The ROCCAT Pyro keyboard is excellent for gaming, especially considering its price point. It has low latency, media hotkeys, and customizable RGB backlighting. It also has an Easy-Shift[+] function, which lets you unlock a second layer of programmable controls. The linear TTC Red switches feel light and responsive, although the pre-travel distance is longer than other linear switches. Unfortunately, while it feels well-built, its plastic chassis exhibits some flex. Also, it uses ABS keycaps, which feel slippery and are prone to develop shine from finger oils.
Our Verdict
The ROCCAT Pyro is excellent for gaming. It has low latency, RGB backlighting, a Game Mode, and an Easy-Shift[+] function. The linear TTC Red switches feel light and responsive, although the pre-travel distance is slightly higher than on some other linear switches. It has a straight, flat profile with a detachable plastic wrist rest and one incline setting, and it feels well-built despite some flex.
- Low latency.
- Customizable RGB backlighting.
- Good build quality.
- Lots of customizations available through software.
- Can't program macros.
The ROCCAT Pyro is a wired board and isn't for use with a mobile device or tablet.
The ROCCAT Pyro is decent for office use. The linear TTC Red switches are very light and quiet, so they shouldn't bother anyone around you in an office. The board feels well-built, but the ABS keycaps feel slippery. It has one incline setting and comes with a detachable plastic wrist rest.
- Good build quality.
- Lots of customizations available through software.
- Wired-only.
The ROCCAT Pyro is good for programming. The TTC Red switches feel light and responsive and help provide a great typing experience. It has RGB backlighting, and It feels well-built. However, there's only one incline setting, and the wrist rest isn't plushy. Unfortunately, you can't use it wirelessly or pair it with other devices simultaneously.
- Customizable RGB backlighting.
- Good build quality.
- Lots of customizations available through software.
- Can't program macros.
- Wired-only.
The ROCCAT Pyro is inadequate for a home theater setup. It's a wired board, so you need a cable running from the board to the computer. Also, you need a mouse to navigate the interface since it doesn't have a built-in trackpad. On the bright side, it has backlighting, media hotkeys, and a volume control wheel.
- Customizable RGB backlighting.
- Good build quality.
- Lots of customizations available through software.
- Wired-only.
- No built-in trackpad.
Changelog
- Updated Jun 21, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.2. This update introduces new Backlight Features and Backlight Clarity test boxes. We've also added a new Switches test box, added additional test comparisons to our Hardware Customizability test box that we introduced with our last Test Bench. For an in-depth look at our changes, you can see our full changelog here.
- Updated Jun 02, 2023: Following the update to 1.1, we've made minor corrections in several areas. Previously, our text indicated you could program macros using this keyboard's software, but this was incorrect, and these text sections have been removed.
- Updated May 31, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.1. This update adds several new tests addressing Hardware Customization, Macro Keys And Programming, and Wireless Mobile Compatibility. We've also added new objective evaluations to the Typing Noise test, and we've simplified several tests and removed several others that were no longer relevant. For an in-depth look at all our changes, you can see our full changelog here.
- Updated Mar 02, 2023: We've added a link to the newly-reviewed ROCCAT Vulcan II Max/Mini in the Backlighting section of this review.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The ROCCAT Pyro keyboard is only available in black and with linear TTC Red switches. You can see our unit's label here.
Popular Keyboard Comparisons
The ROCCAT Pyro is an excellent gaming keyboard, especially considering its price point. It performs similarly to many other gaming models, offering customizable RGB backlighting and low latency. However, you can't program macros as you can on many other gaming keyboards. Also, the build quality is lacking due to its ABS keycaps and plastic chassis that exhibits some flex.
For other options, see our recommendations for the best mechanical keyboards, the best gaming keyboards, and, if you're on a budget, the best cheap mechanical keyboards.
The ROCCAT Magma and the ROCCAT Pyro are similar wired gaming boards, but the Pyro is a mechanical board, while the Magma isn't. The Pyro has a dedicated volume knob and linear TTC Red switches. On the other hand, the Magma has rubber dome switches and a semi-transparent base plate that lets RGB light through. Both boards also have very low latency and an Easy-Shift[+] function that lets you enable a secondary layer of commands.
The ROCCAT Vulcan Pro and the ROCCAT Pyro are similar wired gaming keyboards, but the Vulcan Pro has a significantly lower latency. The Vulcan Pro is available with proprietary Titan Linear optical switches, while the Pyro has linear TTC Red switches. Both have an Easy-Shift[+] function, which lets you set a second layer of commands.
The Keychron K6 is a 65% compact wireless office board, while the ROCCAT Pyro is a full-size wired gaming keyboard. The ROCCAT includes a wrist rest, a volume control knob, and a Windows Key lock button. Also, its latency is much lower than the Keychron's. However, the ROCCAT is only available with linear TTC Red switches. On the other hand, the Keychron is available with Gateron Red, Blue, and Brown switches. You can use it wirelessly via Bluetooth and pair it with up to three devices at once.
The ROCCAT Vulcan 120 AIMO and the ROCCAT Pyro are similar full-size gaming keyboards, but the Pyro has slightly lower latency. Otherwise, both boards have an Easy-Shift[+] function, which lets you set a second layer of commands to certain keys for as long as you hold it. Each also comes with a removable plastic wrist rest and one incline setting.
Test Results
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