Quester Switchbox is a simple USB device for achieving PC game play using assistive switches. Six 3.5mm sockets are provided, the functions of which are set by selecting one of four Levels. Levels 1-3 are fixed function, whereas each socket in Level 4 can be programmed to be any key on the keyboard or a mouse click, plus some gaming specific functions such as Latching W, A, S or D (see table 2 for a full list of available functions).
A seventh socket is dedicated to changing Level so the player can navigate between Levels without requiring assistance. Alternatively, this may be achieved using a button on the fascia of Quester Switchbox.
Levels 1 and 2 are configured for navigation within a range of games, whereas Level 3 allows weapons to be selected or similar functions, dependent on the game. And due to its programmable nature, Level 4 can be whatever you need it to be.
Level 4 is programmed using a simple and unique method that requires no software to be loaded onto the PC. Once each socket on Level 4 has been configured, the settings are saved in the Quester Switchbox internal memory and are automatically recalled even if the computer is turned off or the switchbox moved to a different computer.
The provision of Latching W, A, S and D functions allows the player to walk or run in any direction indefinitely, leaving hands free for other functions. Sticky* and Latching Modifiers further add to the programmability to allow unique combinations of functions to be created. An example of this could be if you require a switch to perform Sticky Shift, then another key, in order to create a capital letter.
The unit requires no drivers- simply plug it into an available USB port and play!
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4
(Defaults) |
|---|
| W | ↑ | 1 | Space |
| A | ⟵ | 2 | Tab |
| S | ↓ | 3 | Shift |
| D | ⟶ | 4 | Ctrl |
| Left Click | Escape | 5 | Latching-w |
| Right Click | Enter | 6 | Caps |
Table 1: Quester Switchbox functions
* Sticky modifiers stay selected once pressed until the next switch has been pressed. For example, make one socket Sticky Shift and another the w key. First press and release Sticky Shift and then press w and you will get capital W. A further press of w will return lower case w, i.e. the sticky shift has now cancelled. This is equivalent to the Windows definition of Sticky Keys.
| Letters a-z |
| Numbers 0-9 |
| ↑↓←→ |
| Latching w, a, s and d |
| All punctuation marks |
| Momentary Modifier keys (Shift, Alt, Ctrl, Gui) |
| Sticky Modifier keys |
| Latching Modifier keys |
| F1-F12 keys |
| Space, Backspace, Tab, Escape, Caps |
| Left Click, Right Click |
Table 2: Available functions in Level 4.
