Review: Enermax Aurora Premium Keyboard

Although usually considered last when completing a PC build or upgrading peripherals, the keyboard is actually a very important element of the computer. Often taken for granted, it is one of three components that users spend most of their time in contact with (along with the mouse and monitor).

When Enermax asked the Test Center if we'd be interested in evaluating a keyboard from their aluminum line we figured we would give it a shot, and we were glad we did.

The Aurora Premium keyboard that arrived a few days later weighs in at a little over two and a half pounds. Needless to say, this thing is solidly built. Constructed of very smooth, brushed aluminum, we were sent the black model (it is also available in silver).

Enermax Aurora Premium Keyboard

After plugging in the USB connector, our Windows XP machine immediately started loading the drivers and we were ready to go. One of the first things reviewers noticed was the nice, tactile "snap" that the patented "SCISSORS" key switch technology gives when each key is depressed. Although there is a very low audible sound from the keys, it is not the annoying click reminiscent of keyboards from the past. The keys have a firm, but not stiff feel to them and leave no doubt whether or not a key was depressed.

At first, we found ourselves hitting the oversized Enter key instead of the intended Backspace, but we soon adjusted to the layout and had no other issues. Flat key caps, combined with the zero degree angle of the keys, allow fingers to quickly glide from one to the next. In fact, we were surprised to find that typing actually became quicker, and even a bit more accurate.

Although Enermax lists Extended Wrist Rest as a bullet point on their features list, reviewers thought the approximately one and a half inch length is a little on the short side. Even so, the flat profile of the keyboard made it comfortable to use without the additional length or height of the rest. As a side note, the aluminum build seems to repel heat and is always cold to the touch. Depending on the user, this could be positive or negative, but we liked it.

Aside from its keyboard functionality, the Aurora also has two USB 2.0 ports on the back, and a built-in audio chip. The audio chip transfers the audio inputs and outputs to the jacks located on the side of the unit. This comes in handy for use with VoIP headsets. A "Read Me First" sheet that was included in the box, almost as an afterthought, warns that since motherboards and operating systems prioritize "USB Audio first," the PC audio will only be available through the keyboard.

Luckily, illustrated instructions on how to reconfigure the default audio settings (in Windows) are included. With a street price in the $70 range, the Aurora Premium seems to be a little expensive for a keyboard, but anyone who is at their computer all day will appreciate the good-looking and, more importantly, comfortable design. This keyboard is truly a pleasure to use.