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Published: May 31, 2009 Author: Michael Chiu Editor: Amber Lupala Provider: I-Rocksusa Share this article:

First Look at the i-Rocks Mechanical Keyboard

If you are a long-time computer user, you might remember the days when IBM “clicky” keyboards were all the rage. These mechanical keyboards provided you with definite confirmation that keys were pressed with both a tactile and auditory response. This type of keyboard is seldom seen nowadays, having been mostly replaced by “soft touch” keyboards. But i-Rocks, makers of a wide range of computer peripherals, does offer a mechanical keyboard for today’s use. In this review, we’ll look at the i-Rocks Cherry MX Mechanical keyboard. Will this keyboard prove that mechanical keyboards still have a place in today’s computing world? Let’s find out.

About i-Rocks
Check out their website: www.i-rocks.com
i-Rocks Technology is a renowned Taiwanese brand of computer peripherals that are sold worldwide, continually providing its clients and customers with innovative high-guality. computer peripheral IO devices. Since it's establishment, i-rocks has insisted on innovation, quality R&D, and successful marketing, there by providing high-quality, high-value products which meet customer needs in every possible way. Currently, i-rocks has manufacturing facilities in China and branches in many countries, all with the goal of embracing globalization and interm ational developments in marketing, and providing customers with high-quality peripheral products at reasonable prices. i-rocks is a leading brand name and manufacturer of computer, Internet, and online gaming products.

Features:
Durable Compact Keyboards for Industrial and Commercial Applications
Supports an n-key rollover function allowing to 16 keys to be pressed simultaneously, which is great for both fast typists and gamers.
Used Cherry MX switch suiting the Fast typists and gamers.
Built-in USB 2.0 two ports Hub quickly hook up any two USB devices.
Blue LEDs indicate for Scroll Lock, Caps Lock and Num Lock state.
Plug and Play connectivity- no drivers required.

Specification:
Interface : USB
Built - in 2 ports USB 2.0 Hub
Key number : 97 Keys (By language)
Dimension : 380 (L) x 150.5 (W) x 39.5 (H) mm
Switch Mechanism : Mechanical switch (Cherry MX switch / Alternate action)
Key Pitch : 19.0mm
Switch Reliability : 50 million cycles
Power consumption : DC5V, 500mA
USB cable length : 160 cm
Dimension: About 46.6 (L) X 15.9 (W)X 5.2 (H) mm

The product

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The i-Rocks Cherry MX Mechanical Keyboard arrived in a colorful cardboard box with a picture of the keyboard on the front. The back provides a list of features/specifications.

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Opening the box, we find the keyboard loosely secured with in a custom cardboard package. As you can see, this is a wired/corded keyboard. There are no other accessories that come with this keyboard; no software is needed to use it so it is truly plug and play.

Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures

Taking a closer look at the keyboard, the first thing I noticed was that it is a fairly compact keyboard in terms of width. The arrow keys are directly below the enter key, and page-up/page-down/home/end keys are found on the number pad and can only be used with number lock turned off. Plus the delete key is above the back as opposed to beside the enter key. Perhaps I’m used to an expanded key layout, but I thought the layout that they chose limits the everyday use of the keyboard. Also, there are no additional “special” keys such as media player controls, email buttons, etc.