The front of the Isku FX’s packaging is as we have come to expect from ROCCAT: packed with information on the keyboard, as well as including a full image of the keyboard itself. Although it may have the graphic designers who lean towards a more stylish design up in arms, it should be something of a relief to customers in need of additional functionality detail or just a visual confirmation of the layout they expect to see.
Whilst an EU layout is shown on the keyboard itself, ROCCAT specify the layout of the keyboard inside quite prominently on both the front and the SKU near the barcode. This will hopefully prevent any confusion, especially in multi-lingual areas which don’t really have a set layout preference.
Lighting is obviously a large factor, and the imagery of the keyboard presents three of the 16.8 million colours it is capable of. The only criticism we would have in this regard is that it makes it appear as though multiple colours can be presented simultaneously, whereas as far as we have been able to make out only one colour can be shown at a time.
Eight key points of functionality are represented on the packaging front, including Easy-Shift[+], Anti-Ghosting, Thumbster Keys, 1000Hz polling, ROCCAT Talk, Brightness levels, Live macro recording and 25 hotkeys. Where possible the features are indicated on the image, which cuts down enormously on the potential for confusion.
The packaging rear contains much more detailed information on the keyboard, including a breakdown an additional background on the keyboard features, a description of the Easy-Zone, and the technical specifications. ROCCAT also include the feature set in nine languages.
Mentioned briefly are also the ROCCAT Talk FX functionality, driver details and profile switching. Whilst brief, it shows their relative importance in the minds of ROCCAT and consumers overall. It especially shows how proud ROCCAT are of the drivers they have developed for the Isku , a facet of their product line we have praised them on in the past.
Our first look at the Isku FX, although we should note that surprisingly it was packaged in an anti-static bag. The keyboard is medium-to-low profile with gloss black finish frame and textured surround. There is little variation from the standard layout for the standard keys, with the possible exception of the Function (F1-12) keys which are half-height. Macro keys M1-M5 are on the left of the keyboard in descending order – generally speaking a more useful location than above the F-keys as on many other keyboard layouts – whilst media keys are arraigned centrally on the top edge of the keyboard frame. The three ‘Thumbster’ keys are just below the spacebar, central to it.
The package also includes a ROCCAT quick-start guide with keyboard installation tips and download instructions for the latest driver suite and firmware, a trend which has become increasingly common for peripheral manufacturers seeking to shave costs and improve quality assurance in software.
