SunbeamTech Pro-Series Lite Up Keyboard

Examination:

One of the downfalls of EL illuminated keyboards is that the keys are generally compact and the layout is much more conservative, quite similar to what is found on laptops. The reason for these changes is to maximize the luminosity of the keys while saving on the length of EL wire required. However, SunbeamTech has fortunately made this keyboard full-sized, similar to what we saw with the Logisys Streamline Illuminated Keyboard. In addition to the standard desktop keys, there are additional keys for applications, multimedia, Internet, office application, office lock, enhanced function, and clipboard keys. In addition to the 133 keys, there is also a scroll wheel on the left side of the keyboard.

For the four LEDs located above the number pad, Sunbeam tech has "x4 super bright blue LEDs". Although we found these LEDs to be rather bright, they weren't quite as appalling as the LEDs found in the Logisys Xenix keyboard. We're not quite sure why manufacturers are into loading these really bright LEDs here because we personally have found these bright LEDs to be rather distracting when gaming on similar keyboards in the past.

Another rare feature found on this SunbeamTech keyboard are the toggle and close switches found below the arrow keys. These two keys allow you to toggle between open windows (ALT + TAB) and to close any open window. Running along the top and left portion of the keyboard are all of the extra multimedia/application keys. However, these keys aren't illuminated, as they are some simple rubber buttons. Another interesting aspect of this keyboard is that the EL on/off is toggled from the same key as activating the scroll lock. This is quite unique from other keyboards that offer a dedicated button for switching the EL status. Another one of the features accompanying the SunbeamTech Pro-Series Lite Up Keyboard is the bottom spill resistant design. Basically, if you spill any fluid between the keys the liquid will eventually seep through designated holes in the bottom of the keyboard to reduce damage.

Flipping over the keyboard, we were disappointed to see that the height of the keyboard isn't adjustable. Rather than using foldable foot stands, SunbeamTech uses plastic that is already molded to a specific angle. When examining the bottom of the keyboard, we also found a small battery compartment. When consulting SunbeamTech engineers as to why there is a battery compartment on the bottom of the keyboard, they responded with:

"The reason why there is a battery compartment on the back of the keyboard is because this Keyboard comes with Wireless also. But the wireless version don't come with Illuminated feature because illuminated feature takes too much of the power. So this Keyboard uses the same molding with Wireless or Wired. Again, we can't make the Illuminated in wireless because it takes too much of power."