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In a world where gaming keyboards always have lots of flashy lights, analogue switches, per-key actuation, optical switches, and other features, using the Roccat Pyro for a few weeks makes you feel like you’re back on Earth for a moment. It’s a much more durable and simple mechanical board that doesn’t need any gimmicks or special features to get by, especially since it costs about $130 (£90) less than other boards.
It is made of a nice mix of durable plastics and a metal top plate that is both smooth and gives the Pyro some much-needed structural rigidity. With its nice weight and good build quality, the Pyro should be able to handle long typing sessions and a few desk smashes if you lose some rounds of CS:GO.
Roccat Pyro Specifications
Switch | TTC Red |
Connection Type | USB Type-A |
Cable | 1.8m non-braided cable |
Weight | 2.4 lbs |
Roccat Pyro review: Design
With its unique look, the Roccat Pyro makes a good first impression. It has a gunmetal grey top plate made of brushed aluminium, which is like a lot of gaming keyboards. This plate is surrounded by black plastic bezels that match the keycaps and volume knob. This breaks up the look in a way that looks good.
The bottom bezel is trimmed with long lines that go straight down to the detachable wrist rest, around the sides, and through to the back. With a vertical volume knob and a low-profile design, you can make a keyboard that stands out without using brightly coloured keycaps or loud designs that would turn off gamers who like to keep things simple. You can buy this keyboard from its official website.
Roccat Pyro review: Features
When it comes to extra features, the keyboard doesn’t have much to offer. There is no USB passthrough or built-in audio jacks for connecting a headset, but for the price, I wouldn’t expect too many extras.
Roccat did take the great vertical volume knob from its more expensive Vulcan gaming keyboards, like the Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro and the Roccat Vulcan 122 Aimo. It’s a small change, but being able to grab the knob gives you a lot more control and makes it feel great to use.
Roccat Pyro review: Software
Aside from the switches, the Pyro has a lot of other features that can help players in battle. It has a “Game Mode,” like many gaming keyboards, but it works a little differently than you might think.
Instead of turning off the Windows key and common shortcuts like Alt+Tab, Game Mode is an onboard memory profile that can store a second set of keymaps even when no software is running in the background. This was confusing at first because the keyboard also supports up to 5 profiles on software with additional keymaps, but these won’t work once the software is closed.
Roccat Pyro review: Performance
The standard theme continues with the way the switches are set up on the Pyro. They are TTC Reds, which have a linear keypress of 45cN and are good for gaming. Note that these are Cherry MX clones, so they may feel a little different if you’re used to the real thing. However, with a 50m keystroke rating, they do a good job of competing with the real thing. Roccat’s TTC switches don’t feel much different from the originals when we compare them to my old, reliable MX 6.0.
We have to admit that we haven’t always liked Red switches. I’ve always preferred something with some kind of tactile feedback, like bumps or clicks. Even so, these TTCs felt good when I did my usual benchmark test in the CS:GO training course and when we played some real games. Pwning noobs, as you do.
Conclusion
The Roccat Pyro is a gaming keyboard that is right in the middle. For $100, it looks like a more expensive keyboard and has most of the features you would expect from a gaming keyboard. But this keyboard isn’t good if you need macros or don’t like software running in the background.
At this price, it’s really disappointing that there’s no macro support. Also, even though the keyboard has space for two profiles, you can only change one of them, which is also a bummer. But the keyboard’s software lets you store five more profiles.
Roccat Pyro Ratings
Pros
- Good looking
- Light and snappy switches
- Sumptuous lighting
Cons
- Slightly bulky
- Standard WASD keys
FAQs
Is roccat Pyro good keyboard?
Overall, the Roccat Pyro is a great all-around gaming keyboard that not only does what it needs to do, but also does it at a price that most people can afford.
Are roccat keyboards worth it?
You could steal this one from Roccat for only $50. The Magma Mini 60% gaming keyboard is great, fits anywhere, and has some of the best RGB lighting on the planet. It’s not just pretty to look at, either. The quiet membrane keys and IP33 rating make it very useful.
Is the roccat Vulcan worth it?
For programmers, the ROCCAT Vulcan 120 AIMO is a great choice. Overall, it’s a great way to type, and you can also programme macros with it. The RGB backlighting is bright and nice, and the board is well made.