Why aren't analog keyboards a thing?

[norm]

I remember seeing a Kickstarter campaign for an analog keyboard a while back - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/aimpad/aimpadtm-pc-gaming-analog-keyboard

Sadly it didn't meet the funding requirements. But why? Today's keyboards are woefully inadequate for gaming when you think each key is simply an on/off switch, whereas movements in modern games would be far better served by an analog input which applies a sliding scale of movement which is great for driving, peeking around corners, precise pointing.

See here for an example in GTA5 - https://youtu.be/chvXrNeQDzo?t=3m50s

I think with all the advances in computing over the years, it's nigh time the keyboard got a revamp beyond sticking multicolored LEDs underneath the keys.

 

[5960xNvidiaGamer]

I don't see the issue, doesn't happen of either of my keyboards.

 

[norm]

I don't see the issue, doesn't happen of either of my keyboards.

So you're saying your keyboard doesn't operate keys in an on/off state?

 

[Seanspeed]

I'd be quite happy with simply having pressure sensitive WASD keys.

I mean, obviously the transition to typing would make it questionable with how many people have different weighting to their typing, but surely a game could 'enable' the pressure sensitive switching, while out-of-game it reverts to typical on/off?

 

[stooeh]

I think 'woefully inadequate' is taking it too far

 

[LegendaryDread]

1) It's more expense for the manufacturer, and it's a niche product.

2) Sure, you overcome one advantage that an analog stick has over WASD by adding pressure sensitivity, but it's still just 4 keys, or 8 possible combinations for movement.

An analog stick has a full range of motion and, depending on the model, upwards of 32 possible directions. Yes, you could combine different levels of pressure to emulate more directions, but the level of concentration required makes it an undesirable solution.

3) It'd be ridiculously difficult to train 3 separate fingers to be aware that they're hovering over 4 specific pressure-sensitive keys, and only some of the time, as those fingers also need to reach Q, E (are those pressure sensitive?), tab, F, R, T, G, Z, X, C, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.

For what it's worth, I completely see where you're coming from. WASD movement is woefully inadequate for character movement in almost all games when playing at the highest levels; I just don't think analog keyboards are the way forward.

I think the future lies with superior controllers, the first of which seems to be the Steam controller.

 

[norm]

I'd be quite happy with simply having pressure sensitive WASD keys.

I mean, obviously the transition to typing would make it questionable with how many people have different weighting to their typing, but surely a game could 'enable' the pressure sensitive switching, while out-of-game it reverts to typical on/off?

Yeah I believe in that GTA5 video the inventor of the aimpad has a button dedicated to switch modes.

 

[Woden]

I'd be quite happy with simply having pressure sensitive WASD keys.

I mean, obviously the transition to typing would make it questionable with how many people have different weighting to their typing, but surely a game could 'enable' the pressure sensitive switching, while out-of-game it reverts to typical on/off?

A lot of keyboards have a gaming switch that disables the winkey. Easy to turn on sensitivity at the same time.

 

[K1LLSW1TCH]

There aren't many games that require analogue movement that don't already have specific controllers designed for them. For example a keyboard with analogue keys still wouldn't be preferable over a steering wheel for driving or a joystick for flying. The only FPS/TPS games I can think of off the top of my head that have analogue movement for the walking/running are the earlier Splinter Cell games and the control scheme was perfectly fine without an analogue KB.

It also sounds like a nightmare to type with, some sort of switch to go between analogue and digital doesn't sound feasible either. The keys would need to be analogue mechanically and how do you go about making inputs digital for other tasks such as typing? If it's done through software you've still got horrible spongy analogue keys to type with.

 

[Shamikebab]

I don't think it's feasible for a keyboard but I'd like to see a seperate device designed more for one handed input (like the existing Logitech/Razer ones but a bit better thought out) I'm surprised we haven't seen a one handed controller type grip that you then use with a mouse.

 

[HAz]

Don't get it why would it help? I also don't see the appeal to theses mechanical keyboards either

 

[Disco_P]

The lack of understanding in this thread is ridiculous.

Have you ever had to play a game where it requires slower movement for the sake of stealth. Like in the Pripyat mission in cod 4 where you have to sneak past the army of guards.

On a controller you just slightly tilt the stick and you move much slower. On PC it's a case of tapping the button and watch your character do some eccentric dance as they judder along at full pace then stop then full pace then stop. It works but it kills immersion.

It wouldn't be hard to implement analogue sensors into a keyboard - just something that detects how far the key has been pressed. All the buttons on the PS3 controller are analogue so that tech could be used for membrane keyboards. For mechanical It would require linear switches for a mechanical to such that pressure applied is proportional. Use of the Xinput API would allow comparability with all games that work with a 360 controller.

 

[Skeeter]

The lack of understanding in this thread is ridiculous.

We understand, we just don't see the point.

Most people playing COD are using an analogue pad anyway. An analogue keyboard is a nice idea but only serves a tiny need in a niche market and most people don't care.

Oh, and if you use Xinput, how would you then type in game with those keys, if the game thinks they are the axis on a stick?

 

[Lakeland]

An analogue controller is the answer to this issue

 

[snowdog]

I'd love an analog kb for driving games.

Driving with a pad just doesn't do it for me, I prefer pressing keys.

 

[adolf hamster]

Gamepad, like an orbweaver, with an analogue stick, keep the mouse

 

[Disco_P]

Most people playing COD are using an analogue pad anyway. An analogue keyboard is a nice idea but only serves a tiny need in a niche market and most people don't care.

Most people playing cod are using KB+M for the superior aim of the mouse.

Oh, and if you use Xinput, how would you then type in game with those keys, if the game thinks they are the axis on a stick?

The keys can function as letters at the same time as an analog switch. The analog sensor is along side the key switch. Unbind WASD ingame and you are away. Or have a switch - it's not like you type much in game anyway.

 

[James J]

Alien isolation is a better example than call of duty. With a pad you can slowly peak around objects with full control and not show your full head doing it if you choose not to. With a keyboard it instantly extends to full on retard mode were you might as well have a sign saying "I'm here". Analogue would be useful in this situation.

 

[Rofflay]

Gamepad, like an orbweaver, with an analogue stick, keep the mouse

I would buy one, I hate holding shift or CTRL to walk.

 

[Gogl]

Given the obscene amounts people spend on keyboards, I'm amazed this isn't a thing, if only for the reason that it's perfect for the next "New L'Oreal Analogue, with our patented Touchyfeelium, yours for only £200. Because you're derp it."