ROCCAT ISKU FX Gaming Keyboard Review
By David Shields
Manufacturer: ROCCAT
Product Name: ISKU FX
Model Number: ROC-12-901
EAN: 4250288129016
Price As Tested: $79.99 (Amazon | Newegg)
Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by ROCCAT.
ROCCAT is a German company that produces gaming peripherals including gaming mice and keyboards, mouse pads, and sound systems. The ISKU FX is ROCCAT’s mid-range gaming keyboard, clocking in at $79.99. The ISKU FX features multicolor illumination, 8 configurable media and hotkeys, ROCCAT TALK, macro recording, dedicated profile switches, 36 macro keys, and an extra large wrist rest for comfort during long gaming sessions. The features and illumination options make the ISKU FX an attractive option, but can it compete with the many other gaming keyboards in the market? In this Benchmark Reviews article I will discuss the many features of the ROCCAT ISKU FX, the accompanying driver software, and how this keyboard compares to others options on the market.
Features & Specifications
| Dimensions | 24.7cm x 50.9cm |
| Polling Rate | 1000Hz polling rate, 1ms response time |
| Cable Length | 2m USB Cable |
| LED(s) | 16.8 Million Colors, 5 Profile-Status LEDs, 3 Status LEDs (Caps Lock, Easy Shift[+]™, Num Lock) |
| Programming | 5 Macro Keys + 20 Macro Keys (Easy Zone), 3 Programmable Thumbster Keys |
ROCCAT ISKU FX Gaming Keyboard Overview
Including the wrist rest (which cannot be removed), the ISKU FX is an extremely large keyboard. At nearly ten inches wide and more than 20 inches long, the ISKU FX necessitates a large amount of space to use it. The keyboard is made entirely of plastic, and I felt that the construction was not as sturdy as other keyboards, especially the wrist rest and key covers. I question how well it will stand up against long term use. The keys are surrounded by a glossy plastic that looks good, but attracts noticeable fingerprints and dust. This is not a Cherry MX board but instead a membrane switch system.
The bottom of the ISKU FX features the same granulated plastic as the rest of the body, along with cable routing channels. Considering that this keyboard does not have any passthrough ports, the inclusion of such channels seems rather unnecessary as you won’t have many cables to route.
At the top of the ISKU FX is a row of profile LEDs, along with a button for on-the-fly macro recording. When a profile is selected the corresponding LED will be lit blue. It is not possible to change this LED color. For on-the-fly macro recording, press the switch and you will be guided through programming by a suitable, but somewhat creepy, automated voice.
The top of the ISKU FX has your standard assortment of media keys, which can be customized via the driver software.
This button controls the LED brightness, which is a useful feature for out of the box compatibility. The ISKU FX has six levels of brightness.
The LEDs in the ISKU FX can supposedly be lit in 16.8 million colors. However, I found that many of the colors looked identical, or were so close it barely made any difference. Also, even at maximum brightness the LEDs were extremely dim compared to others I’ve seen. They appear bright in the dark, but as you can see the arrow keys are very dim when in the light.
The exterior of the ISKU FX is overall well done. My small complaints include the plastic frame, glossy plastics, and the dimness level of the keys. This last issue is particularly unfortunate given that the LEDs are supposed to be one of the biggest selling points of the ISKU FX.
ROCCAT ISKU FX Gaming Keyboard Software Overview
The ISKU FX driver can be downloaded from ROCCAT’s site, and offers control over the many features this keyboard has. The main section of the software controls the side macros keys along with three easy shift thumb keys.
You can assign individual functions to the media and F-keys, although the function is limited to a few standard programs such as your browser and email.
This section allows you to modify the functions of the so-called easy-zone, which is a section of the keyboard designed to act as macros keys alongside normal functions. The macro functions are accessed by pressing the easy-shift key (where the caps lock key is normally) and then pressing the corresponding key. This system does work, but it is a much less convenient than dedicated macros keys.
As stated earlier, the ISKU FX is supposed to be capable of 16.8 million colors, but many of the colors are similar. Even some the single color options look similar, such as orange and red. The keys are set to a “pulsing effect” by default, which can only be changed via the software. You can also change whether you hear voice prompts during certain actions, as well as the brightness settings.
ROCCAT’s driver software is a very basic tool that mainly works for actions you can already control without it. For total control freaks or macro lovers, its worth downloading, but many may be fine with what the ISKU FX can do straight out of the box. A couple additional features the software has include profiles for existing games (though only games that are 3+ years old) and the R.A.D section, which lists stats such as keystrokes along with various “trophies.”
Gaming Keyboard Final Thoughts
ROCCAT set out to create an affordable gaming keyboard with many features gamers love like macros programming and customizable lighting. For $79.99 you won’t find a keyboard with this many features for a better price, but more hardcore gamers might prefer to pay extra for a board that is easier to use (especially for macros) and is of a high quality. The Corsair Vengeance K65 is an option that springs to mind, selling for the same price on Newegg. It’s also worth noting that the ISKU FX has the ROCCAT TALK technology, which basically allows you to program the device to different behaviors based on what might be happening in a game. For example, if you are low on health, you could set the keys to turn red.
ROCCAT ISKU FX Gaming Keyboard Conclusion
The ISKU FX does what it sets out to do – act as a budget gaming keyboard. The lack of mechanical switches on a gaming keyboard is a pity, and gamers who prefer Cherry MX will likely choose another keyboard such as the Vengeance K65, K70, or GAMDIAS HERMES, or even ROCCAT’s own Ryos MK.
This is a good looking keyboard with an attractive design. The sole issues are the glossy plastics surrounding the keys and the poorly lit LEDs, which were much dimmer than others I’ve used. Even a $25.00 I-ROCKS keyboard was better lit than the ISKU FX.
The construction of the ISKU FX is sturdy overall, but not as sturdy as other boards in the same price range. The size is also an issue, taking up quite a large amount of desk space compared to many other keyboards. The wrist rest is not detachable, so not only can you not reduce the space it takes up but you can’t use it without it, which may be a factor for some people.
While I like the many customization options, especially in the macros department, its much more awkward to use them compared to other keyboards. In order to access the macros functions you’ll always need to press and hold another key first. Admittedly this does provide plenty of macros options at a cheaper price, but those who are looking for a more streamlined approach will likely want a board such as the GAMDIAS HERMES.
The features provided make the ISKU FX an excellent value. With customizable lighting, plenty of macros functionality, and good software, this is probably the most features you can get with any keyboard for less than $100. Note that the ISKU FX sells online for $79.99 (Amazon | Newegg).
The ISKU FX is a good all around product. I think that it’s biggest flaw stems from ROCCAT trying to cram to many features into one product, which led to the design of the macros along with cutting corners in construction and lightning. If you want a gaming keyboard on a budget, buy the ISKU FX. If you want a higher quality board with easy macros access, I’d recommend looking into the Corsair Vengeance K70 or GAMDIAS HERMES.
Pros:
+ Plenty of high end features such as customizable lighting and macros.
+ Easy, intuitive programming and software.
+ Outstanding number of features provided for the price.
Cons:
– Dimly lit LEDs.
– Awkward macros implementation.
– Non detachable wrist rest makes for excessively large design that may not appeal to some.
– Plastic design marks easily, not extremely sturdy.
Ratings:
-
Performance: 8.75
-
Appearance: 8.75
-
Construction: 8.50
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Functionality: 8.25
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Value: 9.50
