At a look
Expert’s Rating
Pros
- Excellent typing really feel (“thocky”)
- First-class workmanship
- High-quality, factory-lubricated switches and stabilizers
- Hot-swap suitable
- Flexible tri-mode connectivity
- Long battery life
- Removable wrist relaxation
Cons
- Very excessive value
- Armoury Crate software program sluggish and vulnerable to errors
- OLED show with little sensible added worth
- Limited programmability (no free FN layers)
Our Verdict
All in all, we extremely advocate the Asus ROG Azoth X. It is aimed toward superior customers who’re keen to take a position a little bit extra to get an “all-inclusive package” and who could already be inquisitive about {custom} options with out diving utterly into the world of {custom} keyboards. In this sense, the Azoth is a profitable bridge: a ready-made brand-name keyboard that provides the texture and acoustics of a DIY undertaking. If you may overlook the excessive value and the weaknesses of the software program, you’ll totally get pleasure from utilizing the Asus ROG Azoth X every day.
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Best Prices Today: Asus ROG Azoth X
With the Asus ROG Azoth X, the Taiwanese producer is venturing into the world of {custom} gaming keyboards and presenting a high-end 75% wi-fi keyboard. It’s clear at first look that that is no run-of-the-mill keyboard, however a compact luxurious typewriter with an OLED show, rotary wheel and individually replaceable switches.
Our Moonlight White model is especially placing: a chic white and silver design with a couple of contrasting black keys that may impress even die-hard lovers.
In this detailed sensible check, we make clear whether or not the Asus ROG Azoth shines simply as brightly in on a regular basis use because it does within the show case and whether or not Asus can really sustain with the boutique manufacturers. By the way in which, you could find much more really helpful fashions in our comparison test of gaming keyboards.
The Asus ROG Azoth X – particularly within the trendy white version – proves to be an all-round spectacular bundle for lovers with deep pockets.
Friedrich Stiemer
Asus ROG Azoth X: Design
Despite its compact 75% structure, the Asus ROG Azoth X weighs in at an astonishing 1.2 kilograms (326 x 136 x 40 millimetres), giving it a high-quality and strong really feel. Asus achieves this with a steel body (elegant silver on the white model) and an especially sturdy plastic base.
The plastic base is critical to keep away from interfering with wi-fi efficiency. However, this doesn’t detract from the torsional rigidity. Everything suits completely, nothing creaks. Most of the keycaps are product of sturdy, high-quality PBT plastic utilizing a double-shot moulding course of, which signifies that put on and tear is hardly a difficulty even after extended use.
In the white mannequin, the keycaps are largely white with a couple of black accents (similar to on the arrow keys and the Esc key), which provides the board a particular look. The lettering is clearly seen, and all secondary features (FN features) are discreetly printed on the entrance of the caps.
The caps have a barely concave floor and a medium-height design, just like the Cherry profile. In our checks, this resulted in a nice typing expertise. Only the feel of the keycaps could possibly be extra grippy.
Some could discover them a little bit slippery, however in follow this doesn’t have an effect on typing accuracy or grip. On the plus facet, because of PBT, fingerprints and greasy smudges are nearly non-existent.
Friedrich Stiemer
A 2-inch OLED show sits enthroned within the higher proper nook of the Asus ROG Azoth X, flanked by a three-way rotary change with a strain operate. This mini grayscale show serves as a flexible data middle:
It shows the battery stage, quantity, energetic profiles and even dwell system knowledge (similar to CPU temperature or utilization) and may be custom-made with particular person animations. It’s conveniently managed by way of the rotary wheel, which can be utilized to regulate the quantity, lighting brightness or music playback, for instance.
In on a regular basis use, the OLED panel proves to be a pleasant further with a excessive coolness issue, however its sensible use is fairly restricted. Many features are displayed on the PC monitor anyway, and whereas an simply readable battery stage or a humorous GIF are good, you don’t actually need the show. We discover the display screen eye-catching and versatile, and those that get pleasure from personalization will recognize it.
Friedrich Stiemer
The underside of the Asus ROG Azoth X reveals a slide change for switching between 2.4 GHz operation, Bluetooth and cable mode, in addition to a hidden compartment for the USB receiver. Two fold-out ft with two top settings help you alter the typing angle.
A palm relaxation was conspicuously absent from the primary Azoth model. Fortunately, the Asus ROG Azoth X we examined comes with a high-quality palm relaxation made of soppy silicone.
This pad is pleasantly non-slip and noticeably relieves pressure on the wrists, which is especially welcome given the case top of 4 centimeters (with out the fold-out ft).
Friedrich Stiemer
Speaking of what’s included within the field: the producer offers the Asus ROG Azoth X with a complete host of equipment. In addition to the keyboard and pad, the field comprises a two-meter USB-C-to-A cable (sleeved and strong), a USB extension adapter for the dongle, and instruments for formidable hobbyists.
A keycap and change puller are included – however you’ll need to do with out the DIY lubrication equipment that comes with the non-X model. Three extra ROG NX switches and a substitute CTRL keycap spherical off the bundle.
This beneficiant vary of equipment underlines the DIY strategy of the Asus ROG Azoth X: even with none modding expertise of your personal, you may get began immediately and check out different switches, for instance.
Friedrich Stiemer
Asus ROG Azoth X: Typing
When it involves typing, the Asus ROG Azoth X places on a efficiency that may amaze many a keyboard nerd. Asus has dug deep into its bag of {custom} methods: the switches are housed in a gasket mount design, that means that the highest plate (PCB) is surrounded by silicone buffers to reduce typing noise and vibrations.
In addition, 4 layers of damping foam and silicone pads are used. The result’s spectacular: background noise or clattering? Not an opportunity! Every keystroke feels satisfying and exact, nothing wobbles or echoes. Even the big keys (house bar, return, shift) are utterly clatter-free and secure because of generously lubricated stabilizers.
The springs within the switches don’t trigger a metallic “ping” or scratching sound. All that is still is a muffled, nice clicking sound that’s pleasing to the ear and acceptable when it comes to quantity even in quiet workplace environments. Until now, we’ve solely seen this in elaborately modded {custom} keyboards.
Friedrich Stiemer
The check pattern comes with Asus’s personal “ROG NX Snow V2” switches: linear switches which might be put in within the white model ex works. These are mainly the identical because the NX Red (linear), however are milky white in coloration and, in accordance with Asus, have been fine-tuned for a very “clean” and wealthy sound.
Technically, they’ve a brief actuation distance of 1.8 millimeters with an preliminary pressure of 40 grams and a bottom-out resistance of round 53 grams. This is barely lighter than traditional Cherry MX Reds and allows very easy, quick enter.
In truth, the pre-lubricated NX Snow V2s really feel extraordinarily easy: no bouncing, no scratching, simply pure linearity. In heated gameplay, the Asus ROG Azoth X registers instructions immediately; the 1000-hertz polling price in 2.4 GHz operation and N-key rollover guarantee dependable, lag-free enter.
Even throughout hectic FPS battles or MOBA clicking, the wi-fi gaming keyboard proved to be responsive and exact. In this respect, it’s under no circumstances inferior to traditional gaming keyboards.
Friedrich Stiemer
If you don’t just like the strain level of the included switches, that’s no drawback: the Asus ROG Azoth X helps hot-swapping for 3- and 5-pin switches, so you may swap any change to your most popular mannequin throughout operation.
In our check, we tentatively changed among the ROG NX Snow V2 switches with tactile fashions – because of the included device, this was fast and simple, and the keyboard continued to operate and not using a hitch.
Friedrich Stiemer
Another spotlight is the specifically tuned, lubricated stabilisers on the bigger keys. They come from the manufacturing unit with enough lubricant, stopping the standard rattling of the house bar and different keys.
In our check, the house bar was among the best we have now ever skilled on a pre-built keyboard: agency and but buttery easy to the contact. Here you may clearly see the affect of the {custom} keyboard group that Asus has integrated into the Azoth X.
Friedrich Stiemer
But how does it really feel to kind on total? In brief: glorious. The mixture of springy gasket mounts and dampened switches leads to a barely springy typing really feel: simply sufficient flex for consolation with out feeling spongy. Long typing classes (similar to penning this overview) are a breeze.
Even “counter-testers” within the editorial workplace observed the distinction. With the usual NX Snow V2, the keystroke is comparatively gentle. Those coming from heavier or tactile switches may have a little bit time to regulate.
But that is precisely the place the Asus ROG Azoth X reveals its energy, as a result of switching to heavier Kailh Box White (clicky) or different switches takes only a few minutes. After that, the keyboard as soon as once more offers suggestions that’s excellent to your particular person style.
In all circumstances, the typing noise stays pleasantly low because of the insulation. In brief: proper out of the field, the Asus ROG Azoth X provides a top-class typing expertise that’s hardly paying homage to an “off-the-shelf keyboard”.
Friedrich Stiemer
Asus ROG Azoth X: Connectivity and battery life
A premium keyboard is of little use if it continuously fails. But right here, too, the Asus ROG Azoth X scores extremely. The wi-fi connection by way of the two.4 GHz USB dongle (producer’s designation: “Asus SpeedNova”) runs completely easily and stably. There had been no connection interruptions throughout our check interval.
Alternatively, Bluetooth 5.1 may also be used, for instance, to pair the keyboard with as much as three gadgets and change shortly between them utilizing the Fn key. Practical for multi-device customers: with a single keystroke, the Asus ROG Azoth X jumps out of your PC to your laptop computer or pill.
Of course, the keyboard may also be operated within the conventional means by way of a USB-C cable or just proceed for use whereas charging. A change on the again means that you can select between Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz or cable operation.
The Asus ROG Azoth X even comes with the ROG Omni Receiver, which permits a single dongle to regulate each the Azoth X and a suitable Asus ROG mouse on the similar time. This frees up one USB port.
Friedrich Stiemer
The Azoth’s battery life is just phenomenal. Asus has put in a beneficiant 4,000 mAh battery, which provides the keyboard marathon working occasions. In Bluetooth mode with out lighting, we achieved properly over 2,000 hours (that’s over 80 days!) of runtime on a single cost.
In 2.4 GHz mode, Asus additionally specifies round 2,000 hours with out RGB/OLED. We can’t confirm this data because of a scarcity of long-term testing, however it appears believable. If you turn on the RGB lighting, the battery life nonetheless drops to round 130 hours.
If you activate OLED and RGB on the similar time, you may count on round 62 hours of steady operation earlier than you could recharge. In our combined sensible use (alternating between work and gaming, reasonable lighting, occasional OLED information show energetic), we solely needed to reconnect the charging cable after greater than six weeks.
This is a merely excellent worth. This makes the Asus ROG Azoth X excellent for LAN events or for engaged on the go with out having to continuously take into consideration charging. Incidentally, charging is finished by way of USB-C; a full cost takes a superb six hours, however because of the aforementioned runtimes, this can be a fairly uncommon ritual.
Friedrich Stiemer
Asus ROG Azoth X: Software and OLED management
As refined because the {hardware} and options of the Asus ROG Azoth X are, Asus sadly slips up on the subject of software program – and this can be a recurring theme. Like nearly all ROG peripherals, the Azoth X depends on the in-house administration software program Armoury Crate, which has an especially doubtful popularity.
Our check confirmed this: this system is cumbersome and takes ages to load, it’s overloaded with features and its design is complicated. Every setting for the keyboard must be present in some submenu and it isn’t all the time essentially the most intuitive to find.
Even extra severe: the soundness and reliability of the software program left lots to be desired in our check run. There had been common crashes, frozen menus or error messages when making an attempt to put in firmware updates for the keyboard.
In some circumstances, Armoury Crate didn’t acknowledge our Azoth X appropriately or failed in the course of the replace course of. Only after a number of makes an attempt and PC restarts was it potential to replace the firmware, which was extraordinarily irritating. Such issues shouldn’t happen with a keyboard this costly.
Friedrich Stiemer
The excellent news is that most of the core features of the Asus ROG Azoth X can be utilized with none software program in any respect. Asus has geared up the keyboard with a lot of on-the-fly choices: FN mixtures can be utilized to change profiles, file macros, change lighting modes and brightness, or toggle Windows key lock mode and N-key rollover, amongst different issues.
In mixture with the OLED show and the rotary knob, many of the settings can really be adjusted instantly on the keyboard. Here’s an instance: Pressing and holding the wheel opens a menu within the OLED the place you may change settings similar to RGB brightness, results or system information show by turning the wheel, with none software program in any respect.
For many customers, which means they received’t want to put in Armoury Crate in any respect, or solely as soon as to carry out any firmware updates. In truth, there may be even a web-based model referred to as “Gear Link” that’s considerably much less cumbersome.
This is an effective different to the sluggish Armoury Crate, which doesn’t require set up. We hope that Asus will proceed to optimize Armoury Crate, and even present official QMK/VIA help for the Azoth X sooner or later, which many lovers would welcome.
Friedrich Stiemer
Another minor downside for energy customers: the Asus ROG Azoth X solely permits easy assignments. The FN stage (secondary assignments) is fastened and can’t be reprogrammed.
Compared to real {custom} options with utterly freely assignable layers (e.g. because of QMK), this can be a limitation that won’t matter to 99 p.c of regular customers, however is related for absolute keyboard professionals.
Nevertheless, the software program’s vary of features is enough for the goal group of demanding avid gamers and occasional modders. You can reassign all the primary keys as desired, assign macros, configure in depth RGB results and personalize the OLED show (e.g. textual content, system monitor or animations). Once Armoury Crate is working, it really works reliably – it’s simply that getting there could be a bit bumpy.
Friedrich Stiemer
Is the Asus ROG Azoth X value it?
The Asus ROG Azoth X – particularly within the trendy white version – proves to be an all-round spectacular bundle for lovers with deep pockets. The workmanship is first-class, the supplies are high-quality and the typing and sound high quality considerably surpasses typical gaming keyboards. Rarely has a pre-built keyboard reminded us a lot of a lovingly tuned {custom} keyboard. From the very first keystroke, every part feels “smooth” and properly thought out: lubricated switches, insulated housing, discreet acoustics, lengthy battery life. Asus has considered nearly every part. Added to this are helpful extras such because the helpful OLED show, hot-swap help and versatile tri-mode connectivity (USB, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz).
Of course, such luxurious comes at a value: Asus at the moment prices round $300 for the keyboard. This makes the Azoth X some of the costly keyboards in the marketplace. The price-performance ratio is due to this fact reasonable, as there are area of interest manufacturers that provide related options with out OLED for considerably much less. But to be truthful, if you happen to examine the Azoth X with a custom-built keyboard (e.g. GMMK Pro, Keychron Q1 together with switches, keycaps, wi-fi mod, and many others.), the worth turns into extra relative. The Asus ROG Azoth X delivers near-perfect tuning straight out of the field and saves hours of tinkering – you’ll pay for this comfort although. For many lovers, that is prone to be a beautiful possibility, supplied their funds permits.
Apart from the worth, there are just a few factors of criticism, however they’re vital: First and foremost, the Armoury Crate software program lags behind the general high-quality {hardware} and urgently wants enchancment. Secondly, the OLED show is trendy, however in on a regular basis use it’s extra of a gimmick – those that can do with out it should discover cheaper options and not using a display screen that carry out simply as properly. And thirdly, with its 75% structure, the Azoth shouldn’t be designed for customers who want a numeric keypad – however that’s within the nature of issues and never the fault of the product itself.
The total bundle although is spectacular and is aimed toward demanding customers who’re searching for a pre-configured but modular keyboard. This is a really helpful possibility, particularly for many who wish to enter the world of DIY mechanical keyboards with out having to solder and screw issues collectively themselves. Even seasoned {custom} keyboard followers are prone to acknowledge that Asus has carried out numerous issues proper.