The Elixir is a big keyboard just like the majority of gaming oriented keyboards. It features several programmable macro keys that can be used to launch applications or execute commands in a game (like releasing a spell or changing weapons). It has 10 blue keys (five on each side) that can be programmed into 3 different profiles – totaling 30 personalization options. It’s possible to create a profile for a particular game – such as Team Fortress 2, which we can’t stop playing these days – or a work-related profile to launch Photoshop, Word and other common office applications. Elixir also comes with multimedia and Internet keys – the multimedia keys (launch player, play/pause, stop, previous track, next track, volume up, volume down, and mute) at the right side, and the PC controller keys on the opposite. That way the user is free to program the keys for other functions rather than launching a media player or an email reader.

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Figure 2: Programmable macro keys.

Programming the macro keys is easily done through OCZ’s proprietary software. Just install the application from the CD that comes with the keyboard. Then you can assign particular command lines to a simple keystroke or select the applications you’d like to launch with a single key. Save the profile with the name of your choice (like “work” or “game”) and consider you Elixir properly brewed.

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Figure 3: OCZ’s proprietary software.

The key tops are coated with rubberized material to give the user a pleasant typing experience and hours of smooth playing. They’re also easy to clean if you have the bad habit (such as us) of eating in front of the computer. OCZ was very thoughtful when decided to ship the Elixir with spare keys: W, A, S, D, the four arrow keys, a space bar, and shift keys. They’re the most prone to having the printed letters worn out or breaking after months of abuse. Neat. Unfortunately the keys are not backlit – a choice made by OCZ to decrease the product’s final price. It’s a personal preference concerning each user. We know there are those who couldn’t care less about backlighting. But those like us who are used to playing in the dark or hitting the backlighting switch when dusk approaches missed the feature sorely. We were frustrated with a darkened keyboard when testing it at night. Yes, we’re afraid of the dark, don’t mock us.

Another low point: there are no extra USB ports on the Elixir like those found on Logitech’s G15. Of course it was another money-saving decision from OCZ so the company could release an entry-level product, but it doesn’t change the fact that it’s very useful having a USB port to connect your gaming-grade mouse to your keyboard. When installing the Elixir we ended up wasting two USB ports – one for the keyboard itself and the other for the mouse. It’s nothing serious but since having free USB ports is always a good thing we actually ended up having none due to installing the Elixir. What a bummer.