By Rarely is the greatest keyboard for gaming the same one ideal for typing. Because of this, I adore little side keypads like the Razer Tartarus. Since there are few good wireless options, I cut up a GameSir one because I adore them so much and wanted to upgrade the switches and battery. However, paying over $100 for what is essentially half a keyboard is excessive, particularly if you do not think you would be as fixated on the form aspect as I am. Presenting the Lemokey X0, a low-cost device that has swiftly emerged as one of my favorite devices of the year.
As previously stated, this is essentially a half-keyboard that is solely intended to be used with the left hand. At $33, it is also reasonably priced, and I say that without being disrespectful. However, I would suggest it to almost any PC gamer who frequently uses a keyboard at that impulsive purchase price.
Single-hand design
Six rows of keys that terminate at the F5 column are part of the X0. It adds a large, cross-shaped Space key along with a few modifiers. It includes a large, sturdy, rubberized pad for your palm underneath all of that. Additionally, it has keycaps and mechanical switches (again, pretty inexpensive ones), which are a little difficult to acquire in this incredibly specialized form factor. The features include red LED lights, a non-removable USB-A cable, and compatibility with the online programming tool from Lemokey/Keychron.
LEMOKEY X0 One Handed Gaming Keyboard, 35 Keys North-Facing Red Backlit Wired QMK Keypad, Silicone Palm Rest, Shine-Through Double-Shot Keycaps with Linear
It should be clear how useful such a device is. They have been around for more than 20 years in one form or another; the Belkin N50 SpeedPad, which I believe was the first, later changed into the Razer Tartarus that I just described. They are specialized left-handed keyboards designed to be more ergonomic and focused than standard full-sized keyboards, while still allowing your right hand to perform mouse functions. Since I am a lefty, I can honestly say that using your left hand for the mouse is the only way to make this work. Consider implementing a wrist rest and a fully split keyboard design.
Limited competition
Many of these have been attempted by me. The X0 is not the greatest, in my opinion; my customized GameSir pad is, followed by the mechanical (and now-defunct) Razer Orbweaver. However, out of all the inexpensive ones I have tried, the X0 stands out as the best. A faithful replica of every key you are likely to reach with your left hand, it is the exact layout that most PC gamers desire. The space bar, which is not a bar, and the double Fn buttons to increase programming options are the sole exceptions. It moves the space input to better suit your thumb’s location, just like the Tartarus and the vintage Logitech G13.
Here, a crucial component is missing: a D-pad. I was first drawn to the Belkin-slash-Razer designs because of that function, which allowed me to wean myself off of console-style movement. Additionally, it still exists in certain contemporary offshoots, such as the Azeron. However, since I am a huge admirer of this category, I do not mind if it is left out, especially on a low-cost smartphone. I believe you will agree if you are accustomed to the far more flexible WASD input found in the majority of shooters and first-person games. On my evaluation device, Lemokey (formerly Keychron, for its non-gaming parent firm) used brown tactile switches. Even though they are not the greatest, they are light and quick enough for me to quickly catch up in Fortnite.
Although you will not be replacing them, the X0 is also available with red linear switches. Given that almost everything else in this price bracket completely avoids mechanical switches, that is a reasonable trade-off for a low-cost gadget. Standard mechanical keycaps can also be used with this pad, though the enlarged T, G, and V keys may be difficult to size. It is simple to locate legends on a full-sized set if you do not mind their not matching.
The X0 was far more pleasant to use for extended periods than a typical gaming keyboard, though I should reiterate that this is a form factor that I prefer anyhow. It is still far more comfortable than anything I have used in a long time, however, I wish there was a method to change the angle and I could use a bit more cushion in the palm rest (I raised the right side of my custom board with keyboard feet).
An excellent impulsive purchase for PC gamers
Note the limitations of the software and the form factor—I doubt a Starcraft pro would be okay, for example, cutting their immediate keys in half—but other than that, I would be happy to recommend this little device to anyone who wants a primary typing keyboard and a gaming keyboard and can not find one that works for both. However, the $33 asking price is well worth it even as an experiment. You can upgrade to the Tartarus if you enjoy it and want to go farther, or if you want something wireless, think about the ReDragon K585. I will patiently wait for someone (Lemokey, or you people?) to create a wireless version of this device in the interim. It should have a large battery, a stylish metal body, and hot-swap switches. I have a feeling that I will have to wait for a very long time.
