Enermax Aurora Keyboard Review (PC)

Enermax Aurora Keyboard

I have been fortunate enough to have recently been sent an Enermax Aurora Premium Keyboard to give it a solid test in general use and while gaming online. While testing this keyboard I’ve decided to look at it in the following sections, Packaging, Features, Build Quality, Performance and then a brief summary.

Packaging

The first thing I noticed about the keyboard was it looked well packaged and looked visually attractive but still compact which I think is always something that that needs to be the case when contemplating buying an expensive keyboard as this one tends to retail from around the £39.49 region, as when you take a look at the box all the features are clearly marked and you can see the quality when you look through the plastic protector.

Features

• Brushed Aluminium with Diamond- Cut Edges
• Windows Vista Support
• Audio I/O
• Build-in Audio Chip
• “Scissor Key” Switch Technology
• 10 Million Keystrokes lifetime
• 2-Port USB2.0 High Speed Hub
• 3 Height Level Rubber Stands
• Extended Wrist Rest
• Industrial Design and Components
• Everlasting Key top printing
• Zero Degree Angle
• Flat Key Caps
• Ultra Flat Profile
• Instant Connection
• Weight 1.3Kg

Build Quality

After reading the features of the keyboard I promptly began to take the Aurora out from the packaging and instantly realised how good the build quality of the keyboard was, it felt strong, sturdy and visually looked thin, attractive and solid, if compared to a car it would be considered a Volvo as it had a modern look about the keyboard but you can clearly tell it can take a few knocks.

All the connectors are in the right places and it has 2 x 2.0USB ports on the keyboard itself as well as its own sound device which is on the side, which is fine as it stops wires from overlapping the keys, and this is well designed because of the locations of the audio and USB connections as these allow for cables to be positioned correctly.

I also noticed that the feet are cleverly designed to allow the keyboard to make use of three different heights, which are easily set depending on how you set the feet, but even at maximum height it’s not too high and feels comfortable when looking to type on it.

The initial build impression you get when examining the keyboard, touching the button and just generally looking at the product, you can clearly tell thought and style went together when designing this keyboard, but even the final build clearly shows a strong and well developed product.

General Performance

I thought the best way to get a solid review of the product was to put it through its paces by using the keyboard to type, surf and some extensive gaming. I began typing by writing a small introduction regarding the product and just felt that the keyboard was smooth and responsive and had a comfortable feel while typing and again felt good while I was using it for general word processing, I even adjusted the heights on the keyboards feet because I wanted to see how each level felt, but they all seemed to pass the test and the keyboard felt easy enough to type on and was quite responsive which meant I could quite easily touch type without having to press the keys too hard.

Gaming Performance

Once I got a feel for the keys I thought I would check how the keyboard felt while I was gaming for a while and I have to admit I never once felt uncomfortable and a great thing about the keyboard it has “everlasting key top printing” so I assume this will mean after excessive gaming use that the keys still will not fade, unlike my Razer Lycosa which faded within a few days of using the actual keyboard.

I still feel it offers the gamer a good responsive peripheral that will take a lot of use because of its build quality.

In game it seemed to move and react to all my needs and it felt nice while playing, and again in game you can quite often press buttons too hard and have a fear of damaging equipment like the keyboard buttons getting damaged or losing keys, but with this keyboard it felt really good and safe, which again was a credit to the build quality and also the keyboard itself seemed to react well to the in game movements while playing the game.

The buttons and the keys all felt good, the audio was simple to use and get working, it is great if you don’t have a sound card or a good gaming headset, but again it was clearly well designed as I didn’t have any trailing cables. The keyboard seemed to be responsive in game, however unlike my previous keyboard the Razer Lycosa, there was no backlight or any extra media buttons, which are a couple of the features that could attract someone to the keyboard.

Summary

Overall, I would say this keyboard has a strong build quality and doesn’t feel like its going to just break or snap in two, its more of a word processing and high end business keyboard, but I still feel it offers the gamer a good responsive peripheral that will take a lot of use because of its build quality. The Keyboard itself performs on all fronts and passes with flying colours, again its only really let down is the lack of media buttons and the simple fact if your gaming with it at night, there are no backlit buttons to help guide you in the evenings.

I personally give the keyboard a 9/10 because the media buttons can sometimes be considered extra unwanted quality and the actual build of the keyboard is the best I’ve ever seen and the slim but solid design definitely makes this a great buy, I think it as good performer but could struggle in the gaming market because of the lack of extra buttons and lights, but as far as home or office use, I don’t think you’d buy a better keyboard as a result.

Thanks to Enermax for the opportunity to review this great piece of equipment.