Rating: - I have no idea what to put as the title for this review.
Much less, what to really say about this keyboard. For the second time this week, I'm stumped on a review. While the Dreamcast keyboard isn't really necessary for the typical gamer, you're going to need this thing in order to play one of the more "out-there" games: Typing of the Dead. Sure, during the Dreamcast's unappreciated lifespan, most people that bought this used it when they went online with their systems for internet purposes, or Phantasy Star Online, but Typing of the Dead really got the most use out of this accessory. While it's not one of those fancy keyboards that's curved in the middle and seperates both sides, it gets the job done. I'm able to play TotD without any problems. The buttons aren't too stiff, and the response is flawless. I'm able to hold my 120wpm rate steadily, taking out everything that walks my path. There's not a whole lot I can say about what playing with the keyboard (as dirty as that sounds) is like, so I'll just keep it short. Typing of the Dead requires it. Phantasy Star Online players would benefit greatly from it. And my hat's off to those still playing PSO on their DC. That's dedication right there.
There's no picture here, and since I don't have a camera that's compatible with this computer at the moment, I can't post a picture to show you all what it looks like. But you can easily do a search for "Dreamcast keyboard" and see for yourself. More or less, it looks like your standard keyboard. The backspace key though, is one of the letter-sized keys, and just has a little arrow symbol on it. There are also 3 "S" buttons at the bottom along with the spacebar. It also says "Dreamcast" on the upper-right side above the side-number section. There's no swirl logo, which struck me as odd since it's on every other first party accessory of Sega's. What would've been nice to add in, was a VMU slot somewhere on the bottom or on the top with an added hole for the screen or something in case you needed to see it. When I first went to play Typing of the Dead, I wasn't sure how I'd be able to save my game data until I took a chance and plugged the controller with the VMUs in the second port, and had the keyboard in the first. Sure enough, it worked. And sure enough, I could've learned this by reading the TotD instruction manual. Duh huh poridge. The cable connecting the system to the board is long enough. It's about the same length as the controller's cord, but doesn't come out of the bottom thank god. That was a problem with the DC controllers- the cord came out of the bottom of it, canceling out the maximum length. Here, the cord sticks out from the top. Oh, and if you need it, you can prop it up with the two little pegs on the back of the keyboard.
I honestly don't have any complaints. I might have if I picked it and TotD up back when they first came out, since the price was more than what I just got them for...and maybe 5 other games released here in the states system used the keyboard. It's a solid accessory worth your money. Especially now that the price for anything-Dreamcast (save Rival Schools and a few other select games) is at its lowest. Get another and kick some undead ass in TotD.
Rating: - Full Potential of the Dreamcast
OK, so in case you didn't know, without buying a keyboard adapter, this is the only way to interface with your Dreamcast while it is running Linux. That's right, I said LINUX on your dreamcast. And yes, it saves a bunch of time if you are using the web browser. It sounds like a lot of you aren't using your dreamcast to it's full potential. If you have: 1. An internet connection 2. A CD burner 3. Nero or DiscJuggler 4. Some basic computer knowhow, and an ability to follow instructions... You can do almost anything with your dreamcast, including running Emulators & Roms, installing an Operating System, Playing MP3's and DIVX More info is on www.dcemulation.com Have fun kids and happy gaming!
Rating: - Very good service
Thank you..Ecellent service,fast shipping..
Rating: - Not a necessary item
Nothing to get extremely excited about, after all, this is just a standard PC keyboard that's compatible with the Sega Dreamcast. How is it? Pretty much like any one of those bargain-basement Windows keyboards you find at CompUSA...key feedback is a little mushy and, well, there aren't very many games or DC applications that utilize it!
For the few people who actually use their DC for web browsing or email (poor souls), this is worth the cost. If you're gonna use it for gaming, be advised that there are only a handful of games that use it. Typing of the Dead, Rogue Spear, Quake III, Unreal Tournament and a few others, but is it worth spending [money] for an accessory you'll only use for 5+ games on a dead gaming platform? Not really and even then you'll more than likely need the mouse which is another [price] investment!
Unless you're a completist, you can get these (or the third party clones) very cheaply at [local stores]. Better yet, use your existing PC keyboard with a [price] Dreacast keyboard adapter. For what it does it's good, but consider the requirements before you spend your money.
Rating: - ~DC Keyboard~
I have to say that if your looking for the official SEGA keyboard to work wit the DREAMCAST browser and other SEGA NET titles this is it guys. It matches the color of the console so you guys won't be mismatching; because you know that the girls don't like that right? Now, this is an excellent keyboard it worked very well for me in Quake 3 Arena. If you guys are ever online and your losing to DVL well its me :) I bought it used at a really great price (less than 10 dollars) I recommend buying it used since the quality of the keyboard is just as good as the original. Well, good luck with your gaming guys.