ZBoard Gaming Keyboard Review - PAGE 1

Introduction

The basic layout of a keyboard has not really changed since the typewriter days. Sure we've added the funny stuff to the right side like the number pad, arrow keys and the any key (haha) but really the same basic keyboard that is in use on nearly every computer today is not too much different than that of a typewriter. As an off topic sidenote, the current keyboard layout was setup to minimize the chance of the keyboard hammers getting stuck; there was some sort of analysis to determine the probability of adjacent letters to each other and to place the keys as far away as possible. Attempts to modernize the keyboard have largely failed; notable attempts include the Dvorak key layout and the Natural Keyboards from Microsoft a few years back that focused on ergonomics.

Ideazon faces the daunting task of introducing another alternative keyboard into a hostile market. To be honest I was not familiar with Ideazon or their Zboard which we will be taking a look at today. Ideazon was founded in 2000 and at the moment focuses exclusively on the Zboard and the different keysets available for it. Without further ado, we will take a look at the Zboard and their keyset system with a focus on their FPS keyset and the limited Edition DOOM 3 keyset.

The Zboard

At the very root, the Zboard is simply a keyboard but what makes it special is its keyset system. The Zboard base allows keysets to be snapped in on top. There is a basic QWERTY keyset that is included with the Zboard and in our gaming version we also have a FPS specific keyset with enlarged WASD style buttons. The packaging also comes with a manual and a driver CD. Along with the generic FPS keyset, Ideazon also passed along their limited edition DOOM 3 keyset.

The Base

The Zboard base consists of the row of multimedia and functional keys up at the top as well as two USB ports at the top right corner of the board. Without an installed keyset, the Zboard is not very remarkable. There are a bunch of rubber buttons which the keys sit on top of. Without a keyset in place, the Zboard is not active even when depressing the rubber buttons. The keysets have to interface with the connectors at the top.