A Closer Look
Once we removed the ZBoard from the package I realized this was much more than just a template overlay like I had initially thought. Each keyset actually snaps into the base unit changing the whole layout of the keyboard, also each keyset is also its own contained keyboard with unique layouts for each one.

The ZBoard comes with the base unit, a gaming keyset and the standard keyset.

Here is a picture of the two different keysets included with the ZBoard base package.

The gaming keyset has three sections to it. Notice the layout of the movement keys, they are on the left hand side so that right handed users that will be using a mouse on the right side will not have to reach on the keyboard. This does make gaming more comfortable but may take a few minutes to get used to. Keys like Jump, Crouch and even Console can be accessed much more easily with this layout. The console button would save multiple keystrokes and some of the other buttons are things the users would have to dig through the manual to locate or even re-map.

The keyboard still exists on the gaming layout it's just been moved over, this was a bit strange at first as I found myself having a hard time typing quickly.

The lack of the keypad was also a bit strange since I usually use it for entering IP addresses to connect to when mutliplayer gaming. I'll also drop some l33t taunts occaisionally and I was forced to use the number keys above.

Here is the limited edition Doom III keyset that was included for our review. I noticed on the ZBoard.com website that for a limited time they are including the Doom III keyset for free to customers that purchase Doom III and the ZBoard. For more information on that please click here. In order for this keyset to properly work the drivers should be updated to the ones off the website, the CD that came with the ZBoard contained older drivers that did not correctly map all the keys properly.

Here are some pictures of the three sections of the Doom III keyset.

Here is how the ZBoard looks with the standard keyset and wrist rest installed.

..and here is how the ZBoard looks with the Doom III keyset installed.

Located on the back side of the ZBoard is a 2 Port USB hub for connecting additional USB devices to the PC. This is ideal for connecting a Joystick, Gamepad or even a Digital Camera to the PC without having to get to the USB ports on the back of a PC.

Next Page - Conclusion

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