The Element is a mechanical gaming keyboard with a twist on the RGB lighting typical of such devices-- the backlighting is, according to maker Whirlwind FX, "content-reactive," and can mirror the on-screen action.
The company says the effect comes thanks to a software engine that "detects and recognizes events and critical utility moments-- explosions, varied environments, damage taken, health levels, healing, shields-- producing synchronized LED patterns, bursts of colour and particle systems to heighten immersion." Also included is a "constantly-expanding" library of extensions for individual games allowing for such effects.
While the reactive lighting technology is patented, Whirlwind FX also provides the open-platform "Signal" lighting software allowing users to create own lighting scripts and effects using basic HTML5/Canvas and Javascript commands. Users get a choice of 16.8 million colours per key, and can share the results with the world on the Whirlwind FX website.
As for the rest of the keyboard, the Element features a full 104-ANSI layout with zero-bounce Kalih key switches on a brushed aluminium body. Customers get a choice of Red linear and Blue clicky keys witches with gold contacts, with each offering an actuation distance of 1.7mm and 50G actuation force. The keyboard is wired, and polls at 1300-1400Hz with an N-key rollover option. Brightness and media controls come included as standard.
The Element keyboard is available now, at least in the US.
