Spire Rolls Out Microsoft Natural-Like "Ergo" Split Mechanical Keyboard with RGB

Spire has introduced its Ergo keyboard, a new ergonomic keyboard aimed primarily at gamers. The keyboard features a curved Microsoft Natural-like design, however under the hood it's based on Cherry MX switches. Following the latest market trends, the keyboard also has RGB backlighting.

The Spire Ergo keyboard features a split layout with half of the keyboard separated and tilted from the center, in a bid to lower fatigue throughout lengthy gaming periods. One interesting design decision that strikes the eye is that Spire decided to split not only “letter” keys, but also the Spacebar as well. The company also placed copies of the Enter and Backspace keys in the center of the keyboard, along with keeping the originals in their usual locations. The unorthodox placement of important keys will certainly require Spire’s customers to learn how to use the device, but for gaming sessions placement of the Enter key may be just right. Another notable thing is the Spire Ergo lacks a numpad, though it is not something terribly unusual for a compact keyboard in 2018.

The CG-BSK4010-USB keyboard uses the so-called floating design and is based on Cherry’s MX switches with RGB LEDs that “float” above the aluminum frame of the device. As for connectivity, the Spire Ergo uses a 1.8-meter long USB cable.

The Spire Ergo keyboard will show up on the market shortly at prices starting at around $80 without taxes.

Split keyboards are of course by no means a new innovation. Microsoft first introduced its Natural Keyboard featuring a split layout back in 1994. Since then we've seen other split keyboards – still primarily from Microsoft – as other makers of such devices preferred classic layouts. Spire is among a few companies that has ever attempted to experiment with a split keyboard layout aimed at gamers, so it remains to be seen whether the target audience is going to bite. In the meantime, one thing that can be said about the Spire Ergo for sure is that the product certainly looks impressive.

Related Reading:

• Cooler Master Unveils CK620: A Thin Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
• Xiaomi Unveils Its First Mechanical Keyboard with Configurable RGB Backlighting
• Corsair Launches New K70 RGB MK.2 and STRAFE RGB MK.2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboards
• The HAVIT KB395L RGB Mechanical Keyboard Review: Marvelous Mechanical Minimalism

Sources: Hermitage Akihabara, TechPowerUp

from AnandTech https://ift.tt/2TPWoSm
via IFTTT

Share on Google Plus

About Unknown

This is a short description in the author block about the author. You edit it by entering text in the "Biographical Info" field in the user admin panel.