Roccat Isku Keyboard Review

Main Characteristics

The main characteristic of the Isku is the comprehensive list of configuration options, especially the creation of macros. Macros, as we explained in other reviews, are long series of command sequences that can be activated by a single keystroke. It’s a timesaver for strategy and RPG games because it bypasses the opening of several menus just to execute the same action several times, like releasing a spell, invoking a character’s mount or uniting troops. Overall, it’s possible to program over 180 macros in five user profiles.

The EasyShift[+] multiplies the available keys which then can be programmed to execute several functions. It’s an intelligent way of virtually increasing the number of programmable keys without having to physically add them to the keyboard. If the user wants, he or she can relocate the EasyShift[+] key to some other button on the Isku and have the Caps Lock back to its traditional location.

Figure 7: Configuration interface

The user needs the proprietary Roccat software to configure the Isku. The application seems complex, but the interface is elegant and friendly. For those who tremble at the task of recording macros and configuring lots of keys, the software offers some presets for major games available on the market (World of Warcraft, Modern Warfare 2, Battlefield Bad Company 2 and Mass Effect), as well as presets for applications (Firefox, Photoshop and Skype).

Figure 8: Macro creation interface

Through the software, the user can control the intensity of the illumination, program the lights to go off after some period of keyboard inactivity, disable some keys (like the Windows button) and play a sound when a user profile is activated.

Thanks to the anti-ghosting, the user can press several keys at the same time without the keyboard misinterpreting the information.