To improve the operational efficiency of iTWO costX using a Razer one-handed gaming keypad.
Fusion of Gaming Hardware and Estimating Software
By Jianpeng Deng
Updated on 21/10/2021
What is iTWO costX?
Intro straight from the website:
“…is a takeoff and estimating solution designed for those working in the construction industry.”
“Key features include 2D takeoff, 5D BIM, integrated spreadsheets, customisable reporting and bid day management.”
“iTWO Costx is used primarily by quantity surveyors, commercial and residential builders, subcontractors, and BIM Managers.”
What are Razer and its one-handed keypad?
Razer intro straight from the website:
“…with a mission to create high-quality products designed solely to meet the demanding needs of gamers like themselves.”
“…innovating to produce a unified platform of connected devices and software.”
One-handed keypad intro straight from the website:
“…a complete arsenal of 32 fully programmable keys for skills, hotkeys and macros right at your fingertips.”
“The 8-way directional thumbpad can also be used for easy movement or to expand on commands.”
How do they work together?
Razer Synapse is the key
Intro straight from the website
“…allows you to rebind controls or assign macros to any of your Razer peripherals…”
In simple English, anyone can straight away create any macro in 2 seconds without the need of writing a page long of code.
For example, creating a dimension group
The mainstream way is:
1. Go to the ‘Dimension’ ribbon
2. Click the ‘Add’ button to open a pop-out window
3. Type out the dimension group name plus your initial at the back
4. Choose the measurement type
5. Press ‘Insert’ to finish
The macro-involved way is:
1. One press on the keypad
2. Type out the dimension group (the initial and measurement type are automatically input)
3. Press ‘Insert’ to finish
List of macros I am using
One press on the keypad to activate these frequently used functions when measuring in drawings:
1. Line mode
2. Point mode
3. Angle snap
4. Create a dimension group in area
5. Create a dimension group in count
6. Create a dimension group in length
7. Select in area
One press on the keypad to activate these frequently used functions when writing in workbooks:
1. Copy row(s)
2. Paste row(s)
3. Delete row(s)
4. Show source of the selected dimension group
5. Going in and out of a cell’s levels
Upsides and Downsides
Upsides
Save your time looking for buttons over ribbons.
No more tedious and repetitive clicking, for example, going in and out of levels in a workbook when doing checking.
Minimise the chances of making errors, for example, adding your initials at the back of every dimension group you create.
Downsides
You will need a Razer product and its software in order to create macros.
You will need to have some basic computing knowledge to use the software.