Soldato
Hey guys, we have the new Ozone Strike Mechanical keyboard in stock.
Our supplier has kindly provided me with an additional unit on top of my order to complete a review of the product. First things, first! I best link the product and the description/info for it. Being we are a business and our nature is to sell products
Ozone Strike Gaming Mechanical Keyboard @ £89.99 inc VAT
Ozone Strike is the latest and most desired addition to the Ozone gaming peripherals family. This keyboard isn't just an interface between you and the virtual world, but it's also an infrastructure featuring the most powerful and well known gaming mechanism: Cherry Black MX switches.
- THE MORE PRECISION, THE MORE SUCCESS
You instantly get the feeling of a winner when pressing the keys. Cherry Black MX switches, require more strength when striking the keys than common keyboards, and also thanks to this particularity, keystrokes are more precise in the relative to its sensitivity when pressed so you get precision when you want precision.
- THE MULTIMEDIA WORLD
You will never have to worry again about having to quit from the game to listen to music while playing or just simply when you want to watch a movie or any multimedia content. Ozone F-Key, gives you access to main multimedia functions by just pressing a few keys.
- GET YOUR WRISTS OFF MY KEYBOARD
To rest or not to rest, that's the question. Strike, features a detachable palm-rest, so you can take it away from your keyboard whenever you want depending on your preferences or your needs.
- DESIGNED TO LAST AND PERFORM
Strike uses double nylon braided cables to ensure their durability and 18K gold plated connector to give you the performance that you need to be the best.
- PLUG YOURSELF INTO THE EXPERIENCE
With Ozone Strike, you can easily plug your USB devices and also your Headphones & Mic, so don't give up on connectivity.
Only £89.99 inc VAT.
ORDER NOW
Initial Impressions.
First thing I noticed was the packaging, a nice simple clean designed box with key features listed on the front and a clear image of the product. A sticker was on the front of the box stating "UK layout".
I opened the box up and inside there was adequet packaging and the keyboard was secure in place. Transit damage should not occur for these - unless a courier decides that they fancy a game of football with it In the box you have a manual which is quite basic but at the end of the day it is a keyboard, I'm sure anyone spending over £50 on a keyboard understands how to use one.
The contents of the box are:-
- The keyboard
- Manual
- Additional key sets and easy release key pull tool
- USB to PS/2 converter.
Installation
This was a bit of a let down for me. Firstly the cable lenght is only 1.6m which should be fine for most home desks setups, however for a commerical desk with the usual cable holes with the plastic cup trims to route your cables round the back of the desk and under to your base unit it was very tight. I dfid manage to get it plugged in without any extra USB extension cables but I cannot move my keybaord to the front of my desk.
I cannot move the keybaord any closer to me, which isn't needed in this case as ergonomically it would be in a bad position. However another 20-30cm on the cable length would have been useful. Anyway the keybooard has 2 x USB connections, and 2 audio connections. One of the USB connectors had a PS/2 converter on it. I plugged in the 1 USB to to a USB port and the PS2 into the PS2. The keyboard didn't work, but my mouse which I plugged into the keyboard USB hub did. So I thought, maybe a reboot is needed! So I rebooted my PC. Still nothing from the keyboard. So I unplugged the PS2 converter and plugged it directly into my other USB port, then it worked. No idea why the PS/2 didn't work?
So one of the USBs is for the built in USB hub and the other works the actual keyboard - it didn't like my PS/2 though for some reason.
General Usage
Right after finally getting the keybaord working, I started to use it. At home and at work, I normally use Logitech, with a G19 at home and a G110 at work. This keybaord felt different, very different. I didn't like it due to the spacing and location of the keys in comparision to the Logitech. For example using Ctrl + V together feels very unnatural, but it's just because I need to get used to the layout of it. I have used other mechanical keybaords and they are seem to have this layout placement.
The actual keys feel excellent to type on (I'm typing this review on it now). The key presses are so smooth all the way down the press. To compare the Razer BlackWidow keybaord is very similiar however you can feel the swicth press when mid way down the press. This keyboard doesn't have that feeling at all.
The noise made by the keyboard is great, it gives the usual audible tappy tap that you expect from a mechanical switch. This is very much annoying my colleague, Andrew Moore, much to my personal pleasure.
Gaming usage
I fired up the BattleField 3 BETA on my PC (purely for testing research not because I'm slacking at work - Honest). The keys felt very natural and gaming was a delight to do. The keys have just the right amount of resistance and the WASD feel is excellent. Now plenty of keyboards offer addtional keys for the WASD buttons, they tend to be big brash red/orange buttons. Ozone made there optional WASD keys, which are supplied in the same black but the characters are red. This gives the required definition but being subtle at the same time. This is a winner in my eyes. Replacing the keys is very easy with a quick release pull tool to remove the original keys and then you just pop these on and firmly but gently press them on.
Other usage
The keybaord comes with an optional wrist rest which I fitted straight away, as I do with all keybaords as it gives a better natural wrist position, the keybaord has the usual fold out feet at the base of the rear of the unit to make the keybaord more angled, normally I fold them out but the keybaord is just right without doing so, this is partly due to the nice wrist rest.
Other points
No Windows key on the left of the space bar, instead Ozone have fitted a Function key to enable to media features of the F1-F8 keys work, ie. Volume, play, paause, skip back, skip forward etc. Something I will get used to also I'm sure.
There is no backlight on the keyboard, Im used to it on the Logitech keyboards I use, however it is not a neccessity as I generally don't look at the keyboard when typing/gaming.
The font that Ozone have used is a none standard font, it looks quirky, but again, I generally don't look at my keyboard for typing so not a major thing. I think that Ozone are aiming at making it very identifible with the unique font.
Overview/Conclusion
This is a great mechanical keyboard which is priced keenly against the other products available on the market. I have been using it now for about 2-3 hours. At first it felt quite un-natural, due to the key positioning, but after using it for a period, its becoming more natural to use, as it's way different to a Logitech unit. So I imagine after a day or so will feel great. The mechanical element is spot on, with a great feel to the individual keystrokes.
I would be more than happy to replace my Logitech G19 at home, and I'm currently considering doing this. Mechanical keys are the new "black" and quite popular this is a great product in the keyboard lineup at OcUK. I did have a couple of teething issues with the install, but I found out that Andrew Moore disconnected the PS/2 adapter and connected it back to the wrong USB. Muppet! The only other negative is that there is an ommission of any macro keys, but I rarely use them on my G19, but it could have been a nice feature for Ozone to have included.
Our supplier has kindly provided me with an additional unit on top of my order to complete a review of the product. First things, first! I best link the product and the description/info for it. Being we are a business and our nature is to sell products
Ozone Strike Gaming Mechanical Keyboard @ £89.99 inc VAT
Ozone Strike is the latest and most desired addition to the Ozone gaming peripherals family. This keyboard isn't just an interface between you and the virtual world, but it's also an infrastructure featuring the most powerful and well known gaming mechanism: Cherry Black MX switches.
- THE MORE PRECISION, THE MORE SUCCESS
You instantly get the feeling of a winner when pressing the keys. Cherry Black MX switches, require more strength when striking the keys than common keyboards, and also thanks to this particularity, keystrokes are more precise in the relative to its sensitivity when pressed so you get precision when you want precision.
- THE MULTIMEDIA WORLD
You will never have to worry again about having to quit from the game to listen to music while playing or just simply when you want to watch a movie or any multimedia content. Ozone F-Key, gives you access to main multimedia functions by just pressing a few keys.
- GET YOUR WRISTS OFF MY KEYBOARD
To rest or not to rest, that's the question. Strike, features a detachable palm-rest, so you can take it away from your keyboard whenever you want depending on your preferences or your needs.
- DESIGNED TO LAST AND PERFORM
Strike uses double nylon braided cables to ensure their durability and 18K gold plated connector to give you the performance that you need to be the best.
- PLUG YOURSELF INTO THE EXPERIENCE
With Ozone Strike, you can easily plug your USB devices and also your Headphones & Mic, so don't give up on connectivity.
Only £89.99 inc VAT.
ORDER NOW
Initial Impressions.
First thing I noticed was the packaging, a nice simple clean designed box with key features listed on the front and a clear image of the product. A sticker was on the front of the box stating "UK layout".
I opened the box up and inside there was adequet packaging and the keyboard was secure in place. Transit damage should not occur for these - unless a courier decides that they fancy a game of football with it
In the box you have a manual which is quite basic but at the end of the day it is a keyboard, I'm sure anyone spending over £50 on a keyboard understands how to use one.The contents of the box are:-
- The keyboard
- Manual
- Additional key sets and easy release key pull tool
- USB to PS/2 converter.
Installation
This was a bit of a let down for me. Firstly the cable lenght is only 1.6m which should be fine for most home desks setups, however for a commerical desk with the usual cable holes with the plastic cup trims to route your cables round the back of the desk and under to your base unit it was very tight. I dfid manage to get it plugged in without any extra USB extension cables but I cannot move my keybaord to the front of my desk.
I cannot move the keybaord any closer to me, which isn't needed in this case as ergonomically it would be in a bad position. However another 20-30cm on the cable length would have been useful. Anyway the keybooard has 2 x USB connections, and 2 audio connections. One of the USB connectors had a PS/2 converter on it. I plugged in the 1 USB to to a USB port and the PS2 into the PS2. The keyboard didn't work, but my mouse which I plugged into the keyboard USB hub did. So I thought, maybe a reboot is needed! So I rebooted my PC. Still nothing from the keyboard. So I unplugged the PS2 converter and plugged it directly into my other USB port, then it worked. No idea why the PS/2 didn't work?
So one of the USBs is for the built in USB hub and the other works the actual keyboard - it didn't like my PS/2 though for some reason.
General Usage
Right after finally getting the keybaord working, I started to use it. At home and at work, I normally use Logitech, with a G19 at home and a G110 at work. This keybaord felt different, very different. I didn't like it due to the spacing and location of the keys in comparision to the Logitech. For example using Ctrl + V together feels very unnatural, but it's just because I need to get used to the layout of it. I have used other mechanical keybaords and they are seem to have this layout placement.
The actual keys feel excellent to type on (I'm typing this review on it now). The key presses are so smooth all the way down the press. To compare the Razer BlackWidow keybaord is very similiar however you can feel the swicth press when mid way down the press. This keyboard doesn't have that feeling at all.
The noise made by the keyboard is great, it gives the usual audible tappy tap that you expect from a mechanical switch. This is very much annoying my colleague, Andrew Moore, much to my personal pleasure.
Gaming usage
I fired up the BattleField 3 BETA on my PC (purely for testing research not because I'm slacking at work - Honest). The keys felt very natural and gaming was a delight to do. The keys have just the right amount of resistance and the WASD feel is excellent. Now plenty of keyboards offer addtional keys for the WASD buttons, they tend to be big brash red/orange buttons. Ozone made there optional WASD keys, which are supplied in the same black but the characters are red. This gives the required definition but being subtle at the same time. This is a winner in my eyes. Replacing the keys is very easy with a quick release pull tool to remove the original keys and then you just pop these on and firmly but gently press them on.
Other usage
The keybaord comes with an optional wrist rest which I fitted straight away, as I do with all keybaords as it gives a better natural wrist position, the keybaord has the usual fold out feet at the base of the rear of the unit to make the keybaord more angled, normally I fold them out but the keybaord is just right without doing so, this is partly due to the nice wrist rest.
Other points
No Windows key on the left of the space bar, instead Ozone have fitted a Function key to enable to media features of the F1-F8 keys work, ie. Volume, play, paause, skip back, skip forward etc. Something I will get used to also I'm sure.
There is no backlight on the keyboard, Im used to it on the Logitech keyboards I use, however it is not a neccessity as I generally don't look at the keyboard when typing/gaming.
The font that Ozone have used is a none standard font, it looks quirky, but again, I generally don't look at my keyboard for typing so not a major thing. I think that Ozone are aiming at making it very identifible with the unique font.
Overview/Conclusion
This is a great mechanical keyboard which is priced keenly against the other products available on the market. I have been using it now for about 2-3 hours. At first it felt quite un-natural, due to the key positioning, but after using it for a period, its becoming more natural to use, as it's way different to a Logitech unit. So I imagine after a day or so will feel great. The mechanical element is spot on, with a great feel to the individual keystrokes.
I would be more than happy to replace my Logitech G19 at home, and I'm currently considering doing this. Mechanical keys are the new "black" and quite popular this is a great product in the keyboard lineup at OcUK. I did have a couple of teething issues with the install, but I found out that Andrew Moore disconnected the PS/2 adapter and connected it back to the wrong USB. Muppet! The only other negative is that there is an ommission of any macro keys, but I rarely use them on my G19, but it could have been a nice feature for Ozone to have included.
