The days of using a basic keyboard and mouse for PC gaming are over. As games get more complicated and competitive, the need for layout modified user interfaces become a reality.

So bid farewell, install your favorite games, walk your dog, and say hello to WolfKing’s newest addition, the Warrior XXTREME gaming keyboard.

Just like the XXTREME’s predecessor, the Warrior, the curved layout is what will give gamers the advantage. Each key, with it’s own unique shape, is placed in accordance to what keys are used most in shooters; this includes the widely used “F” and “E” keys that are commonly used for the “use” function or the number keys that are widely used as a weapon switch. The XXTREME places these keys in such a way that they are easy to reach on the fly - you know, when you are in those intense situations when you are being shot at and everything.

There are also two large space bar keys making jumping easier, in theory. The first time I tried to reach for the left space bar key, (the right one, which is a circular shape, is used with the other hand,) I missed and hit the large “B” button instead. However, after this initial mistake, my thumb knew where to go and I’ve successfully jumped 100% of the time. Proud of me?

So what is a main advantage over WolfKing’s older Warrior? Well, for one thing, the XXTREME has a gorgeous backlight that actually made me smile in excitement when I turned it on the first time. There’s only one setting of brightness, but it’s perfect. Another advantage is that there is also the rest of the alphabet on the right portion of the keyboard, for those of you who like to blabber away chatting in games. Because they are arranged in a square, much different than what you are used to, it may take some time getting used to when trying to chat in a game. If you are one of those people that just go, “GG” anyway at the end of the match, then you won’t have an issue.

There’s a nice quality “squish” feel to the keys as well. The WASD on the left side feel more loose than the rest of the keys, and this is a good thing; since you will be using them the most. The keyboard definitely doesn’t feel cheap, as it has a nice hard plastic finish and two additional USB ports at the top of the device. The sleek and small design make it fit perfectly alongside your regular boring keyboard, and look like a very nice addition to your desktop. Installation was easy, just a plug and play deal, (in Windows XP/Vista,) and there are no problems having it plugged in to your computer the same time as your regular keyboard.

So does this device really give gamers an advantage? Well, I tested it with several of the most popular games, and this is what I found:

Unreal Tournament 3 - I’m a fan of double jumping, and it felt very smooth with the XXTREME. The keys are very responsive, and there weren’t any problems when using the “double key tap” adrenaline or maneuvering around when fragging. It was very easy to switch weapons as any number is literally less than an inch from any of your fingers. After a while you get used to the placement, and going back to a regular keyboard feels awkward.

Battlefield 2142 - Moving with WASD felt nicer than usual, and pulling up the communication keys such as “Q” was definitely not a problem, because it is in the same place that they usually are. WolfKing obviously took this into consideration so that games that it would be compatibility with games that utilizes normal keyboards for control. Like I said earlier, those who use “E” as a use key are in luck, since it is in the same place as well.

World of Warcraft - Even though moving around and using the numbers as attack hotkeys felt better, chatting felt awkward. For those of you who chat a lot, such as in a Raid or a pointless conversation about Brittany Spears, you may need to take some time getting used to the letter keys because they aren’t normally where you’d expect. However, they are close to a regular keyboard, and it shouldn’t be too much of a problem. (You’d be playing WoW for countless hours anyway.)

The XXTREME is definitely aimed towards first person shooters, and I wouldn’t recommend it for any MMO or turn based strategy game. However, for those of you who play repetitive online shooters, especially those that contain a lot of weapons and abilities, using the WolfKing XXTREME can actually improve your game. The beautiful layout, blue backlight, responsive keys, and hard quality finish make this gaming keyboard better than a lot of the rest out there. If you are worried about how good you play, or know you already play well and want to play better, then the XXTREME gaming keyboard is for you.

Thanks to WolfKing for supplying the review unit.

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