Enermax Caesar metal-clad keyboard up in your grill

It's not too often we see a diamond-cut solid brushed aluminum keyboard (complete with steel mesh grill), but Enermax's hotshot new Caesar keyboard definitely made us sit up and take notice. Successor to the Crystal aluminum keyboard, weighing in at 3.2 friggin mounds and blocking off 20.5 x 8.46 x 1.1-inches (521 x 215 x 28mm) of desk space, this mound of metal also has a couple of USB 2.0 ports, a built-in audio device (what for we're not yet entirely sure), five media and five Vista buttons, and scissor-mounted keys. It's a surprisingly low $75 per, but we'll be waiting pit it against the Optimus Maximus in the keyboard Thunderdome.

Gallery: Enermax Caesar metal-clad keyboard up in your grill

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[matthew @ Dec 11th 2007 1:22AM]

friggin mound.

that's right.

[Blackstar @ Dec 11th 2007 10:55PM]

No longer do you have to wait for your frosty beverages to work their
way past the keys to get inside and ruin your keyboards. This one does
it in 1/10th the time! Drip your drinks directly to the interior.
Coming soon to a retailer near you. get in line now.

** doubles as a Cheese Grater. Keyboard VOID in Utah.

[BlissX @ Dec 11th 2007 1:22AM]

I don't know what to say. I would've gotten a Moshi Celesta, but it lacks audio controls (volume up/down, and mute) for Windows-based PC's; as it's meant for Macs.

This nearly looks similar, but the wire-mesh is both unattractive yet intriguing. I also don't like Enermax for an unknown reason... Gah... what to do, what to do...

[BlissX @ Dec 11th 2007 1:24AM]

Also note that the keys are Notebook style, just like the Moshi Celesta. This wouldn't work too well for a mashing gamer.

[culbeda @ Dec 11th 2007 2:09AM]

I'm actually somewhat intrigued as well. But this is definitely something I wouldn't be sight unseen, and good luck finding this in our local retailer. (Especially since CompUSA will be gone.)

[Paul @ Dec 11th 2007 2:08AM]

Does not look like the keys are brushed metal. Pity, I was thinking about getting one until I saw that.

The giant wrist area is quite a turnoff as well.

[slipperywhenwet @ Dec 11th 2007 3:50AM]

The media controls are lacking, and the wrist area is too large for me. I think that it's a good looking keyboard, but it would be much nicer if the keys were aluminum.

[Bad Beaver @ Dec 11th 2007 4:08AM]

I cannot say how many nights I prayed for cheap plastic notebook keys with printed-on letters and a nice palm-rest full of holes to fill with all the sweat, gunk and junk of the world. I will gladly throw all my laser-inscribed ALPS based keyboards away for that.

[Fizzl @ Dec 11th 2007 5:36AM]

I'd assume the built in audio device is so you can plug a headset into the keyboard and do voice comms separate from the speakers.

The grill looks crap, the rest looks nice.

[ratnikh @ Dec 11th 2007 8:29AM]

Like Bad Beaver said, that mesh grill is just waiting to get clogged with massive amounts of crap. Also, consider any other device that's been covered with the same style metal mesh. A little time and wear and tear will dent and pucker it, making it look even worse.

As for the weight, that's not a bad thing. The higher-end multimedia keyboards, notably the Microsoft Natural 2000 weighs in at almost 3lbs. Since it will be stationary, that weight increases it's stability for gaming use, or fast & furious typin' action. I've had some "slim" keyboards in the past and they suck because they slide around and tend to "bounce" when used. Although this Enermax keyboard isn't my style, the fact that they didn't skimp on the weight is nice to see.

[barnz2k @ Dec 11th 2007 8:30AM]

umm.. after clicking to this page, the gallery is for Motorizr Z8 not the keyboard??

[X101 @ Dec 11th 2007 9:01AM]

I have the Aurora: http://www.enermaxusa.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=28_48&products_id=95

It's a great keyboard. Not sure if i like the mesh on the new one.

[Tony C @ Dec 11th 2007 10:25AM]

Lovely, but think of all the crap that'll get mucked up into that perforated grill. Crumbs, dust, anything and everything that comes off of your hands and fingers or dropped onto the keyboard.

At least you can use it as a makeshift deadly weapon in case you're ever mugged near your PC... :P

[Ayle @ Dec 11th 2007 12:53PM]

When this thing fall from your desk, it's gonna take half of your motherboard with it... And break your toes on landing...

[Josh @ Dec 11th 2007 1:49PM]

I have the previous Enermax keyboard and it's quite awesome. I still find myself pulling out the g15 when I'm doing lots of button mashing but for the most part it's an great keyboard. Extremely solid and it has VERY responsive keystrokes. I can't wait to try out the Caesar!

[John @ Dec 11th 2007 4:16PM]

I also have the last-gen Enermax board and it was worth every penny. It replaced my Model M when it finally died, and for anything but gaming, it's the fastest keyboard i've ever used. Not sure about this metal screening, but the board itself will certainly be great. For those North of the boarder, CanadaComputers carried the last generation Enermax boards, so keep an eye out there if you're interested.

[RobFX @ Dec 11th 2007 5:10PM]

It's going to be hard to clean out all the food crumbs and dried soda from under that metal mesh. 0_o

[dadimwit @ Dec 12th 2007 7:39PM]

I'm stickin' with my Model M.