GIGABYTE Aivia K8100 Review

SteelSeries Shift and ” alt=”” />Tt eSPORTS Challenger Pro is not present with the GIGABYTE Aivia K8100 thankfully. On both competing boards the caps lock key is very close to the ‘a’ key meaning that accidental pressing is a frequent and irritating occurrence. This affects both normal usage – typing and gaming. Using the K8100 we have no such irritation and both types of operation can be performed fluidly.

Key presses whilst in-game are light but responsive. Without the silicone cover on the keyboard, keys do feel slightly loose and feedback isn’t as positive. The cover seems to bond the keys together and reduce movement and clatter. I would recommend using the silicone cover.

Software

Slipping the software CD into the optical drive enables access to GIGABTE’s GHOST Engine. We also have Adobe Acrobat Reader which is used to view the user manual which is also on the CD.



Installation takes a matter of minutes, and once inside the GHOST Engine, you are met with a bright and busy GUI. As you can see from the below screenshot image, there are 5 rows of commands available for each of the G buttons on the K8100. For some reason they are called ‘M1-M5’ in the software, really they should be labelled ‘G’ as they correspond to the buttons on the keyboard. Each of the 5 commands on a profile can be selected via the ‘Basic Functions’ on the left. The vast amount of commands available there can be drag n’ dropped onto a button.



Macros are easy to assign also as the drag n’ drop facility works in the same fashion here too. The interface is thorough in its ability to include features. Nothing is left out.



Mentioned in the intro, the K8100 feature ‘Touch and Slide Volume Control’. Running across the top of the keyboard is an area that allows you, with a soft swipe to increase volume (left to right) or decrease the volume (right to left). There also a mute button located near the bar, that when pressed kills all system volume. Both of these functions have LEDs that correlate with the operation, as you can see in the photo below. This is very handy to have, as you can take full advantage of this feature if you are in-game.



Lastly, the K8100 features illuminating keys. The option for this is managed by an external button on the top-right hand corner of the actual keyboard. When pressed, the keyboard emits a warm red glow to each of the keys, creating a pleasant ambience.

Conclusion

As 2011 draws nigh, we have seen a competitive streak from GIGABYTE by way of gaming peripherals over the past few months. Their objective is to tackle the gaming market, releasing a flurry of aggressive products aimed directly at the avid gamer.

We have seen in the M6900 and M6980 some fantastic, great value for money gaming products and the Aivia K8100 continues this trend. The keyboard we have been looking at today may not be to everyone’s taste due to its strong, vibrant and distinguishable looks but the physical design and outworkings are something we can all agree upon. In fact, I quite like the liveliness the yellow K8100 brings. Its different to anything I’ve ever used before and even though the majority of the peripherals I use (and most people) it doesn’t look hideous. It brings out that extrovert in you!

The supplementary items included in the bundle are a good idea, the different textured W, A, S, D keys are useful rather than being daft like we have encountered with other keyboards that simply offer different coloured keys. Gamer’s tend to feel keys rather than look at them. The latter would result in poor gameplay. The protective silicone cover is another great idea, it prevents dirt getting between the keys which would otherwise cause sticking, is easy to clean and makes the keys feel soft and less noisy when typing fast.



The only problems that I am left to report are that the G buttons positioned at the top of the keyboard would probably be better situated vertically along the left hand side of the keyboard rather than horizontally across the top. Keys that are positioned to the side are easier to access whilst in game. With the G buttons currently at the top of the board they are a bit of a reach away. Another thing to note is the fact that usage without the protective silicone cover left the experience feeling sloppy. Keys feel slightly loose and make more of a clattering noise. With the silicone cover however keys seem to bond together, feedback is more fluid and less noisy.

At around GBP £45 / USD $70 MSRP the K8100 is a good buy for anyone looking for a great all round gaming keyboard. Especially as the price that consumers will buy is going to be slightly lower. The K8100 may not compete with the more expensive boards out there that are typically mechanical but the K8100 isn’t in direct competition with the likes of the Logitech G15/G19, Razer Black Window to name a few. But I’m sure GIGABYTE are yet to take on these stalwarts. 2011 should be an interesting year for GIGABYTE as they introduce yet more gaming peripherals to the market.