Setup and Usage
Getting the Elixir keyboard setup is pretty simple, just go ahead and plug in the USB cable and you are ready to go. You also will want to install the included software. Once you have that installed you can go ahead and load it up. The software is very easy and simple to use. You are shown a diagram of the keyboard and you can change the 10 hotkeys by just clicking on the box next to them. When you go to assign a key a window pops up with quite a few options. You also are able to launch programs with the hot keys.
There are 3 different key profiles you can use. So say I wanted to make a profile for Crysis and another for Dirt 2 I could easily do that so I wouldn’t have to reprogram the keys each time I wanted to play the games. There is a mode button and LED indicator on the top of the keyboard to easily switch between the 3 profiles.
I played quite a few games with the keyboard and the keys were very comfortable. They have a rubberized coating that makes them great for gaming. All of the hotkeys I setup worked perfectly without any issues.
Final Thoughts
Besides the 2 sets of hotkeys this keyboard really is a no frills keyboard, but it gets the job done. Many people do need all the lights and other crap that are on other keyboards, they just want a keyboard that works well. The Elixir keyboard works great and hotkeys are a nice bonus for gamers. I also like that OCZ includes extra W, A, S, D, arrow, and spacebar keys. For gamers these are the keys that wear down the most so having an extra set is a bonus.
The included software is really easy to use and works great. Having 3 different profiles for the hotkeys is great if you play multiple games.
When it comes down to it this keyboard is $20, not bad at all for a quality keyboard with 10 programmable hot keys and the other shortcut keys. I’m surprised I haven’t seen more of these keyboards at LAN parties!
Overall ThinkComputers gives the OCZ Alchemy Series Elixir Gaming Keyboard a 10 out of 10 score and our Good Value Award!
Pros:
– Its only $20!
– 10 programmable hotkeys
– 3 different hotkey profiles
– Extra set of gaming keys
Cons:
– None
