One thing that anyone with a computer will tell you is that one of the most standard and important things to have is a good keyboard and mouse. They are the backbone of all computer usage. Another thing that any enthusiast will tell you, is that what makes a good keyboard is what's below the keys. Whether you prefer red, brown or blue switches, these are just about the most important thing about any keyboard worth its salt. I'm not exactly a keyboard connoisseur myself, I'm more of a if it's not broken, don't fix it type of keyboard user - or at least I was.
About a month ago, Aftershock were kind enough to offer me the chance to review their Oden Keyboard and Hexar mouse (separate review coming soon). Prior to this, I was running my $25 Kogan keyboard, which despite some issues, it did the job. Having said that, the issues I had were sticking buttons and an overall cheap look and feel, especially when it came to resistance when typing. I found I got really sore fingers after some of my longer gaming or writing sessions. So in this case I didn't
The ODEN’s features include:
Premium PBT Keycaps
A choice of either Brown Tactile, Blue Clicky or Red Linear Outemu switches
Interchangeable magnetic cover
Ultra minimalistic Aesthetic
RGB lighting with multiple lighting modes and colours
Steel reinforced body
Zero software
The moment I opened the Aftershock box I noticed the simplicity of the Odens design. Its sleek black finish and its compact size made this the perfect addition to my already compact and black setup. The Oden is a very versatile little looker, giving you the option of either a classic closed in design or a more modern floating key look thanks to an easily interchangeable magnetic cover. Which despite being super easy to swap in and out, is very sturdy once placed on.
The ODEN is a wired keyboard and the compact design means an 87 key layout with missing number pad on the right (something I personally struggled to get used to). There were many many minutes spent staring at google after typing my search into the bar and then pressing what I thought was ENTER, only to realise I had in fact pressed the right arrow. This is of course completely subjective and something that a lot of people won't even care about, but is something to be aware of before you buy to avoid any potential disappointment.
Let's talk about what the ODEN is like to type with. As I said earlier, I used to get real bad finger fatigue with my cheap Kogan keyboard. That finger fatigue is virtually non-existent at this point. I have written many reviews lately, and not once have I found my fingers starting to ache. Each button press has a real nice and very satisfying feel to it. With just the right amount of click and just the right amount of spring back each time. Another thing I LOVE about the ODEN is the noise levels. There's nothing worse than a loud keyboard, just ask my 6 week old baby. Whenever I use my Kogan keyboard, my baby hates the noise. No matter how deep the sleep, or what else was on in the background, the second I started tapping on my overly clicky keyboard she would wake up. With the ODEN however, this is no longer an issue. I can type an entire review and not wake her. The ODEN’s keys, while definitely having that audible click due to the solid materials surrounding the switches, have a much less aggressive and much less high pitched click.
The ODEN is notably simple; meaning that most keyboards these days have too much going on. They have angular edges, scrolling wheels and even built-in screens. All of which are pretty pointless. What the ODEN lacks in terms of these extras, it makes up for in sheer build quality and value for money, both of which are in my opinion, extremely important.
While it lacks a lot of the flashy features, the ODEN does in fact have RGB. I mean it almost couldn't exist in 2021 without it, could it? Having said that, I'm all for RGB lighting. I have an abundance of it on my setup and the ODEN fits in with that perfectly. Simple button combinations allow you to change both the mode of lighting, the colour and even the speed in which it cycles through these modes. I guarantee you that it will look excellent whatever your setup.
As well as being compatible with PC and laptop (obviously), the keyboard is also able to be used on the Xbox One, Series S/X, Playstation 4 and Playstation 5. While it's compatible with these devices I haven't yet had the chance to try it out; I am personally not a keyboard and mouse gamer so cant see this ever being something I’d utilise, but worth mentioning for those that may.
There's not a lot to fault about the ODEN, it's sturdy, it's sleek, it will look good in just about any setup and if you know that it's an 87 key design before you buy then there's really nothing you won't like about it. It really gives a lot of much more expensive keyboards a run for their money.
If you're looking for a good value, no frills, heavy hitting keyboard then look no further. The Aftershock ODEN is all of these things and much more. Without being really nitpicky and pointing out something I definitely already knew before I tried it (lack of number pad), there’s simply nothing I can fault the keyboard on. The button presses are punchy, they are clean and they don't lead to any form of fatigue thus far. We could not recommend this product highly enough.
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