Gigabyte Aivia Osmium Review
Category : Keyboards
Published by Luca Rocchi on 11.08.14
Aivia Osmium is the first mechanical keyboard from Gigabyte. This keyboard features a palm rest, blue backlight and multimedia keys and we are curious to find out how this thing does. In addition Gigabyte used a USB2.0 and a USB3.0 header on this keyboard and there is also a very good bundle with key-caps remover and additional key-caps.
Article in English |
Artikel in Deutsch |
Article en français |
Articolo in italiano |
Today we will be checking out the Aivia Osmium, a first mechanical keyboard coming from Gigabyte. In the next few pages we will analyze the main features as well as look for any drawbacks of the Gigabyte new gaming keyboard.
| Page 1 - Introduction |
| Page 2 - Photo Gallery / Delivery |
| Page 3 - Features |
| Page 4 - Closer Look |
| Page 5 - Software |
| Page 6 - Conclusion |
Photo Gallery
Delivery
The exterior of the Gigabyte Osmium box features the name of the product printed with a pretty clear font, a picture of the keyboard itself, and a few general information regarding the keyboard. On the back we find some information about the specifications of this keyboard. Inside the box you get the keyboard itself and a couple of flyers with information about installation as well as warranty, keypuller and additional keycaps. If you want to set macros you must download the free software from Gigabyte official website, which is around 13 MB.| Page 1 - Introduction |
| Page 2 - Photo Gallery / Delivery |
| Page 3 - Features |
| Page 4 - Closer Look |
| Page 5 - Software |
| Page 6 - Conclusion |
Features
| Model number: | Aivia Osmium |
| Keys: | Cherry MX Red |
| Keycaps: | ABS |
| Materials: | ABS |
| Backlight: | Blue |
| Profiles: | 5 |
| Macros: | 5 |
| Interface: | USB3.0 + USB2.0 |
| Cable : | 200 cm |
| Dimensions: | 45.4(L) x 25.7(W) x 4.5(H) cm |
| Weight: | 1500 g |
| Page 1 - Introduction |
| Page 2 - Photo Gallery / Delivery |
| Page 3 - Features |
| Page 4 - Closer Look |
| Page 5 - Software |
| Page 6 - Conclusion |
Closer Look
As soon as you lift the Gigabyte Osmium, you realize how sturdy and solid it actually is. Gigabyte has created a keyboard that gives a sense of maximum quality to the user at any time, and it definitely did a pretty good job. The whole keyboard is made of plastic material with different finishing, including the wrist rest. The Gigabyte Osmium is one of the bigger keyboards we have tested so far, especially thanks to the removable palm rest integrated into the shape of the keyboard. Unlike other models tested, the Gigabyte Osmium offers a double audio/microphone jacks, a USB2.0 port and one USB 3.0 port. We have performed some speed tests using the native USB 3.0 ports on our ASUS Z77 motherboard and the header on the keyboard. The result was quite good and there are no noticeable performance degradations by using the USB 3.0 port on the keyboard. The Gigabyte Osmium is a mechanical keyboard and uses Cherry MX Red switches, which gives a very reactive feedback.
On the upper part of the keyboard you can find five programmable keys and, just on the right of it, two practical wheels for the backlight and volume control. In addition to these features, Gigabyte has also programmed a double function for the F-keys from the F1 to the F4, which, if used in combination with the FN button, become multimedia controls for pause and play videos and music. The Cherry MX Red switches are perfect for all those who call themselves "hardcore gamers". The key pressure is precise and linear, and the feedback that this keyboard gives is definitely good. The blue backlight, with few levels of intensity, is more than enough to fully illuminate the keys, and make the keyboard very comfortable to use in the dark.
Back
On the back of the keyboard there is the classic label showing the serial of the product and three non-slip rubber feet on the palm rest. The stability is ensured with four rubber feet well placed in the corners, so it is practically impossible that the Gigabyte Osmium moves from the desk without being raised. Obviously, the feet, which are also covered with rubber, tilt the keyboard to a certain angle.
| Page 1 - Introduction |
| Page 2 - Photo Gallery / Delivery |
| Page 3 - Features |
| Page 4 - Closer Look |
| Page 5 - Software |
| Page 6 - Conclusion |
Software
Gigabyte, like most other manufacturers today, do not include a software CD in the package. However, the software can be downloaded for free from the official website. The interface is simple and very clear, as the information and all the settings are easily accessible with just few clicks. In addition to classic settings related to the macro keys and customizable profiles, Gigabyte has included a tool which can be used to delete all the settings saved on the memory of the keyboard.
| Page 1 - Introduction |
| Page 2 - Photo Gallery / Delivery |
| Page 3 - Features |
| Page 4 - Closer Look |
| Page 5 - Software |
| Page 6 - Conclusion |
Conclusion
| General | + | - | |
| Our global verdict about this keyboard is more than positive as Gigabyte managed to create a solid and high-quality product, almost free of flaws. We definitely like the fact that this a heavy keyboard, with an attractive but not excessive design typical for gaming peripherals. The blue backlight is clear, precise and never excessive. Last but not least, we liked the sound and backlight wheel control, since these are very easy to use. |
- Weight
- Design |
||
| Manufacturing quality / Ergonomics | + | - | |
| Overall, we can say that the materials used on the Gigabyte Osmium are great, very sturdy and pleasant to touch. The Gigabyte Osmium gaming keyboard is really comfortable to use, all the keys are well placed and easy to reach so you will not find yourself pressing the wrong key by accident. The comfort of a keyboard is always a very subjective question, but in our opinion, the G buttons, located at the top of the keyboard, are not so easy to reach as you need to lift up your hand from the palm rest. In addition to standard programmable buttons, the Gigabyte Osmium also has the multi-fuction F keys which make the usage of the keyboard much easier. The key travel is precise and linear while the feedback is always good and perfect as you would expect from a mechanical keyboard in this range. Gigabyte placed two USB ports at the back of the keyboard, one USB 2.0 and one USB 3.0 port. | - Build quality - Palmrest - Blue backlight - USB ports | - Position of G buttons | |
| Software | + | - | |
| The software is essential but has everything you need. It is free and fast to get, since it is a mere 13 MB large. You simply could not ask for anything better. | - Easy to use | ||
| Recommendation / Price | + | - | |
| The starting price of the Gigabyte Osmium on Geizhals.eu is about 100 euro excluding shipping costs. In terms of value, the keyboard is certainly a very good product with attractive features like USB 3.0 port. If you are looking for a good keyboard with an attractive, but not too aggressive design, then the Gigabyte Osmium is a very good choice. |
- Gaming - Office |
||
| Rating | |||
| We gave the Osmium from Gigabyte 4.5 out of 5 stars. | |||
| Page 1 - Introduction |
| Page 2 - Photo Gallery / Delivery |
| Page 3 - Features |
| Page 4 - Closer Look |
| Page 5 - Software |
| Page 6 - Conclusion |