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Enermax Aurora Premium & Aurora Micro Keyboards


Date
: 06/20/09 – 05:40:58 AM

Author
:

Category
: Input Devices

Page 1 : Index

Manufacturer
: Enermax Technology Corporation

Founded in 1990, Enermax has been around for quite a while. Enermax is most well known for their power supply units and cases so I was definitely surprised when I received a couple of keyboards from them to review.

We'll be looking at two similar keyboards from Enermax in this review, both from the same series – the Enermax
Aurora Premium
and
Aurora Micro
. I will be showing the products side-by-side for the most part in order to examine their similarities and differences.

Page 2 : Package

Both the Aurora Premium and the Aurora Micro come in similar packages. The package for the Micro is smaller. A small window on the left side allows the user to look at the actual keyboard. The right side features an image of the respective keyboard; although the image of the Aurora Premium shows a black one, we have the silver version. Logos and features are scattered around. Both keyboards are made of brushed aluminum.

Sides of the packages also have images of the keyboards.

Turning them over reveals the features and specifications in full detail.

Let's take a closer look at the features and specifications before proceeding to get our hands on the keyboards.

Page 3 : Features, Specifications, and Package Contents

I went to Enermax's website to find information on the Aurora keyboards and I came across two different pages for the Premium and the Micro.

First I will cover the information for the Premium.

Aurora Premium introduction:

Premium features:

Premium specifications:

Next up, we have the information for the Micro.

Aurora Micro introduction:

Micro features:

Micro specifications:

Both keyboards are unique in that they're machined from a solid block of aluminum. The keys have ‘scissors’ technology which results in a distinct typing feel. One of the main differences between the Premium and the Micro, apart from the size difference is that the Premium features an audio chip which allows you to use it as a USB sound card.

In terms of packaging, both keyboards are packaged very well inside a plastic frame. Both the silver and the black brushed aluminum look great.

Also included with the Aurora Premium is an instructions sheet for using the built-in audio chip.

Let's move on to taking a closer look at the keyboards with the Aurora Premium first, followed by the Aurora Micro.

Page 4 : Aurora Premium

The Aurora Premium is the larger of the two. We have the silver brushed aluminum version, which looks very elegant.

The keys are laid out very well. The ‘F’ function keys are separated in blocks of four, which I like. Everything is exactly where you would expect it – nothing out of the ordinary. This is a full-size, full-featured keyboard. A small aluminum strip runs along the top and intersects the LED indicators for caps lock, num lock, and scroll lock.

The sides are slightly angled. The left side features a headphone and microphone port while the right side is devoid of any features.

Behind the top side of the keyboard, we have two USB 2.0 ports and the lengthy USB cord.

Flipping the keyboard over, we have five rubber feet as well as the dual-adjustable height legs.

Here's a closer look at the legs.

The height is adjustable to three settings.

Page 5 : Aurora Micro

The Aurora Micro is the smaller of the two keyboards due to the missing numpad area. Its size is comparable to that of a laptop keyboard while the Premium is a full-size keyboard.

Apart from the missing numpad area, the Micro is relatively typical save for a few quirks. The ‘F’ function keys are all squished together. Above them, we have smaller buttons for dedicated functions and web browsing. The num lock, caps lock, and scroll lock LEDs are found in the middle of the keyboard, with an elegant aluminum strip running through them. The ‘Home’, ‘End’, ‘Page Up’, and ‘Page Down’ keys have been relocated to the arrow keys. They are activated by using the ‘Fn’ key in conjunction with the arrows. I can't say I'm a fan of this. Even my laptop has dedicated keys for those. The ‘Fn’ key allows you to do all the functions of a full keyboard with the limited number of keys.

The sides are slightly angled. Each side features one USB 2.0 port for a grand total of two.

Flipping the keyboard over, we have five rubber feet as well as the dual-adjustable height legs.

Here's a closer look at the legs.

The height is adjustable to three settings just like the Aurora Premium.

Page 6 : Performance

Setting up the keyboards is a breeze. All you have to do is plug them into a USB port. In the case of the Aurora Premium, the USB audio drivers install themselves.

Both keyboards are very similar when it comes to performance. Perhaps due to having the ‘scissors’ mechanism, the keys have a short travel that is more reminiscent of a laptop keyboard than a standalone keyboard; the keys' short height also emphasizes this feeling. Also, they are relatively quiet but still have a nice and firm feedback when pressed.

Though there is no soft wrist rest, the keyboards are very comfortable to use. Their low profile and slightly angled design is ergonomic and elegant. The keyboards are both somewhat heavy for their size which is a good thing because it exudes quality and durability. Also, it keeps the keyboard from moving around.

I spent over a month with the Aurora Premium and Micro and I was very pleased with them. The USB ports and the audio work flawlessly although the audio quality leaves a bit to be desired over a dedicated sound card.

All in all, I was pleased with the performance.

Page 7 : Conclusion

It's nice to see Enermax break out of the power supply market and into something new. The Enermax Aurora line of keyboards is a great addition to Enermax's lineup.

I really liked both the Aurora Premium and the Aurora Micro. The Premium's full-featured design appeals to the user looking for a replacement keyboard while the Micro's portable yet functional design is good for those with limited space or for traveling users.

Aesthetically, the keyboards shine – both literally and figuratively. The brushed aluminum finish is great and is definitely an eye-catcher. The laptop-like keys are also very nice compared to conventional keyboards. In terms of visual design, the keyboards are near perfect – they are works of art.

However, the actual design could be slightly improved in the case of the Micro. Some things like ‘Home’ and ‘End’ should have dedicated keys in my opinion, even in a compact keyboard. Strong points include the USB ports and audio ports in the Premium.

All things considered, the Enermax Aurora Premium and Micro are excellent keyboards which will not disappoint.

Advantages:

• Unique and attractive design

• Solid typing feel
• Comfortable and ergonomic

Disadvantages:

• Somewhat expensive for ‘just another wired keyboard’

Overclockers Online would like to thank Enermax for providing the review samples.