The only thing it lacks is multiple backlight colors

Nov 1, 2014 07:52 GMT  ·  By

You would think that a keyboard priced at the same level as some monitors and storage devices would have all the perks one could think of, but that's not the case for the Ryos TKL Pro from Roccat.

Then again, multiple colors zones on a single peripheral are a bit overkill for all but the most enthusiastic of gamers. You know, the people who will get up at all hours to meet a challenge from an adversary from across the globe.

Besides, it's not like the new Ryos TKL Pro doesn't have backlighting perks of its own. While it doesn't seem to possess multiple color options or sectors, it does have per-key illumination which is even better.

That means that you can dictate which keys to shine with an inner light (or underlight). It allows you to only have the WASD and other game controls visible during the night, while the rest slumber.

The Roccat Ryos TKL Pro gaming keyboard

Besides the per-key illumination (highlighted in the image gallery), the peripherals has a number of capabilities and traits that set it apart from others.

For example, the Ryos uses Cherry MX key switches, which render each key independent from the others and make sure they will remain usable for years while also providing good haptic feedback.

Another advantage is the ability to store 479 programmable macros. A very high number compared to other products, which have 75 or so, or fewer.

Then there's the Lighting Engine 2.0, which allows you to enable special lighting effects like fading, pulsing, etc.

It makes us wonder why the outfit didn't go that last mile and install a 16.8-million or 24-bit LED RGB color system. Everything else seems to be here, and then some.

The whole device is run by not one but two 32-bit ARM Cortex processors backed by 2 MB of flash memory for storing the macro and profile details.

Availability and pricing

Lovers of so-called eSports will have to be quite giving if they want to acquire this particular device. As we mentioned previously, the Roccat Ryos TKL Pro has a tag of $140 / €111.

"The Ryos TKL Pro looks good, it feels really great to play on, and supports all of my needs when I'm training, and definitely in competition. If you're an eSports gamer like me or just love playing with an amazing keyboard, the TKL Pro is awesome," says StarCraft II champion HyuN.

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Roccat Ryos TKL Pro (4 Images)

Roccat Ryos TKL Pro gaming keyboard
Roccat Ryos TKL Pro gaming keyboard, top viewRoccat Ryos TKL Pro gaming keyboard, side view
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