I have been using a gamepad pretty much since the start of CoD4. However, I recently decided to switch model. This was mostly due to the request that I start using voice activation, as my sensitivity varied from not picking up my voice to my breathing being picked up, freaking everyone out. As I couldn’t find a comfortable button to use as my push to talk button, I thought I would give this one a try, as I have previously used an earlier model. I have been somewhat privileged to receive one from Belkin, so here is my views on it so far.

Packaging

The box looks pretty cool as it reflects the blue and black theme of gamepad itself. At first sight, you may be disappointed that the box only has an image on the front of it. But lo and behold, it completely opens up to view the gamepad inside. It even has a magnet on it to hold it closed…. I mean, what more could you ask for. But wait, there is more. The box is not only appealing to the eyes, but also to the hand (or whatever else you choose to touch it with). It has a 3D effect, making it all bumpy.

Initial Thoughts

 As previously mentioned in my ‘Cryo PC’ blog, I have a thing for blue lights on set-ups. Naturally one of the first things that attracted me to the n52 was the blue light. I have recently discovered that there is a switch on the back of it which turns the light off. Without turning it off, the light stays on when your PC is turned off. I found it quite soothing having a blue glow in my room when I was drifting off to sleep…. that was until I woke up in the middle of the night, rather freaked out thinking there was something in my room. I turn it off when I turn my PC off now.

            As I said above, the main reason I decided to change gamepad was due to the inability to find a comfortable push to talk button. As the n52 is raised and has an arch, the side buttons can be reached with a fair amount of ease, making more buttons available. However, I have found that my hand does not quite sit right on the arch. When I put it up against the arch I find it a stretch to reach the bottom row of buttons. I also find that I have to move my hand a bit to reach some of the other buttons. Then again, this could be due to it being built larger male hands, as the gaming scene is predominantly inhabited by males. It basically comes down to having to ‘deal with it’.

            Another point to note is that the wire seems fairly short. This could be because it has to reach down the back of my huge IKEA desk, and down to my PC at the front of my desk, but it seems at a bit of a stretch compared to my Deathadder cable.

Build Quality

The n52 is quite chunky, yet sturdy. As my team have found out at LANs, I have a habit of smashing my mouse down on the table when I get annoyed. I am pretty much 100% sure that if I choose to take my anger out on my gamepad, it will remain fully functional and in one piece. 

Price

Costing around £30-£40, the N52 is one of the more expensive gamepads, however, it is not that much more than some of its competitors. I therefore think that it is well worth paying the few pounds more as it is a better quality and more suited to games where you needs a fair few buttons.

Conclusion

The n52 is one of the leading gamepads, being strong and durable. However, if you have smaller hands, you may have some difficulties.

Oh…..you get a cool sticker of it too!!!

A big thanks to Belkin for supplying the gamepad.