GIGABYTE Aivia Osmium Review

👤by Tim Harmer Comments 📅25-01-13
Packaging And First Look



Yes, the GIGABYTE Aivia Osmium packaging is huge for a keyboard, and certainly encapsulates a premium look from the outside. The front boldly displays the Osmium keyboard in high-gloss relief, alongside the key features of USB 3.0, Gaming Tactility, Anti-Ghosting (AKA key rollover) and Backlit Illumination. However there does exist some potential for confusion here as USB 3.0 is not required in order to utilise the keyboard.

The 'Osmium as an element' theme is also continued on the packaging, citing its atomic number (76) and mass. For chemistry buffs out there that's a pretty cool addition.

You'll note that despite the UK keyboard layout of our sample, the packaging displays the US layout of the Osmium. Before buying ensure that you have picked up the correct layout by checking the left-hand-side of the packaging near the S/N and barcode. For reference, UK layouts will be stamped UK Layout BLK here.



Given the realestate on this box it's no surprise that GIGABYTE can go into some depth regarding the features of their keyboard. Pride of place undoubtably goes to the mechanical switch type, but they carefully go through all eleven marketable keyboard features to give you some idea of what to expect from the keyboard. Due to this, there should be very few surprises inside.

Finally, the right-hand-side briefly lists the specs of the keyboard. Other sides are devoted to multi-lingual summaries of the keyboard features.



Upon opening, we discover that the outer layer is a sleeve for what can best be described as a transit case for the Osmium keyboard and accessories. Opening up we get our first view of the Osmium, complete with additional keycaps and keycap remover, all sitting snuggly in >1cm thick dense foam. This frankly shouts high-end and premium, and is a theme which GIGABYTE are pushing in other Aivia products; if nothing else, the keyboard should be extremely well protected in transit.



By way of accessories, the Osmium may seem a little thin on the ground. A wrist-rest is obviously included, and is very welcome at that, but apart from those already noted the only other thing included in the bundle is a brief Quick Guide outlining setup instructions and where to download the GHOST software. We're certainly not complaining - that's much better for the environment after all - but worthy of note for those expecting over the top bundles seen on some products with pretensions of premium status.

The keyboard measures 450mm x 190mm, extending to 450mm x 260mm with wrist-rest attached. The locking mechanism for the rest is very robust, and extendible feet under the front of the keyboard ensure that the keyboard is stable on a continuous plane. Feet at the rear add close to 20mm of height at the highest point, giving the Osmium a fair typing angle if preferred. Four non-slip rubber pads (six with wrist-rest) hold the keyboard in place whilst in use.



To round out our first look we need to make a quick point on cabling. The Osmium's connector cabling is bundled together in a tightly woven braided sheath, cutting down significantly on expected long-term cable wear. The aggregated cable is 2m long, which should be plenty for reaching the back of a typical system, and includes USB 2, USB 3, L/R Audio and Mic In. Note of course that only USB 2.0 must be connected for the keyboard to function, other features are simple passthrough.

First impressions of the Osmium are excellent, but can it withstand closer scrutiny?



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