OCZ Alchemy Elixir Gaming Keyboard Review

Software Overview

Installing the software is simplicity itself, as all you need to do is load the included CD and follow the onscreen instructions. When this is completed you will have to reboot your system but this is too is par for the course.


Easy installation or no, the usage of said software is what makes or breaks a keyboards macro keys; and in the case of the Elixir the software is extremely user friendly yet at the same time fairly limited as well. To change either the L or R keys macro you simply have to double click on the software icon located in your Taskbar. This loads a pop up window with a graphical representation of the keyboard and its accompanying macro keys. To change a macro you click on it in this window, which in turns loads another smaller pop up where you can enter the new macro command.


This unfortunately is where the “limited” comment comes into play as you can only enter in a 16 characters. 16 may sound like a lot but in reality each key press and subsequent release counts as two characters. This means you really only have 8 key press or key combinations (and lets not even think about what missing key releases will do to your game!...the mind just shudders at the thought of a stuck “up arrow” or jump command) This means for games where you can enter a console and “tweak” the underlying game engine with long and obscure command phrases cannot be preloaded into a macro key.

On the positive, side you can have the macro command repeat atomically as long as you hold down the key and can even specify the pause interval in between repeating it.

It is also good that the macro commands can be set up for 3 main profiles as well as for specific programs. This means they may be limited in their size but they are not limited in their scope or abilities. It really is amazing what 30 bucks can get you these days.

Overall this “limitation” and its tweakability means the Elixir will be of more use where the macro commands need to be short yet infinitely repeatable. A great example of what we mean is cheating in your favorite FPS may be difficult but having the macro key release multiple chaff or flares from you F22 Raptor will be easier with the Elixir than a normal keyboard.

Replacement Keys Installation

Since this unit ships with replacement keys it would be a grave oversight if we did not show you how to actually use them. Over the years, I have taken apart many a keyboard for cleaning and this keyboard is one of the easier ones I have had the pleasure to take disect. All you need is a thin edged tool to pry up the intended key (a small putty knife is fine, though I prefer a good stiletto knife). In this case we have removed the space key as this is usually the one I am hardest on. If you pry straight up you will not need to worry about the “spring” nor any obstructions. The underside of the key is has (at least one) plunger which is keyed. When you have it pried out, simply ensure the spring is in proper position and then take the replacement key and gently push it down in to place.

This is in a nut shell how you replace a worn out key on the Elixir keyboard and we are pleased to say that even the greenest of novices should have no trouble doing this as long as they take their time and apply pressure only in the vertical plane.