The WolfKing Warrior is a terrific key-based gamepad that makes FPS titles easier to manage and more enjoyable to play

Several months ago, GameZone had the pleasure of reviewing a programmable keypad known as the Ergodex DX-1 – a device that was built for multiple uses but really favored the PC gamer who found the hand acrobatics taxing while trying to use a keyboard to navigate.

Well, during E3, a different kind of keypad was spotted and lo and behold, a couple of months later came the opportunity to test drive the WolfKing Warrior. Why mention the Ergodex? Simple. The DX-1 allowed users to move the keys into any position they wished, to custom create key configurations. Of course, those keys had to be programmed, but that was a simple thing. The entertaining aspect, though, is that the final configuration on this user’s DX-1 was very similar to the layout of the WolfKing Warrior – without having to do much of anything.

The WolfKing Warrior is an addendum to the keyboard (and yes, you can still use your keyboard while working with the Warrior) and features a custom key configuration that is based on the typical hot keys used in a first-person shooter game.

It is round, with the center keys being the movement keys. For those using the ‘pad’ with their left hands, the space button is at a natural angle for the thumb. In a semi-circle above the movement (and strafing) keys are the number keys with the F keys in a semi-circle above those.

But it gets better …

Counterstrike uses the K key to activate voice. That has been placed to the left of the tab key, which is nestled up next to the A movement key. There are three silver keys on the left outside; though not specifically labeled, the top is the escape key. The semi-circular design reduces the need for finger yoga exercises.

The pad itself is sloped on a firm base, gradually inclining to ensure a comfortable posture for the hand. The plastic casing is as solid as any keyboard and the keystrokes have the same responsiveness as a normal keyboard.

Can you use it to type? Yes, but that would be silly, and not every single alphabet key is represented.

How easy is this device to install? Well, let’s refer to the instruction manual for that: “Plug the gaming pad USB adapter into your computer’s USB hub.” That’s it. Your OS will recognize it immediately (or should). No software to install or anything of that nature. This keypad is contained, preprogrammed and ready to take whatever you can throw at it.  

The Warrior retails for about $25 at newegg.com (it should not be confused with WolfKing’s Timberwolf, which is a keyboard with the gamepad attached to the side), and does come in several different colors.

The Warrior was designed so that people who are left or right handed should be able to use it, but for someone using the pad with his or her left hand, the Alt key is in a bit of an awkward position.

Designed primarily for FPS titles, this is a keypad that can have other gaming applications. In addition to the shooter genre, this keypad was used for movement in MMOGs and RPGs and the results were very good. About the only problem encountered was when using multiple hotbars that required the Alt key to access hot commands.

Still, the Warrior is an easy-to-use and responsive bit of peripheral sweetness that stood up to the rigors of some serious gaming and made life a bit easier. This is a wonderful weapon in any gamer’s arsenal.

Pros:
Comfortable design that feels good, responsive keys, and easy to install are three very good reasons why WolfKing has a winner with this product. The price point (at least at the site mentioned) is another nice feature.

Cons:
Some of the keys are more easily accessible for someone using their right hand on the ‘pad’ and not their left.

Verdict: 9.2
No, you don’t truly need a key-based gamepad like this, but if you are tired of finger stretch-stabs during hot and heavy action, the WolfKing Warrior puts the most commonly used FPS keystrokes within quick and easy reach. You might have a bit of a learning curve to get used to the setting but once the pattern is imprinted on your reflexes, this gamepad makes life a lot easier – despite game developers’ best intentions otherwise.