By Meng Vang
Manufacturer: ROCCAT GmbH
Product Name: Suora FX Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Model Number: ROC-12-251-BE
UPC: 4250288162570
Price As Tested: $132.15 (Amazon | Newegg)Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by Roccat.
With more computer users leaning towards simpler desktop configurations, the Roccat Suora FX RGB mechanical keyboard could be the perfect mechanical gaming keyboard for these configurations. Without sacrificing functionality, the Suora FX maintains the same frameless design seen on its predecessor, the original Suora. This keyboard does not have any of the extra gimmicky bells and whistles seen on other mechanical gaming keyboards. Instead, the Suora FX gets directly down to the point to provide the user with functionality without compromising gaming performance. Here at Benchmark Reviews, we will take a look at the Roccat Suora FX and compare it to a few other mechanical gaming keyboards. Let’s go over a quick overview of this product in the next section.
- Advanced Anti-Ghosting thanks to n-key rollover
- Frameless build with focus on raw performance
- RGB key back-lighting with quick access to stunning effects
- 6 macro keys programmable zone above arrow keys
- Robust design with tough-built metal housing
- Durable keys with 50 million keystroke life cycle
- 1000Hz polling rate for rapid-response keystrokes
- Media and hotkeys for convenient control over media
- Game Mode button quick launches custom gaming profile
- F1-F4 key lighting FX preset quick toggle: wave, breathing, ripple, solid
- N-key rollover
- Polling rate 1000Hz (1ms response time)
- 50 million keystroke life cycle
- Multimedia functions
- 6 programmable macro keys
- 5 x 17 x 1.5 inches (L x W x H)
The Roccat Suora FX mechanical keyboard does well when it comes to performance. The TTC Blue mechanical switches require more force to actuate when compared to red and brown mechanical switches as this may prevent accidental mistypes for some people. There was a minor flaw with the ripple effect when pressing two or more keys at once. A Game Mode button is present to disable the Windows key and allow access to six programmable macro keys above the arrow keys.
Appearance really depends on the person and their personal preference. As for me, I think the Suora FX looks great with its simple design and standard layout. Since it is so simple, it can easily match with most setup configurations. The LED color accuracy looks great as it is much better than what was seen on the Corsair Strafe RGB and the K65 RGB RAPIDFIRE. It does fall a little behind the Gamdias Hermes RGB due to the key caps being slightly thicker. But during the testing, the Suora FX did just as well as the Hermes RGB in terms of color reproduction.
The robust metal and abs plastic prevents the Suora FX from flexing. With 50 million clicks to the TTC Blue mechanical switches, these switches should last a long time. The matte finish on the surface of the keyboard is easy to clean and does not attract finger prints.
When it comes to functionality, the Suora FX simply works. It types well, the RGB illumination looks great, but switching profiles cannot be done through the keyboard. You will have to reopen the Swarm software in order to switch profiles to access to your custom lighting effects. The software did crash a few times, but it worked well for the most part. For convenience sake, I hope the next version will allow the user to switch profiles through the keyboard instead of through the software.
As of December 2016, the Roccat Suora FX keyboard sells for $132.15 (Amazon | Newegg). At this price range, I was expecting at least a USB 2.0 pass through port on the back. A lot of the features seen on the Suora FX is already included on mechanical gaming keyboards costing around $100. At this price range, this keyboard is almost competing with the Cooler Master MasterKeys Pro L, which includes genuine Cherry MX switches and other tricks up its sleeves. The Gamdias Hermes RGB shares similar features to the Suora FX for less than $100. Amazingly, it has on-the-fly profile switching from the keyboard. Perhaps I missed something about the Suora FX, or perhaps Roccat has something coming for it in a future update. If you do not mind the price, the Roccat Suora FX will make a great keyboard for a simple setup.
+ Great RGB color accuracy
+ Space friendly frameless design
+ Excellent aluminum and abs plastic construction
+ Macro and lighting effects are stored on the keyboard
– Software can be improved
– Expensive compared to similarly featured keyboards
– External USB port can be useful, especially at this price
– Switching profiles and custom lighting effects requires software
-
Performance: 9.00
-
Appearance: 9.50
-
Construction: 9.75
-
Functionality: 7.75
-
Value: 8.50
