If you want to master applications and games quickly and easily, look no further than the Zboard from Ideazon. The Zboard is a revolutionary two-piece, interchangeable keyboard system that is designed to optimize your computing experience.The Zboard system is comprised of a base and interchangeable keyboard interfaces for many enterprise applications today's most popular. The unique design provides maximum flexibility so you can quickly and easily exchange between businesses, educational games or interfaces based on current needs.
Product Details
Features
Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer
Zboard is the first keyboard system of its kind, designed specifically to meet the needs of PC gamers by delivering unparalleled speed, action and control while gaming. In addition to a base unit, the Zboard comes with two keysets, one for gaming and one for everyday use. Additional custom keysets are available for the hottest titles, offering unprecedented control over the games you love.
See the Zboard video (requires Flash).
The Zboard base
A Zboard Base has an auto recognition feature for any keyset you insert. There's no need to install any additional software. It is the brain behind the brawn. Just switch keysets and play your favorite games. The Zboard Base comes with these standard features:
 | USB hub: The Zboard Base is equipped with two USB (bus-powered) connectors. This hub supports low voltage devices (up to 100mA) such as mice, joystick or memory sticks. Now you can plug devices directly to your Zboard without the hassle of crawling down to your PC. |
 | Hot keys: A set of nine hot keys launch common functions such as E-mail, Calculator and My Computer or allow you to instantly return to a pre-selected destination, such as a file, folder, program or web page. |
 | Multimedia controls: A set of seven one-touch multimedia control buttons: play/pause, stop, next/previous track, volume up/down and mute. Additional LED indicators: In addition to the standard three LEDs (caps, scroll and num lock), Zboard has additional three LEDs to indicate Zboard enhanced functionality (pad lock, bar lock and enable). |
The Gaming Keyset
Designed for first/third person shooter and action games, the Gaming Keyset provides a better gaming experience, advanced layout, and built-in technology advantages. It comes loaded with a selection of mod files for over 70 of today's hottest games. Features include:
 | "Butterfly" movement keys: Enlarged and sloped "butterfly" movement keys keep fingers comfortable and accurate! |
 | Labeled command keys: Commonly used command keys for FPS/action games are labeled for faster and better performance in game. Dome-shaped keys: Unique domed action keys give gamers the responsive feel that they demand. |
 | Control zones: Players can easily access more critical commands with the one hand control zone. Technological advantages: Registers up to seven simultaneous key-strokes, in comparison to 2-4 on most other keyboards! Jump, move forward, lean left, change weapons, and shoot at the same time! The gaming keyset also features standard QWERTY keys for chatting without interrupting the action. |
The Standard Keyset
The Standard Keyset is based on the traditional 108-key layout, but it's also packed with Zboard enhanced features. It is specifically designed to optimize the use of Microsoft Windows and applications, including Internet Explorer. The The Standard Keyset includes:
 | Control and Windows labeled commands: The QWERTY typing zone has two sets of commands common to Windows applications labeled for your convenience. |
 | Special "macro" keys: The activation of the "bar lock" and "pad lock" keys reassigns the numerical keys and the function keys to advanced functionality inherent to Windows applications. |
 | Windows quick commands: The Windows Pad includes 16 commands for frequently used Windows features such as Minimize/Maximize, My Computer, Show Desktop, and more. Internet Explorer quick commands: The Internet bar includes 12 commands for frequently used Internet Explorer features such as Home, Backward/Forward, My Favorites, and more. KeyTips: Zboard KeyTips is an interactive help application that allows you to quickly and easily test and verify the different labeled key functions of your Zboard Standard Keyset. |
What's in the Box
Keyboard base, gaming keyset, standard keyset, wrist rest, installation CD, and documentation.
Customer Reviews
nice keyboard, horrid website
First let me say that thier is a P/S version and a USB version of this keyboard. The P/S is the one that stinks like last years socks and only comes with the standard keyset.(it also REQUIRES you to buy a keyset for every game). This version sold here is the USB version and comes with 2 keysets. The standard is very sturdy and comfortable to type on. The keys are firm and resistant to presses(which I like myself) I have no problem typing on the standard. The gaming keyboard is just that, it is for games. I love it! It is for any game. It has a left hand controll keyset for most FPS but I have found that it also works in CRPG's like Neverwinter Nights(which a keyset was once avalible for but is no longer) and even old infinity engine games like Icewind Dale- set your keys to: W=select all q=quest journal e=inventory and s=return as well as spells in A(wizards) and D(clerical) R to default(stats) and F=attack and your set to be carpel tunnel free.
my gripe(and 4* rating) is the lousy website that requires you to register personal info to get support(Mother's maiden name and all that) as well as the Zboard.com website not loading on dial-up connections. Just because some of us use dial up does not mean we don't have a life, we game too(hacker free becasue of disconnect.)
Great Idea -- Bad Execution!
The Good:
When I first heard about this board I was incredibly excited. I have been playing BF2 (Battlefield 2) for almost a year now and still continually find myself stumbling over the keys. So it was a godsend to be able to purchase something like this directly intended to help me be better at my game.
The interchangable keysets for different games and applications is quite intriguing -- the first that I have seen. But the price for each is kind of high but well worth it.
The Bad:
The board is constructed well but don't expect this to replace your home keyboard. The "Windows Keyset" that comes standard with this board has all the keys as any run-of-the-mill keyboard but it is awkward to type with (I might be biased since I have a MSoft ergonomic split keyboard).
In-game typing is difficult at best (with the gaming keysets). With most of the gaming keysets the keys on the left 1/2 of the keyboard are laid out like your home keyboard but on the right 1/2 side they are all vertical (not staggered.. like U,J and M keys are 90 degrees vertically on top of each other). The keys feel a little "cheap" .. When you push them down they don't bounce back as much.
The Ugly:
About 2 weeks after I purchases this board (and the BF2 keyset) 9 keys went completely dead. I tried to reinstall the software, reboot and even resinstalled a fresh copy of Windows XP to no avail.
I contacted support and it has taken us 3 weeks to finally reach the decision that I have a faulty base unit. DUH! They are "reviewing my warranty" but most likely it will not be covered because it has been longer than 30 day. Maybe this post is premature but I don't think I am getting a new base unit.
Conclusion:
The expression "Great Idea, Bad Execution" holds true here. My opinion: Don't buy this board. Ideazon has too many issues, not enough support staff and a website that doesn't do anything but look good.
Great board!
The zBoard is sweet. The ease of the keysets and the keysets that are available (like the World of Warcraft one) make it a worthwhile buy. The keyboard is comfy and feels good on the fingers. And it has TWO low-power USB ports on it for accessories like your mouse. If you are into gaming and looking for a good keyboard to use, this is one to look at. I am quite picky when it comes to keyboards and I love the zBoard system. ^_^
If you decide to buy one, buying from Amazon.com will save you a few bucks. BUT BE FOREWARNED! As someone else has already mentioned here in feedback, when I received my zBoard, it came with the OLD version of the standard keyset. I have been told by [...] support that that keyset is not even produced anymore so why (and how?) Amazon.com is shipping them with the new zBoard base and gaming keyset is beyond me?? FYI, the current zBoard model is ZBD101.
Amazon.com did offer a replacement if I wanted to send the zBoard gaming system back in, but I really don't want to wait on shipping. lol Plus, I bought mine for gaming mostly anyway so no big deal as I won't be using the standard keyset much. Amazon.com did offer me a 20% refund, though, since I didn't choose to return the item. (So yay! I saved even more money. ^_^) In case you are wondering, the new version of the standard keyset has colored-coded labels (green, blue, white) with more keys/shortcuts labeled. The old version (which I was sent) has all white labels with fewer keys/shortcuts labeled.
The zBoard is a 5/5 for me.
Note: You will want to get the newest drivers from [...]. I have had a problem in the past with updating the driver and had to contact zBoard support to have them tell me all the registry keys that I needed to remove before I could suceessfully install the newest version. I have never again experienced that problem, though. ;)
EDIT 2/4/05: I was contacted via e-mail by [...] support again. They're going to replace the old version standard keyset that I received from Amazon with the new version. I think this is very nice of them, especially considering I never asked for a replacement. Just some food for thought since a couple people here have had problems with [...]/Ideazon.
EDIT 2/21/06: Well, it has been a little over a year that I've had my zBoard. I've had no problems with it - with exception of the wrist rest tabs breaking off, but that's because that part is cheap and the zBoard got knocked off a table twice by my cat. The zBoard base and keysets are very durable, however, (it's been knocked off the couch a few times, too. lol) and work fine. ;)
The gaming keyset IS very awkward to type on like others have mentioned. Usually, I have my World of Warcraft keyset in, though, and have no problems typing. (My boyfriend hates it -lol- and complains until he snaps in the standard keyset.)
Easy, durable, functioning, feels good on the fingers.... Those all describe the zBoard.
Still 5/5 after a year.
Price: $49.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details
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