I have been loving this new feature of using the keyboard to enter data into the CDU. How many of you are using it and how many are still imputing data with the mouse and buttons because you feel it is more realistic. At first I thought that and then I realized that real pilots do not use a mouse to input the data.

So far I have only used the keyboard to type in winds aloft data a bit quicker. When entering the route (which I prefer to do manually over loading a flight plan), or doing any of the preflight pages, I am clicking on the buttons with the mouse.I am not sure I am doing it because I think it is more realistic, it is mostly just habit.

So far I have only used the keyboard to type in winds aloft data a bit quicker. When entering the route (which I prefer to do manually over loading a flight plan), or doing any of the preflight pages, I am clicking on the buttons with the mouse.I am not sure I am doing it because I think it is more realistic, it is mostly just habit.

No, fair enough what ever works right. It is nice to have the choice. It is one of those nice extra touches.

Only just picked it up - ie re-read the manual. It is fantastic. I was going to buy a touch screen as my second screen to be able to input much more easily. Now I will just buy a Razer Black Widow backlit keyboard and use the 'green line' input method.

Only just picked it up - ie re-read the manual. It is fantastic. I was going to buy a touch screen as my second screen to be able to input much more easily. Now I will just buy a Razer Black Widow backlit keyboard and use the 'green line' input method.

About 3 months a go I purchased a Razer Lycos. I love it for the feel of the keys and being able to see the keyboard when I am wearing my 3D vision glasses. The only issue that I have had so far is a random freeze with the keyboard that requires a reboot.

I have been loving this new feature of using the keyboard to enter data into the CDU. How many of you are using it and how many are still imputing data with the mouse and buttons because you feel it is more realistic. At first I thought that and then I realized that real pilots do not use a mouse to input the data.

I see it that way: the mouse pointer is my hand in the cockpit and I consider using the mouse more realistic for the simple fact that the real FMC in the real aircraft has a specific layout and my QWERTZ keyboard looks nothing like it. Sure, using the real keyboards adds a tactile sensation but has a very different typing flow than using the A-Z keypad layout of the FMC. I only use keyboard/joystick/hotas shortcuts for time sensitive things like lowering the gear and flaps on approach, because I don't have a yoke. and I would have to juggle my hands to make it work. Everything else is done in the cockpit, using the virtual representation of the real deal.

me , loads quicker with the keyboard feature :)

EZCA doesnt realise you are holding the Tab button when type an "A" or "S" in the CDU though, so your view changes every time i type one of those letters. Not a PMDG fault - purely EZCA. Very annoying!

I prefer the old keyboard method form the 747. Means I can input with one hand and don't have to hold down the tab key.

I prefer the old keyboard method form the 747. Means I can input with one hand and don't have to hold down the tab key.

You can do this in the NGX as well, just click in the scratchpad area.

I prefer the old keyboard method form the 747. Means I can input with one hand and don't have to hold down the tab key.

Mouse click on the scratch pad and you don't have to hold tab.

Keyboard emulation is a must, just doing it by mouse is a PITA. I'm a realism junkie, but there are limits, this is flight-sim after all. Until touchscreens are commonplace and affordable, no one can look down on someone taking some shortcuts here and there.

You can do this in the NGX as well, just click in the scratchpad area.

Mouse click on the scratch pad and you don't have to hold tab.

Cheers guys, missed that one.

i generally use the mouse to key in data to the fmc, i used to use the keyboard at any opertunity but ive found myself using the mouse more often, i dont really have a reason for it rather than preference

I use the keyboard,