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Design & Features
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The first thing you'll notice when taking it out
of the box, is the row of multimedia keys along the top of the keyboard.
Unlike other models we have looked at, these chrome buttons are nice and large
and work fairly well. I say fairly because they do look and feel a bit
cheap and one of the buttons would get stuck when pressed every once in a
while. If you notice, they are placed on a semi-transparent
plactic piece that is attached to the outer shell. I think a nice touch would have been to embed two blue LEDs
between this piece in order to provide a full lighting effect under low light
conditions. Not necessary, but just an idea considering the design of
the top section. Also, this keyboard supports the USB interface but
includes a PS/2 adapter as well. The cord is also nice a long (approx
6ft) and should provide more than enough clearance.
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**click to enlarge** |
The awkward key layout and really tiny shift and
enter keys are now a thing of the past. Typing on the Streamline
keyboard is quite comfortable and is just like typing on a regular keyboard.
The space bar is also nice and large. While the tactile feel of the keys
are not quite as good as the illuminated keyboard I have with blue keys, it is
still better than the other generic white key keyboards I've looked at.
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**click to enlarge** |
**click to enlarge** |
The keyboard has a full-sized num pad and the
delete key is now in the proper place. To compliment the faint blue EL
lighting, the caps, num and scroll lock LEDs are blue. Like most of the
other generic models on the market, there is an on/off switch for the EL
backlight that is located next to the status LEDs.
Finally, some shots with the EL backlight on.
**click to enlarge**
**click to enlarge**
The EL backlight is not as bright as other
models, but provides sufficient lighting to
read the keys in complete darkness. One thing I would like to see that
will both enhance its overall appearance and lighting effect, is a model with
the more modern-looking clear keys that the original EluminX keyboard has.
The white keys just don't do it for me, but unlike the more appealing keyboard
we compared it to with the dark blue keys, white allows you to actually
read the lettering in complete darkness.
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