Keysonic KSK-8001UEL multimedia keyboard

Multimedia specialist Nanopoint is shipping a new range of multimedia keyboards designed to catch the eye of both gamers and media centre users alike. 
I’ve always been a sucker for backlit keyboards (functional yet pretty), so predictably think these new models look seriously cool.

The full-size KSK-8001UEL is a shiny black full-size USB ‘board that’s been designed with home entertainment systems mind. Priced at around £28, it features 15 integrated multifunction keys that not only offer shortcuts to browser and mail, but a full gamut of media playback controls (Play/Pause/Forward/Back/Stop).

Responsive and quiet
There’s a choice of red or blue LED backlighting on the keys, with the intensity controlled by a dial top right. The keyboard itself is rather large, but build quality is excellent. The glossy black brushed aluminium palm rest looks swish (although it will inevitably highlight fingerprints), and the superflat keys are responsive and quiet (significant when used in a living room environment).

The 8001UEL is actually a great match for the (original) PlayStation 3. I partnered one up and it looked a million bucks (remember that there are no dedicated PS3 control keeps). The only thing missing was a matching LED backlit black mouse.
Coming soon from Keysonic is the KSK-3200RF, a 2.4 GHz wireless mini (294x28x101mm) keyboard designed for use with a Home Theatre PC. It’ll sport a built in opto-mechanical trackball for easy sofa action. More on that when we see one.