Testing

Being that I moved to an ergonomic keyboard about 8 years ago, I found myself fumbling around for the keys at first, but after a few minutes of typing I was back to typing away on a standard keyboard layout without any problems. The very first thing I noticed was just how comfortable the rubber coated keys are. There is a lot less slippage which is very important when playing games. The biggest thing that concerned me was the fact that the Elixir is a $30 keyboard. How can a $30 keyboard withstand the kind of abuse gamers dish out? I've tossed out a lot of keyboards after a just a couple weeks due to key binding, but you can always tell right away when you have a cheap keyboard. The Elixir is no $100 keyboard, but it doesn't feel like a cheap keyboard either. The keys are nice and loose and I don't expect to see any binding with the Elixir down the road.

The biggest feature that really make the Elixir stand out from other other keyboards is the 10 programmable macro keys. The software that comes with the keyboard is simple and very easy to use, not to mention self explanatory.

Macro keys have stirred up a lot of controversy over the years and I've even seen people at LAN parties accuse macro users of cheating. In a way it is like cheating...that's what makes it so cool! Cheating or not, macro keys are awesome and they give the users an unparalleled edge.

Not only does the software program the 10 macro keys, but you can also reprogram all the other keys by simply pointing and clicking. It just doesn't get any easier than that.

Conclusion

OCZ's new Alchemy Series Elixir Gaming Keyboards are pretty damn cool. With features like membrane coated keys, programmable macro keys, easy to use software, spare set of keys, and a great feel, I would have expected this keyboard to retail for twice the asking price. OCZ has done a great job of cramming all of these features into a keyboard that fits right into the average gamers budget. At first I was a little apprehensive of a so called "gamers keyboard" for $30, but OCZ has somehow pulled it off. The Elixir gaming keyboard is an great keyboard for an awesome price and I'm proud to stamp it "Club Overclocker Recommended"!  

Performance:	4 out of 5
Innovation:	5 out of 5
Quality:	4 out of 5
Stability:	N/A
Aesthetics:	4 out of 5
Software/Drivers Pack:	5 out of 5
Overclocking:	N/A
Value:	5 out of 5
Project Skill Level (5 being most difficult)	1 out of 5