When we here at TechPowerUp started thinking of the new Couch Gaming product review category, we wanted to begin with a direct approach to PC gaming - a dedicated keyboard and mouse that can be used, well, on a couch in the living room. Separate wireless units can work here too, but you do need the support for it (which we will be covering as well in the near future), but products such as Corsair's LAPDOG, Roccat's Sova MK, and even the Razer Turret offer a more homogeneous approach to both. As such, with today's review of the Sova MK, we have now covered two of these three.

I have used the LAPDOG before, and also the Turret at a trade show, and the Roccat Sova MK comes in between these two in terms of size and weight alike. I thought the LAPDOG was too big and unwieldy, but also that the Turret was too small and uncomfortable. There are definitely personal preferences at work here, but I dare say the Roccat Sova MK is a middle option that will end up pleasing more people than the other two, especially with the other features considered. Be it good or bad, the Sova MK is a wired option only, so while you do have to work with a long cable, you also have no perceived input lag, especially compared to a wireless solution. You also get full-size mechanical switches here, with an option of membrane switches if you prefer that vs. the scissor switches on the Turret. On that same train of thought, the Roccat Sova MK is also middle territory among the three in that you have a fixed keyboard option, but can pick a mouse of your choosing (along with another USB device) as compared to the LAPDOG where you can choose your own mouse and keyboard (the latter has to be from a specific Corsair range though) and the Turret that is a pre-fixed set of the two.

There are other features here that will help make or break your mind about the Sova MK. Take the included wrist rest and mousepad, for example, that are ample in terms of size and make it more comfortable to use for longer sessions. They are replaceable, and Roccat will theoretically still come out with other options, but don't base your purchase on this as we have not seen anything in over a year now. The foam-based lap cushions and small mouse-bungee attachment are neat, though, and add positively to the user experience. Roccat Swarm, on the other hand, is a mixed bag throughout, from installation to use, although once set up, you should not have to use it much. Roccat of course prefers you use the Sova MK with one of their own mice, which does add in support for their Easy-Shift[+] technology for secondary functions to more keys and minimizes the need to use the driver even more.

There are many who will argue a controller is the best couch-gaming solution, and the advantage of the PC ecosystem means being able to use many different controllers as well. We will strive to cover some to gauge the pros and cons of that product system as well, but for those who swear by the keyboard and mouse for, say, first-person shooters, the Roccat Sova MK has to be strongly considered.