Introduction

The state of computer hardware is certainly advancing fast nowadays. Only a few years ago, it was considered "hardcore" to own a PC with more than one CPU. With the advent of dual-core processors, this is former status symbol is now becoming a standard, with not only enthusiasts building their own dual-core systems, but large PC makers producing them en masse. Indeed, it's not uncommon to see these processors also paired with dual-videocards and 2 GB of RAM; and with quad-core processors seemingly around the corner, we can only expect the power of home computers to grow at an even faster pace.

With all this power going into home computers it's somewhat ignominious to see them paired with inferior keyboards and mice. Far too often is so little thought given to input devices after a top-of-the-line system has been built, resulting in $15 keyboards being bought more as an afterthought than an actual decision - after all, it's the hardware that matters, right?

Well, yes, that's true - the hardware does matter. But many people don't understand that a keyboard is just as much a part of the computer as is a hard drive or CPU. In fact, it may even be more important, depending on what you do with your computer. If you're interacting with it a lot, (I.E. a desktop computer as opposed to a server), the input devices are very important as they will ultimately determine what you can do with your PC, how fast you can do it, and how comfortable you feel during that time. So, maybe more attention should be given to the lowly keyboard.

So, today, I'll be looking at the Enermax Aurora Aluminum keyboard. Most of you will know Enermax from the PSUs or cases they make, but this keyboard of theirs surely looks to be well done. But, can it get the job well?

Specifications

There aren't too many ground breaking features on this keyboard, as it's a plain-Jane keyboard as far as that is concerned. There aren't any extra buttons for launching your web browser, e-mail client, or anything extra that probably won't be used. It's your basic 104-key USB keyboard with a traditional layout that will make you remember the days before keyboard manufacturers started messing with layouts and adding all sorts of extra buttons.

• Full specifications

However, Enermax did decide to include a 2-port USB hub that will be useful for connecting a mouse, USB drive or any other USB peripheral in an easy-to-reach position. Audio ports (line out and mic) are also included, but these are activated merely by cables that will effectively cut your speakers out of the loop. So, while they are useful for hooking up a headset, to switch between the headset and your speakers you'll still have to go around to the back of your computer to switch out the keyboard's cables. A better solution would have been to provide a set of pass-through cables that still allowed your speakers to be hooked up, but only cut them out when the headphones were plugged in. Nevertheless, they will allow your audio ports to be relocated to the side of the keyboard.

The keyboard also features what they call an "Ultra-flat profile", like most new keyboards nowadays. (The days of huge tilted keyboards are over.) Besides having an all-aluminum top, the keys are also rated for > 10 million keystrokes. It comes packaged nicely, as you would expect, and weighs quite a bit; this is no lightweight keyboard and as a result it does not feel like a flimsy piece of plastic.

The Enermax Aurora keyboard.

Back features.

Well packaged.

After unpacking everything, you'll find that the keyboard also comes with a nice polish towel for keeping your keyboard looking brand new. If you're like me, you're a neat freak and everything has to be kept clean; keyboards are one of the most problematic things and so a polish cloth was a nice added touch, especially considering aluminum tends to look dirty easier than other surfaces. It would have been nice to see some sort of tiny brush included as well, but canned air seems to work better for getting rid of dust and debris.

What's included.

Connectors.

Polish cloth.

The keyboard itself is not particularly large, though it does have the standard, traditional layout. By this, I mean the original Insert/Home/Page Up grouping has been preserved, so that there is no double-sized delete key and the grouping is organized horizontally. For some, this will be a welcome reversal, but for others who have gotten used to the new layout, it may come as a bit of disappointment.

Personally, it doesn't matter all too much for me; I've used both and like the traditional layout more, but the new layout has its advantages and doesn't bother me. This traditional layout also means the Insert key is on its own and isn't paired with another key. One last thing to notice is that there is less space between the main grouping of keys and the other groupings than on a regular keyboard. (Arrow keys close to Control, etc.)

Standard Windows keys present.

Traditional layout.

Keys have a very flat profile.

But perhaps the most important thing to know about this keyboard is the laptop-like action and feel of its keys. As you can tell from the pictures, the keys have a very flat profile and are probably less than half the height of normal keyboard key caps. They also have less travel than regular keys, and as a result, typing on this keyboard feels more like typing on a laptop keyboard than a regular, full-sized keyboard.

Now don't completely dismiss this keyboard because of this. Many people believe that because laptops are designed with space in mind, the keyboard must necessarily suffer. This isn't always the case, as a properly designed laptop keyboard can actually be quite good. The Enermax keyboard resembles this; the keys provide good tactile feedback, and in some cases, many people prefer the laptop keyboard feel, as the keys don't move as much but still tell you when they're activated. In fact, many people who use a laptop daily will miss the keyboard's feel when they go back to a desktop.

Personally, it does not matter to me. (again) My main complaint about laptop keyboards is that they are often cramped; but this isn't a problem with the Enermax since it features a full-size layout. Just know that the Enermax is more akin to a laptop keyboard in terms of feel, key movement and responsiveness.

Key positions.

Spacing.

Audio ports on the left side.

The keyboard's top is made of brushed aluminum, and is available in either black or silver. This makes it fit in well with most aluminum keyboards if aesthetics is important to you; it also fits in with most flat panels, as those tend to be black in color. The LEDs on the keyboard are blue, which seems to be the "in" popular color for LEDs nowadays, so that was somewhat expected. (Blue also goes nice with black, and in fact my Antec Sonata case has the same color scheme.)

The aforementioned audio ports are on the left-hand side of the keyboard, while the USB ports are on the top edge/side of the keyboard, close to where the LEDs are above the numpad. That way, they are both accessible and unobtrusive.

Still has a slight tilt.

Seen here as well.

Overall, very nice looking.

Despite the claims of an "ultra flat profile" and a "zero-degree tilt", I actually found that this keyboard had more tilt than current Logitech keyboards, which also claim to have a "zero degree tilt". Old school keyboards used to have plenty of tilt, but the industry seems to be moving away from that nowadays. The Enermax keyboard does not have a lot of tilt, but just slightly more than some of the flat keyboards out there, as you can see in the pictures. If you're switching over from a flat keyboard, you'll notice it, no doubt, but it's not something that caused me pain or discomfort.

Bottom.

Feet.

Lastly, the bottom has the standard grip feet to make sure it doesn't slide around on your desk. There are also the standard feet at the top, just in case you desire a keyboard with a lot of tilt or slope. The bottom is not aluminum like the top, and there are no cable guides.