OCZ Alchemy Elixir Keyboard

Examination:

When looking at the OCZ Elixir Keyboard for the first time it had faintly reminded us of the Razer Tarantula Keyboard, albeit a slightly trimmed down version. There is no glowing logo, dual USB connections, or any audio jacks, but the layout of the Elixir keyboard is quite similar to this $90 USD Razer product. To both sides of the main keyboard area are the ten programmable macro keys (five on each side) while further out are the multimedia and system controller keys. In the upper right hand corner is the mode key for switching between the available keyboard profiles / modes.

The multimedia keys include launch player, play/pause, stop, previous track, next track, volume up, volume down, and mute. The system controller keys are computer, e-mail, Web Browser/home, My Favorite, Web Browser Back, Web Browser Forward, and Web Browser Refresh. Using OCZ's software, the macro keys can be programmed with an automated repeat interval, insert delay (between 50ms and 250ms), program command, and be bound to one of the three profiles. Unfortunately, OCZ does not make this program available for the Linux operating system (or Mac OS X).

The main keys uses membrane tactile switches for best performance and all of the keys do have a rubberized coating. With rubberized keys we have liked them a lot better for their feel, durability, and they seem to stay cleaner. The operating force for each key is 55 grams +/- 12 grams.

On the back of the keyboard there are the standard props to lift the keyboard on a slight incline as well as small rubber pads to prevent the Elixir from sliding around. This gaming keyboard is USB based and its cord is about two meters long.