ocaholic - Peripherals > Keyboards > Tesoro Lobera Review

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Page 3 - Features

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Features

Model number	Lobera
Keys	Rubber dome
Keycaps	ABS
Materials	ABS
Backlight	Blue
Profiles	5
Macros	2000
Interface	USB 2.0
Cable	1.55m
Dimensions	444 x 206 x 44 mm

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Front

The Lobera is the first rubber dome keyboard from Tesoro and it uses a standard layout. The Lobera can be categorized as an FPS gaming keyboard, since there are no extra macro keys or a whole lot of other different buttons. It is only right below the space bar, that you find three M-keys, which, when programmed, can be set to certain key-configurations. A closer look at the upper right corner, reveals different indicators for "Caps Lock", "Num Lock" and "Scroll Lock". Other than that, there is a "G" and "R" indicator light, which lets gamers activate macros (G) and shows if macros are being recorded (R). You might have noticed the purple bezel with the Tesoro logo and in our opinion it simply ruins the looks of a otherwise perfectly good. The Lobera uses the same design as the Colada, which we previously reviewed, but this time around, we find ABS instead the aluminium. Anyway the quality and the materials are still very good.

Tesoro equipped the Lobera with an FN button located right next to ALT GR. With the FN button the F keys can also be used with multimedia function (F1 to F6) and gamer functions from F8 to F12. With the first set of buttons you can adjust volume and skip through your playlist, with the second you can switch between up to five gaming profiles. The brightness can be adjusted using the numeric keypad (fn + button 2 and 8) and there are three levels of backlight. Last but not least, on the the left and the right side of the keyboard you can find RGB LEDs, which can make the keyboard shine in all colors. The backlight is quite good in almost all colors.

Back

On the rear profile, there are two USB 2.0 ports, an auxiliary power supply and a small panel audio. The plastic around the connectors is too thick, so we has some troubles with plugging in some 3.5mm jacks. On the bottom side you can find the adjustable feet, which can be set in two different levels. The build quality on this part of the keyboard is also excellent and we like the sleeved cables and the gold plated connectors.

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Page 4 - Front/Back

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Software

The installation CD as well as the user manual are wrapped in a practical, small cardboard box, which would be hard to lose. Furthermore the latest version of the software is also available on the official website from Tesoro. A manual is always useful but it is not necessary, just connect the keyboard and then start to use it but if you want use the macros, you should definitely check out the manual.

The graphical user interface of the software is perfectly in line with the design of the keyboard, it is practical and easy to use and only the panel backlights options are slightly hidden. While using the program you can configure up to 2000 macros. The settings can be imported and exported, which is useful if you want to compare them with your friends. Unlike the Durandal Ultimate (reviewed a few months ago), when you change the profile, it will actually appear as an indication on your screen.

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Page 5 - Software

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Conclusion

General	+	-
The first rubber dome keyboard from Tesoro is very good, the product is solid and durable. Despite not using the famous CherryMX key switches, the product is fast, responsive and with a good feedback. The backlight is absolutely excellent and the aggressive design is everything we expected from Tesoro.	- Design	- Audio connectors too tight

Manufacturing quality / Ergonomics	+	-
The performance of the keyboard is average when compared to previous gaming keyboards we have tested. The precision when typing is unquestionable, the feedback is good and without uncertainties. Unfortunately, the Tesoro does not include a palm rest, but despite it, the keyboard is still quite comfortable, mostly thanks to the adjustable feet. The backlight is perfect for late-night sessions in which the electric light is bad for the eyes. The sidebars add an extra touch to the keyboard, making it quite unique. The materials used, as well as the build quality, are quite good and in line with Tesoro's style.	- Build quality - Backlight	- No palmrest

Software	+	-
The software is well structured and easy to use. We certainly appreciate the possibility to import and export profiles, as this function is useful in case of a backup or sharing with friends. Unfortunately, it still lacks the integration with other Tesoro products, which means that if you own a Tesoro mouse you will have two icons in the taskbar. With the provided software you will be able to record macros, change profiles and change the color of sidebars (and eventually also turn them off).	- Import / export profiles

Recommendation	+	-
The new Tesoro Lobera is available (at the moment) only in Germany and on Geizhals it goes for around 66 Euros, excluding shipping costs. The price is very competitive and the product is very good. If you are looking for a cheap gaming keyboard, Tesoro Lobera might be just what you were looking for.	- Price

Rating
The Tesoro Lobera G5NL gets four out of five stars

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