Why aren't analog keyboards a thing?

Rofflay · 16 Nov 2015 at 03:11

^ lol

Btw what happens if you plug in the orb weaver with a mouse? Does the joystick just function as plain old wsad then and go into as someone else said full retard mode or would it work?

Derek W · 16 Nov 2015 at 07:41

I think this sounds like a good idea, especially when any time I play CS:GO it would be good for any raging kiddies. It would negate the need to use the shift key to write in capitals cos the keyboard would recognise them slamming the keys when they're writing OMG SILVER / NOOB / HAX / SMURF and other such gaming nonsense when they get killed by a 'lesser' player in their own minds.

Sencha · 16 Nov 2015 at 09:28

Realforce are actually doing this for their next Topre keyboard.

http://linustechtips.com/main/topic...ype-featuring-analog-style-input-at-computex/

5960xNvidiaGamer · 16 Nov 2015 at 11:20

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

I just don't see an issue, and certainly have no problems like on that video.

Nasher · 16 Nov 2015 at 11:38

Yea I thought about an analog keyboard a few years back. It would be so nice for games like GTA where a keyboard has no throttle control. It's either coasting or full on burnouts :/

Disco_P · 16 Nov 2015 at 13:33

Nasher said:
Yea I thought about an analog keyboard a few years back. It would be so nice for games like GTA where a keyboard has no throttle control. It's either coasting or full on burnouts :/

There were a couple of missions in GTA IV where you have to follow people in your car at a certain distance. On controller it was a simple task of slightly depressing R2. On keyboard is was a case of tapping W and listening to your car rev up and lurch forward, tire smoke and everything and then coasting for a bit. It was stupid.

Mockingbird · 16 Nov 2015 at 14:23

Does anyone remember the Nostromo N52 speedpad?

It (and similar devices) perfectly sort this - gives you analogue control, with associated buttons, on your non-mouse hand.

Edit: Just checked - the 'updated' version of the Nostromo is called the 'Orbweaver elite' and appears to be silly expensive and the little stick is more of a D-pad (I think it's digital) so no analogue controls there...

Edit edit: wow, there were several replies while I wrote my original one, and someone's already cited the orbweaver. I'll get back in my box now. I am too old and slow.

Scougar · 17 Nov 2015 at 02:09

The only problem with it is how to go from normal key mode to typing mode.

I would like an analogue keyboard for those times when you want to go slower without having a toggle.

Skeeter · 17 Nov 2015 at 07:53

I really don't get the GTA argument? The game seamlessly switches between both as you play, even changing the on screen prompts and menu icons. When driving I use a pad, and then when I'm walking about shooting people, I use a keyboard. Are people trying to make a case for an entirely new technology when the solution is to just... Use a pad?

Gogl · 17 Nov 2015 at 08:46

Use a pad.. what kind of gaming peasantry do you take us for!?

Deathjester · 17 Nov 2015 at 09:20

Skeeter said:
I really don't get the GTA argument? The game seamlessly switches between both as you play, even changing the on screen prompts and menu icons. When driving I use a pad, and then when I'm walking about shooting people, I use a keyboard. Are people trying to make a case for an entirely new technology when the solution is to just... Use a pad?

But then you have to switch input devices while you're playing (I will admit that I did this for BF4 because I found that (for this very reason) flying using keyboard and mouse was dreadful).

Please note that the Orbweaver thumb pad is NOT analogue; I have one.

Disco_P · 17 Nov 2015 at 09:24

Skeeter said:
I really don't get the GTA argument? The game seamlessly switches between both as you play, even changing the on screen prompts and menu icons. When driving I use a pad, and then when I'm walking about shooting people, I use a keyboard. Are people trying to make a case for an entirely new technology when the solution is to just... Use a pad?

What about when you want to drive and shoot? It sucks on a controller.

Or move and shoot. You can enjoy analogue movement but terrible aiming or digital movement but great aim.

Either way it's a compromise.

Scougar said:
The only problem with it is how to go from normal key mode to typing mode.

I would like an analogue keyboard for those times when you want to go slower without having a toggle.

I don't see this being an issue. Nothing stopping the keys from being both letters and the analogue input.