Roccat’s IskuFX gaming keyboard has all the power and versatility of its blue cousin, but adds a little more color to the already impressive Isku keyboard.
But aside from the additional color options and support for a reactive lighting system called TalkFX, the IskuFX is otherwise identical feature for feature to the Roccat Isku. (I won't rehash all same features here, so if you want more you can read my complete review of the Roccat Isku here.)
Can we Talk(FX)?
There’s one additional “potential” feature the IskuFX has that its blue cousin doesn't called TalkFX. With TalkFX you can make the IskuFX light up and change colors in response to in-game action—such as flashing red when you’re hit by a fireball, or green by a blast of poison, for example.
TalkFX is similar to Mad Catz’s gaming lights or the reactive lighting system found in Razer’s StarCraft II peripherals (the Banshee headset, the Marauder keyboard, and the Spectre mouse)Unfortunately, the only game that currently and directly supports TalkFX appears to be World of Tanks. If Roccat could make their TalkFX work independently and not require direct support from a game, it would probably be a neat feature to have.
Unfortunately, none of my current games support TalkFX, so I can't really speak to how well it works on the IskuFX. I’m also admittedly skeptical that many future games will implement the TalkFX API (Application Programming Interface) to support it. That said, I have played with products (see above) that have similar lighting systems and I can say that I generally like them—even if they are basically useless.
But don’t let that give you the impression that the IskuFX isn’t an outstanding keyboard. I gave its blue LED sibling product (the Isku) 5 stars and a spot on my Top 5 Best Gaming keyboards list for a reason—it’s an excellent and highly versatile gaming keyboard.
I like the Isku’s layout and the keys are a pleasure to type on—especially considering it’s not a mechanical keyboard. Roccat’s Easy Shift technology basically triples the number of possible macro keys. I like the additional Thumbster keys. And there are lots of extra, purpose-dedicated keys for media controls, profile switching, recording macros on-the-fly, and more. Did I mention it talks to you?
Overall
The Isku and IskuFX are both amazingly flexible and powerful gaming keyboards, and to date the best non-mechanical boards I've reviewed. The IskuFX commands only a small ($10-$15) price premium over its less colorful cousin. (If you like to customize your gear like your Windows wallpaper now and again, I'd say go for the IskuFX.)
Roccat IskuFX technical specifications (courtesy of Roccat)
- Illuminated keyboard with 123 keys
- 16.8 million colors with 6 brightness levels
- Enhanced anti-ghosting capability
- 3 programmable Thumbster Keys (T1-T3)
- 5 programmable Macro Keys (M1-M5)
- 20 additional Macro Keys (Easy Zone)
- 5 Profile-Status LEDs
- 3 Status LEDs (Caps Lock, Easy Shift[+]™, Num Lock)
- 1000Hz polling rate, 1ms response time
- 2m USB cable
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