What is most striking about the Azeron keypad is its beauty. At first glance, it looks like something that was used to interrogate prisoners in the late 1800s, except that it is rainbow-colored.

Frankly, this looks like a novel contraption that you would wave off as a gimmick. And while it may offend some to say it is a worthy replacement for the hallowed WASD, the Azeron keypad has in fact become an integral part of my gaming experience.

With so much ergonomic comfort in hand, a 10-hour Valheim session feels like 20 minutes (although I don't condone spending long hours in front of a screen without a break, but I know I would anyway). The chances of suffering from carpal tunnel are quite low. Hands can be kept completely still during play, and there is no need to move along what appears to be a "quick bar" during combat (which inevitably loses its place and becomes good old troll crushing).

Additionally, there are two models to choose from: one with 26 keys, the other with two less. The larger one allows access to five buttons with the middle finger and six with the index finger. The compact one has a stump on top of the buttons instead of a tower. I prefer the latter. The angle of the higher buttons may be a bit awkward, especially for those with long fingernails, but it doesn't look quite so sneaky.

Both models come with a wrist rest option. Just be aware that if you decide to purchase the other wrist pad additionally, it requires a bit of electrical engineering to replace. All very simple, but not hot-swappable like the thumbsticks.

This is because the internal Teensy++ 2.0 is connected to a handy profile switch on the side and an indicator LED (the color is also editable). Another drawback arising from this Teensy hardware choice is the Mini-B USB connection. It comes with its own braided cable, which is not too much of a hindrance, but it does mean that if you lose your own cable, you can't use it with the current standard cable. However, the company is moving toward its own custom hardware designs that include more on-board memory and additional features. There should also be a change to USB Type-C in the future.

Right now, however, aside from the connectivity, the product is a paragon of practicality. Not only does it have the requisite number of buttons for actions, menus, and quick bar items, but it is also incredibly satisfying to click on. My partner and I clicked buttons like crazy for about two days before we got it set up properly, and it still hasn't broken.

With a sturdy metal chassis that serves as the foundation for the 3D printed and hand-assembled components, the Azeron keypad is heavier than expected for a 3D printed accessory, but still very compact and easy to carry around. Physical setup is also easy, although a bit fiddly. The keypad comes with a screwdriver and Allen wrench combo, and the screws on the underside allow it to be easily adapted to the size and width of your hands.

The Azeron keypad is a worthy competitor to the keyboard, but in some cases, a controller is better. While it has analog sticks and a huge number of buttons to negate the need for radial menus, it lacks pressure-sensitive triggers as well as tactile feedback. This makes it as impossible as a keyboard to play racing games. After all, it will most likely be used in situations like MMOs and RPGs. Basically, anything that requires easy access to a large number of quick actions and shortcuts.

So here's another way to use it. I've heard it's great for creative applications like 3D modeling software. I haven't tried it myself, so I have to take the word of others, but I can see the potential.

The main problems I have encountered with the keypad are the learning curve when first mapping keys and accidentally pressing the wrong key when trying to press the top key. This is the limit of the problems I have had with the keypad.

The software is very easy to use and shows on the screen which buttons are being pressed so you can double check that you are mapping correctly. You can also calibrate the analog sticks to the WASD output to prevent problems with input types flicking back and forth. It can also be used as a mouse if you want to do a double-take.

As far as customization options go, if you want to match the colors of your setup, you won't be disappointed. Not only are there occasional special editions with great themes, but you can also create your own design with the Azeron Keypad 3D Creator. In addition, you can request letters on the side as long as they are between two and eight characters long. Also, Q, Y, J, P, and G can only be capitalized for some reason.

However, this is not a disposable novelty item. I love the Azeron keypad.

I don't expect any of you to understand. You'll understand when you pick one up yourself.