ROCCAT RYOS MK Pro Keyboard - MX Red

I have had this keyboard for a good month now and I'd have to say I do love this keyboard very dearly. Before this keyboard I had a crappy hp keyboard worth maybe $12 that I got for free. So, as you may imagine, the transition from standard layout to mechanical was pretty abrupt. Before I ordered this keyboard I knew that the transition would be rough and that at one point (from what other people have said) I might even hate mechanical keyboards but in the long run it would be well worth the buy. When I first opened the package and saw the box I knew it was going to be high quality. As I pulled out the keyboard and felt the keys I was totally surprised. They felt extremely weird and light. I had totally pictured them a different way. The keyboard itself felt very sturdy and seemed like it could last at least 10 years. After plugging it in I downloaded the drivers and software for the keyboard. Do note that the keyboard needs to use two USB (2.0) ports to function properly. Right off the bat, the keyboard wasn't lighting up properly but after restarting my computer everything was fine. The program itself was kind of weird when I first tried it out. Unfortunately there is no tutorial and no YouTube videos (as of now) on setting up the keyboard to your liking. It took me about three days of tinkering to finally get the basics of the software down. To this day, I still feel like I don't understand the software completely. I understand maybe 75% of it now like how to create macros, arrange the key bindings, assign secondary key functions, etc. But I wish ultimately Roccat included a tutorial on how to set it up. As of now, I feel pretty comfortable with the keyboard but not fully. Since the keys are slightly smaller than my previous keyboard I sometimes accidentally hit another key which forces me to go back and correct it. Having smaller keys though can be a great pro because once your used to it it can improve your precision and time between reaching for keys in a game. Anyway, here is my insight on each feature: Keys: Smaller than normal (unless I had a big-keyed keyboard originally). Some are angled slightly like the shift key which do feel way better when gaming. They feel very secure and light which is what I was looking for. Lights: Can vary in brightness. Personally, I keep mine at medium high. Software: Tricky, but once understood it enables thousands of possibilities. A great feature is the ability to switch from five profiles at anytime. I have a profile for gaming (only the keys I use light up), typing (all keys light up), All dark (no lights), and the others I haven't really used (yet). Additionally, for some passwords I made an LED macro that quickly lights up all the letters in order which is pretty cool. Oh, and btw, the software allows you to assign secondary functions to every key. For example, once you hold the easy shift key (which can be assigned to any key as well) you can press z which will trigger a macro (that you have to make) to delete or go back (CTRL Z). As you may imagine, the possibilities are almost uncountable. Material/feel: Made entirely of hardcore plastic with some rubber padding. Does not feel like it will break anytime soon. Even the stands on the back feel totally tough. Personally I like my keyboard angled so I do use the stands. Some parts of the keyboard have a gloss finish like on the logo. The gloss doesn't really attract fingerprints so that's nice. The hand rest is perfect and my hands to not slide off even if there sweaty. Final Verdict: Highly recommended! Germans seem to always make good stuff. Pros: -per key lighting -an abundance of customization possibilities -extremely sturdy, no flimsiness whatsoever -secondary key functions -smaller keys? (pro and con) -mechanical -box looks very professional -five profiles to switch through instantaneously -sports two USB 2.0 hubs and microphone and headset jack Cons: -the USB ports lack power and can only handle flash drives. Won't work well with phones or other power thirsty devices. -software is tricky and can be hard to understand -I wish a keyboard at this price included some metal parts. (externally) -wish the keys sported the ability to change any color. -personally wish the lights had a glow like the Corsair K70/K95. Notes: - A lot of people complained about the enter key looking hideous. On the US version it is completely normal it is not fat and huge. - Thumbster keys are not mechanical but in the end it doesn't really matter. - I have my keyboard resting on a Razer Goliathus extended speed edition mat. It fits perfectly and increases the immobility of the keyboard.