Overview

The EluminX keyboard is billed as a slim keyboard so keep that in mind as we continue with this review. I decided to actually type up the review using the EluminX keyboard to see what it would feel like when writing an article.

The version of the keyboard that we’re looking at uses a black solid plastic frame that keeps a relatively low profile to the desk. You will instantly notice that the keyboard layout is slightly different from your standard keyboard. All your standard keys are available except that Auravision has decided to merge the middle set of keys with the main working set of QWERTY keys. Thus the keys - DELETE, HOME, PGUP, PGDN, and END are now found to the right of the Enter key. I’m not too crazy about this design – especially the fact that the HOME and END keys are so far apart. I actually use those keys quite a bit and the new layout screws up where I would expect them to be while typing.

Notice the placement of the HOME, PGUP, PGDN, and END keys	Separate Numeric Keypad

However, because Auravision attempted to slim down the keyboard design, I do recognize the need for a slightly modified design. However, one should look at notebook designers such as IBM to gain insight into how to both slim down a keyboard AND keep a comfortable arrangement of keys. To be fair, I must give Auravision credit for making sure that there is a separate numeric keyboard on this slim keyboard design. If they had integrated the numeric keyboard into the character keys then I absolutely would have screamed!

Top of the keyboard	Bottom of the keyboard

and in case you are curious as to what that says in the back..

The keys themselves are made of a fairly sturdy semi-translucent plastic construction. There is a slight laptop feel to the keys when you first begin to use this keyboard (or it may remind you of an Apple keyboard!). Some keys have been reduced in physical size to keep with the slim design – notably the SHIFT, CTRL and ALT keys on the left hand side of the keyboard. I tend to use the CTRL key a good deal when using my system for short cut key combinations and with the EluninX keyboard, I often end up missing the CTRL key while typing. Since the keys are smaller, the ALT key isn’t exactly where I would expect it and thus using the ALT-TAB key combination to switch between applications can be a royal pain. These are minor quibbles with the keyboard design but if you are a big keyboard shortcut user under Windows, then using the EluminX can be an annoyance.

The keys also have a short keystroke when compared against the larger brethren. Whether you like the shorter keystroke is a personal decision. I’m used to shorter keystrokes from using a laptop a great deal but some users may find it disconcerting. However, I’ve been relatively impressed with the overall construction of the keys themselves. There is enough tactile response from a key press to inform the user that a key stroke has been registered. Typing on the EluminX also produces an audible click which will aid in informing the user that a key was pressed.

Not much of a key depth eh?	Another angle

The keyboard itself is indeed very flat. Unlike the pictures that are shown of the keyboard in both the packaging and the EluminX website, the keyboard does not have legs on the rear of the keyboard. There is a slight angle built right into the design of the keyboard frame but I personally prefer a slightly steeper incline which I can not obtain with the EluminX keyboard. This could be a concern to some who have ergonomic needs when using a keyboard in conjunction with a wrist guard (or frankly any other ergonomic gear). We would love to see Auravision add adjustable legs to the keyboard and also thicken the keyboard base a bit.

No legs