Auravision EluminX Keyboard

Author
Aron Schatz
Posted
May 11, 2003
Views
51238
Even without the EL lighting, this slim keyboard is a dream to type on. How does it function as a lighted keyboard though? You'll need to read to find out.

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Page 1
<center>EluminX</center>

<B>Intro</B>:

After I published my last EL keyboard review, Jeff, the CEO of <a href="http://www.auravisionllc.com">Auravision</a> called me up and we started talking. The call ended up in me receiving another lighted product, this time the EluminX EL keyboard from Auravision. What can the EluminX bring to the table? Read on...

<B>Box</B>:

<center>Box Top Box Bottom</center>

The packaging, what a nice box it is. The front clearly shows you what the product looks like and on the back you see the new colors that are coming out. I might have some pictures of a new red EL color soon!

<B>Parts</B>:

<center>Parts</center>

You basically get the keyboard and a manual (short one at that). The keyboard itself is PS2 with no USB adapter in sight. If you have a legacy free board, you'll have to purchase a PS2 to USB adapter. Upon opening and looking at the keyboard you'll notice that it doesn't follow a traditional approach. The first thing I notice is that the keys are nice and flat, unlike most other keyboards. The second is that the keyboard is very translucent.

<center>Locks</center>

At the top left you see the EluminX logo and at the top right are the status LEDs. The status LEDs are green, which doesn't match the color of the lighted keyboard.

<center>Keyboard bottom</center>

Here is the back of the keyboard. Notice anything missing? Riser legs. This keyboard sits only at one angle and isn't adjustable. If you need more of an angle, you're out of luck.

<center>China</center>

Another product made in China. There goes the US manufacturing Sad.

<center>Warning</center>

Can you spot the error? Other than the grammar mistake, that warning if fairly common.

<B>Comparisons</B>:

<center>Elite Comparison</center>

The above picture shows the comparison to the size of a pretty standard keyboard. It is the Logitech Elite keyboard. The EluminX is nearly the same width of it, so the size is good for a keyboard.

<center>Gyration Comparison</center>

Here is the Gyration cordless keyboard. I also threw in a ruler to show you the size.
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<B>Testing</B>:

This is where things get tricky. The keyboard light always stays on if you're using, only after the computer goes idle does the light go off. So instantly, you always have to type with the light on. Something to think about.

<center>Room lighting</center>

This is how the keyboard looks in a normal lit room. You'll notice that you can see the light from the keyboard. I also want to point your attention to the keys themselves. They are difficult to see because of the same translucent plastic that makes it cool looking.

<center>Close Up Lit</center>

Here you can clearly see that the keyboard has black splotches on the back (I think it is the sensor grid). This makes reading the black text on the translucent background very hard. I even confirmed this with my Dad, Mom and a friend.

You'll notice that the keys are fairly large and flat. This is a plus, I found typing on this keyboard to be a dream. The clicks were responsive and the fact that the keys weren't so far raised was a nice touch. The keyboard would be awesome even without the EL lighting due to the way it is built. Believe me, once you try this slim keyboard (in fact, it is called the slim series), you'll wonder why others don't follow that.

<center>Dark</center>

Here is how the keyboard looks in complete darkness. Those black splotches really take away from the keyboard, the keys are hard as hell to read.

<center>Close Up Num Arrow close up Enter and Shift</center>

Here we have close ups in the dark of choice areas. You'll notice that the arrow keys are away from other keys as to not hit them while playing games (after all, playing games in the dark is what everyone want to do right?).

<center>EL Comparison</center>

Here is a comparison of EL keyboards. You'll notice which is much easier to read. Opaque keys are the way to go. I'd also like to note that blue is getting really old, I'm waiting for more colors please.

<B>Conclusion</B>:

Let me start this conclusion straight off that I would wait till a second version of this keyboard comes out (due very soon I'm told). You'll have your choice of key colors, opaque and all. As it stands now, if you need a full size EL keyboard, this is the only one on the market that can satisfy your needs. Prices will be dropping soon, so wait till they do and buy it then! I'd like to thank <a href="http://www.auravisionllc.com">Auravision</a> for making this review possible and stay tuned for more EL stuff!

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