Having the right mouse and keyboard is essential in PC gaming – you need something that is comfortable, effective and, preferably, similar in design approach. This last idea comes into play if you use, for example, Roccat’s Kone XTD mouse with the ISKU FX keyboard. Why? Because the devices work together – the Easy-Shift [+] technology used by the devices means that the shift key on the mouse is taken over by the one of the keyboard, freeing up an extra mouse key and essentially two new potential functions. But we’re not talking about the Kone XTD (it’s reviewed elsewhere in this issue). Rather, let’s take a look at its partner in crime, the Isku FX keyboard.
Roccat seem to have a great understanding of what gamers need, which is easy access to a wide number of functions. To this end the illuminated Isku FX offers a large number of programmable macro keys; five to the left of the main keys, three arranged in the wristrest (easy to reach with your thumb) and a zone around the WADS keys. That makes for a massive number of programmable keys and, when combined with the aforementioned Easy-Shift [+] technology, it means that there are a hell of a lot of macros that can be stored per profile. And there are five of those… so you probably will never need to prioritise macros and leave a few out again.
The elevated keys on the Isku FX are not quite “clicky”, but they do offer a great degree of tactile response and a fairly generous travel distance. Customisable backlighting with six brightness levels means that you’ll always clearly see what you need to, although it would have been nice if colour zones could be defined.
The Isku FX is a fairly large keyboard, complete with a generous, granular wrist rest. But the extra desk-space it takes up is made up for with great response, reliability and a ton of versatility, thanks to all those macros. And, of course, Roccat Talk technology means that it pairs up beautifully with any Roccat mouse.
Other small features, like integrated cable management and a carefully tuned foot position all add up to making it a very decent keyboard proposition. It allows for quick profile switching and on-the-fly macro recording, too, which never hurts.
It may not have all the bells and whistles that some of the big name competitors offers, but the Isku FX is not shy on features, either. It performs best, though, when used with a stable mate, so if you’re looking for a decent keyboard and the Isku FX catches your eye, you may want to consider throwing a Roccat mouse into the mix and taking advantage of the added benefits.
Using the Isku FX with a Roccat mouse unlocks a powerful set, but even on its own this is a very decent gaming keyboard.
SPECS
- Easy-Shift [+] technology
- 5 profiles
- Three thumb keys
- 5 macro keys
- Customisable backlighting
- On-the-fly macro recording