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ROCCAT Pyro Keyboard Review

Tested using Methodology v1.2
Reviewed Jun 25, 2021 at 10:52 am
Latest change: Test bench update Jun 21, 2023 at 12:45 pm
ROCCAT Pyro Picture
8.4
Gaming
1.2
Mobile/Tablet
7.2
Office
7.2
Programming
3.2
Entertainment / HTPC

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

8.4 Gaming

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.

Pros
  • Low latency.
  • Customizable RGB backlighting.
  • Good build quality.
  • Lots of customizations available through software.
Cons
  • Can't program macros.
1.2 Mobile/Tablet

The ROCCAT Pyro is a wired board and isn't for use with a mobile device or tablet.

7.2 Office

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.

Pros
  • Good build quality.
  • Lots of customizations available through software.
Cons
  • Wired-only.
7.2 Programming

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.

Pros
  • Customizable RGB backlighting.
  • Good build quality.
  • Lots of customizations available through software.
Cons
  • Can't program macros.
  • Wired-only.
3.2 Entertainment / HTPC

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.

Pros
  • Customizable RGB backlighting.
  • Good build quality.
  • Lots of customizations available through software.
Cons
  • Wired-only.
  • No built-in trackpad.
  • 8.4 Gaming
  • 1.2 Mobile/Tablet
  • 7.2 Office
  • 7.2 Programming
  • 3.2 Entertainment / HTPC
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Updated Jun 25, 2021: Review published.
  6. Updated Jun 21, 2021: Early access published.
  7. Updated Jun 15, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
  8. Updated Jun 11, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  9. Updated May 23, 2021: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

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.

Compared To Other Keyboards

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.

ROCCAT Magma

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.

ROCCAT Vulcan 120 AIMO

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.

Razer Huntsman Mini

The Razer Huntsman Mini and the ROCCAT Pyro are wired gaming keyboards, but the Razer has a much lower latency. Otherwise, the Razer is a better choice if you like compact boards that give you more room on your desk to move your mouse, and it supports macro creation, while the ROCCAT doesn't. The Razer also has PBT keycaps, and it's available with Razer Clicky Optical or Razer Linear Optical switches. On the other hand, the ROCCAT is a better choice if you prefer a full-size board with a wrist rest and a volume control knob. The ROCCAT is available with linear TTC Red switches.

ROCCAT Vulcan Pro

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.

Keychron K6

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.

SteelSeries Apex 5

The SteelSeries Apex 5 and the ROCCAT Pyro are wired full-size gaming boards with customizable RGB backlighting. The SteelSeries has a dedicated media button, and all of its keys are macro-programmable. It also has an OLED screen that you can set to display almost anything. On the other hand, the ROCCAT has much lower latency than the SteelSeries, but you can't program macros.

Razer BlackWidow

The Razer BlackWidow and the ROCCAT Pyro are both full-size gaming keyboards, but all of the keys on the Razer are macro-programmable. Also, the Razer has lower latency, and its customization software is easier to use and lets you create and save more profiles. On the other hand, the ROCCAT comes with a removable wrist rest, and it has a volume control wheel.

Logitech G513

The Logitech G513 and the ROCCAT Pyro are wired gaming keyboards, but the Logitech has significantly lower latency. Also, the Logitech G HUB software is easier to use and is available on macOS. The Logitech is available with Romer-G Red, Blue, or Brown switches. On the other hand, the Pyro has onboard memory, but the ROCCAT Swarm software is only available on Windows. The ROCCAT is available with linear TTC Red switches.

Redragon K582 SURARA RGB

The Redragon K582 SURARA RGB and the ROCCAT Pyro are full-size mechanical gaming keyboards, but the ROCCAT has much lower latency, so it'll feel more responsive while gaming. Also, it comes with a wrist rest, and there's a volume control knob to quickly adjust your audio. On the other hand, the Redragon is hot-swappable, so you aren't limited to the stock switches. Also, you can set macros to any key on the board, unlike the ROCCAT, which doesn't support the creation of macros.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Dimensions
Size
Full-size (100%)
Height
1.4" (3.5 cm)
Width 17.6" (44.6 cm)
Depth
5.9" (15.0 cm)
Depth With Wrist Rest
8.9" (22.5 cm)
Weight
1.99 lbs (0.901 kg)
7.5
Design
Build Quality
Keycap Material ABS

The ROCCAT Pyro feels well-built, but there are a few shortcomings due to its price point. It has a plastic chassis with some flex, but the brushed aluminum base plate helps give a bit more rigidity. The doubleshot ABS keycaps feel smooth, but they're also slippery and may eventually develop shine from finger oils. The keys feel stable with very little wobble, and the larger keys also actuate evenly. There are six large rubber pads on the underside that keep it from slipping on your desk, and the incline feet also have rubber edges that help keep the board in place.

6.0
Design
Ergonomics
Curved/Angled
No
Split Keyboard
No
Key Alignment
Staggered
Minimum Incline
2.5°
Medium Incline
N/A
Maximum Incline
7°
Home Row Height
29.3 mm (1.2")

The ROCCAT Pyro keyboard has acceptable ergonomics. It's a straight and flat board that has a fairly low profile and one incline setting. It comes with a plastic detachable wrist rest that has a horizontal, lined texture to it. While the wrist rest isn't very plushy, it does add some comfort to the typing experience.

6.0
Design
Hardware Customizability
Replaceable Cherry Stabilizers
Yes
Stabilizer Fixation
Plate-Mounted
Spacebar Stabilizer Size
6.25u
Size Of Right Mod Keys
1.25u
Hot-Swappable Switches
No
Switch Stem Shape
Cherry MX Style
Switch PCB Socket
Soldered
North-Facing Cherry MX Interference
Yes
10
Design
Backlight Features
Backlighting Yes
RGB
Yes
Per-Key Backlighting
Yes
Effects
Yes
Software Controllable
Yes

It has customizable RGB backlighting with individually lit keys. If you're interested in a similar ROCCAT keyboard with low-profile keycaps that allow more light to shine out from the switch housings, check out the ROCCAT Vulcan II Max/Mini.

9.0
Design
Backlight Clarity

This keyboard has outstanding backlight clarity. That said, there's a slight blue tint between keys when the lighting is set to white. However, this tint might be caused by the light's reflection on the grey, brushed aluminum base plate.

Design
Cable & Connector
Connectivity Wired
Detachable
No
Length 6.1 ft (1.9 m)
Connector (Keyboard side)
Not Detachable

It has a standard rubber cord that isn't detachable.

0
Design
Wireless Versatility
Bluetooth
No
Bluetooth Multi-Device Pairing
No
Proprietary Receiver
No
Battery Type
No Batteries
0
Design
Macro Keys And Programming
Dedicated Macro Keys Count 0
Onboard Macro Programming
No
Macro Programming With Software
No
Design
Extra Features
Media Keys
Non-Dedicated
Trackpad / Trackball No
Scroll Wheel
No
Control Knob
Yes
USB Passthrough
No
Numpad Yes
Windows Key Lock
Yes
Lock Indicator Caps, Scroll & Num lock

The ROCCAT Pyro has a few extra features, like media hotkeys and a volume control knob. You can activate Game Mode by pressing FN+Scroll Lock, which disables the Windows key, so you don't accidentally minimize your game. Also, there's an Easy-Shift[+] function that lets you enable a secondary layer of commands while held down.

Design
In The Box

  • ROCCAT Pyro keyboard
  • Wrist rest
  • Quick Start Guide

Typing Experience
Typing Experience
Switches
Switch Name
Linear (red) TTC
Switch Type
Mechanical
Feel
Linear
Typing Experience
Keystrokes
Operating Force
43 gf
Actuation Force
45 gf
Pre-Travel
2.2 mm
Total Travel
4.0 mm

The ROCCAT Pyro has linear TTC Red switches, which feel very light and fairly responsive, although the pre-travel distance is longer than some other linear switches. The board is only available with these linear switches.

8.0
Typing Experience
Typing Quality

The ROCCAT Pyro provides a great typing experience. The keys feel stable with only a bit of wobble, but it shouldn't be too noticeable while typing. The linear TTC Red switches feel very light and responsive, with no audible or tactile feedback. Thanks to the standard shape and spacing of the keys, you shouldn't feel much fatigue while typing on this board.

7.5
Typing Experience
Typing Noise
Average Loudness
52.6 dBA
High Pitch Clicks
No

The ROCCAT Pyro is quiet and shouldn't bother those around you.

8.6
Typing Experience
Latency
Latency Wired
6.6 ms
Latency Receiver
N/A
Latency Bluetooth
N/A

The ROCCAT Pyro has very low latency and should feel responsive enough for most gamers.

Software and Operating System
Software and Operating System
Configuration Software
Software Name ROCCAT Swarm
Software Windows Compatible
Yes
Software macOS Compatible
No
Onboard Memory
Yes
Profiles
5

The ROCCAT Swarm software offers many customization options, including saving up to five profiles, remapping key assignments, customizing the RGB, and setting character repeats. It also allows you to program keypress sounds, and you can choose from a list of presets or use your own audio file. Like the ROCCAT Vulcan TKL and the ROCCAT Vulcan 120 AIMO, it features the AIMO lighting engine, which reacts to your behavior and makes changes based on your setup, the apps you use, and other ROCCAT devices you connect.

10
Software and Operating System
Computer Compatibility
Windows
Fully Compatible
macOS
Fully Compatible
Linux (Ubuntu 22)
Fully Compatible
Media Key Compatibility
Windows, MacOS & Linux

The ROCCAT Pyro is fully compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS. However, the software is only available for Windows. Additionally, on macOS, the Print Screen button acts as an F13 button, and the Scroll Lock and Pause/Break buttons adjust screen brightness if you're using an Apple display.

0
Software and Operating System
Wireless Mobile Compatibility
Android
Not Compatible
iOS
Not Compatible
iPadOS
Not Compatible
Media Key Compatibility
Not Compatible