Customer Reviews

Auravision EluminX Illuminated Keyboard -Black

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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.

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:-)

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!

I've had the EluminX for almost a year now, the feel and layout of this board is much like that of a laptop. The illumination will draw many gamers to this keyboard but I don't think it is well suited to the abuse that game play dishes out. This keyboard is delicate! My "D" key stopped working recently from all the fps abuse I was laying onto it. I just ordered the Saitek Eclipse to replace it and will review that once I have more time on it.

This keyboard would be perfect for people using it in a media PC or any non game rig. Side note... you have to really be diligent on keeping it clean as you will see all the crumbs and stuff that falls between the keys.

Pros:
Cool factor
Really looks great in a dark room
Nice feel

Cons:
Very delicate.
Only available in legacy PS/2 connector.
Illumination flickers from time to time
Lock keys are GREEN LED's

I rarely write reviews mostly because people will buy what they want regardless of what a reviewer writes. However, I thought I'd write one mostly in response to the people who gave "bad" reviews. First let me say that I've owned this keyboard for three plus years and have been using it for all three plus of those years on a daily basis as a gaming keyboard. So yes I do "use" my keyboard rather aggressively at times.

One reviewer mentioned an interference type noise, a hum or buzz like a cooling fan. I've never heard this noise. Sounds like you have a grounding issue somewhere. If it is indeed the keyboard, it sounds defective and I'd contact the folks at Auravision about a replacement.

Another reviewer or two wrote that the keyboard is "flismy". Yes, it's not a rigid keyboard like you'd find that comes with an out of the box PC. I wouldn't want to use it to defend myself if someone broke into my home or whatnot, but it's far from delicate. The keys are low profile and the keyboard is slim without much in the way of extra plastics and clutter.

As I already mentioned, I've had the keyboard for a bit over three years and use it everyday. I've yet to see any dimming or failure in the illumination. I believe that the warranty on the illumination equates to leaving it on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 6 years or something like that. If your keyboard is dimming/going out, then I suggest contacting Auravision support and see about a replacement.

My Pros and Cons:

Pros:
Asthetically Pleasing
Soft-touch Quiet Keys
Low Profile Design


Cons:
Price


All-in-all the Elluminex Keyboard is the best keyboard, illuminated or otherwise, I've used. I bought a Logitech G15 gaming keyboard a few weeks ago (same $80 price) and it's since been returned. Yes the Auravision keyboard doesn't have multi-function keys, display screens and the like, but it's a solid, comfortable keyboard that looks phenominal in light and in the dark. If you like simple and elegent, then this keyboard is for you. If you want a myriad of buttons that you'll never use, loud clicky keys, etc. then look somewhere else.

I'm updating this as of May 14, 2008...I'm still using my keyboard on a daily basis and I've just recently had my first 'issue' with the keyboard...one key is a little harder to depress than the rest but still functions very well. Oh, and my "A" key looks like a crooked number 4...one leg has worn off. Five plus years with the same keyboard running strong. Maybe that's why Auravision no longer exists/makes this keyboard...they last too long!!!

I like working in a dimly lit office and this keyboard provides all the ambient light I need. I would describe the feel as somewhere between a Sun Type 6 keyboard and a laptop. The only gripe I have is that the space bar is rather narrow and the keybord lies flat which I found uncomfortable until I made a rear riser out of some scrap wood and velcro tape.

I have only had it a week so I cannot comment on durablility but it seems pretty solid.

I recieved this keyboard as a gift in Nov 2003. This keyboard is the s**t, no doubt. Haven't had anyone dislike it yet, everyone falls in love with it at first glance. Soon I am to purchase the matching Auravision Mouse, also with Sappphire illumination. Only probs with this thing is the laptop style keys, which are flat instead of being raised with a groove on top like a normal keyboard. Also it flickers when idle for ~10 minutes and my system is on. I belive it is the sub causing the problem. Barely audible whine from the EL setup, kinda like a watch, can only hear in totally silent room (which the silence will drive me crazy before the whine).

I bought this keyboary about 6 months ago from a different website. Its pretty cool and the light function does work, however its almost impossible to see the keys light up with any kind of ambient light in the room. In other words, its very dim. This didnt really bother me because I do most of my gaming and typing in the dark (one of the reasons i bought it in the first place). Also, the keyboard is very small, like a laptop keyboard, so it will take some getting used to when typing. Ive used it for day to day typing and gaming and at first you have a tendency to hit the wrong keys but with use it becomes more natural.
Im not using it anymore though, with heavy day to day use and the round the clock gaming I do this keyboard has become quite dirty. And it is damn near impossible to clean. Some of the keys have begun to jam up because of it.
Still, if you want a keyboard that lights up for your LAN party or showpiece rig, its a decent keyboard. I dont recommend it for heavy day to day use though.

At first glance it looks like a conventional keyboard, though slimmer and slightly more compact, but the feel of the keys is simply outstanding. It has great tactile feedback and feels very solid. The electroluminescent glow is terrific for working on those late night papers and term projects in dim light. This is the same EL technology used on military hardware! On the downside, there is no on/off switch for the illumination, and no tilting legs found on standard keyboards. My typing speed and accuracy has actually improved using the Eluminx keyboard. There are many cheap imitation illuminated keyboards on the market, but this product is definitely well worth the few extra dollars. If you're a college student and crank out a lot of papers, this keyboard should be your first choice!

Cool glowing lighted keyboard . . . combined with flimsy build quality and it's a gigantic waste of money. If you are a power user or have a tendency to be a little firm on the keyboard, do not buy this model. It is not sturdy at all. If you like the cool glow, get a lava lamp instead plus a real keyboard-- and have some money left over.