ROCCAT Ryos MK Glow Keyboard Review

The MK Glow looks a lot like a typical 101 key layout from a distance but there are 5 extra macro keys on the left side and three keys below the space bar that ROCCAT calls Thumbster keys.  The MK Glow features anti-ghosting n-key rollover for precision response.  Macro programming is stored in the onboard 2MB of flash memory and controlled by its own 32-bit ARM Codex processor.

Those Thumbster keys are pretty unique to ROCCAT designs and are one of my favorite features.  Each key sits in easy reach of your thumb when in a typical WASD or touch typing stance.  After some initial practice these are intuitive and useful for a variety of functions.  I have long enough fingers that resting my left thumb on these keys is as comfortable as the space during games.

The integrated wrist rest is large and cannot be removed but the overall shape is comfortable during long typing sessions.  All other keys are in easy reach.  The left macro keys may require a glance but you really don’t need them if you use the Easy-Shift[+] system.  More on that in a minute!

The back of the keyboard features ½ inch risers and a series of cable runs.   A set of oversize rubber feet on each side and one down the front edge keep things firmly in place.  All that’s missing is a nice set of built in ports. 

Here’s a closer look at the five macro keys on the left side.  Keep in mind this is just one of four total configurable areas.  Each of these can be programmed from the software or on the fly.  With macro looping you can repeat settings up to 255 times. 

Across the top are the more typical Function keys.  The secondary functions can be toggled by holding down the FN key at the bottom right.  Even these keys can be completely remapped from the software.

Choosing your mechanical keyboard really boils down to identifying the particular flavor on the Cherry MX switches you like the most.  Blue tends to favor typists with a more tactile or "clicky" action.  Blue can also make it harder to double tap but provides the most feedback in terms of touch.  Reds require less force and tend to favor a softer touch which can also lead to accidental key presses but can be more responsive. Browns tend to be a little bit of both.  While they are less tactile, and less "clicky", they do have a feedback to them while still requiring less force than the reds. Black switches don't provide tactile or audio feedback. Instead, the switch is completely linear and feels the same from the instant when you start pressing the key, through actuation, to bottoming out. These switches also require more force to actuate the keys while discouraging accidental keystrokes. Green is a very rare switch type often referred to as a stiffer blue making its inclusion all the more notable.  Green is both a tactile and a clicky switch often reserved for the space bar. You can both feel the tactile bump and hear the "click" that occurs when the activation point is hit.