|
|
CLICK FOR LARGER IMAGE |
WorldTech Devices
manufacturers software specific keyboards, designed to enhance the use
and learning of computer applications. For a period of two months, I
used a model designed specifically for use with Pinnacle Liquid
Edition. The keyboard is designed to help Liquid users locate
important shortcut commands quickly, and maximizes the use of shortcut
commands built into the program. The icon commands are laser etched
into the color coded keycaps. Therefore, they won't wear out or rub
off.
Overall Impression:
If you take away the
laser etching and color coding, this keyboard is no different than
keyboards that can be purchased anywhere on the web for under $10.00.
In a word... this keyboard is "unremarkable." It is the
same basic keyboard found on most budget PCs.
Because there are no
rubberized footers on the keyboard's undercarriage, it has a tendency
to slide across one Formica desktop. This was very annoying. The
size and shape of this keyboard is the same as most other keyboards.
The tactile feedback one receives from striking the keys is quickly
associated with most economy keyboards. I guess it becomes a
matter of personal preference but I really like the feel of my
original Dell AT101W keyboard. They are solid and make a real click
when I press a key. I like that. The WorldTech keyboard is
soft and mushy.
What Makes The
WorldTech Unique
As stated at the
beginning of this review, this keyboard is designed to work directly
with Liquid Edition. However, as we know, Edition's ability to remap a
keyboard to the satisfy the personal taste of its user is one of it's
strongest features. By using this keyboard, one is limited to a
single, predetermined keyboard layout. This severely
undermines one of Edition's coolest features.
I Like What I Like So
Don't Change Me
Since I'm an old
Premiere editor, old habits are hard to kill.
-
I still like my
numeric asterisk key (*) to lay down timeline markers. The WorldTech
keyboard it to the "M" key. Not that its bad... but that is not MY
STYLE!
-
In Liquid, I
established my "C" key to provide a razor cut on the timeline. The
WorldTech keyboard maps it to to the ">" key.
-
When I want to edit my
audio, I click on my "A" key. For me, that's natural and
normal. The WorldTech keyboard maps it to the LE default...
the "F4" key.
Recommendation:
I like
my freedom and this keyboard takes that away. Now don't get me wrong,
I can still map any key on the WorldTech keyboard to any mapable
function in Liquid Edition... but I don't need to spend $80 for a
color coded keyboard that has the overall mechanical quality of one I
can purchase for $6.00.
Author:
Andy Browne
Return to Main Menu |
