42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Nice keyboard, but not for everyone., May 9, 2004
This review is from: Auravision EluminX Illuminated Keyboard -Black (Personal Computers)
Before buying this keyboard through Amazon, I researched two other models, and based on what I read, I determined that this would be the best of the three due to its higher-quality build construction and larger keys and overall larger layout. After having used it every day for 4 months now, here are my impressions:
This keyboard took some getting used to. While the keys and layout are larger than a laptop's, the feel of the keys is very similar to a laptop's as far as how the keys feel when depressing them. Not a bad thing really, but I much prefer the feel of a regular standard keyboard. Unfortunately, as of this writing, there are no standard-type keyboards available with illumination.
And speaking of illumination, I am extremely satisfied with the illumination provided here. It's not terribly bright, so you won't really notice it when you have other room lights on. But when you're in a dark room, this thing looks just stunning and for my purposes, it provides just the exact right amount of light. If it were much brighter, it would be more of a distraction. The illumination is nice and even, and I've gotten several comments on how beautiful it looks.
I've read elsewhere about electrical interference and a high-pitched buzzing. I worried about this until I actually got mine. I noticed absolutely none of that interference or noise, so I can't imagine what the problem might be for those folks. I've used cordless phones nearby and have played games through the PC speakers, and got none of the whine I'd heard of. It's still functioning perfectly, and there have been many times I've left it on for days at a time.
The keyboard derives its power right through the PS2 connection. You install it simply by plugging it in as you would any other keyboard. That's it. There's no on/off switch, but then again you don't really need one. The manufacturer claims 10,000 hours lfe expectancy for the illumination, and I've got no reason to doubt it. There is no drawback that I can see to having it lit all the time. It never gets warm. I've just never had a single problem with this thing, other than the getting used to it part, which took me about 3 weeks of daily use until I got used to the amount of pressure required on the keys. It's about as sensitive as a regular keyboard, but you don't have to push down as far on the key. The entire board lays completely flat. So to sum up, I think once an initial adjustment has been made, I think most folks will grow to love this board, and if nighttime illumination is important (I play games like "Thief: The Dark Project" at night with all the lights off, which was my personal motivation for buying this), this board is the best there is. And it adds a stunning look to your system as a side-benefit. It is not cheap, but it has never malfunctioned, and is not cheaply made. It feels the same today as when I bought it new 4 months ago. I'm very pleased with it.
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great for ambiance junkies..and for smaller work areas..., March 1, 2005
I had this on my Amazon wish list just for fun. Since it was the only thing on my wish list for less than $100 (OK, for less than $600..why do you think it's called a wish list!), I scored it from a kind relative at Christmas.
It's a very good performer on all counts. Be advised that this is not a full size keyboard: it's probably somewhere between a standard keyboard and a laptop keyboard. I have big hands/fingers, and it accomodates them comfortably...more comfortably than a laptop keyboard does.
The light is very cool from an atmosphere perspective. The light is a soft blue-white, and just looks nice. Lighting power is provided by the PS2 connection, nothing extra required.
Ours resides on a small desk in a small spare bedroom, where an older computer sits for use by guests. It's smaller total footprint is appreciated in this workspace where real estate is at a premium.
It may cost about twice as much as a name-brand wired keyboard that is not illuminated...but it's easily twice as cool:-)
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
EluminX is the top rated!, February 14, 2006
This review is from: Auravision EluminX Illuminated Keyboard -Black (Personal Computers)
This is a great keyboard, I do a lot of night computing and gaming. The illumination is just right, with background light the keyboard has a less intense glow but with more darkness the color (glow) soon becomes apparent. I've read the other reviews about light flickering, well no such issue here; you other people might have something else with your machine that is causing the flicker. There is also no "Whining" noise as some others have stated, again sounds like a machine issue (soundcard or power supply) There have been rumors about this keyboard not working with KVM switches; not the case. This keyboard works great with KVM switches, just use the Scroll Lock (fast double click) and bingo you now can use the keyboard with a second computer. My only problem is just getting used to the key layout, (like a laptop) if you use a laptop computer then the conversion will be no problem, if not well get used to the keys, (like the delete key) being in different locations. In time I have become accustom to the new layout.
I've looked at other brands of illuminated keyboards and for the slightly higher price this one beats then all!
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