Ergodex DX-1 is a terrific device that fits both gaming and non-gaming needs

How many times have you played a game, fumbled to hit the right keys and died as a result of either missing the keys because of the unnatural stretch or unfamiliar location, or looking down to find them and not seeing what was being delivered to your in-game character.

Well, thanks to the folks at Ergodex, fumbling with keys – for the most part – is a thing of the past. The DX-1 is basically a tablet-sized hotpad that allows you to arrange the 25 keys that it comes with in any pattern anywhere on the 6 ¾ x 8 ½ surface. Anywhere. You can group them in a huge bunch in the upper right corner, or group keys by function in different areas.

But before getting into the bonuses of this device, let’s turn the attention toward the minuses.

First, there is a big difference as to where you plug in the USB connection. A keyboard external plug does not have enough power to use with the pad, it is therefore necessary to plug the USB connector directly into your machine.

Though the device has been up and running, and keys have been moved about without much problem, the longevity of the sticky undercoating on the keys may become a problem down the road. And should you put one of the little key-identifying icons on a key, short of destroying it, there is no real way to get it off.

Ok, the gripes are past, now on to the bonuses.

The device comes with software and a launchable interface that will allow you to customize macros for the different key sets. Each key is numbered and the UI allows you to choose each key and assign a macro to it. How easy is it? Create a profile for the game, which can be chosen to coincide with any recognized .exe file on your hard drive (it did not recognize some of the beta .exe files stored in a download folder until they were searched for in the browsing mode), and then merrily create corresponding keys by assigning macro’d (either one button, from the keyboard, or sequenced buttons, or recorded) commands to the numbered keys placed on the tray. Save the profile, launch the game and go.

Some games, like EverQuest II, fuss about and do not like macros that correspond with Alt or Control keys, and instead only allow you to work off the base hotbar and keystrokes. But this can also be configured to programs other than games, like Photoshop, or e-mail programs. One-button hotkeys to launch repeated elements streamlines the process.

And the keys are moveable. Just simply twist them off the tablet’s face (don’t pry them up), reposition them and you are good to go. For games, the pad is actually wide enough to allow players to use two hands, creating configurations for movement and attacks.

Each key has a good feel to it, pressure-wise, and the response time was akin to a keyboard input.

This is an incredibly user-friendly product that is not only convenient, but a pure joy to use. The device has a $149.95 price point, and extra keys are available for $49.95. This may be a little spendy, but this pad is worth it.

The DX-1 is an effective tool that meets both gaming and production needs. Simply put, this is a terrific tool.

Pros:
Customization to fit your hand and allow easy access to key commands within a game does not get much easier or more convenient. Easy to use, and easy to adjust. The keys are responsive.

Cons:
About the only things I have to wonder and/or consider a con are the longevity of the sticky mounting surface, especially when you are moving keys around, and that the symbols you can put on the keys to identify what they are does not come off unless you basically destroy them.

Verdict: 9.7
More than sold, this device has me hooked. This is a great product for both gamers and those who want the ease of one touch controls all configured to their hands.