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RBMODS REVIEWS |
Date 2007-09-06
Provider: Ideazon
Author: Michael Chiu
Editor: Amber Lupala
Ideazon Merc Stealth Keyboard Review
Looking for an edge when it comes to PC gaming? Well, today we might have the answer as we take a look at Ideazon’s latest gaming keyboard, the Merc Stealth. Ideazon is the creator of the previously reviewed Zboard and the original Merc gaming keyboards that we rated highly. Will this new keyboard bring similar performance to both gaming and everyday applications? That is what we’re here to find out.
About Ideazon:
all began back in 1999 as Oren Kramer, an avid gamer, tried his hand - both hands, in fact - at mastering the tricky basic commands of StarCraft™, an extensive real-time strategy game. Oren was also an avid Quake™ player, an intense first person shooter game. Suddenly, the proverbial light came on and in a moment of inspiration Oren asked himself three questions he would soon pursue the answers to . . .
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What if a gaming keyboard could be designed to let gamers execute complex maneuvers and a combination of movements with just a single easy keystroke?
Could such a keyboard eliminate the need to memorize key commands and free gamers for the first time to focus all of their attention on action, strategy, and ultimate victory?
Would a keyboard dedicated to gaming action not make it easier and faster for gamers of all levels to master any game and maximize playing enjoyment?
So began the Ideazon revolution.
Oren went on to create the first Zboard and the rest is gaming history. The Zboard was the world's first gaming keyboard, an innovation that forever changed the way gamers connect with their favorite games. It cut down the learning curve to deliver a lethal competitive edge to core gamers, while helping casual players dramatically and immediately improve their play.
Specifications:
Astounding three color illumination in RED, BLUE and PURPLE
Choose your level of brightness (Subtle, Ambient, Intense, Off)
Illuminated characters on every key
Rubberized movement keys for superior response
Tilted 11 degrees to match natural wrist position
34 gaming keys labeled and positioned for ultimate precision and control
Simultaneous key stroke response — no need to worry about phantom keys in the heat of the battle
Programmable with easy-to-use drag-and-drop macro editing
Over 125 pre-defined key mapping layouts
Two USB 2.0 ports to plug in mice and other peripherals
Gold plated audio jacks for headsets and microphones
Multimedia controls for in and out of game use
The product:
Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
The Ideazon Merc Stealth keyboard arrived in a plain cardboard box with no pictures or description of features. This is probably because the product hasn’t been released to the public yet; we’re getting a sneak peek of this keyboard. Opening the package, we find the keyboard securely fitted inside, surrounded by custom cardboard inserts.
Our sample only came with the keyboard itself, no instructions or software. Again, I suspect the absence of instructions or software is simply due to the fact that the product hasn’t been released yet. Based on our experience with the Zboard and Merc keyboards, Ideazon typically includes these items.
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Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
Taking a closer look at the keyboard, the first thing I noticed was the nice matte black finish of the keyboard. The keyboard has a nice, solid weight to it and is slightly longer than a standard keyboard by a couple of inches (similar size to my Microsoft ergonomic keyboard). The keyboard is separated into three sections; the normal QWERTY keys, the numberpad/arrow keys, and the special “gaming” zone. The keys are nicely labeled with clear, bold white lettering. I was a little disappointed the keyboard didn’t come with a wrist pad, but, overall, this is a nice-looking keyboard. The keyboard comes with a generous cord, almost 2 meters in length.
Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
The standard key section has all the keys normally seen on a keyboard. The number pad is a little different than most, mainly because the arrow keys and other buttons, like the delete, insert, end, and home keys are also found on the numberpad. You toggle between the two keys with the NumberLock. The keyboard is obviously designed this way to conserve space, but this was the one thing that took a little getting used to during everyday use. If you use the numberpad a lot, you might find this distracting; otherwise, I suspect you’ll get used to it after a while (besides, using the numbers above the letters is better typing form).
Current Real Time Pricing
Closer Look >>>>> Page 2
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