Ozone Strike X30 Keyboard Review

If you’re looking for a mechanical keyboard under €100, Ozone gives you two choices in either the Tenkeyless Strike Battle which we reviewed here http://www.gamers.com.mt/news/351/ozone-strike-battle-tenkeyless-mechanical-keyboard-review or the full-sized X30 which we’re to discuss now.  Sporting the nickname of “the unbeatable one”, is the Ozone X30’s performance actually unbeatable at this price point? Time to find out.

Things don’t start out too well when it comes to packaging and unboxing. The box is very much sturdy and inside hides another box which holds the keyboard, a technique used to let the consumer feel the premium of it all. Packaged with a styrofoam cover as are all Ozone keyboards, the only other thing that’s included is the manual- quite a bare package. However, there is a little something hidden on the product. Yet, you may be asking if I forgot about my comment regarding “not starting too well”-I haven’t. It does so due to the way it labels its switch at the front flap; a sticker ticks either mechanical red/blue or brown switch. Many customers could fall for the assumption that Cherry MX keys await them, only to find out that the switches are Kailh type. The ambiguity of “mechanical switch” isn’t appreciated and Ozone really should specify. Hopefully this minor gripe when it comes to labelling can be easily overshadowed by the performance.

Before performing, the Ozone X30 bravely experiments with the aesthetics. The first thing one notices is the width-wise bar of brushed steel. It’s not trying to act as a wrist rest as Ozone never specifies that it does, but it does give off a fresh tone of formality. Identical materials are then used above the number pad, etching the ozone name and logo beside the lock switch signals. Such a brushed metallic look isn’t exactly popular among gaming keyboards, these highlights definitely stand out. Then there’s the rest of the keyboard. Rocking the usual font, Ozone places its keys like any other keyboard but switches it up when it comes to the function keys and the “Ozone” button as we’ll discuss later on. Above the scroll lock area is a confusing design which serves no purpose except to reveal some glossy plastic, reducing the symmetry of it all. As we turn the keyboard over, all 1.3kg of it, more surprises await us below.

When kept flat, two rubber feet and a couple plastic feet try to fix the keyboard in place. It’s not that much of a worry due to the design flaw being that the keyboard is tilting away from the user if no legs are used; the keyboard is quite ergonomically challenging if the standing legs aren't used.  There are two sets of legs on this keyboard, a first for me as a reviewer, which make the keyboard flat or as expected, raise the keys further.  All legs have rubber feet to accompany those at the front. Perhaps more interesting is what Ozone hides in between the legs- an integrated key puller. A nuisance to pull out, it sits tightly and does its job well whenever you need it to. One last thing to point out on the back is the design; although rather futile since it’s out of sight, it’s great to see Ozone approaching every detail. That’s enough about the looks.

Moving on to user experience and performance, not many risks are taken to ensure a high quality experience. Plastic key caps and a brushed plastic finish do a surprisingly great job at repelling finger oils and sweat. Pressing down on each key s is different to a pedigree MX Cherry experience. Here’s a breakdown on Kailh switches. Firstly, their colours correspond to those of MX Cherry when it comes to switch profiles and whatnot. Yet, the Chinese switches consistently need more force as they don’t make use of gold-plated contacts-that’s it really. Do they feel cheap? Not really, so much so that they boast a 55 million keystroke lifespan. Switches are accompanied with an extremely solid build quality resulting in practically no flex which one would expect at this hefty weight. At “up to 1000Hz” ultra-polling, response time is as fast as it gets thanks to a gold-plated connection at the end of a 1.8m braided cable. Interestingly enough, the USB 2.0 is covered by a plastic casing which is always hanging around for use when it isn’t connected. This will come in handy when you’re swapping connection from Windows to Mac, Linus or Android since the peripheral is compatible with all of them. Anti-ghosting and 6-key rollover is also provided and easily toggled alongside a standard Game Mode which simply disables Windows key functions. Overall, performance is great whether you’re gaming or typing, but this does depend on which type of Kailh you choose. All of this is packed at the reasonable dimensions of 455x161x37mm.   

Onto the RGB features then. Again, Ozone has produced a fantastic representation of all  the colours with beautiful vibrancy and adequate brightness. Yet this time, enjoying the lights is done through unique effects which unfortunately can become quite the cumbersome to manage. Effects go as follows; Wave, Pinwheel, Breathing, Static, Rain drop reactive, Explosion, Extension, Cyclone, Scanning and None.  Innovation and creativity went into these, creating a one of a kind experience.  None of the glory is spoiled by lock functions as these trigger red signals to the top right, but it must be said that white lighting was slightly red due to the nature of the switch of the hardware unit.

However, all this potential fun is drawn down by two words- no software. This wouldn’t be a problem if there wasn’t such a complicated system; so get your reading glasses ready for the manual. If you’d like to change the speed, direction and colour of your keyboard effects, it’s recommended that you keep this manual nearby. Through the funcitons, one can dance through the five multi-coloured preset layouts while creating your own five. Macros are also a possibility; an experience which resembles that of taking a school test.  Setting hues is likewise. To conclude, the effects and lighting are fantastic, hut configuring them could be an improved experience.

Ozone is clearly taking a lot of risks and experimenting with new ideas through the Ozone X30. While the fundamental function of typing is untouched, apart from the use of a less popular switch, other aspects such as the looks and features are quite unique and give this product its own personality. For €90, it’s a great investment if you appreciate Ozone’s creativity and if you don’t mind taking a minute to read the instructions.   

Like what you see? Buy it now while stocks last at the Gamers Lounge: http://shop.gamers.com.mt/product/471/ozone-strike-x30