Feenix is an independent computer peripherals manufacturer from Southern California. Because of their unique structure, they can design and engineer the finest and best peripherals around. Owning a Feenix product is considered to be equal to owning a collectors item because of their rarity and premium feel. This time, the B2G labs puts to the test the Feenix Autore Mechanical Keyboard.
Description
- Gold plated Cherry MX Brown switches, together with Feenix’s lightweight silkscreened keycaps, provide a click feel that is tactile yet astonishingly effortless. The result is faster typing, faster double taps, and minimal fatigue, which is essential for any gamer or typist.
- A gold metal plate running through the length of the chassis provides brilliant durability. A double Polyurethane layer alongside our aluminum coating also provides the Autore with added durability and surface quality.
- Accenting the design nicely are the lock lights which are positioned vertically and lit with Feenix jewel white lighting
- A gold plated modular Mini USB to USB connection with an optional PS/2 adapter offers steadfast transference with Full Key rollover capability
- “The Autore was designed with the unwavering vision of creating a mechanical keyboard with impeccable click feel, comfort, reliability, and durability.”
Specifications
- Cherry MX Brown Mechanical Switch
- Dimensions: 440*137.5*29.8 mm
- Weight: Around 1200 g
- Contact Interface: USB or PS/2
- Compatible OS: Windows, Mac, or Linux
Packaging
Feenix feeds of simplicity and aesthetic elegance. The plain black box is simple yet has an enamoring charm to it which you can’t help but like. The Feenix logo is emblazoned in the center of the top flap. The name “Autore” is printed in the front flap of the narrow sides.
What’s Inside
Feenix bundles the Autore with the essentials: the keyboard itself, a detachable, sleeved USB cable and a USB-to-PS/2 adapter.
The Autore keyboard’s design is based on the monolith from 2001: A Space Odyssey; hence the monotone design. We have the 2014 edition which features a bluish, gunmetal paint job.
The Autore is a very straightforward keyboard as it has no added features like extra USB ports or any of those other things that you normally see in high-end keyboards out right now.
The mini-USB cable connects via the upper-right side of the Autore.
Rubber feet line the Autore on its underside to prevent slipping while in use. If you haven’t noticed yet, the Autore does not have lift-stand to increase the tilt of the keyboard. The design itself is quite ergonomic enough but if you really need them, you’ll either need something to mount it to.
User Experience
When testing the Autore, we’ll be using it to play League of Legends, a MOBA game that requires precise timing and great reaction from your keyboard. The Autore gives me a great weapon when gaming. My reaction timing was very good, especially when using skill shots and spell shields, which requires a lot of precision.
Typing on the Autore feels like a breeze, thanks to its tactile touch and Cherry MX Brown switches. Its very easy to adapt to the Autore because of its small size, no matter what type of keyboard you used before.
BossMac’s Notes: There is really an air of elegance surrounding the Autore and Feenix itself and this product certainly boasts that aura. While it may bear the typical Filco design, the solid build construction and stylish, light gunmetal blue coating makes for a unique centerpiece atop your desktop.
Conclusion
Overall, Feenix has really come through in the clutch with the Autore. It really comes off as a premium keyboard worthy of being called a collectors item. The design is very sleek and and compact. Because of this, it easily fits on any desk and very easy to carry around, despite it being heavier than most mechanical keyboards. Quality is off the charts as its tactile touch and Cherry MX Brown switches gives users a great typing experience. Although its a bit pricey for a keyboard with very limited features, its quality kind of makes of for it. We here at B2G award the Feenix Autore with the B2G Gold Award.
BossMac’s Notes: While Feenix may certainly be overcharging for the Autore despite its obvious lack of extras, I have always sworn by straightforward mechanical keyboards with practically no extras. The Autore is no different in my functional tastes but it is the sheer elegance at which the Autore presents itself where the value really comes in. Priced at $163, it is already in the ranks of many high-end selection but as they say, art is priceless. As for quality, we received the Autore a good 2 months now already and we really had to put it under stress to see if it really stands up to the rigors of intense gaming. While I may prefer Cherry MX blues, Cherry MX browns are a welcome alternative as they provide a smoother feel than their more tactile counterpart. Under intense FPS and RTS gaming, the Autore doesn’t miss a key. Feenix could opt for a touch of ambient lighting on the next revision but still maintain its low profile to promote a more usable experience under low light.
Make no mistake, the Autore is not a gaming keyboard but it can be used as one. The Autore is not a LED backlit keyboard because its beauty is supposed to be used in a well-lit office yet you can use it in the dark also. The Autore does not have any extra USB options because its design needs it to be. At the end of the day, the Autore is still a keyboard.
But who would pay $163 for a keyboard without some kind of bells and whistles, you may ask? Enterpreneuring savants who want an equally extravagant keyboard for their 1000$ desk. In more conservative views, someone who just likes how it looks and if you feel that it is well justified, then by all means please do as the Autore is really a well-made keyboard that works well.