Out of the box, the most noticeable feature of the EluminX is its size. It is significantly smaller and thinner than an ergonomic keyboard, or even a standard keyboard for that matter. The EluminX can fit comfortably atop a cluttered desktop, where space is a valuable commodity. This will be a positive feature for many, but of course, there are some concessions inherent when designing such a diminutive keyboard.
For one, the keys are packed tightly together and spread across a relatively small area, resulting in some new locations for some, such the Home/Delete/Page Up Down keys. The EluminX lines them up along the right side of the main panel, which will force those who touch-type to look down at the keyboard, and hunt and peck them down. The spacebar has been tapered down, and its small size can be an annoyance when trying to hit the jump during a Quake game, especially since the EluminX features an extra (and somewhat illogical) "\ |" key to the left of the spacebar.
The unit's black chassis provides a nice contrast to the translucent keys and makes it sharp to look at, even during the daytime. If black doesn't suit your tastes, Auravision also offers a bone white and silver version. The EluminX really "shines" when you plug it into your PC and all the keys light up with an iridescent blue glow.
Striking the perfect balance between too bright and too obscure, the EluminX is neither ignorable nor overpowering. It allows you to see your keys perfectly in the dark but doesn't distract when playing a game or web surfing. The EluminX lighting even shuts off after a period of non-use. When complimented with a blue case light and a blue LED optical mouse, your coolness factor definitely shoots up a couple of points (at least amongst your PC savvy cohorts).
Unfortunately, where the "glitter" turns to "gloom" is loss of functionality, as the EluminX offers little in the area of extra features, many of which are available in 3rd-party keyboards today. The EluminX does not have Internet/Multimedia "hotkeys" for one touch access to email or media players, nor are there any specialized "home/application use" keys. The keyboard does not have kickstands underneath to use it at an angle; a feature that you would think is a standard on keyboards nowadays.
Auravision also does not offer an ergonomic version of the EluminX, forcing adjustments for those used to a "Natural" keyboard design.
Whether or not the EluminX feels good to use is all a matter of taste. The keyboard has a solid feel, and though it is small, it's easy to see that quality materials are used in its construction. The actual keys are fashioned more like those on a laptop, and respond with a shorter, click-heavy keystroke. Conceivably, you could push them faster and get a quicker response from gaming, but for those who have grown accustomed to the classic keyboard, it will take some getting used to.
An important consideration with any computer hardware is price, and how it relates to overall value. The EluminX keyboard is certainly an innovative device, but with a retail price of $99, even diehard modders will have to think twice about making this an impulse purchase. Granted, the EluminX is a luxury item for the "gamer who has everything", but even so, this is a higher price than we expected.
Auravision has certainly brought something new to PC keyboards, but is the EluminX worthy of your hard earned dollars? It really depends on your current system requirements and gameplay/LAN habits. A serious modder with a no-frills keyboard who is looking to upgrade, might find the EluminX keyboard a great fit, especially as it requires no modification. Those who are quite satisfied with standard equipment, and want the extra multimedia keys, are not likely to be impressed by the light show or price tag of the EluminX. If you exist between these two extremes, then it really comes down to choosing between outright fun, and old school functionality.
