Customer Reviews

Belkin Nostromo Speedpad n52

5 star:		(74)
4 star:		(37)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

[ EDIT: I revised this review 12-17-03. See below for additions. ]

The Belkin n52 is the successor to the n50 Speedpad. Like the n50, the n52 is a mixed bag of plusses and minuses. Belkin has marketed the n52 as the n50 "remodeled by gamer feedback," with added buttons and functionality. They've also said that it'll give you "Faster and More Intuitive Frags!" or some other market-eze. I had wanted the original n50 for quite a while to help me out when playing MMOs and RPGs (AO, DAOC, NWN) and shooters (NOLF, Deus Ex). When I finally decided to buy one, I heard that Belkin was shortly releasing the improved n52. So I grabbed one, and here's the scoop.

Installing this thing was a snap, and using the profile software is also amazingly easy. In only a few minutes of use I was making my own custom profiles. Macros are easy to write. The profile software has a few bugs in it, which I won't get into here. Hopefully Belkin will fix this stuff in the next few weeks. The bugs I describe are really just inconvenient - they won't stop you from using the product.

Construction is a mixed bag on the n52. In it's favor, the n52 generally feels sturdy as hell and doesn't move a bit during heavy play. Despite this it's a compact little thing - I have a cramped desk and I managed to easily fit the n52 between my keyboard and the edge of the desk. I have big hands and the unit fits comfortably under my palm with my fingers resting on the buttons. The hand rest fits right into the curve of my palm and makes the whole thing feel very ergonomic and natural. The hand rest is supposed to be adjustable but I think some n00b at the factory glued mine down, because I can't make it move the slightest bit.

More strong points: Belkin expanded the n50 quite a bit by adding new buttons. The n52 has a total of six new buttons: four new keyboard-type buttons were added in a row under the original ten; a big orange button was added over the directional pad; and a "thumb bar" was added on a little extension that sticks out from the unit on the right side. The original n50 speedpad had a throttle wheel that a lot of people described as useless; this has been replaced with a very useful mouse wheel. In addition, Belkin has apparently heard gamer feedback that the directional pad on the n50 was junky and inaccurate; the n52 features a big, sturdy, and seemingly very accurate directional pad that I really like using.

But the drawbacks: Unlike the regular keyboard buttons you're used to, the action on all the buttons is a little stiff. I don't know if this is intentional design or what - maybe they were thinking that the control will get heavy wear, so some extra stickiness is actually good? The keyboard-style hotkeys are kind of sticky when I press them, and sometimes I have to press twice to get the button to register the keystroke. To push the new orange button by the directional pad, I have to grip the front of the controller with my fingers for leverage. Finally, the "thumb bar" also takes a bit of pressure to activate, and has sometimes not fired unless I push it very deliberately in the "right way."

Likewise the mouse wheel has a funny, cheap feel to it. Clicking the mouseclick action on the wheel is a little harder to do that I'd prefer, and the wheel itself rotates too easily and doesn't lock firmly into place like a normal mouse wheel does.

The stickiness of the buttons leaves me thinking that I won't be using it in shooter type games - I can't be pushing a key over and over in shooter games that require instant reactions. If the buttons loosen up a little over time, perhaps I'll change my mind.

Still, I'm very happy with the n52 despite the flaws I've described. Using it in AO, DAOC and NWN, the thing is nothing short of miraculous. Having all of your crucial commands literally "at your fingertips" without any fumbling, reaching, or looking at the keyboard is a very, very nice thing. Hitting a button and having a macro run a series of keystrokes, saving a lot of time and distraction, is also a godsend. My impression is that it would be great in any RPG / MMORPGs and RTS type games - ones that don't require much sensitivity and reactivity, and benefit a lot from short macros due to their complex command systems. After only using it for a few days, I can't imagine playing without it.

[ EDIT 12-17-03: This thing has been plenty responsive for shooters. I've bumped my rating up to 5 stars. Although sticky, the buttons work great, and my sense is that Belkin was trying to build this thing as tough as a brick - and they succeeded. A month and a half after buying it I cannot imagine playing ANY game without it. It's a truly phenomenal product. ]

The reviews on here and elsewhere mention that you should give the handrest a "good yank" to adjust it. Well, I yanked and yanked, and it didn't budge... until I finally figured out that it doesn't slide back and forth! It lifts upward, off the unit! Lift it up to remove it. Then, you'll see two sets of holes - a set closer in to the keys and a set farther away from the keys. So, the hand rest has two settings. And, you can just keep it removed if you don't like it.

I figured that if I can have this much problem trying to slide the hand rest out instead of lifting it up, then others might be having the problem too. Instructions are nowhere to be found on here, on the Belkin Web site, or in the boxed instructions.

Unlike the other reviews, the keys on my unit are quite flexible... the stiffness is very minor. The unit is quite responsive. Plus, it seems to be very solidly built. The rubberized pad on the underside of the unit keeps it from sliding around too much on my desk.

Being a tech, I tend to dislike using the software that comes with most hardware - printers, mice, etc. But after installing the Nostromo software, I found it to be pretty cool (looks like it takes up about a 4MB footprint). It's easy to use - plus, once you've got the keys mapped out for a game, you can set it up for automatic mode, so that each time that particular game is launched, that key map profile is automatically loaded dynamically. No manual switching of profiles is required!

I haven't played a computer game in 25 years (really!), but I love this game pad nevertheless. I use it with Photoshop. I wanted to be able to keep my right hand on the mouse, as it was slowing me down moving my hand between the keyboard and the mouse all the time.

I have programmed the n52 Speedpad with a combination of single keys (such as Shift, Ctrl, Alt, Del, +, - and the left and right square brackets) and multiple key combinations (corresponding with frequently-used Photoshop keyboard shortcuts). Rarely do I need to use the keyboard any more - just to enter file names and rename layers.

The n52 Speedpad is a great Photoshop accessory. I can work faster and more comfortably. It takes up very little desk space, doesn't cost much, and works exactly as advertised. Highly recommended!

Yes, this is a review of the N52.

I bought the N50 a few years ago when it first came out and it was and still is great, but it had some things that should have been changed. The D-Pad was awkward, if not useless as a directional controller (though it worked fine as crouch/jump/whatever). The "throttle" was not usable in most video games (joysticks for flight sims have throttle). Each color mode had to have a key dedicated to it (couldn't use one key to swap configurations). It could have also used a few more keys.

However, Belkin seems to have listened to gamer peeves that were posted on gamer sites all over the web and fixed the things listed above. Wow, a company listenning to customers? What a concept!

The N52 now has a more functional D-Pad (though I still prefer the main keys) and two thumb buttons. Four more main keys have been added in a row below the original main keys. The throttle has been replaced with a scroll wheel (which can be programmed to any keys or actions you want). You can now use a single key to change configurations on the fly (yay).

My only complaint with the N52 is that the keys need a good deal of "massaging" before they lose their sticky stiffness. Also, the hand rest comes stuck pretty good to the unit (in a very uncomfortable position for normal/large hands), though a good solid yank up will free the stuck pegs, allowing you to move it to the second set of holes.

After abusing it for a week and setting the hand rest further back, the N52 becomes my pick for best FPS/RTS accessory on the market.

The Belkin Nostromo n52 is by far the most innovative and amazing gaming device I have ever used. I previously owned the n50 (see my review here on Amazon), and bought this updated model to see if it is as amazing as people say. I have subjected this device to numerous tests, used it in a number of programs and games, and found it to be truly the most amazing gaming device ever. This n52 device far surpasses the old n50, adding 4 new finger keys (for a total of 14), two new thumb keys, and a greatly improved 8-direction-D-pad and scroll wheel (which can be clicked). Also, the software is truly amazing, allowing you to fully customize the n52 controls any way you want, and set up to THREE (red, blue, green) other on-the-fly profiles in ADDITION to the "main" one you chose (so a total of 4 total control profiles, all intstantly switchable at any moment by touching the key that you define as the "switch" key). It all sounds complex, but don't be scared, it's a sinch. Plus, the n52 comes out of the box with the basic WASD setup, and typical FPS controls already programmed. So if you are just itching to get in some Battlefield or CS, just plug it in, and start playing, because the defualt n52 controls are identical to your keyboard. But the constimization of this beautiful controller is half the fun. I even set mine up to be able to TYPE! That's right, it has a total of 104 possible programmable keys using the switch buttons you define (which you can set to "temporary or toggle"). After about an hour, just out of curiosity, I was able to type a word document. But playing games, particularly FPS games, is where this device shines far above any other technology on the market. You become seamless with the game, you forget you are even using a controller, your mind doesn't have to think about reaching for the Drop-gun key, or the Flashlight key...your hand just reacts perfectly in the cradle of the n52. My only complaints are that, as other people have stated, the two new thumb keys are stiff, and a little distant. But I was creative and just made one my "flashlight" key and one my "drop-weapon" key...because I use the the D-pad directions to jump and perform other critical, common actions. But the point it, MESS WITH IT, it's meant to be customizable...if you don't like something on it then you become the controller programmer and make it the way that you need it. I recommend for better control to just massage out the stiffness of some of the keys, and make it truly fluid. It only takes about 5 minutes, and I got mine so fluid it doesn't even make a sound when hitting a key.

All-and-all, I have really one thing to say...BUY THE N52! This device should come standard with computers or computer games, you'll see what I mean when you use it yourself. You will NEVER use a keyboard again after you buy this. IT goes far above and beyond anything on the market, and will give you the extra edge you are looking for to compete in the online battlegrounds of CS, Battlefield, or any other game.

I would also recommend the Logitech MX500 or MX510 series of corded mice with this gamepad. And if you have an extra penny, check out the Adesso Viper Mouse, or the BFG Boomslang 2100 Mouse here on Amazon.

Overall, the n52 Speedpad is easily the greatest gaming device ever invented, even compared to its earlier brother the n50, this gamepad blows away all other competition. Buy it, love it, and never look back. Sincerely -Logan

This is a great little gaming device. The macros and it's application are terrific. Definately a worthwhile investment if you're a fps gamer.

My only complaints are these:
The thumb-button that is supposed to represent the spacebar is too far away from the keys. You have to really stretch your hand to reach it.

Like everyone else has said, the orange button above the thumb-pad takes too much force to press. It's virtually useless unless you can get it to soften up some.

Other than that, I love this little thing. I wondered whether or not I would when I was playing my first few games, but now i am sure i made a good investment.

In my line of work I do an awful lot of data entry and when I worked from home, my laptop just wasnt up to the job (lacking a designated numberpad). So I bought the nostromo.

Everyone writes reviews of this product based on its (aparently) superb FPS uses. This review is about the Nostromo being a SUPERB method of navigating through windows and various programmes.

You can map any key to any function or macro, not only that but you can have four different functions for each key (by cycling through "shift states"). But what makes the Nostromo a truely excellent bit of kit is that you can have different profiles for each programme and the pad AUTOMATICALLY switches profile when you switch programme.

Lets face it, most of the time when using a computer we do the same tasks again and again (go to the same websites, launch the same programmes, enter the same information) with the Nostromo you dont have to go through all the repetition. Just lay your hand in the extreemely comfortable hand rest and hit one button to bring up internet explorer, (nostromo will now recognise you're in a different programme and switch profile accordingly) hit a button to go to your email accout, hit another to enter your login details, hit another button to go to your news website, then another to come to amazon, then another to close your browser. All done in a third of the normal time without ONCE having to use the mouse or move your hands to the keyboard!!! INCREDIBLE.

Incedently, for the original purpose I bought the product for the nostromo has excelled as a simple number pad. In excel I have a full numberpad, cut/copy/paste functions, backspace, tab, enter, and full directional movement ALL at my fingetips.

I really cant believe that this isnt the normal method of navigation. It becomes so intuitive. After about an hour you'll wonder how on earth you managed for so long without it.

I'm a skeptic. No, I mean I'm REALLY a skeptic... especially in today's marketplace (because nothing is built like it used to be). I don't buy anything without checking it out first, and even then, I expect that it's probably going to fail me when I do. Yeah, wonderful view there, huh?

Well, needless to say, I was pleasantly (and quite happily) surprised when this device didn't fail me out of the box. I've been using my speedpad for almost a year now, and I have to say that it has been by far more solid, responsive and intuitive than I ever expected it to be. I will not play a PC game without it plugged in now, that's how well this gamepad has worked for me.

Here are the ins and outs:

1) Solid construction. As others have stated, this device feels very solid and is just generally "sturdy as hell". This, alone, surprised me. Not too many electronic devices are solidly made these days (not too many at all!)... so I'm glad to see that this one was. Belkin did an excellent job in this department.

2) Software. Do yourself a favor, when you get this device home, don't bother putting in the CD that comes with it. Instead, go directly to Belkin's website first-thing, download the newer version of the software (which is near exactly the same as what's on the CD, but updated) and install that *before* plugging in your speedpad for the first time. Do that and you'll have everything updated immediately with little to no trouble at all.

I've had no problems with the software for this hardware (and that's generally the part I have trouble with the most). The applications (profiler and button editor) function perfectly, and macros are a snap to program. Kudos to Belkin's programmers on writing the software suite for this, they did a good job.

4) Sticky keys. Most people have experienced this.. myself included. Being possibly a byproduct of the solid construction of the product, basically, what happens is the keys stick just a little bit coming out of the box. Though just "excercising" the device (pressing the buttons down quickly and solidly over and over) for a few seconds after plugging it in each time I went to use it cleared up this issue within the first week of using the gamepad, and I've never had it happen since.

5) Other buttons.
* The mouse scroll wheel can be an annoyance, and I don't use it much at all because it's hard to scroll up and down with it (Belkin may just have made that particular button a little *too* solid).
* The orange button above the d-pad also isn't that easy to press, though if you keep you pinky finger positioned on the side of the keypad for leverage, it's not impossible to press this button (in fact, I use it as my default "map" button in most of the games I play). It's perfect for those functions you use enough to need a button for but not enough to need an easy spam button.
* I haven't experienced any problems hitting the 'space' button below the d-pad that others have experienced. My thumb taps that button as easily as it taps the space bar on a standard keyboard. My only complaint with it is that I can't simply twist my thumb a bit to hit the key, I have to actually lift my thumb off the d-pad to do it - and that's not much of a complaint at all, really.

The d-pad itself is a godsend! I'm a true console gamer, having used nothing but d-pads for movement since all the time spent playing my old NES as a kid (and using a joystick before that with my even older Atari). D-pad is all I know, really. In fact, the one thing that's kept me away from PC gaming all these years is I've never, ever been able to accustom myself to using arrow keys or WASD for movement (and probably never will get accustomed to that either). For the longest time I was looking for a device that could allow me to keep the sensitivity of mouse aiming (to keep up with other PC players) while giving me an actual d-pad for movement... and that is EXACTLY what this gamepad did for me.

As I said at the top of this review, I will never play a PC game without my Nostromo speedpad plugged in. This gamepad has provided the one benefit that other pads haven't and that I really needed - a controller interface that's actually functional and intuitive enough to use that I forget I'm using it most of the time, allowing me to immerse myself completely in whatever game I'm playing... which is really the point of gaming in the first place, isn't it?

The Nostromo Speedpad gets 5 stars from me. I would recommend it to anyone who's looking for the type of benefits I've listed. And, for that matter, I'm recommending it right now in fact...

There's about a 1 week learning period where the Nostromo will feel ackward. However, once you get used to the controller, it's great! It's ergonomically designed and confortable to use. Once you get used to your button configuration you can play the game instinctively w/o even thinking about which button you need to press. It becomes 2nd nature and makes the game much more enjoyable.

I was very skeptical buying this gamepad after buying the ideazon zboard. I had a horrible time programming the zboard, and didn't feel it enhanced my game experience whatsoever. I decided to buy this product purely by word of mouth from other gamers who swear by the n52.

This controller I have primarily used to play World of Warcraft with. The two classes I've played it with are a priest and a rogue.

The n52 has a lot of buttons and initially feels very clunky. The buttons were initially stiff, the scroll button is practically useless and the big orange button would move the entire controller unless I held the entire thing down. This controller initially felt no different than using a regular keyboard and modifying the buttons to your liking.

The innovation of this product though is in the software. You can install and start programming macros, spamming buttons, character templates, and button combinations with ease. There wasn't any need for me to read the instructions on how to do this; it was that simple.

When I played with my rogue I noticed I would down mobs noticably faster since I could spam my combo attacks and finishing moves. When timed, my overall attack time improved by 1.35 seconds on an even level mob. I did not try my rogue on a pvp game, just on regular enemies.

When I played with my priest, I noticed I could spam spells faster than I ever could before. With the right healing macros in place with the controller macros, I could keep an entire group of people up in battlegrounds and raids with just one button press. When playing pvp battlegrounds, players on the opposing side ended up targeting me because I was throwing out heals faster than they could terminate the players I was keeping up. I ended up getting most kills alliance side as well, despite being disc/holy spec (holy priests are known for being squishy). This is mostly due to being able to spam spells faster than they could heal, or kill me.

Actually using the n52 while pvping was at first a challenge because I didn't know how to streamline the macros. While I initially thought the three buttons available for just my thumb was going to be worthless, I ended using them more than ever. The big orange button has now become my spam/kill button, the d-pad for targeting, and the space bar-like bottom button for jumping. After streamlining how I wanted my spells and configuration to be, I was owning at raiding and pvping.

There are keyboards out on the market right now that call themselves gamer ones (i.e. Logitech, Microsoft). They have macro command functions similar to this one, but usually the macro keys are in an akward place on the keyboard. Most people don't use the macro buttons due to their inefficiency. This controller despite being clunky, is the only one on the market right now that gives you a easy and time-saving method of programming and adjusting macros and keystrokes to what you want.

Despite the n52's shortfalls, (stiffness, badly placed scroll button) I have to say that if you are interested in pvp on WoW or any other pvp MMORPG, you should definately look into purchasing this controller. A lot of the "legendary" pvpers are good because they kill quickly and efficiently. Most people blame great pvpers for being good because of their excellent gear, being a certain class, cheating etc. All they really do though is use this controller. It's just that good.

UPDATE: 12 Dec 2006 - I've been using the N52 for about 6 months now and am completely addicted to it. I love this pad so much I've bought a couple for my gamer friends. If they don't have one, they already know what I'm getting for them for Christmas.

The pad's buttons have gotten a thorough working in. The stiffness has since worn away form the keys and now feels like a old school nintendo power glove. I moved the adjustable handrest back, and now use the row below the preforated arrow keys on the pad in order to move. This gives me a bigger arsenal of buttons to use with less quirky movements and the ability to smoothly use the scroll button (which can be used as buttons as well). I haven't found much use for the programming states, which usually ends up complicating my already complicated set-up. The orange button still does suck, as you have to hold the controller down in order to press it, though I've learned to adpat my style in order to use it quickly.