Page 1: Video Review, Final Verdict
Video Review
Final Verdict
The Rosewill Apollo Mechanical Gaming Keyboard retails for $85 (Amazon) at the time of this posting. At this price it is slightly less expensive than the competing G710+ and consumes less desk space. What is really interesting is that the Rosewill offers larger keys. Once you watch the video, you'll see a comparison of the keys and the Rosewill is bigger. This was instantly noticed and once you get used to it, it really feels like a much easier target to hit for each key.
While we appreciate the thought in putting macro keys into a keyboard, it doesn't work in Linux. The rest of the keyboard works just fine out of the box. There are four backlighting levels (low, med, high, and breathing) as well as turning it off completely. The breathing mode works by the keyboard itself with no software needed. One caveat to understand is that the media keys are hidden behind a function key. To play with volume controls, you need two hands. You do get used it after using it for some time.
The keys feel nice and rubbery with the orange replacement keys having their own texture for tactile feedback. It's these little touches that we like from Rosewill. The Apollo Gaming Keyboard can easily replace a standard size keyboard and if you haven't tried a mechanical keyboard, there's nothing stopping you now. They aren't just for gaming.
ASE Publishing would like to thank Rosewill for sending this product for review.
Final Verdict
The Rosewill Apollo Mechanical Gaming Keyboard retails for $85 (Amazon) at the time of this posting. At this price it is slightly less expensive than the competing G710+ and consumes less desk space. What is really interesting is that the Rosewill offers larger keys. Once you watch the video, you'll see a comparison of the keys and the Rosewill is bigger. This was instantly noticed and once you get used to it, it really feels like a much easier target to hit for each key.
While we appreciate the thought in putting macro keys into a keyboard, it doesn't work in Linux. The rest of the keyboard works just fine out of the box. There are four backlighting levels (low, med, high, and breathing) as well as turning it off completely. The breathing mode works by the keyboard itself with no software needed. One caveat to understand is that the media keys are hidden behind a function key. To play with volume controls, you need two hands. You do get used it after using it for some time.
The keys feel nice and rubbery with the orange replacement keys having their own texture for tactile feedback. It's these little touches that we like from Rosewill. The Apollo Gaming Keyboard can easily replace a standard size keyboard and if you haven't tried a mechanical keyboard, there's nothing stopping you now. They aren't just for gaming.
ASE Publishing would like to thank Rosewill for sending this product for review.