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At a glance, Roccat Isku+ Force FX may look like a fairly typical gaming keyboard. However, it is quite the opposite, as it is actually the first commercially-available keyboard that uses analog keys.
This means the keys react to the amount of pressure you are exerting, as opposed to the binary nature of regular keyboards.
We must credit Roccat for implementing this technology in a keyboard, as it works really well. I was able to play racing games and have my car make the slightest of movements if I was just barely touching the keyboard, or I could mash my fingers against the keys and see my car swerve aggressively all over the track.
Simply by creating the Isku+ Force FX, Roccat have created a keyboard that will appeal to PC gamers looking for a competitive edge, as the analog functionality really offers something different to other keyboards on the market.
However, there is still one major downside to this keyboard, and that is the fact it is still a membrane board. The analog functionality is admittedly very cool, but mechanical switches are simply a cut above rubber dome boards. Considering the Isku Force costs £99.95, it is especially hard to take. I would imagine some people would prefer the all-round better experience of using a mechanical keyboard, even if it means missing out on the analog functionality.
That being said, I do think the Roccat Isku+ Force FX is still worth buying. The analog technology has the potential to revolutionise PC gaming, and I am excited to see how it progresses. The Isku+ Force FX may not win our highest award, as the overall experience suffers due to its membrane nature, but gamers looking for an extra dimension should definitely add it to their shortlists.
You can buy one from Overclockers UK for £99.95 inc. VAT HERE.
Pros
- Analog functionality is very cool.
- Lots of potential for a mechanical Force FX board.
- RGB lighting is decent.
- Swarm is as good as ever.
Cons
- Still a membrane keyboard.
- £99.95 is also a lot of money for a membrane keyboard.
KitGuru says: While we can't justify giving our highest award to a £99.95 membrane keyboard, the Roccat Isku[+] Force FX is very enticing thanks to its analog functionality.
I’ll probably get a lot of stick for this, but i personally prefer membrane keyboards to mechanical keyboards.
I find the keys are far more comfortable on membrane boards for typing and general use, I also find that mechanical keyboards, especially ones with Blue Cherry MX switches are overly sensitive. So for someone with large, heavy hands like myself, it doesn’t take very much to accidentally press a button. Not great if you’re stealthily trying to approach someone or something.
The analogue keys certainly sound cool, and it’ll be interesting if they actually do give me an edge. Only time will tell.
Agreed. I can feel my knuckles getting arthritis every time I use a mechanical keyboard 🙁