Performance

The i-Rocks K72MN supports N-key rollover USB out of the box, which tested successfully using Aqua's test. You can switch to 6KRO using onboard controls or the software drivers if needed. Switch Hitter confirmed no chatter with these keys either, and as with most modern keyboards, an Fn key replaces the right Win key.

We saw already that everything done via the software drivers is saved onboard the device, and there are some pre-programmed functions associated with the Fn key row. The first eight can be customized via software, with the other four already set to multimedia controls as indicated by the etched legends on the keycaps. Volume control is also programmed on Ins, Home, Pg Up, and the three keys above have game mode and a calculator shortcut in addition to pulling up the default multimedia program to use the adjacent playback controls. i-Rocks also has on-the-fly macro recording, though this is limited to a string recording without further customization of delay times and repeats. For that, as with other key mapping for F1–F8, you need to use the software drivers.


The Cherry MX Blue switch on my unit is a medium-heavy force tactile and clicky switch with a rated actuation at ~2.1 mm and total travel of 4 mm, and the click taking up more force than actuation to where you will inevitable actuate once you go past the feedback point anyway. It is an audible switch and is best-suited for a more private work environment lest you bother your coworkers in a shared hub. The MX Blue has more deliberate feedback than linear switches and is arguably better for typing too, but do be aware that the clicky feedback you get is not at the same point of actuation and differs slightly. These are the older switches with the 50 M lifetime, but I did not experience any issues, and 20 randomly chosen switches came in well within the expected force for actuation.


As always, the sound of a keyboard is based on more than just the switch type. So when comparing sound clips, consider the keyboard as a whole. In this case, I have provided above an example sound clip of me typing on the i-Rocks K72MN sample at ~110 WPM as it comes out of the box with the Cherry MX Blue switches. For context, you can find sound clips from other keyboards here, including those with clicky switches. I did bottom out more often than not, although you can train yourself to feel the tactile bump and stop slightly past that point. The costar stabilizers help mitigate the mushy feedback with larger keycaps, and the wood grain wrap also helps somewhat dampen the pinging off the aluminium frame, to where the click from the switches remains the most audible note here.