Product test
Ornata V2: The actually okay keyboard without a purchase recommendation
by Kevin Hofer
Testing the Roccat Pyro gaming keyboard
10.1.2022
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
Roccat Pyro is a moderately priced gaming keyboard. It has RGB lighting, volume control and linear switches from TTC. The test featured my wife gaming with mechanical keys for the first time and an intensely productive writing session on my part.
Roccat kindly sent me a Pyro using a CH keyboard layout for the test:
Our store also features it with a German layout:
Not so beautiful during the daytime: design, layout and functions
In daylight, however, the black keyboard’s exterior doesn’t spark joy for my wife or me. It appears decent at first glance – featuring a classic full-frame layout and making a robust impression. The keys are surrounded by a brushed aluminium plate. As for the rest of the keyboard, however, it’s mostly made of rather cheap-looking plastic. This is more or less noticeable depending on your lighting conditions.
The attachable palm rest is made of the same plastic. It’s grooved for a good grip. Personally, I prefer writing with a soft pad, but I can also manage with the hard one. The keyboard has feet as another ergonomic aid, which allows its angle to be increased from 6 to 14 degrees.
Your usual five media keys – play/pause and co. – share space with F8 to F12 and can be accessed via the function key. The volume can be adjusted on an extra wheel as well. This works, but the material looks and feels cheap. Not really satisfying – still, it’s practical.
TTC Red Switches – how it feels to game and type
How a keystroke feels is largely determined by the switches. The Roccat Pyro comes with red mechanical switches from TTC. They’re linear – meaning they don’t make a clicking sound, nor do they have a tactile release point. Therefore, the keyboard is rather quiet – depending on how hard you’re hitting the keys. What can be heard is the impact of the switch when it’s pressed down.
When you press a key, it goes down smoothly and relatively wobble-free. You need a small initial force of 45 grams for this. It triggers after two millimetres of key travel. The total distance amounts to 3.7 millimetres and requires 60 grams of force.
Verdict: a good entry-level gaming keyboard with little to smile at during the day
In terms of price, the Roccat Pyro is in the lower midfield compared to other RGB keyboards with mechanical switches. This also explains why it isn’t convincing through and through. The black plastic used looks a bit cheap – and the volume control also feels that way when used. However, the red switches from TTC are convincing. Typing and gaming is a joy with this keyboard, and the illumination kicks ass anyway.
If you’re looking for a not too expensive gaming keyboard that’s linear and rather quiet, I can recommend the Pyro. Not least because of game mode.
Martin Jud
Senior Editor
martin.jud@digitecgalaxus.chI find my muse in everything. When I don’t, I draw inspiration from daydreaming. After all, if you dream, you don’t sleep through life.
