OCZ is mostly known as a manufacturer of memory and computer hardware components, but all that stands really good odds of changing soon. And that is because the company announced yesterday the introduction of the new Elixir keyboard. The new product is part of the company's gaming "Alchemy" line and is meant to compete with similar products from Logitech, Razer or Saitek.

Gaming users are among the most demanding customers in the computer market and that is why hardware manufacturers go that extra mile with design and technical specifications for the gaming products they put out. OCZ's new keyboard has been built to provide its users with a combination of user-friendly features and ergonomic design. Its aim is to enhance the users' gaming experience and, at the same time, help them improve their game play.

The Alchemy line has been introduced earlier this year, during the Computex show, and marked a new chapter in OCZ's history. The Elixir keyboard is the first product to be launched under this line and, according to OCZ, will be the first of many gaming keyboards, mice and other computer gaming accessories.

"The new Alchemy line from OCZ is designed to offer gamers quality gaming solutions that deliver both exceptional performance and value," said Eugene Chang, Product Manager of the OCZ Technology Group. "Just because gamers have a budget doesn't mean they shouldn't enjoy premium gaming features, and our first Alchemy solution the Elixir gaming keyboard is designed with quality ergonomics and offers efficient game-play with programmable macro keys."

Unlike some of its competitors, the Elixir keyboard doesn't feature backlit keys, but it does offer 10 Blue Macro keys that can be customized via the included software. The keyboard also features 7 Internet hot keys and 8 Media keys, and is compatible with both Windows Vista and XP SP2. One of the most exciting features of OCZ's new product is the price tag that comes with it. With a manufacturer suggested retail price of just $29.99, this has to be one of the cheapest gaming keyboards available on the market.

In a head-to-head competition with Logitech's G15 or Razer's Lycosa, the Elixir keyboard might fall short as far as specifications go, but it does offer a good price/quality ratio.