ROCCAT teases Isku MMO gaming keyboard

At Computex, ROCCAT™ will present the latest prototype of the MMO-approved ROCCAT™ Isku – Illuminated Gaming Keyboard featuring brand new ROCCAT™ Talk© technology. Opening up a host of unprecedented options for gamers, the new ROCCAT™ Talk© protocol allows the mouse and keyboard to talk to each other for the first time ever. Furthermore the introduction of ROCCAT™ EasyShift[+]™ delivers an amazing 180 very easy to reach macro functions. Hamburg, May 4, 2011 – ROCCAT™, the Hamburg-based manufacturer of professional gaming accessories, will be presenting the ROCCAT™ Isku – Illuminated Gaming Keyboard behind closed doors at Computex in Taipei, Taiwan. Specifically MMO-approved, this outstanding keyboard features an incredible total of 180 macro functions, all perfectly positioned in and around the WASD zone, making them very easy to reach – only possible thanks to the introduction of ROCCAT™ EasyShift[+]™ on the keyboard. As if that wasn’t enough, brand new ROCCAT™ Talk© technology allows the mouse and keyboard to talk to each other for the first time ever.

EASYSHIFT[+]™ GETS ITS KEYBOARD DEBUT
EasyShift[+]™ technology that doubles the number of key functions now features for the first time on a keyboard. The ROCCAT™ Isku – Illuminated Gaming Keyboard features 3 EasyShift[+]™ Zones (M1-M5, 20 EasyZone keys, T1-T3). EasyShift[+]™ and the three thumbster keys offer a total of 36 macro functions all perfectly positioned in and around the WASD zone, making them very easy to reach.

By default, the Caps Lock key which is of no interest to any gamer is configured as the EasyShift[+]™ key, but macro keys M1-M5 and thumbster keys T1-T3 can also be used. The 36 easy-to-reach macro keys offer a total of up to 180 directly executable functions which can be saved in 5 profiles.

ROCCAT™ TALK© – SET BONUS
Brand new ROCCAT™ Talk© technology allows the mouse and keyboard to talk to each other for the first time ever. The new ROCCAT™ Talk© protocol is already included in the ROCCAT™ Kone[+] and ROCCAT™ Isku and allows, among other features, one single EasyShift[+]™ key or button to be configured for the mouse and keyboard. EasyShift[+]™ functions on the mouse can be executed by pressing the keyboard’s EasyShift[+]™ key – and vice-versa. The devices communicate lag-free for rapid in-game responses.

ENHANCED MACRO LIVE! RECORDING – NOW FEATURING SOUND FEEDBACK
The integrated Macro Live! Recording button makes in-game macro recording straightforward. The new Sound Feedback feature guides the gamer through the macro recording process. Up to 500 actions per macro can be quickly and easily programmed to one of the 36 macro keys. It’s even possible to edit recorded macros at any time using the Macro Manager.

EASY TO CUSTOMIZE: PREDEFINED MACRO PRESETS
Using the highly popular Macro Manager gamers can record their own macros. Predefined Macro Presets for the top 20 PC games as well as several office apps make it even easier to customize the keyboard – plus the new Loop Function now makes it possible to loop macros up to an incredible 255 times.

PERFECT FOR EXTENDED GAMING SESSIONS
The extra-large wrist rest is integrated into the keyboard casing for fast and controlled movements as well as secure and solid grip thanks to the special surface texture. This makes for comfortable gaming – perfect for extended gaming sessions.

AUTOMATIC, ULTRA-FAST PROFILE SWITCHING
All the different configurations can be stored in any one of five Game Profiles and linked to games and apps, allowing button configurations, lighting set-ups and DPI settings, etc. to be loaded automatically when a game is started. The Isku offers ultra-fast profile switching – and for a better overview, it features 5 status LEDs which indicate the current profile. A Windows Profile then automatically switches the Isku back to the previously selected default setting as soon as the game is exited. On top of that, there’s the unique Sound Feedback feature so gamers can have profile switches read aloud by the famous ROCCAT Voice.

BLUE KEYBOARD ILLUMINATION
The 123 medium-height, standard-layout keys offer an optimum keystroke response and perfect pressure point. With 6 brightness levels, gamers can hit the right key even in the dark. The Light Timer function in the driver also offers gamers the chance to configure specific energy-saving functions, and even switch keyboard illumination off automatically after a few minutes if no keys are pressed.

8 MEDIA & HOTKEYS + 12 CONFIGURABLE F-KEYS
Choose from up to 25 functions for each of the 8 media & hotkeys and the 12 configurable F-keys.

INTEGRATED CABLE CHANNELS
Cable channels on the base of the keyboard ensure optimal desktop cable management. Those annoying headset and mouse cables can be easily tidied away using the channels, signaling the end to that all- familiar problem of cable mess.

Product features:

Blue key illumination with 6 brightness levels

3 EasyShift[+]™ Zones for easy key duplication

36 easy-to-reach Macro Keys incl. 3 Thumbster Keys

Macro Live! record button; 180+ macros in 5 profiles

8 media & hotkeys; 25+ assignable functions

Medium-height keys; optimum keystroke; advanced anti-ghosting

ROCCAT™ Driver & Macro Manager incl. Macro Presets for games, multimedia & office apps

Extra-large wrist rest; special surface texture

Cable channels for better device organization

Non-slip base with lock-on keyboard feet

Fast profile switching; 5 Profile-Status LEDs

ROCCAT™ Talk©: Set Bonus by combining devices