First off a big thanks to Xoxide for sending us this keyboard. They shipped the package quickly and it arrived in perfect condition. A most often overlooked aspect of the PC experience for the casual user is the keyboard and mouse.
Many homes that I have been in to service a PC have the same old keyboard and mouse that is often packed with an off the shelf desktop computer. For those of us with years of gaming experience and many hours a day at our computer desks we have a rabid appreciation for a quality keyboard and mouse.
I have used keyboards from the time of the IBM AT desktop all the way through the high-end wireless makes sold today. I am highly selective of my interface devices and will not settle for anything less than a perfect fit. I want to preface this review with some words of caution, much of what I enjoy about a good keyboard are things that I have become used to. Features and quirks that are unique to my experience and taste. I will try to distinguish from the true faults and what I consider a short coming based solely on what I am used to. Let’s get to it.
Currently I am using two Microsoft Internet Pro Keyboards on my desktops. They are heavy and very durable. One has survived multiple drink spills. I am about as tough on a keyboard as one can be and I have been very happy with the performance of these. My Current setup also includes the use of a flexible, USB light, which is connected to the 2 port USB hub on the Microsoft keyboard.
When considering the new lighted keyboard the lighted keys played a big part in my choice to replace one of my Microsoft boards. The USB spot light does a poor job of lighting the key surface evenly and is only marginally helpful. The size of the lighted keyboard is also a nice feature compared to the bulk of my MS board. I have a slide out tray on my computer desk and the extra room is a welcome benefit.
The lighted keyboard came packaged in a plain white box with a plastic window. I believe the simpler the packaging the lower the cost to produce and sell the unit, a plus in my book. The unit has 99 keys that are quite small and streamlined. The layout is a bit different, with the Page up, Home, page down, and end keys flanking the right side from top to bottom.
The size and shape of the primary section reminds me of a notebook keyboard and the keys are about the same thickness. The keys also have a similar amount of travel and feel as a notebook keyboard. This keyboard lacks all the extra internet and other various keys that have been added to newer model keyboards, also a bonus in my mind. I never use any of them.
On the top right is an ON/Off button to toggle the El lighting on and off. I really like this, as El products have been known to have a short lifespan, this can greatly increase the useful life of the light feature. For it’s small size I was very surprised at the weight of the keyboard, it has a nice solid feel and does not slip and slide when bumped. The over all profile is very low and gives the unit a sleek simple look that’s easy on the eyes.
The keyboards translucent keys are easy to read whith the lights on or off. When the lighted surface is on it is bright, but easy on the eyes in a dark room.
I think with any new interface device there is always an adjustment period. When I switched to trackballs from mice years ago it took about 2 weeks to forget I was using a new device. I have been using this board for 3 days now and that’s about the time you will notice things you don’t like or need more time to become accustomed too.
First off, the backspace key, It is a normal sized key on this board. I am used to an oversized backspace key. Being a horrible speller I depend on this key quite a bit and find myself accidentally missing it. This is not really the keyboard’s fault, just my habits.
The Control, Alt and space bar keys are also a bit small for my habits, again something that requires more use on my part. The movement of the keys is firm enough to feel good when typing and the sharply defined edges of each key kept my fingers on track across the letters.
For gamers, the positioning of the control and alt keys relative to the arrow keys on the right side may not be easy to overcome. The alt key is especially far away and there is an Insert and delete key between the arrows and control key.
This may not be as big a problem as it sounds however, a simple reassignment of those keys in your game to the del and insert keys puts them right in the same spot traditionally held by control and alt. For the LAN party this board’s low profile and medium weight make it easy to pack and carry and of course the light allows you to see in a dimly lit LAN party.
The El lighting is a nice soft glow, bright enough to see very well but also easy on the eyes. Even with the El lighting off at night, the bright translucent keys are much easier to see than my old MS keyboard.
For those of you who may have difficulty adjusting to the layout I would recommend an app that allows you to disable certain keys like caps lock so you don’t accidentally hit them all the time. This is a good idea on most any keyboard.
As an avid gamer, I have used this keyboard with a few different types of games just to see if anything annoyed me. After playing Command & Conquer Generals, Unreal Tournament 2k3 and No One Lives Forever 2 I must say I forgot I was even using a new board at all. Nothing jumped out as being unusual or lacking in the experience.
My computer is a good distance away from my chair and the cord of the keyboard is about a foot too short to reach. A nice 6 foot cord would be a great addition for those of us with large desk layouts.
Conclusion
At the end of my testing period, it has now been 2 weeks since I begn using this board. I must say I am completely at home with it now. The small backspace and space bar keys are no longer a bother as I have become used to thier size and placement.
When considering one of the many lighted keyboards available today, I think you will be very happy with this model. If for no other reason the price is just so much lower than all the others and differs little from them in features and quality of materials.
The only real shortcoming I can find is the length of the cord. A 6 foot cord is a must, and I would gladly pay an extra $5 on the price for that length. Over all a simple, easy to use design that offers fantastic features for a very low price.
I am going to give this keyboard a 9/10 and award it the OCmodshop Seal of Approval, head over to Xoxide and pick one up for yourself.
Pros
- Huge “wow” factor
- The best price in town for a lighted keyboard period
- Nice weight, the unit feels soild and has quality materials through out
- On/Off switch for the El Lighting
- Small, streamlined and low profile to fit in tight desk space
- El lighting is perfectly even across the whole surface and is easy on the eyes
- No useless internet keys
Cons
- The small size of some keys will take some getting used to
- The cord should be 6 feet long