Software

There are no software drivers for the KnewKey Rocksete, with all functionality hardware based. As such, I have chosen to combine this section with the performance section below.

Performance

The Rocksete supports full N-key rollover USB, which tested successfully using Aqua's test. This is reduced to 6KRO in Bluetooth mode, which again is what I expected and have no complaints about. No key chatter was detected on any of the keys using Switch Hitter. Given the macOS-centric key assignment, we actually end up with two Windows keys (CMD) here, and the Win and Alt keys are switched out on the left side of the space bar key, so you may want to swap out the keycaps to make the most of this Apple-first treatment. You can also see which keys get dedicated treatment on the base layer in this 75% form factor keyboard.


When first connected in USB mode, the keyboard lights up in a static blue color for all keys, which is passed through the translucent cover as side lighting more than backlighting because of the opaque nature of the keycaps. In Bluetooth mode, the keys only light up for a few seconds when you type on them. Otherwise, the default setting is to have the light off to preserve battery life.

There are also some preset lighting effects on the blue LEDs associated with the keys, which can be controlled using the Fn + arrow keys. A total of six brightness steps come in handy with some of the dynamic and reactive effects seen above. As with the static lighting, these lighting effects are going to be more for aesthetics than actual functional backlighting.

A natural progression from the lighting associated with the keys is the lighting from the five white LED light bars we saw before. These are tied to the JBL speakers, and their brightness is automatically determined as a direct function of the volume of sound output from the speakers. Termed "Martin LED lighting," this is essentially an audio spectrum visualizer that adds to the overall effect, and it can completely be turned off if you so prefer. Turning on the speakers and media/volume control is all done via the four knobs on the Rocksete, as described in the included manual, and even startup and turning off the speakers produces a jingle similar to premium/luxury cars today. Seen above are also two example videos with the speaker system playing a random song with visuals from Google Play Music, as well as the Imperial March to coincide with my interest in the Star Wars universe around this time of the year. While there are quite a few variables in place between the actual experience and what you hear from whichever device you are seeing this on, take my words on the JBL speaker system being extremely impressive, with a large soundstage and impressive volume devoid of distortions across the lows, mids, and highs of the frequency range. It can actually be a good portable speaker, but keep in mind that it takes two hours to charge the 4400 mAh audio battery with the provided charger cable and has ~5–6 hours of playback depending on volume and lighting.

Unfortunately, the keyboard of the Rocksete is not as impressive because the Bluetooth connectivity is a hit or miss. I tested it with my phone, a laptop, and a desktop, and the thing refused to pair more than I would like to. There were definitely occasions where even direct line of sight was not enough to maintain a stable connection after pairing, which led to further frustrations on top of the mediocre typing experience I have had and had here with typewriter-style keyboards and keycaps. When Bluetooth connectivity does work, battery life is really good with the default lighting setup and sleep options, with the 2200 mAh battery dedicated to the keyboard lasting for days even with the lighting on. Charging the battery takes ~1 hour using the provided cable, and USB 3.0 leads to a faster charging rate. No issues with connectivity when it comes to the USB connectivity, which may well be the way for you to go if you don't want to end frustrated.

In general, the form factor of the Rocksete makes it less portable than you might want. The single clicky switch option also makes it less of a public thing unless you fancy annoying people even with the speakers off. It also weighs more than just about any keyboard, but I suppose it would weigh less than a keyboard and speaker system combined. It would have been nice to have a USB pass-through port for a mouse, but this is not as big a deal given whatever you may want the laptop for would be very close or above the keyboard anyway. The 75% form factor will also take some time to get used to if you are new to it, although it can be ergonomically favorable once you have.


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 KnewKey Rocksete keyboard sample at ~85 WPM as it comes out of the box with the Outemu Blue switches. For context, you can find sound clips from other keyboards here, including those with tactile and clicky switches. I did bottom out often because of the relatively lower travel and medium force spring in these switches, but it is fairly easy to avoid with some practice.