Software

Not having any programmable buttons actually raises the question what the software may be for. Once the CD was inserted, the user is greeted by the following, small and simple installation menu:


The setup process does not hold any surprises and requires a single restart after completion. It is interesting to note the age of the installer, which is quite old - certainly pre-Windows XP, but it still works flawlessly in the operating system.

Setup process:



After the restart, there is a small software icon in your system tray. Even if you were expecting it, there is no active functionality. A right click opens a small menu with three items. "Help" opens a locally saved website with Windows 98 and Windows 2000 images while "About" triggers a simple window with the version number of the software. In fact after uninstalling the application all the extra keys still worked flawlessly, so there is no point in installing it in the first place. Speed-Link should mention that on the CD or in the autostarting menu once the CD is inserted.

Performance

There are areas in performance and "benchmarking" which cannot be defined with a concrete set of rules. Such devices include mice, mouse pads and keyboards among other things. We try to convey our objective opinion to give you the best overview of what to expect from these devices, but everyone has other opinions, is used to different environments or simply really likes or dislikes certain aspects.

Using the keyboard in Windows for everyday work is quite nice. The buttons are flat and the pressure point of each key is great. The depth needed to activate each key is well chosen and the overall noise is kept to a minimum. Anyone used to a notebook keyboard should feel right at home, while first time users will certainly be impressed by the little force needed and easy transition between keys. The latter helps reduce noise as the fingers do not need to be raised as far to go from one key to the other, but also increases the possiblity of hitting the wrong key.

Gaming with the Illuminated Dark Metal Keyboard actually works quite well. Playing games usually does not require all keys, but does include standard buttons like the Ctrl keys, one of which does not exist on the input device. If you are an avid player, with a lot of games that use the standard keyboard layout, you will find yourself cursing in the middle of fierce fire fights, frantically looking to find the right button unless you remap the missing keys.