People’s eyes light up when you tell them about a keyboard with keys you can move wherever you want. It’s like the flying car or robot maid: things we’ve always wished for yet can’t buy in stores. The Ergodex DX1 Input System, however, is available for consumption now. It does everything you think it can do, and all very easily. It won’t replace your trusty, crusty keyboard, but who cares? The not-too-distant future is here, and it’s freakin’ expensive!

Keys Go Where They Want to Go
Looking like an oversized mouse pad with Lego blocks randomly placed on it (which are the keys), the Ergodex DX1 comes with everything you need to get started, including 25 keys, for about $150 retail. The pad can support up to 50 keys at once, and another set of 25 keys will run you $50 if you want to maximize your customizable keyboard experience.

Setup was way too easy (if there is such a thing). Install software, plug in USB cord, stick on keys, play game. Initially, I thought I had to individually record every key using the software, which was tedious. Oh, how my heart leapt when I found the record button right on the pad! Launch your favorite game or application (I played Counter Strike: Source) and hit record. Press a key on the Ergodex pad and it will log all keystrokes into that one key until you press record again. From one key to an entire MS Word macro, the DX1 will get it all.

The coolest thing about the keys is they keep their macro no matter where you move them, and they never lose their adhesiveness! I must’ve stuck and unstuck the same key five times, but it never showed signs of coming off. This feature becomes essential as you adjust the keys to fit your hand. Overall, your intuition will serve you well using the Ergodex.

Keyboard Not Included
The major downside to all of this nice ‘n’ easy stuff: Your real keyboard has to be plugged in along with the DX1, making for cluttered desk space. If you’re feeling really lucky, after setting up you can unplug your keyboard and hope you remembered to program everything into your Ergodex. You won’t be able to type normally either. It’s just better to keep old faithful active and give up space. For some people though, desk space is as valuable as Santa Barbara real estate, so it may be a hard sell to add another large object to your computing machine.

Getting acclimated to the DX1 takes a little while too. I used the pad for three days' worth of gaming and still wasn’t as comfortable as on a regular keyboard. Don’t get me wrong: My wrist and fingers felt terrific since the Ergodex form fits to any body type, kind of like Birkenstocks. The ergonomics of this device could prevent many muscle and joint problems down the road, which in itself may be worth the price of admission. Just don’t expect to be hacking the mainframe your first hour of use.

Do You Need It?
In order to use the Ergodex DX1, sacrifices have to be made. Whether it’s your keyboard or desktop or sanity, something will suffer. So it all comes down to this: Will the DX1 make your computing life better?

Ergonomics? Check. Ease of use? Double check. Price? It retails for $150…quite a bit for another interface peripheral. The Ergodex delivers what it promises, and it’s even simple to use, but do you need another peripheral? If you’re bored with the keyboard and want something completely customizable, then the DX1 is for you. If all is well in your computing universe, save your money and pay off that speeding ticket hidden in your glove box. There’s a warrant out for your arrest.

Pros: Easy to use and customize; form-fit to any body type; all-around intuitive product

Cons: Expensive; takes up valuable desk space; takes time to get used to