KeySonic ACK-5600ALU - DigitalVersus

KeySonic ACK-5600ALU


Amazon.co.uk	57.50





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Nombre de touches (clavier)	113
Souris	Non
Clavier / souris sans fil	Non / Non

Vincent Alzieu
Test date: April 01, 2009

Built-in Sound Card

It's the inclusion of a sound card in this keyboard, rather than its sleek metal look, that really sets it apart from the competition. The idea is that you can connect it to a computer with no sound card, or one whose sound card could do with being improved (like a laptop), and hope for better quality audio.

We're lucky enough to have in-house specialists dedicated to testing audio equipment, and their considered opinion was that the sound card on this keyboard isn't up to much. The sound is very distorted--especially when you use the USB port. And that's without mentioning the very irritating buzz that accompanies any music, which, fortunately enough, disappears when you're not listening to anything.

The ACK-5600ALU: what a strange name for what is, after all, just a keyboard. Made entirely of aluminium, and very heavy (1.8 kg on the scales), its laptop-style keys are complemented by a built-in sound card.

Laptop-style keys generally result in quiet timing, but not here. Several members of our team tried it out, and it was more of a hit with people who normally type quite loudly anyway. Those of us who are a little more gentle with our keyboards were less convinced. In particular, the space bar, which seems to have been worn out much too quickly, makes very irritating squeaking noises like a small animal.

Keysonic supplies a piece of fake leather, which is meant to act as a wrist rest, but if your tastes are anything like ours, you'll probably find it looks very tackey. Its only good point is that it will protect you from the cold metal surface. Otherwise, this accessory is as ugly as it is useless.