Key Binding Why Hasn't This Been Added To The Menus?

Key binding would probably eliminate server lag if we could actually bind our keys for spells, abillities, pet commands etc. Why hasn't this been added to FF XI? Is this a memory issue with the PS2? Or is the Dev team to small and too busy working on fixes for older content?

Probably an issue with spaghetti code, but technically, that's what macros are for. Not sure what "server lag" you're talking about though, because the only server lag that exists would not be eliminated by binding "Cure" to the C key. It would still lag for a second before casting the spell, the same as it does when using the menu or the macro bar.

I use a Logitech G-15 keyboard. My G-keys are bound to CTRL-# and alt # (except for ctrl/alt 1, which i can reach easily).

When I tap the key, my macro goes off. if you're talking about the lag in the macro bar appearing on screen, that is not a server lag issue, it's an interface flaw and the fact that my keyboard gets around it tells me its more about how we're pressing the keys (because all my G-keys do is press CTRL/ALT and the number at the exact same time)

Okay it may not be server lag but there is still a delay between when you press ctrl or alt and when your macro bar appears on the screen. If I could bind my keys it would eliminate that delay.

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Originally Posted by svengalis

Okay it may not be server lag but there is still a delay between when you press ctrl or alt and when it appears on screen. If I could bind my keys it would eliminate that delay.

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if you press the keys together with the right timing, you shouldn't have to wait for the macro bar to appear. They should just work.

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Originally Posted by Alhanelem

if you press the keys together with the right timing, you shouldn't have to wait for the macro bar to appear. They should just work.

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That does not work for me sir.

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Originally Posted by svengalis

That does not work for me sir.

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Woks for me. You should probably try to fix that if it isn't working for you. Would probably save you a lot of headache.

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Originally Posted by Raksha

Woks for me. You should probably try to fix that if it isn't working for you. Would probably save you a lot of headache.

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Same here, Ctrl/Alt + # always works, whether or not the bar shows up. What I don't understand is why it doesn't show up immediately when Ctrl/Alt are hit in the first place, like it does with controllers.

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Originally Posted by Arcon

Same here, Ctrl/Alt + # always works, whether or not the bar shows up. What I don't understand is why it doesn't show up immediately when Ctrl/Alt are hit in the first place, like it does with controllers.

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It's most likely because ctrl/alt can be used with other keys for certain purposes and it wants to make sure you're not going to press one of those. Either way, I agree it's silly, but at least it doesn't HAVE to get in the way.

Xbox 360 player here. I tried it on my usb keyboard cause I was being lazy and didn't want to use my countroller when I was messing around. I can honestly say it works for me too. Based on what I've read so far, not a not of difference from PC users.

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Originally Posted by Alhanelem

When I tap the key, my macro goes off. if you're talking about the lag in the macro bar appearing on screen, that is not a server lag issue, it's an interface flaw and the fact that my keyboard gets around it tells me its more about how we're pressing the keys (because all my G-keys do is press CTRL/ALT and the number at the exact same time)

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It's a poor decision in the UI design based on a logical but flawed assumption. The macro bar appears instantly when you press the shoulder buttons on a controller but takes about a quarter of a second to appear when you hold down the CTRL key. If you hit CTRL/# and release before the macro pallet appears the macro will still be triggered. They probably thought something along the lines of "lets have the macro pallet not appear if someone hits CTRL/# because they obviously know what macro they want, but if they hold down CRTL long enough we'll have it appear so they can locate the macro they're searching for"

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Originally Posted by Alhanelem

I use a Logitech G-15 keyboard. My G-keys are bound to CTRL-# and alt # (except for ctrl/alt 1, which i can reach easily).

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I can't stand modern keyboards. Once you have used an mechanical keyboard you'll never be able to tolerate membrane switch based keyboards ever again. They might cost more but they typically last 15 years or longer. (my IBM Model M was made in 1989 and I've been using it since the mid 90's)

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Originally Posted by Atomic_Skull

I can't stand modern keyboards. Once you have used an mechanical keyboard you'll never be able to tolerate membrane switch based keyboards ever again. They might cost more but they typically last 15 years or longer. (my IBM Model M was made in 1989 and I've been using it since the mid 90's)

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"Modern keyboards?" Modern keyboards are mechanical. older and run-of-the-mill keyboards are membrane. Look for gaming grade keyboards and you will find some mechanical ones.

Razer has some amazing mechanical keyboards. the only reason I don't like them is no macro keys (though you can essentially program any key on the keyboard to do whatever you want). I love my G-keys and the LCD display (which I mainly use to view Ventrilo's status while playing a fullscreen game. If only someone iwll come along and make a mechanical keyboard with the same features as the G-15.)

Also, mechanical keyboards cost significantly more.

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Originally Posted by Alhanelem

"Modern keyboards?" Modern keyboards are mechanical. older and run-of-the-mill keyboards are membrane. Look for gaming grade keyboards and you will find some mechanical ones.

Razer has some amazing mechanical keyboards. the only reason I don't like them is no macro keys (though you can essentially program any key on the keyboard to do whatever you want). I love my G-keys and the LCD display (which I mainly use to view Ventrilo's status while playing a fullscreen game. If only someone iwll come along and make a mechanical keyboard with the same features as the G-15.)

Also, mechanical keyboards cost significantly more.

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Most cheap keyboards that everyone owns are the membrane type.

Mechanical keyboards cost more because they are generally of better quality and significantly more durable.

I agree totally. I'm just waiting for a mechanical keyboard with the features I want.

I'm a little concerned though, because I have the bad habit of eating around the computer on occasion- are these types of keyboards more or less tolerant of this?

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Originally Posted by Alhanelem

"Modern keyboards?" Modern keyboards are mechanical. older and run-of-the-mill keyboards are membrane. Look for gaming grade keyboards and you will find some mechanical ones.

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95% of the keyboards currently on the market use rubber domes over a plastic membrane. Either they use the dome to provide resistance or combine it with a plastic scissor.

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Razer has some amazing mechanical keyboards. the only reason I don't like them is no macro keys (though you can essentially program any key on the keyboard to do whatever you want). I love my G-keys and the LCD display (which I mainly use to view Ventrilo's status while playing a fullscreen game. If only someone iwll come along and make a mechanical keyboard with the same features as the G-15.

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Almost all current mechanical keyboard use cherry switches. That's fine if you like cherry switches but I don't. I like the feel of a buckling spring switch better. The only keyboards that use buckling spring switches are the original IBM ones, the ones Lexmark made for IBM starting in 1993 (a bit inferior to the IBM manufactured ones) and the modern licensed copies from Unicomp. (again, not quite as good as the IBM manufactured ones) The difference between IBM manufactured ones and the Lexmark and Unicomp versions are lack of removable keycaps and a slightly thinner metal backplate as well as slightly thinner plastic used in the case. People also say that the Unicomp keyboards have slightly weaker springs.

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Also, mechanical keyboards cost significantly more.

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But they feel better and last far, far longer. My IBM Model M has been in constant use for 16 years now.

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Originally Posted by Alhanelem

I'm a little concerned though, because I have the bad habit of eating around the computer on occasion- are these types of keyboards more or less tolerant of this?

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I don't know about other mechanical keyboards but with Model M's are far more tolerant of crud falling into them and you can take them apart and clean them out when they collect too much gribble. They don't actually stop working, you just get sick of it being so filthy and decide it's time to clean it.

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95% of the keyboards currently on the market use rubber domes over a plastic membrane.

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I know, what I mean is I don't consider those to be "modern" keyboards. But I guess I was mistaken about the mechanical variety being newer. I didn't realize they predated membrane keyboards.

...you tech geeks. D:

Was mistaken about the differences between the Lexmark and Unicomp Model M's and the IBM original. Lexmark version is identical to the IBM version except for the lack of key caps and added drainage channels. Unicomp version uses a slightly thinner metal backplate, a slightly thinner plastic case and slightly softer springs but is otherwise identical to the Lexmark version (they are made in the same plant on the same machines Lexmark made them on)

yeah, it is kind of nerdy- but trust me. If you try using a mechanical keyboard, they "feel" much better. Pressing them feels more like a mouse clck or button press- the keys don't need to travel as far to activate.

Arcade gamers have the same finikiness when it comes to arcade sticks and buttons. Some will order individual components from various part suppliers and put their own sticks together

The thing I like about buckling springs is that the click and the activation of the switch are identical. Unlike cherry switches where the click is above the activation of the switch. (all mechanical "clicky" switches are like this except buckling spring switches)

I wish other companies would start using these, the patent has to have run out by now.

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Originally Posted by Alhanelem

Arcade gamers have the same finikiness when it comes to arcade sticks and buttons. Some will order individual components from various part suppliers and put their own sticks together

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I've thought about mounting a Suzo-Happ 3" trackball and arcade sized buttons in my computer desk and using it as a mouse (they come with either USB/PS2 mouse or standard trackball potentiometer interfaces). Forget about commercial "trackball" mice they're cheap flimsy toys compared to a real arcade trackball.

(blah double post)