The only way to unlock the DX1s secrets is through usage and the easiest way to become acquainted with the device is through a simple 1-to-1 keyboard-to-DX1 key correspondence. We begun by creating the usual WSAD keys and the use and slow-mo keys for F.E.A.R.. As we started out it was clear that we were resorting to placing the keys in a way that mimicked the position of their keyboard counterparts. During gameplay however -- and thanks to the ease with which you can move the DX1 keys on the tray -- we soon found ourselves spreading the WSAD keys out in such a way as to create a more comfortable fit for our palms. Soon enough the keys had migrated completely and in the progress of one F.E.A.R. session we had rendered the keyboard-like setup unrecognizable. In the process we had also added other functions to new DX1 keys without having to exit the game through the simple instant-record process which allows a key or multi key macro to be immediately assigned to a DX1 key.
During a much-needed break we received an email from Ergodex with some DX1 tips and that message gave us a completely new perspective on gaming with the DX1.
…place a DX1 key… under the back part of your palm, near your wrist… those magic words, that came as part of a more grammatically correct and legible sentence, opened up a new set of possibilities for us. The first thing we had to do was assign a name to this elusive key, our short brainstorming session came up with palm key and we stand by it. Then we had to decide what kind of in-game function would be best suited for the palm key. In F.E.A.R. the choice was simple; the slow-motion or heightened reflex function was ideal. While in-game and without moving our hand we were able to initialize the slow-motion action and stop it without a problem. This gave gameplay a tighter feel and made combat in the game seem a lot more intuitive. We soon also found out that it was useful to have a couple of unassigned keys available since you can program a key on-the-fly (while in-game) without the need to resort to exiting to Windows.
The DX1 ready to run F.E.A.R. through its paces
Deciding which function best suited the palm key in different games became a kind of in-office challenge but in most games the choice was obvious. In PES V it was the through-ball (soccer term) that got the assignment while in Counter-Strike: Source the task went to the run/walk toggle (another Ergodex suggestion).
The DX1's more complicated multi key macros can also prove very useful while gaming and one of our favorites was the lean (left or right)-shoot-cover key combo. Using the aforementioned combo all you need to do is press one DX1 key and have your character run through the sequence. Once you discover the joys of multi-key macros the possibilities expand exponentially and creating the right combo for the right game is your quest. The multi key macros, once you have become familiar with the DX1, will also bring you a certain advantage in online gaming but that will also depend on how creative you have gotten with the combos.
For Each Key a Lock