Conclusion:
Is the
OCZ Technology Elixir keyboard going to change the gamer keyboard realm forever? I doubt that. The best feature this keyboard has going for it is that the extra ten keys give users added flexibility. The programmable macro keys give consumers added flexibility, but they can also get you into trouble. Some game developers like Blizzard have decided using macro keyboards to your advantage is cheating and is in violation of the terms of service. Despite this, I do expect this keyboard and its successors to become popular as the features packed into it are well balanced with the price.
Looking around the Internet reveals that the OCZ Technology Alchemy Series Elixir I keyboard can be found at places like
Newegg.com for as little as $30 shipped. The price is definitely one of the strong points, as you might expect to pay that much for a somewhat generic keyboard.
Given the added edge the
OCZ Technology Alchemy Series Elixir I keyboard can provide gamers, it earns the Bigbruin.com "Gaming Approved" award.
Pros:
» Low cost
» Macro function useful to gamers (especially MMORPG players)
» Handy multimedia controls (especially mute and volume controls)
» Rubberized keys are comfortable to work with
Cons:
» Wired keyboard, somewhat "old-fashioned"
» Only 3 keyboard profiles are permitted (for a maximum of 30 independent macros)
» Left Windows Key omitted! Bring it back!
» Key layout deviates from traditional US-International standard
» Palm rest is rigid plastic and not removable
Special thanks to
OCZ Technology for providing the OCZ Technology Alchemy Series Elixir I Keyboard to Bigbruin.com for review!
