11.2.2017

"Roccat's ROC-12-822 Isku+ Force FX RGB Gaming Keyboard with Pressure-Sensitive Key Zone - Black" is one of only three keyboards currently known that features differential pressure sensitivity on some keys to provide functionality above and beyond their normal behaviour. Whereas both other analog keyboards employ optical-sensing technologies with mechanically-switched keys to provide feed-back as to how far a key has been depressed, Roccat have opted for a simpler and less expensive solution by using membrane technology with a variable-resistance, pressure-sensitive coating under the QWEASD key-block to provide several levels of 'touch' within each.This feature can be switched in when gaming or out when not but there is a third setting available that allows them to be used as shortcuts (in addition to its Macro and Thumbster keys - see below) to your own specified functions whether in gaming or general use.Membrane keyboards comprise the vast majority of current and recent keyboards and is proven, reliable and sufficiently rugged for the heavy key-bashing that gaming may encourage or require but they tend to be 'soft' touch. Mechanical keyboards tend to predominate the gaming scene and are often the higher priced and favoured by the most serious gamers, but this Isku+ Force is priced centrally among the many gaming models now available from any brand. It offers more than sufficient features to satisfy all but the most demanding gamer.Other features include dedicated programmable macro keys whose effective options can be doubled with the proprietary Easy-Shift system, variable multi-colour back-illumination, three special 'Thumbster keys' below the space bar, a column of five dedicated Macro keys, eight configurable media keys that are separate from the main key-set, and anti-ghosting on all keys. Multi-key rollover is not mentioned as supported, although usually expected of gaming keyboards. If you also use one of Roccat's gaming mice, it supports Roccat's Talk technology to a higher level than was previously possible whereby they exchange information and a keyboard macro can affect how the mouse operates. As always with the more advanced of Roccat's hardware, SWARM software needs to be downloaded and installed to enable most of its features and to expand its illumination options. Post-installation, it will quickly require additional downloads including software updates and possible firmware updates. There had been functionality issues with the SWARM package and some Roccat hardware, although currently less of an issue compared with only a few months ago.There is a small gap between the column of macro keys and the main keyboard area but there could usefully be slightly greater separation within existing dimensions to reduce the possibility of hitting a macro key rather than the adjacent TAB, CAPS or SHIFT and with the possibility of a disaster if a macro that involves a block selection/delete combination has been set; that was a known occurrence with another similarly-arranged keyboard and a default macro. A large textured wrist-rest area is built-on which, with the space needed for the extra keys it uses, makes this quite large (extra deep and extra wide) - a fact exaggerated by its delivery in a carton probably intended for a large flat-screen TV - and adds significantly to the desktop space it uses. Dimensions are not given but appear to be similar to those of its predecessor at around 25 x 51cm whose mouldings it may use, making it just too wide for the keyboard drawer long-used to reduce desktop loading. The keyboard is light-weight and of reduced height, about 4cm with the legs folded in. The keys are slightly deeper than some may expect but much less than those used on mechanical equivalents and relatively silent. Because of the pressure sensitive possibilities on its QWEASD keys, there may be a learning curve for the different pressure levels.This is an out-and-out gaming keyboard offering a wider range of features for gamers at all levels. It provides many more keys and functions than is normal for a 105-key board. Its softer typing action will suit those gamers who dislike mechanical keyboards (but displease those who do) and is fairly priced for what it offers - Roccat's hardware always is competitive on price. Roccat has its devoted users and this should appeal to many of those who wish to advance to a better-featured model than that currently used, especially if their gaming has expanded in extent and/or frequency. Its pricing may also allow the purchase of an advanced Roccat gaming mouse within the same budget that would otherwise acquire a mechanical keyboard alone.

30.3.2017

Roccat Isku+ Force FX RGB Gaming Keyboard with Pressure-Sensitive Key Zone -UK Layout – BlackIn the box.The keyboard is supplied in a plain box with the coloured keyboard box inside and it is well protected for delivery. In the box is the keyboard and attached USB cable.Features.Mechanical key switches,Long travel keys,Customizable lighting effects using the LED Backlight Effect. 9 backlight effects in 6 different colours - these are selected using the FN and INS keys,Built in wrist rest,Long cable,Robust construction.Set up.All you have to do is plug it in and Windows recognises it immediately (tested with Windows 7, 8 and 10).Using individual games the various keys can be set up for specific tasks.Appearance.This is a full sized keyboard with mechanical keys. Here each key has its own sprung switch. On cheaper keyboards you have a membrane and foil contact system. These are fine for web surfing and general use but give little tactile feedback. This type of keyboard which uses proper witches gives plenty of feedback when using them at speed in a game. This keyboard also has a range of lighting effects (use the FN and INS keys to change these)Using.The keys are very tactile and much better to use than the membrane pad sort especially in games. The keyboard has a £ key which is useful in the UK and makes this keyboard usable as a normal keyboard for day to day use as well.The keys feel very nice and they are fast and not too noisy for general typing use. In games the colour changing modes are great. Plenty of fun to be had here!The keyboard is designed for intensive use and even has drain holes in it for those accidental gaming spills. The keyboard is water resistant and will put up with a lot of hard gaming use.The keyboard can be used flat on the desk or inclined as it has built in supports underneath. The feet and support pads are non-slip.The cable is long and strong. The USB plug is gold plated and has a strong moulded surround. It will put up with lots a gaming abuse and will be difficult to break.It’s a solid and very well made keyboard. After weeks of intense gaming from my son it still looks like new !Overall.A keyboard designed for a hard gaming life. However, it is quite pleasant to use as a day to day keyboard. There are plenty of lighting effects if you want this. Overall the keyboard is a delight to use, the feedback from the keys is great and I have found I make less typing mistakes as the keys are nicely spaced. My son thinks it’s a great gaming keyboard and loves the lighting effects you can get. The only downside is that being mechanical it is a bit noisy Overall this is a very desirable keyboard

23.4.2014

I have owned my Roccat Isku for over a year now and it's still going strong.This board gets quite heavy usage and its still as crisp and sharp as the day I bought it.Personally I don't find the keys to be loud, there have had no issues with sticky/squeaky/unresponsive keys, keys coming off or coming loose and I have given this keyboard some serious stick. (even the odd rage thump) :)With your thumb on the thumbster buttons all macro keys are very easy to touch so no hand/wrist contortions are needed.I like the 5 profile slots you can switch between at the touch of a button or mouse (if it's Roccat talk compatable) plus the load/save profile feature,

12.4.2014

Checked out the reviews of what people didn't like about this keyboard but my God how wrong they were. I absolutely adore this keyboard. The firmware can seem a little daunting when you load it up, but chances are your buying a keyboard with this many buttons on it your going to know your stuff so just common sense really and reading what each option does. I've happily set up macros for those long League sessions or easy access GW2 hotkeys. The 'easy shift' technology is quite simply amazing; you can make the key back to a caps lock button in the firmware as it is default set to 'easy shift' (ignore the people who cant read and say this has no caps lock key).The wrist rest is made of plastic but on the pictures can look like its some sort of rubber (or maybe I'm just an idiot),

9.2.2013

I've had my old Saitek keyboard for as long as I can remember (literally, I can't remember) and it finally gave up on me a few weeks ago. As my old keyboard is no longer being manufactured I had no choice but to find an alternative gaming keyboard, much to my dislike.As I already had the Roccat Kone gaming mouse I thought it only be right to get the matching Roccat Isku Illuminated keyboard. I wasn't expecting much from this as I thought it couldn't be better than my old Saitek. I was wrong, so very wrong.The quality of this keyboard is exceptional and the way that it feels under my fingers is sublime. The pressure needed to depress the buttons is just the right amount when playing FPS games.Another great feature about the Isku is Macro functions and the 5 gaming profiles.

10.12.2013

I had been using the standard wireless keyboard that was shipped prior to getting this (which was also a great keyboard but I prefer wired products).After searching around for a while, I settled on the Roccat - Isku. I can honestly say I am not disappointed at all. At first the macro keys on the far left side were throwing off my touch typing but within a few days it all felt natural again. The thumb buttons located under the space bar arealso positioned well so that you are not straining yourself if you are reaching from 'WASD'.Only negative point I can say about this keyboard is the backlighting. This I must say though isn't noticeable at a first glance. If you are not directly over the keyboard,

4.10.2016

I like mechanical keyboards, so I was a bit worried about this being yet another mushy membrane monstrosity.But it's not. It's not as 'positive' an action as a mechanical, but it's more than adequate.And then there's the lights. Very pretty! And with the companion software you can pick exactly what colour you want, or off, or various cycling patterns.There are some shortcut keys up the top which as pretty handy, and then a column of macro keys along the left for assigning functions to.It seems incredibly flexible.I'm not a gamer, so can't speak to its use there, but for the graphics programs, and audio recording I use it for,

14.2.2017

This is a well thought out and impressively designed keyboard with UK set keys. It has a wrist support incorporated which makes it comfortable to use and protects the wrist from strain or aching especially if it is used for long periods The keys light up with special effects for certain games. The keyboard has QUEASD pressure keys for racing and speed games. .It is very easy to install with the `Roccat`website, the instructions are straightforward and easy to follow and you can be gaming in minutes. The keys have a nice feel to them, light and with a soft click.There are a couple of little feet at the back so that it can be used at a slant for comfort.This is an impressive keyboard for the serious gamer,

5.4.2017

Well packaged & no damage, the software has loads of features like setting & recording your own macros, colours to glow, etc etc too many to list, good support from Roccat with updates or feedback if needed, useful media keys at the top, the built in wrist pad is alright & I find it quite comfy while typing or gaming etc(maybe in a future model have a gel based 1). Not too noisy when typing compared to a standard keyboard. Lead is long enough as well & strong, looks great along aside the Roccat products like the mouse & mouse mat & wrist pad which I bought, good keyboard.NOTE: You cannot adjust the lights to shine multiple different colours split across the keys at the same time like some

14.2.2017

My second Roccat keyboard, this one being a more entry- level model that instead of having a mechanical keyboard has membrane QWEASD keys that respond differently depending on how much they are depressed.(for instance, to act as an accelerator or brake in racing games) Otherwise it's as fully programmable as the others in the range, using the free SWARM software to program each key with both light, action and macro and to remember how one has programmed the keyboard for different games. This is a very hefty, stylish looking keyboard, and even comes with some free stickers to put on your computer. An excellent gaming keyboard.

11.2.2017

I'm not a big gamer but I occasionally use the PC to play on so thought this would be useful. It's a very well made keyboard and is comfortable to use. I found it very easy to use the controls and like the illuminated keys. My son however, is a massive gamer so I asked his opinion of this keyboard and he was really impressed, so much so that he asked for one for his birthday (he'll be lucky!!). You will need to install the driver from the Roccat website which must be easy to do cos I managed it and then you're good to go.

6.3.2018

I have had this keyboard since 2015, and it is still going strong. I love it; it suits my ambidextrous hands and my relatively weak, RSI prone wrists. The extra buttons are a bit difficult to bind in games (M1-M5) and require fiddling around with the software that comes with it. Roccat are especially helpful with drivers and their website or the leaflet that comes with this product will answer any questions you have. The keys only started wearing now, and can be removed for easy cleaning.

29.10.2013

Great keyboard. I use it in conjunction with my Razer Deathadder mouse. The keys are noisy, so if you are recording stuff, get a corsair with cherry MX black. the macros near the spacebar are the most useful, I bound them to steam overlay, Alt+Tab and Ctrl+Alt+Del. The side macros are good from 1 to 3, but four and five feel terrible on mine. the top buttons feel like cassete tape buttons, which I like, and the palm rest is great. Well worth the price.

24.7.2013

Really enjoying the Roccat Isku, solid build quality, really nice to type on, love the backlit keys, great macro support, fantastic features.This is a top quality membrane keyboard and I'm very happy with it, I'd rather get a great membrane keyboard than a subpar mechanical, which would still be more expensive than this.Size is a little on the large side due to the permanent wrist rest, but that doesn't bother me. Great buy in my opinion.

27.4.2017

love the product. Keys feel nice to type on and almost feels like a mechanical keyboard with very quiet typing compared to most mechanical keyboards.RGB LEDs are a great feature when working in the dark or gaming.Macro key well they are really useful allows you to forget all of those complicated short cuts that you always forget or even if you don't forget them like ctrl + s to save work can just increase productivity by a key press.

Roccat ISKU+ - Reviews

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