OCZ Elixir II Gaming Keyboard

Introduction

Keyboards are an item which a lot people will probably replaced fairly often. Not only do they wear out after a while, but they also come free with any new computer. So, like me, you probably have an abundance of them stashed away in a cupboard for that occasion when yours simply refuses to work.

Today we will be looking at OCZ’s latest offering- The Elixir II. This gaming keyboard is designed with compactness in mind, aimed at those gamers with limited desktop space. Here are the full specifications taken from OCZ’s site:

Slim Design
Lightweight 1.35 lbs.
Connection: USB 2.0
Rubberized Coating SoftTouch Keys
Internet and Email Hotkeys
System Power-down button
Lifespan: 5 million cycles
Instantly Plug-and-Play, no drivers needed!
One-year warranty

Another piece of info that is omitted from the specification is how thin the keyboard is: around 15mm. This makes it sit very low to the desk, how that will effect comfort though, we’re not sure. Other than omission the specifications look quite impressive; It doesn’t weigh much and has the usual selection of hotkeys and USB 2.0.

The Keyboard


OCZ Elixir II Packaging OCZ Elixir II Packaging

The keyboard arrived in a corregated cardboard box. This not only encloses the keyboard but also gives it a bit a padding. On the front of the box is a picture of the keyboard, company name and a bit about the keyboard. Round the back we have a few diagrams of the keyboard as well as multi-lingual information.

OCZ Elixir II out of packaging OCZ Elixir II Un-wrapped

Unfortunately the box contains nothing more than the keyboard, but at least this means no unnecessary additions to the cost. The keyboard and cable come wrapped in a clear plastic wrap, stopping them from getting marked or damaged during transit.
 
OCZ Elixir II keys OCZ Elixir II Keys

The keys of the Elixir II are rubberised around the rim (grey area) whilst the keys themselves are plastic. It follows a fairly standard QWERTY layout, and has a numpad over on the right hand side. Above the numpad are the lights for Num Lock/ Scroll lock/ Caps Lock. So far so good.
 
OCZ Elixir II Keys
The only noticable difference from the standard layout is the #~ key. OCZ have chosen to put this above the enter key, and make the enter key smaller. This seems a little odd, and will probably annoy experienced touch typists.
 
OCZ Elixir II feet OCZ Elixir II feet

On the bottom of the keyboard we have the two feet. These are fairly wide, providing plenty of stability and holding the keyboard nice and securely to the desk. They fold flat to the keyboard when not in use.