Installation / Operation:
Installing a keyboard is just about a no brainer. Although I would prefer a USB connection (and actually require it on a few PCs), the PS/2 connector was adequate. What was not adequate, was the length of the cable. When installed as my typical (Dell) keyboard had been, I was about 10" short of reaching the PS/2 port on my PC. An extra foot or two of cable would be a nice touch.
Beyond the cable issues, everything else went well. With the keyboard connected and the system powered up, the Num Lock key and scroll wheel glow as pictured in the below left image. In order to turn the lighting on for the whole keyboard you press the Scroll Lock key. As seen in the below right image, the whole thing lights up with a cool blue glow. The lighting isn't too intense, but bright enough to make the keyboard easily usable in any lighting conditions.
 
Although not a major issue, I would prefer to have the on/off switch for the lighting on a dedicated button. I rarely use Scroll Lock, but it seems an odd choice for these functions to be piggy-backed like that. The fact that there is an on/off switch is definitely a nice feature though, as many light up keyboards are on full time, which could get annoying at times.
After a few hours of use, I found the standard QWERTY keys were quite comfortable and had a decent feel to them. They had a typical amount of resistance to them, and they didn't make too much noise when clicked. Overall, they felt much like many keyboards I had used, which is a good thing. Some other illuminated keyboards I have used had a smaller layout which was a bit uncomfortable, as well as a somewhat 'gummy' feel to the key clicks.
The multi-function buttons were a slightly different story. They all functioned properly, but the key action seemed less responsive and perhaps a bit cheap. The action of many of these keys lacked the crisp feel of the standard keys, and some would wobble if pressed any way but straight down.
Conclusion:
The Sunbeamtech Pro Series Illuminated Keyboard is a welcome improvement over the previous lighted keyboards I have used. The fact that it has a full size layout and a switch for turning off the lighting scores big points. The lighting provides a cool blue glow that is bright enough to enjoy, but not so bright that it could be a distraction.
The issues with the keyboard are minor, and may not impact all users. I would prefer USB over PS/2, or perhaps Sunbeamtech could at least throw in an adaptor. While discussing the connection, the cable would benefit from being a foot or two longer to allow people to not have to sit right next to their PC. Having a switch to turn off the lighting is a nice touch, but having this switch double as the Scroll Lock key doesn't seem like the best approach. I would prefer to see a dedicated switch. Finally, I generally don't use multi-function keys because I have gotten too used to doing things the old fashion way, but the Pro Series keyboard offers many options to make things more convenient. The only problem is that the feel and response from many of these buttons is not as solid as the standard keys.
Browsing around I found this keyboard available at a few places, such as Xoxide for right around $25 (US). The price makes it quite reasonable when compared to both your standard (unlit) keyboard and the handful of other illuminated keyboards on the market. When these illuminated keyboards first came out a few years ago the price was closer to $100, which made the coolness really hard to justify financially.
Given the size, function, and price, I have to give the Sunbeamtech Pro Series Illuminated Keyboard a final score of 4 out of 5 stars... "Recommended".
Final Rating (4 out of 5 stars): 
Pros:
• Comfortable, full sized keyboard
• Lighting can be turned off
• Lighting is bright enough to look good, without being overwhelming
• Convenient multi-function keys, plus scroll wheel
• Standard keys have a decent feel and resistance.
Cons:
• PS/2 interface only, no USB connector or adaptor
• Cable should be longer
• Many multi-function keys feel cheap (wobbly)
• Would prefer dedicated on/off switch for lighting
Special thanks to Sunbeamtech for providing the Pro Series Illuminated Keyboard to Bigbruin.com for review!
Please drop by the Bigbruin.com Forum and feel free to discuss this review.
Page 1 | Page 2 | Home | Forum | Content Index
|
|
