For comparison I thought it would be useful (as with other keyboard reviews) to compare the size of the Celeritas against a traditional keyboard - Dell Slimline. With a standard keyboard next to the Celeritas we can observe the overall size, height and spacing of keys etc.
Starting with the overall view of the layout, we can see that the Celeritas is quite similar to the Dell keyboard. Its length is exactly the same, but the width of the Celeritas is slightly bigger.
The Celeritas is similar to the traditional keyboard
When we look at both keyboards from the side, we can see that the profile view reveals the Celeritas is standing much taller than the Dell keyboard. The Dell keyboard does have height adjustment though, so with a modification to this it stands at a similar height.
A side profile view of both keyboards
Lastly, I frequently observe the caps and shift key size and placement in all of the keyboard reviews. Like the previous keyboard review: GIGABYTE Aivia K8100 this showed a larger shift key, and tight clearance between caps lock and the "a" key. This can present problems when touch typing, but with the Celeritas, key placement is almost identical and what I would call "perfect". It presents no problems when touch typing. No accidental shift or caps lock pressing. This may well be an overlooked issue by many, but I feel it is important as it can interfere with the efficiency of typing. Excellent work from Zowie.
Similar key placement to Dell. Just what we like
Usage
There are no hard and fast rules to determine the overall performance of a keyboard. But I have used the Celeritas over a period of 2 whole days in order to provide quality feedback on the keyboard both in Windows and in-game.
Windows based tasks
Whilst the Celeritas is categorised as a gaming keyboard, there is no denying that this keyboard will be used in the Windows environment too. After all, the keyboard is one of the most used peripherals that make up a computer system. I used the Celeritas to type this article up, talk to friends on IM and just generally web browse. Using the keyboard in this environment reveals some excellent key feedback from the Celeritas. Being the first mechanical keyboard I have reviewed, I can instantly feel the difference in quality. Key presses no longer feel dull, soft and lifeless. Instead they are much more responsive, and there is a clear distinction between the quality of a non-mechanical and mechanical. You get a sense of much more control and the response is great. If you haven't already tried a mechanical keyboard you should definitely consider it, the keyboard is one of the most used components attached to any system so its a work while investment - its going to last a lot longer.
Below you can see the illumination of the Zowie logo which is positioned above the numpad keys. The red glow shows the default configuration whilst the blue signifies that the windows key is configured for "ctrl" which can be achieved by pressing the Zowie key (right of the space bar) and the windows logo key.
Gaming
We may not have any macro functionality with the Celeritas but unless you are heavily into MMO/RPG type games, the Celeritas will be much suited to other games. For FPS the Celeritas is a fantastic keyboard.
The Celeritas is a solid unit, its comfortable and has a very reassuring feedback system due to the 18K gold-plated Cherry MX switches. I am very pleased with the results both in-game and out of game.
