The problem with Z boards are that:
1) They don't have one for evry game out there.
2) You have to buy one for each game you want
3) Not exactly the most customizable layout out there.
Why optimous boards are better:
1) Its so freaking cool. (i mean look at it: you get a 32X32 "monitor" for each key, some larger for the larger keys)
2) You can put every game you want on it on one keyboard.
3) Not just for games, buts for applications too. Like Photoshop, Maya, even GTKRadiant.
4) Useful if you are typing things in a different language.
5) I imagine it looks cool in the dark, and you don't need a keybard lamp! ;]
So optimous it going to kick Z Board's ass so bad. Even though you have to pay $350 (or ?200) for it, you'll still save money in the long run. One Zboard costs $50 ( or ?26). Besides, you can shop around on the internet long enough, you can get one for HALF that.
Sorry to say but you couldn't be more wrong about the ZBoard with you saying:
1) They don't have one for evry game out there.
2) You have to buy one for each game you want
3) Not exactly the most customizable layout out there.
In reply to that:
1) You DONT have to have one for every game. Every keyset is compatible with any game. Take the Doom 3 keyset for example. There is a key called "Flashlight". It isn't a key which sends a command to Doom3.exe to activate flashlight, instead it is a key which is exactly the same as pushing "F" on your keyboard now. Also you are not forced to use the "flashlight" key to be a flashlight. You can have it your "BFG" key (Doom 3 layout) if you wish.
2) No you don't, I don't own the Doom 3 keyset, but I've borrowed it from a friend and I find it great to use in Half-Life 1 and 2. All these expansion keysets are is basically a different face and slight keymovements to match the game you are playing. Hell you could use the Doom 3 keyset in a "My Little Pony" game if you wish.
3) Completly customizable, sure not as much as this new keyboard mentioned in this topic. Like you cant move the "Flashlight" key on the Doom 3 keyset to be where the "BFG" key is as it wouldn't fit without modding the face. But you are not forced to use what the keyboard says. You can have the BFG key to be 1 if you wish. The only disadvantage is it would say Fists on the keyboard. This is why I like the "Gaming Keyset" as it doesn't say any names of things, just key characters.
About the Optimous keyboard:
1) If you REALLY need a button that glows saying it is "Chat" I would be worried. Looking at a keyboard to see what key you are pressing kinda defeats the purpose of learning to type without looking at your keyboard (as gamers do). How many times would you die if you looked at your keyboard whenever you had to switch a weapon?
2) I do find this a plus. For me though I use the "Gaming Keyset" from Zboard, it is a awesome generic keyset that doesn't say "Flashlight" or anything, just key letters.
3) As is the Zboard, if I want to use applications that need a numpad, I just switch it over to the standard keyset which is basically identical to "normal" keyboards.
4) Can't argue that point.
5) Also can't argue that point, however it being forced to be on I don't like. Since the keyboard doesn't have keys characters "painted" on you are basically using pointless power (I know very little) if you are using it when it is still bright out.
About the kicking Zboards ass, debatable. Personally I think it would sell roughly the same as the Zboard due to the price and only people who REALLY want the keyboard will look on the internet.
Zboard only needs what it comes with the "Base" and 2 keysets "Standard" (basic keyboard" and "Gaming Keyset".
In all reality I do have the Doom 3 keyset. Download the updated keysets and you have it, however the keyset "face" won't look like the Doom 3 Zboard face. I won't ever buy a expansion keyset unless it is a major overhaul of the Gaming Keyset or one strictly for games like StarCraft/Warcraft (They have W.o.W. keyset, but I am referring to Warcraft 1-3)
