The software also lets you assign a number of shift keys that nicely multiply the number of functions you can assign to the Claw buttons though I doubt many people will end up using it. There's a reason Microsoft removed the Shift button from their Sidewinder joystick in its second revision - learning shift functions is simply too confusing for most of us. Still, for those with the memory for it, the feature's there. Also, it seems that Ferraro Design intend to release an add on device with another 10 keys, kind of a secondary input for those less used features like the "bandage" feature of Action Half Life or the "drop weapon" function of Counter Strike or Unreal Tournament. It's good to hear Ferraro are working on this; it's what The Claw needs to fully complete the design now that the other various kinks have been ironed out.
I'm sure Nostromo SpeedPad fans are going to scoff at my blatant favouritism here, but then a journalist's got to stick to his guns. As is by now quite obvious I really like the Claw. After a few days use it felt totally natural and extremely comfortable, so much so that going back to using WASD on a keyboard felt positively uncomfortable and cramped. It may not have as many functions as the SpeedPad but all the Claw buttons are right at your fingertips and far more responsive. Shortly after my review of the first Claw I switched back to the keyboard due to my minor gripes with it. With all those minor gripes eradicated in this new design I can't see myself switching back again anytime soon. Now if only Razer would release the Mamba, then I'd be in gaming Nirvana.
The Verdict: Ferraro Design call The Claw "the benchmark for control within FPS games". I couldn't put it better myself, though it does need that extra-buttons add on to truly compete with the keyboard. Who cares, it's still best of breed by a mile.
By Pete Closs
Editor
