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SteelSeries Limited Edition Keyset for the Zboard Gaming Keyboard-Aion Edition by SteelSeries
Digital product summary informationManufacturer: SteelSeries Model: 68020 Product features: - 69 labeled keys including dedicated action keys, chat commands, menus, and more
- 24 quick-access emote keys to greet, intimidate, or taunt the character's foes
- Stunning of?cial game graphics that immerse the player into the Aion universe
- SteelSeries Z Engine software allows full customization of each key
Accessories:
Digital camera reviews of SteelSeries Limited Edition Keyset for the Zboard Gaming Keyboard-Aion EditionDigital camera Review: Fine keyboard with a few flaws Summary: 3 Stars
In terms of the quality of the hardware, the Aion Zboard keyset is as good as any of the Zboard keysets, which is to say it's fairly good for a removable keyset. Some keys are a bit sluggish in responsiveness, and there are a few keys that are oddly sized or located, but overall the keyboard is quiet and has a good feel. The real issue with the keyset is that the default keybindings are simply wrong for Aion. Hitting the Legion chat button brings up group chat. Hitting the group chat button brings up "party" chat, which is a designation not used in Aion. Similarly, the Z key is labeled as the key to swap weapons -- but there's no way to bind a key to do that in the game (other than assigning a key to whatever spot on the hotbar you've used for the swap weapons action). Aion contains the useful ability for a group leader to "brand" enemies with visible numbers or symbols so that members of the group know what action to take (i.e., brand the monster with a "1" if that's the first one to be attacked, brand a monster with a "Zzzz" if you want a sorcerer to put that monster to sleep). The keyset includes one key that's supposed to do this, but pressing it actually enters nonsense.
In general, these problems can be solved using the Z Engine software to re-assign keys. For example, you can set it sot that the Legion chat button actually starts a legion chat. And by re-assigning the "invite to group" and "alert" buttons, along with the "sign target" button, I now have three easy keys to hit to brand monsters. But it's important to note that you have to download the Z Engine software from the Steelseries website to do any of this. The version that's included on a CD with the keyboard base doesn't work (and the ZBoard website seems to have been bought by someone else, because it doesn't contain any useful software or links). And once you download the engine, you'll be on your own in terms of figuring out how to use it -- there really aren't any directions. And for some reason, while I was able to bind the alt key to one of the special keys in the game part of the keyset, my binding for the control key won't seem to work.
I'm still getting used to it, but I think it's going to make the game easier and more fun. But it's definitely more of a hassle than it should be.
Summary of SteelSeries Limited Edition Keyset for the Zboard Gaming Keyboard-Aion EditionThis keyset features the full breadth of in-game commands on color-coded keys across the board and a dedicated game panel designed to help improve the Aion gaming experience. With a series of quick-access emote keys, interacting with friends and foes on the battle ?eld is made simpler and more intuitive than ever. Intuitively grouped action keys on the game panel, including group leader speci?c commands, allows the character to battle and quest with ease, decreasing reaction time and increasing Actions Per Minute (APM) signi?cantly - everything is designed to help the player dominate his enemies swiftly.
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