Q: Who is FireFly International?

A: FireFly International, Inc. is a technology company headquartered in Florida whose vision is to set the industry standard for backlighting computer keyboards.

Q: Who is Wholesale Wizard?

A: Wholesale Wizard, Inc. is a computer products wholesaler established in 2007 and headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, whose vision is to provide quality products at wholesale prices. The company has an arrangement with the manufacturer to sell the Firefly Borealis Illuminated Keyboards to the public. The FireflyKeyboards.com website was set up to showcase and demonstrate this keyboard. 

Q: Why do I need a lighted keyboard?

A: Independent studies in the US have found that 63% of home desktop keyboard users work in low lighting conditions and 38% use a computer in the bedroom while someone else is sleeping. Think about the times when the lights were dim or out altogether because others were watching TV or someone was dozing on the couch and you needed to use the computer. How about the time when the lights were tuned down to avoid the glare on the computer screen? FireFly’s backlit keyboard helps eliminate typing errors and also reduce stress on the eyes when using the keyboard in low lighting.

Q: Does FireFly make those prepaid cell phones?

A: No. There is no relationship whatsoever.

Borealis Product Information:

Q. Why is the FireFly Borealis keyboard the best choice for backlit keyboards?

A: The FireFly Borealis is a high quality computer keyboard designed with and manufactured by the world leader in computer keyboard products.

• It has an ultra slim design.
  
• It incorporates the latest features and multimedia keys.
  
• The soft touch scissor keys facilitate and accelerate typing input.
  
• The backlighting technology is state of the art.
  
• Consumer feedback has been overwhelming.
  

Q: Do other people make lighted keyboards?

A: Yes there are some lighted keyboards on the market today. Some use LED technology that is more expensive and not as effective. And others use EL of a poorer quality.

Q: What makes the FireFly Borealis keyboard different?

A: FireFly Borealis Keyboard provides for easy and convenient use of your computer keyboard in all lighting conditions. The FireFly keyboard incorporates LEC, a patented electroluminescent panel design as the lighting source. LEC includes a custom designed inverter that delivers power to the EL panel using proprietary technology that produces maximum and consistent brightness over a prolonged period. The keyboard also includes the use of patented scissor switch mechanisms that provide the precise, smooth and rapid keystroke demanded by today's computer user. In addition, the Borealis keyboard illumination emanates through the lettering on the keycaps unlike most other illuminated keyboards where the keys and not the letters are lit.

Q: How does it compare to other keyboards?

A: The FireFly keyboard is a full function multimedia keyboard. In function and design it is among the best. What makes it unique and a step above all the others are the soft touch scissor keys and a proprietary lighting source that truly makes it a one of a kind. The FireFly Borealis keyboard is ideal for use in any market in all lighting conditions.

Q: How long does the light last?

A: The life expectancy of the LEC EL panel coincides with the average life of a keyboard itself, which under normal use is three to four years.

Q: Do I have to have all the lights out for it to work?

A: Not at all. In office or room lighting, without keyboard illumination, the FireFly Borealis keyboard is a high quality, full function multimedia keyboard. When room lighting dims, simply press the “EL on-off” switch to light up the keys and you won’t miss a keystroke.

Q: Can I get the FireFly Borealis keyboard in a different color of backlighting?

A: No. Users selected the Aquamarine color as the best functional color (not too bright or too dim) and rated this color most pleasing to the eye.

Q: What is the warranty period?

A: Twelve (12) months from the original ship date. Please refer to the warranty statement for further details.

Q: I don't use hotkeys on my current keyboard, why should I use them on the Borealis keyboard?

A: Hotkeys are actually preset function keys that make access to application software much easier than launching them using your mouse. Try using the most frequently used functions such as previous page, next page, launch email, etc. We know you will especially enjoy volume control dial for instant control of audio entertainment. Much easier than key-based shortcuts!

Q: Why don't you bundle a mouse with your keyboard?

A: FireFly focuses on its core business of providing the best keyboard for all lighting conditions.

Technical Information:

Q: Does it work with all computers?

A: FireFly is fully compatible with Windows based computers only.

Q: Can I use it with a notebook computer?

A: Yes, a lot of people do. Just plug it in to your USB port on your notebook and type away.

Q: If I use it with a notebook will it drain the battery?

A: Like any USB device that uses the USB interface as its power source, it will use battery power. Of course, if the notebook computer is connected to an electrical outlet at the same time that the FireFly Borealis keyboard is being used, the battery is not affected.

Q: Will this keyboard work without illumination?

A: Yes. The keyboard will function regardless of whether the EL light is on or off.

Q: With which operating systems are the FireFly Borealis compatible?

A: This keyboard is compatible with VISTA, Windows XP, ME, 2000, and 98 operating systems. VISTA NO DRIVERS REQUIRED!

WARNING VISTA USERS: DO NOT load the drivers enclosed with your FireFLy keyboard. they are not required and they may cause unstable operation with VISTA.

Q: Will this keyboard work with a Macintosh computer?

A: WE DO NOT PROVIDE TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR ANY APPLE PRODUCT NOR DO WE PROVIDE SUPPORT IF YOU USE OUR KEYBOARD PRODUCT (S) WITH ANY APPLE PRODUCT. The basic typing keys on the main part of the keyboard will operate normally. The function keys may or may not operate, depending on the application being used. The multimedia hotkeys keys will not operate with exception of the “Sleep” key that places the system into standby/shutdown mode.

Q: Do I have to load the keyboard driver?

A: No generally not. Most versions of Windows OS, particularly the later ones,(XP / VISTA) provide full multimedia functionality without having to load the FireFly driver, but if an early version of Windows OS is being used that does not allow complete multimedia functionality, loading the FireFly driver will overcome this to give full use of the multimedia hotkeys provided with the FireFly Borealis keyboard. Click here for driver download. WARNING! IF USING MICROSOFT VISTA DO NOT DOWNLOAD THIS DRIVER. NO DRIVER NECESSARY FOR VISTA.

Q: What type of port does this keyboard connect to?

A: This keyboard must connect to a USB port. The keyboard is compatible with both USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 ports.

Q: Can I use the keyboard with a PS/2 port?

A: No. You must connect the keyboard to a USB port. Even when using a USB-to-PS/2 adaptor, the keyboard cannot communicate with the computer through the PS/2 port.

Q: Why does the backlighting turn itself off periodically?

A: The keyboard is designed to turn the backlighting off after a period of 5 minutes of inactivity in order to prolong the life of the backlighting. This is similar to the way a screensaver turns off a computer monitor in order to preserve its useful life. The backlighting comes back immediately or when any key is touched.

Q: Can I turn off the backlighting during time when I don't need it?

A: Yes. An On/Off switch for the backlighting is conveniently located at the top left corner of the keyboard.

Q: Why are the keystrokes shorter than those on an old-fashioned desktop keyboard?

A: The FireFly Borealis keyboard uses low profile scissor-key-switches. These key-switches are similar to those used in notebook computers. They provide smoother, quieter, and more comfortable typing action.

Q: What functions do the multimedia hotkeys operate?

A: They operate 16 of the most useful, and most requested operational, internet, and multimedia functions available. In addition, there is a volume control dial on the keyboard for immediate and effortless adjustment of the sound level. Please refer to the user instructions provided with the Borealis keyboard for hotkey definitions. Click here for the user instructions.

Q: I lost my driver CD, or I don’t have a CD drive. How do I load the keyboard driver?

A: Click here to download the latest keyboard driver. ATTENTION MS-VISTA USERS NO DRIVER REQUIRED!. (DO NOT attempt to download or use this driver on VISTA as it may cause unstable operation.)

Q: What if the keyboard cable is not long enough to reach my computer?

A: At 2.0 meters (6.5 ft.), the FireFly Borealis cable is longer than most standard keyboard cables. However, if you need more cable length, you can purchase a USB extension cable at most computer and accessory supply stores.

Q: My keyboard is not functioning properly, what should I do?

A: Troubleshoot the keyboard:

• Verify that the USB connector is plugged securely into the USB port of the computer.
  
• If you have more than one USB port, Plug your Borealis keyboard into the second USB port and test again (you are ruling out a failed USB port!).
  
• Try the keyboard on another computer (you may need to load the driver on the new computer). If the keyboard functions normally, the problem is in the first computer and not the keyboard. If the keyboard exhibits the same problem with the second computer, the problem is logically the keyboard.
  
• Un-install then re-install the keyboard driver using the unintsall program function included with the driver. (see user instructions).
  
• Reboot your computer.
  
• If the keyboard is still not functioning after these troubleshooting steps and is still in the warranty period, click here to access a Return Material Authorization (RMA).
  

Purchasing or Returning the Keyboard:

Q: I have some comments and/or ideas I would like to communicate to FireFly, how do I do that?

A: We are happy to hear from anyone on just about any topic that will help us improve our products(s). You may click on the "contact us" to send us your comments.

Q: Can purchase an extended warranty beyond the factory one (1) year warranty?

A: No. We currently do not offer an extended warranty plan.

Q: How do I return a keyboard?
A: Please contact customer support for the RMA Procedure Form. You must read our return policy and if you qualify for return/replacement, please follow the instructions also located on the RMA form.