I used to use ESDF instead of WASD because of the raised bump on the F is easy to find without looking and gives me more keys to hit with my ring and pinky fingers.
My fingers are short and I stick with the lower buttons on a standard keyboard, so I don't try to reach the number buttons to change weapons or kill streaks. Those are set to the buttons around the joystick, or to the upper left or right (where Tab, Q, `, T, Caps, or G would be). This way I don't have to scroll wheel thru the weapons.
Profiles are nice to have so you can set each game individually. No need to change the in-game controls, just use the software to change which key does what. Say if there is an update to a game and the controls change back to default, you would have to change the in game controls. If you set the controls with the software and not change the in game controls, you wouldn't have to make any changes. The profiles can be loaded onto the G13 and switch on the fly with the soft keys by the LCD screen.
Having a keyboard tray, I do not want a full size keyboard on the tray. That is just under my monitor. A full size keyboard would sit on my anodized Aluminum mouse pad and could potentially rock if it's angled and has just 1 corner on the mouse pad. I also have a Xbox controller between the G13 and my mouse pad for driving games (not all out simulator driving games). With a small desk, and a keyboard tray, the G13 fits nice and can be moved where ever I feel comfortable.
Unfortunately I don't use the joystick too much, although I did think about it and I should try to set it up for flying in Battlefield. I'm pretty terrible with M/KB flying a helicopter. I do like the D-pad better on the N52 for setting up other weapon buttons.
I didn't like the original N52 because it wasn't as comfortable as the G13 and didn't have as many buttons as the G13. Also, it doesn't have an LCD screen. I don't remember it having profiles either.
Since Logitech has stopped producing them, prices are thru the roof for them. Used costs just as much as I paid new 10 years ago. Seriously, the G13 came out in 2008 and I don't expect anyone in tech to keep making the same identical thing for 10 years. I was hoping for a new revision, but since it's been some time since they were produced, I'm not expecting Logitech to make a new one. Anyone I know that has one, loves it, but they are wearing out.
I don't feel I would be happy with the Razor version. It looks like Razor bought the patent to the N52 because theirs looks almost identical.
There are a few random makes and models on amazon that look like they could do the same, but there is a mixed bag of reviews (not that I'm surprised), and I'd rather wait until mine dies before replacing it, unless someone creates one that can rival the G13.
Edit: downfall of G13 keys feel mushy because they are membrane keys, not mechanical.
post edited by LJennings - 2019/06/28 09:12:37