I'm scratching my head here... really don't understand how anyone can think useless commentary is helpful. If you have no experience with the Nostromo n52, then why post???

I bought the n52 a year ago. Here is my review.

What is it?

Think of it as keyboard that's been chopped in a third, with a d-pad, scroll wheel, and a few other buttons.

How do you use it?

There is two parts on the software end, a Profile Editor, and a Loadout Manager. The editor allows you to assign virtually any button/key, or combination of buttons/keys to a specific key on the Nostromo. You can design endless profiles for whatever program/task you want. The Loadout Manager assigns profiles to programs... So with ETQW, you load the profile and the manager starts the game... the software feels a little out-dated, but works just fine. Each profile has three different modes so you could, on the fly, switch between them, as in changing from a Medic to an Ops to a Soldier. One profile could work for each character class, but some nuances might be changed, like favorite weapon, or whatever... There's color leds that are either off (normal mode), or on, each color representing a different mode within that profile.

Nostromo n52 construction?

The unit is plastic. Feels cheap. Keys stick. D-pad is awkward. Space Bar thumb button becomes crooked and resists being pressed down. Orange start button requires too much thumb pressure. Scroll wheel clicks along like tank tracks. GET CAN AIR!!!! Cleaning this unit is a must!

Overall Conclusion:

I think I paid $50 for it. At that price, I would say it's far from great, although wrist and finger strain relief might be worth many times that. If in fact you can purchase them for $8... I would say go for it, hands down. Also note the newer version, the TE, retails for $80. I'm sure the price drop is to move the old units out to make way for the "new and improved" version.

Does it help? YES!!! Even with all the "drawbacks" the n52 makes gaming much more pleasurable. Having the run (shift) button closer in line with normal hand position is great and saves you after hours of play. I find the macro feature just plain awesome when it comes to playing RTS's like Dawn of War: Dark Crusade. The "evil" you can come up with is crazy!

Do you really need a Nostromo n52? Simply put... No. But you don't need shoes on you feet to walk either...