Roccat Skeltr Multi-Format RGB Gaming Keyboard Review

Introduction

Picking the right keyboard can be tricky, do you want it for work, for gaming or for both? What if you also want it to control your mobile devices, such as your smartphone and tablet, while also being in control of your desktop PC? The Skeltr makes a lot of promises with its “master worlds” tagline, offering up multiformat mobile support, while also being a fully fledged desktop keyboard for the gaming market, but can it deliver on these promises?

“The Skeltr is the full-powered keyboard that unites your peripherals and mobile device, creating an unstoppable gaming force. Taking device integration to a new level, it consolidates your control by bringing your smartphone or tablet into the fold and putting it right on the frontline for all your battles. Say goodbye to swapping between device and computer as you interrupt your gaming by responding to messages; say hello to the keyboard that lets you master worlds. Say hello to the Skeltr.” – Roccat

Equipped with a range of programmable keys, macros, multimedia controls, Bluetooth, built-in memory and more, the Skeltr is easily one of the most feature packed membrane keyboards on the market.

• 3 programmable thumbster keys
• 5 programmable macro keys
• Easy-Shift[+]™ with 20-key EasyZone
• ROCCAT® Talk™
• Multimedia functions
• Bluetooth V3.0
• 1.8m braided USB cable
• 512kB memory + 32-bit Arm IC
• 1000Hz polling rate
• Membrane keys
• UNIVERSAL DEVICE DOCKING SLOT

“The biggest challenge posed by integrating a mobile device into a gaming keyboard is where to put the mobile device itself. The market for keyboards with smartphone or tablet integration is full of products with flimsy adjustable docks and holders comprised of cheap plastic parts that break easily. No thanks. To meet this challenge we devised a device docking slot discreetly positioned on the rear side of the keyboard. It works with virtually every mobile device on the market and features no movable parts that break easily.” – Roccat

Packaging & Components

The box is very nicely designed, showing off the full keyboard design, as well as the docking slot, where you can mount a mobile device.

Around the back, a lot of technical information on the Roccat Swarm mobile and desktop app, which we’ll take a look at shortly, as well as the mobile device hot keys that are featured on the keyboard.

In the box, you’ll find a small USB cable and 4-pole audio cable for mobile to keyboard pass through, as well as all the usual documentation.

There’s also a detachable wrist rest, which has some temporary stickers showing you some of the basic setup information.

On the base of the rest, you’ll find two long and durable rubber grips to help keep it firmly in place on your desk.

Finally, the keyboard, which comes hard-wired with a durable braided cable that branches off into two USB headers and dual 3.5mm jacks for USB and audio pass-through at the back of the keyboard.