keyboard without a numeric keypad: The best gaming keyboards you can buy in 2021
