Technology Review: The Nostromo N50 SpeedPad by Belkin

The Nostromo n50 SpeedPad by Belkin is a deceptively simple-looking gamepad created with the serious PC gamer in mind. While the n50 SpeedPad may at first appear to be a slightly-modified detachable number pad, it is in fact a carefully-molded input device that functions amazingly well, practically transforming a PC gamer’s very thought into on-screen character movement. Fans of the AWSD controls will be quick to realize the many advantages the Nostromo n50 SpeedPad offers, and would notice a significant increase in the quality of their gameplay through use of the device.

The SpeedPad itself is amazingly simple to set up. After taking the pad out of the box, you only need to insert the included CD, install the driver, plug the SpeedPad into the USB port, and you’re ready to go. The SpeedPad comes with a special software launcher that allows you to choose specially-made profiles for a variety of games, meaning that while in one game a particular key may have a particular function, by selecting a profile for a different game, you can have that key do a completely different function. The included software has many preset profiles, but the user can create a countless number of their own profiles, meaning the SpeedPad can be customized to any level. Users can also download other user-made profiles, and tweak them to their own personal preferences.

Setting up a profile for a game is very easy. You simply need to use the software, and bind each key on the SpeedPad to a particular key on your regular keyboard. The SpeedPad includes three shift modes, meaning that almost every key can have three different functions, depending on which shift mode the SpeedPad is in. Additionally, the SpeedPad has a throttle control that rests under the thumb and can be used as a mouse scroll wheel, and an 8-way directional pad that also rests under the thumb. The SpeedPad also has a removable palm rest that can be adjusted to comfort, and anti-slide pads underneath to ensure stability even in the heat of battle.

The Nostromo n50 SpeedPad by Belkin

Credit: Belkin

Copyright: Belkin