So I was in the market for a keyboard, and since I'm used to the laptop keyboard during my school days, I prefer using low profile keyboards over the regular kind. I've used the Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000 for quite some time now, and I think that is a very solid keyboard, despite having almost no extra functions. So today I came across with Creative Spectre keyboard (pic), and here is my impression.
Illumination:
The keyboard features a backlid that is similar to the Logitech G15 keyboard, it lights up blue and has 3 illumination settings. But even at the brightest, it is still pretty dim and causes some problems. Keyboard symbols can be seen clearly when looking straight down at it, but when looked from an angle (perhaps our natural viewing angle) in room light the keys are very difficult to distinguish from each other for those who haven't gotten all the key locations memorized. When the room is dark, however, this isn't a problem. (pic)
Built & Design
This keyboard is made with a harder plastic with a smooth finish. The plastic itself contains some glitter-like sparkles, makes me want to say bling bling whenever I use it, which is really not what I want. The keyboard elevation is high at the front for some reason; Creative did include a clear piece of plastic that snaps onto the front of the keyboard, but this piece is pretty much for looks only; it does not let your wrist rest at a comfortable position, so an extra piece of gel or beanie wrist pad will be needed to avoid soreness.
The keys are pretty standard overall, as you can see from the picture (pic). One design that is particularly odd is the decreased size of the 0 key on the keypad, which may throw people off who are used to typing numbers on the keypad, such as myself. The keys themselves are pretty loud, especially the space key, it makes a sound similar to when a robot walks on concrete, "guchi, guchi, guchi" is all I hear as I'm typing this review. My old MS Comfort Curve is much quieter than this keyboard. Also, the space bar is slightly higher in elevation than I'd like. Whenever I use my left hand to perform copy and paste (Ctrl C, Ctrl V), most of the time I also press the space key, so that might create a problem for some.
This keyboard comes with some extra keys like volume control, play, stop, next track...etc. Another big feature though, is the addition of 5 keys on the upper left corner that can be programmed using the included drivers to perform Macros. It basically supports multiple keystrokes with a press of a button after setting it up. The setup is done with the included drivers and software, it is fairly simple and it works well. Though I didn't spend much time on exploring it so that's all I have to say about it.
Price:
At $50, this keyboard falls within the same price range as other illuminated keyboards like Saitek, Fatal1ty, EluminX, and Logitech G11.
Conclusion
Carrying the price tag, I expect a better built and design from a known company. Even though Creative is not recognized for their keyboards and mice, it is still disappointing to see a midrange gaming keyboard to fall short when compared to $20 keyboards in terms of quality. I do not recommend this keyboard as their are many better ones out there, and some with a better price tag. I'm returning this one after I finish this review and get another low profile keyboard instead.
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pic 5
Pros
Illumination works in dark
3 illumination settings
5 Macro keys
Looks better than average keyboard
Cons
Illumination does not work well in room or day light
No usable wrist pad included
Space bar a bit too high in elevation
Loud keys
Some questionable layout designs
Illumination:
The keyboard features a backlid that is similar to the Logitech G15 keyboard, it lights up blue and has 3 illumination settings. But even at the brightest, it is still pretty dim and causes some problems. Keyboard symbols can be seen clearly when looking straight down at it, but when looked from an angle (perhaps our natural viewing angle) in room light the keys are very difficult to distinguish from each other for those who haven't gotten all the key locations memorized. When the room is dark, however, this isn't a problem. (pic)
Built & Design
This keyboard is made with a harder plastic with a smooth finish. The plastic itself contains some glitter-like sparkles, makes me want to say bling bling whenever I use it, which is really not what I want. The keyboard elevation is high at the front for some reason; Creative did include a clear piece of plastic that snaps onto the front of the keyboard, but this piece is pretty much for looks only; it does not let your wrist rest at a comfortable position, so an extra piece of gel or beanie wrist pad will be needed to avoid soreness.
The keys are pretty standard overall, as you can see from the picture (pic). One design that is particularly odd is the decreased size of the 0 key on the keypad, which may throw people off who are used to typing numbers on the keypad, such as myself. The keys themselves are pretty loud, especially the space key, it makes a sound similar to when a robot walks on concrete, "guchi, guchi, guchi" is all I hear as I'm typing this review. My old MS Comfort Curve is much quieter than this keyboard. Also, the space bar is slightly higher in elevation than I'd like. Whenever I use my left hand to perform copy and paste (Ctrl C, Ctrl V), most of the time I also press the space key, so that might create a problem for some.
This keyboard comes with some extra keys like volume control, play, stop, next track...etc. Another big feature though, is the addition of 5 keys on the upper left corner that can be programmed using the included drivers to perform Macros. It basically supports multiple keystrokes with a press of a button after setting it up. The setup is done with the included drivers and software, it is fairly simple and it works well. Though I didn't spend much time on exploring it so that's all I have to say about it.
Price:
At $50, this keyboard falls within the same price range as other illuminated keyboards like Saitek, Fatal1ty, EluminX, and Logitech G11.
Conclusion
Carrying the price tag, I expect a better built and design from a known company. Even though Creative is not recognized for their keyboards and mice, it is still disappointing to see a midrange gaming keyboard to fall short when compared to $20 keyboards in terms of quality. I do not recommend this keyboard as their are many better ones out there, and some with a better price tag. I'm returning this one after I finish this review and get another low profile keyboard instead.
pic 3
pic 4
pic 5
Pros
Illumination works in dark
3 illumination settings
5 Macro keys
Looks better than average keyboard
Cons
Illumination does not work well in room or day light
No usable wrist pad included
Space bar a bit too high in elevation
Loud keys
Some questionable layout designs