AZIO Retro Classic Elwood Overview
The first thing you notice about the Retro Classic Elwood when you take it out of the box is actually how heavy it is. This says a lot about the build quality and materials used. The keyboard is a full-size keyboard with a full compliment of keys as well as a number pad. There is no wrist rest included with the keyboard.
You can guess why AZIO has called this version of the keyboard Elwood. The keyboard features a walnut wood surface which is surrounded by a zinc alloy frame. Both this version and the Artisan version we reviewed last year still give you that cool steampunk look and the feel of the real materials used.
So let’s start with the keys. The keys on the Retro Classic Elwood have a circular shape to give homage to classic typewriters. Each keycap has a metal frame with a black center and clear lettering through which a white LED will shine.
Under the keycaps you have Kailh Blue mechanical key switches. AZIO worked directly with Kailh to get the white LED directly in the middle of the switch. This gives the keys the best illumination possible. Currently the Blue switch is the only one being offered for this keyboard.
As we mentioned this is a full-size keyboard, but there are no additional keys. Luckily the F1-F12 keys have alternate functions. These include Home, My Computer, E-mail, Music, Back, Forward, Play/Pause, Stop, Volume Down, Volume Up, Mute, and Calculator.
The up and down arrow keys also have alternate functions the brighten and dim and backlighting. Above that is a very cool “Retro Classic” plaque, which just adds to the vintage feel of the keyboard.
Along the top of the keyboard is a USB Type-C connection that you’ll use to charge the keyboard for wireless Bluetooth use or if you want to use it wired. There are also switches for PC / Mac, and to switch the keyboard between Bluetooth / USB modes or to completely turn it off.
By default the keyboard sits at an angle. This angle can be adjusted by twisting the two top feet. The keys all sit at the same angle giving you a completely flat typing surface.
