| AZiO KB577U Levetron MECH5 Gaming Keyboard |
| Reviews - Featured Reviews: Input Devices | |
| Written by Akim Green | |
| Tuesday, 26 February 2013 | |
AZiO KB577U Levetron MECH5 Gaming Keyboard Review
Manufacturer: AZiO Corporation, Inc. Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by AZiO Corp. Nowadays, it seems that the term "gaming" is loosely associated with cheap, low quality, general-purpose peripherals. What then separates the notorious gaming-grade products from the rest? Most modern gaming keyboards feature mechanical keys in an attempt to prevent accidental key-presses and ghosting, issues that gamers are commonly faced with. Macro keys are also desired by gamers, especially those of the MMO genre. Fortunately, many of these features are more or less standard on today's gaming keyboards; the manufacturers must now appeal to gamers' sense of look and feel instead. With the MECH5, Azio has done an amazing job incorporating many of the features required for today's gamer. They go a step further by encasing it in a durable, very good-looking body, something that you can tell was intended for gaming by looks alone. In this article, Benchmark Reviews evaluates the AZiO KB577U Levetron MECH5 keyboard's performance to determine if it deserves its gaming badge and is worth your hard earned money. The Mech 5 features Cherry MX black switches as opposed to blue or reds, which are common in gaming keyboards. AZiO claims that they are "widely believed to provide the best gaming experience" due to their "linear design ideal for rapid pressing [...] and the right stiffness to help prevent accidental key presses". While it is generally agreed upon that mechanical keys are good for gaming, it is debated which types are most ideal: some switches such as the MX reds offer less resistance than the blacks, while the MX blues have a non-linear switch; at some point while pressing, it will click indicating that the key press has been registered. The MX blacks are similar to the MX reds, but offer a little more resistance.
The keyboard will be tested in a number of applications, including a few games. It will be used in daily tasks such as browsing the web and sending emails. To evaluate ergonomics, it will be used continuously in periods exceeding 3 hours. I will compare its performance, functionality and ergonomics to the corsair K60, a cherry MX red mechanical gaming keyboard Features & Specifications
Closer Look: AZiO Levetron MECH5 Gaming KeyboardThe AZiO Levetron MECH5 comes with comes with the three attachable pieces: the keyboard itself (shown here), a numpad, and a D-pad. The keyboard utilizes the standard QWERTY layout in addition to 5 macro buttons, a window key on/off button, and a volume knob. The macros keys (on the left) have a dual function feature: they allow you to program keys A1-A5, and assign different functions to B1-B5. Pressing the A/B key will activate the backlight for only the macro keys indicating that the B macros are active. Pressing it again will revert to the A macros.
The numpad is also fully mechanical and can be attached to either side of the keyboard or used by itself.
The mechanism for attaching the macro D-pad is identical to a rifle rail system for attaching a scope; it slides onto the top of the keyboard via a grooved platform. It reinforces the notion that this keyboard is more of a weapon than an input device.
When in use, the D-pad will cover some of the function keys, making them unusable. However, when not gaming, it can simply be flipped up out of the way or taken off completely.
The Mech 5's height is adjustable to several levels, allowing users to find the optimal typing/gaming angle.
Azio has opted to use MX black switches on the MECH 5 keyboard. Like other mechanical keyboards, the keys can be replaced with differently colored/textured keys. 
Unlike the Corsair K60 keyboard, the KB577U doesn't come with special keys for gaming; however, if you are inclined you may purchase the Levetron rubberized gaming keys available at newegg for $10. The image below shows the keyboard with the red keys from the corsair K60. NOTE: These keys weren't designed for the MECH5 and are therefore more easily installed than removed. 
This keyboard will use up 2 usb ports: one to transmit keystroke data and the other to power the built-in USB ports. The gold-plated USB connectors and thin braided cables add to the premium look and feel of the keyboard. 
Despite its appearance, the MECH5's wrist rest is not modular. This doesn't pose a problem as it is very comfortable and the ability to adjust to multiple heights remedies any issues. The finish of the keyboard prevents fingerprints and smudges, and is nice to the touch, not too smooth or coarse. 
It is clear that the MECH is built to last. The body is as rigid as it looks and there is virtually no flex. To top it off, it's also water resistant, a feature I'm sure many gamers will appreciate. In the next section we take a look at the software accompanying this serious piece of hardware. MECH5 SoftwareThe software bundled with the KB577U isn't very extensive, it simply allows users to create game profiles and define macros for them. Nevertheless, it is very straighfoward and easy to use. Also, there is no limit to the number of profiles that can be created. Opening the program reveals the window below with clear instructions on how to use the software. 
After creating a profile, you can hover over the picture of the keyboard to to select a button to assign/re-assign. With the software, you can program a key to run a program, play a macro, or perform a function such as play/pause. 
Clicking the "Macro Settting" button will bring up the macro window. Here, you can create macros that will later be assigned to buttons. 
It also allows you to create macros with the time between keypresses recorded. There is nothing complicated about the application, the interface is simple and clean and it allows quick macro creation and button programming. Testing & ResultsTesting MethodologyReviewing an input device is a necessarily subjective task, there is no standard benchmark that can be applied. It is important to note that any remarks about the device will be somewhat infuenced by the author's opinion.To evaluate this keyboard, I used it for a month to carry out all my computing tasks. These include: writing emails articles and computer programs, gaming, browsing the web, instant messaging, etc. I will comment on the comfort, functionality and performance of the keyboard and make comparisons with the corsair K60. Test System
Test Software
ResultsThe AZiO KB577U Levetron MECH5 is an absolute delight to use. I keep the keyboard at its maximum height and have experienced no fatigue or discomfort while typing/gaming for extended periods. It feels very solid and robust beneath my fingers. It is a little heavy and with the large rubber pads beneath it, it stays in place while in use. After a couple of weeks, however, the wrist rest started to lose its finish and became a bit smooth and glossy, but this is probably due to my sweaty wrists. Prior to the MECH5, I had been using the corsair K60, which has red Cherry MX switches. I find that the MECH5 is more comfortable for long periods of typing, probably because it has a full wrist rest as opposed to the K60 that only caters to the left hand. I also prefer the Cherry MX black switches on the MECH5 over the K60's reds. They both register keystrokes at the similar levels of depression but the resistance on the black keys are perfect for my fingers. Whilst using the K60, I found myself accidentally pressing keys just by having my fingers resting on them. Sadly, after a few weeks of use, the characters start fading off the MECH5 keys but are still be visible. This keyboard is very large. To give you an idea of its size, with the numpad removed, it is the same width as an average keyboard. In fact, in order to use it comfortably, I have to use the numpad separately, otherwise I find myself reaching too far to the left to type. This is not a big issue personally because I use the numpad mostly for calculations (conveniently, the numpad has a button that will open the calculator). I really like the dual function macro buttons: you can map the the A keys to a game and the Bs to media functions on the same profile. I have mixed feelings about the macro D-pad. For one, its position makes it a little difficult to use in heated gaming sessions. In its optimal location (right over the WASD keys) it covers the function keys F1-F4. This isn't a major issue though, as you can flip it up or take it off completely. In game situations I found it a lot easier to use the A/B macro keys to the left rather than reaching up to the macro D-pad. In terms of performance, I have no complaints about the MECH5. It is superb for gaming. All the macros I recorded worked successfully, I had no issues with ghosting and best of all, no accidental key presses. I also noticed that the keys are a little less noisy than the corsair K60. It excels in non-gaming tasks as well. I have written many programs and a few articles with the keyboard and very rarely mistyped words or accidentally double-type any characters. Gaming Keyboard Final ThoughtsI really like this keyboard. I love its menacing design. I'm very pleased with the stiffness of the keys and how robust and rigid it feels. It would've been nice if the entire keyboard was back-lit instead of only dual-function macro keys. I also think that the replacement keys should've been included with the MECH5, as they are with other keyboards in the same price range.
I would've like to see dedicated media keys as they appear on the K60, K90 and other popular gaming keybaords. Apart from it massive size, the wrist rest getting smooth and the fading marks on the keys, I have no major qualms with this piece of hardware. After using it for a while I found it hard to go back to my corsair K60. AZiO Levetron MECH5 ConclusionThe MECH 5 performs well in both gaming and productivity environments. In my opinion, MX black switches offer just the right amount of resistance for a good gaming experience. In typing large documents I never found myself double-typing any keys as I did with the MX switches on the K60. Macros were easy to create and worked without any hitches. My favourite thing about this keyboard is the way it looks. The design reflects the purpose of this keyboard: it is clear at first glance that it was designed for some serious gaming. The MECH5 sports a non-glossy black finish with red highlights. The dual function macro keys sit over a very cool red light. The MECH 5 is very well built. It has a very satisfying weight and has very large rubber pads beneath that prevent it from moving. The non-glossy finish prevents any fingerprints or smudges but the wrist rest will start to lose its texture after a while. Similarly, the markings on the keys will start to fade and probably will eventually come off. This keyboard may be too big for the liking of some, especially those with limited desk space. It is otherwise quite flexible with multiple height adjustment and the option to place the numpad on either side. AZiO have managed to save some space with its dual function macros keys that are easily programmable through the light weight, straightforward software. The MX black swicthes are excellent for gaming and other computing tasks, they offer a near perfect amount of resistance that makes for efficient typing/gaming without accidental key presees. As of late February 2013, the AZiO KB577U Levetron MECH5 cost $109.99 (Amazon / NewEgg). This price may seem like a lot to pay for a keyboard, but the MECH5 is worth every penny. It's built with high quality materials and feels very durable. It would be an even sweeter deal if AZiO had included the replacement gaming keys instead of selling them separately. The MECH is honestly one of the best keyboards I have had the opportunity to use and I would easily recommend it to anyone looking to enhance their gaming experience with a quality gaming keyboard. Pros:+ Simple, but good looking design |
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Comments
Also no back lit keys is a "No" for me. I think it is a weird feature to miss out on. I Don't get it. Those who do not want it can switch it off, but those who do want it cannot switch it on, if it is not there.
The general design of the X6 is more my thing also, but that is entirely of secondary concern.
Nevertheless if this had an FPS module (comparable to the Ideazon Fang I would still buy it immediately, because it would be one of a kind and truly useful to FPS/Action gamers.
To make a modular design make real sense you need modules. Only being able to remove the keypad is not that interesting. That seems hard to get for keyboard designers.
So I am still waiting for my ideal keyboard. Perhaps someday....