Making the Switch: How to Adapt and Master the Azeron Keyzen
Jan 20, 2026
Switching from your gaming keyboard sounds challenging. You have spent years building muscle memory, and the thought of starting over? Not very appealing, we know.
But in reality, transitioning to Azeron Keyzen is not as brutal as you think. Since launching in July 2025, we have heard from hundreds of players across our Discord community, Reddit, and Forum who made the jump. Here is what actually works and helps to get used to it.
Understanding the Keyzen
The Azeron Keyzen features 26 mappable keys with Cherry MX mechanical switches (Red, Brown, or Blue). Same switches gamers know from gaming keyboards, just arranged ergonomically in curved towers.
The main game-changer in all Azeron products is the Hall Effect thumbstick, which can replace WASD, helping to free up your fingers if using it for movement control, so all your other fingers can focus on using abilities, switching items, or other actions.
Of course, it depends on the game, and there are exceptions where the thumbstick can’t help executing some core movement techniques, such as airstrafing in FPS games. In this case, for specific games, you can also bind WASD to keys and use thumbstick for other actions.
Overall, the thumbstick is flexible, and it can be used for other functions. For example, it can be assigned to handle camera control (useful in MOBA games like Dota 2), ability wheels, or item selection in other genre games. That's what makes Azeron products and Azeron Software special - you decide how to use all available inputs and can save unlimited keybind profiles for each game.
If you're wondering how the Keyzen compares to our flagship model, Azeron Cyborg II, check out our Azeron Cyborg II vs gaming keyboard comparison. Keyzen is simply bridging the gap between them. It delivers Cyborg II’s ergonomics and analog thumbstick while retaining the familiar feel of a classic gaming keyboard.
Check out Developer Adam Keyzen review and his take on this:
The realistic adaptation timeline
Week 1. Learning the layout
The first biggest challenge? Getting used to the adjustable tower layout, where keys are stacked vertically instead of in flat rows, and your thumb has a new job as well.
Mispresses will happen, movement will feel weird at first, but that's totally normal. Just try to not jump into ranked games straight away. To keep the process stress-free, start with casual matches or practice modes where you can build muscle memory without the pressure.
Week 2-3. Muscle memory starts to kick in
Most users adapt after around 10-20 hours of gameplay. The shape of the keypad starts to feel more natural, fingers find keys without thinking, and accidental presses start to disappear. Many users report a similar experience where, after the initial awkwardness, the layout starts to click, and it takes approximately 2 weeks to be completely comfortable with it. It even goes to the other side, where switching back to a regular keyboard seems weird.
GamesRadar+ tested the Keyzen and noted the "teething period feels brief looking back.”[1]
Week 4+. Performance starts to recover
With muscle memory now fully settled, you can finally exploit the true keypad potential. Experience the edge that keyboards simply can’t match:
- Faster inputs (less finger travel)
- Less fatigue and better ergonomics overall (better hand position)
- More capabilities (32 accessible inputs)
Most players get back to their previous performance by week 4 to 6. Though it can be subjective and sometimes takes a bit longer, depending on the game and your commitment to learning the new device.
Feedback across our Discord and Reddit communities is consistently positive once this milestone is reached. Players from intense FPS games like Call of Duty and Battlefield to complex ARPGs report performing better than they ever did on a traditional keyboard. Users frequently highlight increased APM (actions per minute) and the total disappearance of hand strain during the longer gaming sessions.
Five essential setup steps
1. Adjust the physical fit first
For the first few weeks, keep the included screwdriver on your desk. The Keyzen's adjustability is its strength. Small tweaks can make a huge difference.
Each tower adjusts for length and angle. The thumb module moves too. As you play, notice which keys feel like a reach and adjust them.
Two main rules for comfort:
- Straight wrist. Your forearm, wrist, and hand should form a neutral line
- Relaxed hand. Your hand should rest comfortably when not pressing keys
Palmrest tip. Start with the flat palmrest, which is more keyboard-like and lets you change hand angles more easily. Try the curved one after the first week.
Watch the setup tutorial for detailed adjustment guidance.
Full product details and a textual guide are in the Keyzen manual.
2. Calibrate your thumbstick
The Hall Effect thumbstick needs calibration to eliminate drift and jitter.
Quick process breakdown:
1. Open Azeron software
2. Settings > Analog Calibration > Calibrate
3. Follow on-screen instructions
Finding your natural forward:
Your thumb's natural push might not be perfectly straight. Test it: rest your hand in position, close your eyes, and push "forward," then open your eyes and note where it points. Adjust the angle in the software to match.
Choose and set up your thumbstick mode:
The thumbstick features several different modes and can act as an analog stick, emulate keyboard buttons, function in hybrid mode, serve as an analog mouse wheel, or move the mouse cursor.
Full thumbstick guide on pages 28 to 37 in the Keyzen Manual.
3. Build your keybind layout gradually
Start simple and don't bind all 32 inputs at once.
Example of first binds:
- Movement on thumbstick (If needed then WASD on keys)
- Most used actions on index finger (Reload, Use)
- Jump and Crouch on middle finger
- Less frequent skills on ring and pinky finger towers
After some time:
1. Play an hour with just these
2. Notice what you're missing
3. Add one new bind
4. Repeat it again
The software allows you to save unlimited profiles, so your first layout won't be your last, and that's totally fine.
You can also save time by grabbing some of the ready-to-go community profiles from Discord, Reddit, or Azeron Keybinds collection. Someone has already tested and optimized binds for your specific game.
A common tip for new users - don't overthink it. Just play and add bindings as you realize you really need them. Trying to set up everything perfectly straight away can be overwhelming.
4. Commit for at least two weeks
Pick two weeks of Keyzen only. Switching back and forth from keyboard to keypad kills progress.
Research shows consistent practical repetition builds muscle memory much faster.[2] Training two conflicting patterns simultaneously just confuses your brain.
Check out this PictureFit video to see how the same science behind building muscle memory in sports applies to mastering your new keypad. Consistent repetition is key to growing those new neural pathways:
We have heard this from players many times: "I made the mistake of switching back to keyboard when I got frustrated in week one. Big mistake. Once I committed for real, everything clicked way faster."
5. Set realistic and achievable goals
Your performance will drop initially, but that's the cost of long term improvement.
Here is an example of setting easy to reach goals:
Week 1. Focus on comfort, not performance.
Weeks 2-3. You will improve, but won't peak yet.
Week 4+. Performance recovers and often exceeds your previous skill level.
Track small daily improvements. Day by day, they will add up and you will adapt and master the keypad pretty fast.
Why is it worth the effort?
Ergonomics that matter
Traditional keyboards cause strain from keeping your hands in an unnatural, flat position and making your fingers “stretch and jump” across long distances.[3] The Keyzen’s adjustable towers change the game. The keys come to your fingers, not the other way around.
Visual representation of common ergonomic mistakes on traditional keyboards. Source: Kinesis Gaming
Following the two ergonomic rules (straight wrist, relaxed hand) dramatically reduces strain, enabling longer, pain-free sessions. Players report gaming 2 to 3 times longer without hand fatigue compared to standard keyboards.
Users with existing hand issues appreciate the ergonomic benefits of Azeron keypads. We consistently hear from community members with RSI, carpal tunnel, or arthritis who felt they might have to quit gaming because of these issues.
"I have a Keyzen not a cyborg, however I'm sure it applies to both. The 'learning curve' is not as steep as people think it might be. Follow the advice of Azeron on making your profiles 'similar'. for example I always use the same keys for activate, tab, escape. The software is really good and at six months I don't know how I played games so effortlessly with little to aggravate my RSI. These are brilliant." — John C. Morrison
For many, switching to the Keyzen has literally saved their hobby, transforming their gameplay and allowing them to enjoy long sessions again without the pain that previously held them back.
Real performance gains
Once adapted, you can start benefiting from:
- Faster inputs (reduced finger travel distance)
- More accessible keys (32 inputs within comfortable reach)
- Sustainable performance (less physical fatigue over long sessions)
GamesRadar+ called it a game changer that excels with “lightning-fast actuations and snappy responsiveness.[1] The familiar Cherry MX switches combined with optimized ergonomics create a compelling advantage, allowing for quicker reactions compared to a standard keyboard layout.
Performance improvements span across all genres. For example, for MOBA players, many community members who play League of Legends or Dota 2 report that mapping every ability, item, and camera control to a dedicated finger can be a total game-changer. It eliminates misclick mistakes, like accidentally hitting “Flash” instead of an “Ultimate”, because every crucial action has its own distinct and ergonomic space.
Mario, our Head of Customer Experience, on overcoming the early learning curve:
"Mapping a few keys to start is the key, I can't stress this enough. I have seen so many users get frustrated as they map the full layout and try to memorize it before their muscle memory for the key layout has kicked in.Please don't.
Bind 4-5 crucial keys you would need in the game, jump into practice mode or start a new character in MMO games, and get the hang of it before going full beast mode. I have seen so many users ditching the Azeron after giving it an hour, but once they commit to it on a second try, they fall in love."
The bottom line
The first week can be rough. The tower layout feels a bit alien, and your rank might temporarily drop. But remember, the Keyzen was built for keyboard players like you. It uses the same mechanical switches you already love, just rearranged to actually fit your hand.
The easy formula for success is simple:
1. Keep the screwdriver handy for micro-adjustments as your hand settles in.
2. Stick to casual games while your brain builds new muscle memory.
3. Build your keybinds gradually. Start with the basics and add more as you feel the need.
Based on hundreds of stories from our Discord, Reddit, and Azeron Forum, the consensus is clear - the learning curve is real, but so are the rewards. You're gaining better control, reducing physical strain, and building a setup that finally grows with you.
It is worth the switch.
References
[1] GamesRadar+. (2024). Azeron Keyzen Review
[2] Science for Sport. (2024). Muscle Memory: Repetition and Consistency in Motor Learning
[3] Kinesis Gaming. Ergonomics Research
