ROCCAT Studios, a German maker of gaming peripherals, has invaded the American market.
Recently, I had the chance to try the Kone+ customizable gaming mouse and the Isku keyboard. Both proved to be stylish, comfortable and packed with configuration options.
And both offer Easy Shift +, which allows users to assign two functions to any mouse button and many keyboard keys. To switch functions, users simply hit the Easy Shift +.
The requirements for both include Windows XP, Vista or 7; a 2.0 USB port and an Internet connection to download the drivers. Downloading the drivers installs the configuration software for the mouse and keyboard as well.
Among the features of the Kone+ are a four LED multicolor light system, 22 mouse functions through its Easy Shift + button (two functions per button) and the ability to set up five game profiles through 576 KB of onboard memory.
The Kone+ also comes with four five-gram weights that can be installed in the bottom of the mouse to suit your preference.
The ability to program buttons and create macro command sequences gives the Kone+ great flexibility.
And, while it has nothing to do with performance, the ability to change the color of the mouse's four LED lights is a feature that adds to the Kone+'s coolness quotient.
The Kone+ also allows on-the-fly changes in DPI (dots per inch), profiles, sensitivity and volume. These changes can be announced by a voice, or the voice feature can be disabled.
As for the numbers, the Kone+ features a 6000 DPI pro-aim laser sensor, 10.5 megapixel resolution and 1000 Hz polling rate. It sells for $79.99.
The Isku is a fairly large and sturdy, illuminated keyboard.
Among its many features are: 123 keys, advanced anti-ghosting capability, three programmable thumbster keys, five programmable macro keys, 20 additional macro keys, five illuminated status LEDs and a two-meter USB cable.
Easy Shift +, which gives a key two possible functions, applies to a total of 28 keys, including the three thumbster keys that are located below the space bar on the keyboard.
It also comes with a Macro Manager to create command sequences.
Besides being a great-looking keyboard with a plethora of customization options, the Isku allows players to quickly switch between five game profiles.
There is an in-game macro recording feature. Its sound feedback feature can talk users through the process.
When used together, the Kone+ and Isku can benefit from Roccat Talk technology, which allows the keyboard and mouse to communicate with each other.
An example of how this works is Easy Aim. By pressing a key on the keyboard, the mouse will automatically optimize its DPI setting in order to improve sniping accuracy.
I am sure there are other applications for Roccat Talk waiting for users to discover and adapt to their particular gaming needs.
The Isku retails for about $90.
While overall, I am impressed with the performance, feel and looks of the Kone+ and Isku there is one feature I would like to see improved.
The instructions, and manual, seem to be geared toward people who are familiar with high-end customizable peripherals.
The configuration seems simple enough, but I would have found an actual manual walking me through the process extremely helpful.
The Isku keyboard and Kone+ mouse from Roccat Studios can help you take your gaming to a higher level.