Ergodex DX1 Input System

     Every so often a product comes along that is so clever you wish you had thought of it.  The Ergodex DX1 Input System is one such product.  Not really a keyboard or a game controller, but something new.  We take a closer look, here at the Club.

     The keyboard design hasn't changed much since the Qwerty design was created in 1874.  You may be surprised to know the Qwerty keyboard was not designed to improve typing speed at all, in fact the design was created to eliminate common typing errors that were created by common letter combinations causing jams.  Only recently have things like comfort and spacing become concerns.  Ergodex wants you to break the keys right off and make the keyboard you have always wanted.

     Our DX1 arrived in a deceptive plain box.  Opening it reveals the Ergodex team has included a handy quick start guide to speed the setup process up right on top.  For most functions this quick reference is all you will need.

     The DX1 is about half the size of your current keyboard measuring in at 280mm x 235mm x 30mm (about 11 by 9.25 inches).  In practice this requires a lot of real estate for your mouse, keyboard, DX1 and any other accessories you may already be using.

A set of 25 keys, software, two sticker sheets and the usual paperwork round out the package.

     The DX1 comes with 25 high quality keys.   The keys themselves feel exactly like a good keyboard should, even the tactile feedback is good.  When gaming the keys were as responsive as my Saitek Eclipse.

     Ergodex offers an additional tray and another set of keys for another $50.  Each key is uniquely numbered for programming.  The keys are attached to the DX1 using an adhesive that allows you to stick them solidly to the removable tray.  A simple twist and lift is all that is required to change the placement.

     Installing the DX1 is as simple as running the software and then plugging in the cable.  You gotta love the a company that suggests just clicking next "if you feel lucky!" The DX1 requires a powered USB port and is USB 2.0 compatible.

     The Ergodex Manager software looks pretty intimidating at first.  The DX1 tracks your key functionality through profiles.   This allows you to setup your keys specifically for the software you are working in.  In addition there are some predefined functions available like the global commands shown above.

     The software also contains a setup wizard to help with most features.  You can setup profiles and create macros with ease.  Advanced scripting using keyboard states and timing are all possible using the macro software.

I know I don't like to read the manual as often as I should.  The temptation to just start sticking down keys is strong!

     Fortunately there is a quick and easy way to program your keys and macros on the fly.  No more tabbing out to some clumsy macro software, just push the record button and click away.  One more cluck and you are done.  The software will even give an audible success sound confirming the recording is complete.  This was so easy I loaded up Battlefield 2 and setup a basic FPS scheme in less than 5 minutes.

     After a couple of tweaks, I stickered it up and got busy fragging.  I even setup a grenade macro to crouch, throw the grenade and switch me back to my assault rifle in one key stroke.  Although the DX1 comes with a lot of stickers, they aren't easy to get off and reapply. 

     The tray is removable allowing you to place your own graphics as a background footprint.  Both the tray and the keys can be cleaned with a damp cloth.

     The keys use an inductive wireless to communicate with the DX1. The wireless frequency used is 13.56 MHz and extends about an inch off the surface of the pad.  I used the keys with a wireless mouse, keyboard, cordless phone and a cell phone.  No interference was found.  One more advantage of the Dx1 over a traditional keyboard is the 6 key rollover.  Most keyboards will only support 3 or 4 simultaneous key presses.

     The Ergodex Manager software also comes with a handy footprint planning software.  You can plan out your keyboard layout within the software and then print it out.  You can even take these printed layouts and use them as a backdrop for your DX1.

     The software supports imported footprints.  Create your own or find a good one on the net.  The Ergodex website features several user created layouts to give you ideas.  Who hasn't wanted a Club Overclocker mouse pad?  The footprint is so much better!

I set this up and sat down to test the DX1 with both BF2 and Guild Wars.

     It took all of about two tabs to the map to convince me to bust out this handy map footprint!  Any 240mm x 170mm graphic will work.

Conclusion:

     Its hard not to get excited about the Ergodex DX1, not only is it definitely a head turner but its completely customizable.  Lets face it, we aren't all going to be the same size or have the same needs, why should we all be using the same keyboard.  I can only imagine the vast variety of possible custom layouts the DX1 makes possible.  Even if gaming isn't your thing, who doesn't need a customized macro to make those repetitive software chores easier?  With a MSRP of about $150 the DX1 won't be for everyone, but if you have been looking for a good programmable keyboard accessory, the search ends here.

Club Overclocker Rating
Innovation:	10 out of 10
Performance:	10 out of 10
Quality:	10 out of 10
Stability:	10 out of 10
Overclocking:	N/A
Software/Drivers Pack:	10 out of 10
Value:	9.0 out of 10
Overall Rating 10
Skill Level
Project Skill Level (10 being hardest)	4 out of 10