Asus ROG Azoth X evaluation: A premium keyboard constructed for personalization

Greatest Costs Right now: 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 can impress even die-hard fans.

On 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 will discover much more advisable fashions in our comparability check of gaming keyboards.

Friedrich Stiemer

Asus ROG Azoth X: Design

Regardless of its compact 75% format, 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. Nonetheless, this doesn’t detract from the torsional rigidity. All the pieces suits completely, nothing creaks. A lot of the keycaps are product of sturdy, high-quality PBT plastic utilizing a double-shot moulding course of, which implies that put on and tear is hardly a problem even after extended use.

Within the white mannequin, the keycaps are largely white with a couple of black accents (akin to on the arrow keys and the Esc key), which provides the board a particular look. The lettering is clearly seen, and all secondary capabilities (FN capabilities) are discreetly printed on the entrance of the caps.

The caps have a barely concave floor and a medium-height design, much like the Cherry profile. In our checks, this resulted in a nice typing expertise. Solely the feel of the keycaps may very well be extra grippy.

Some could discover them slightly slippery, however in apply this doesn’t have an effect on typing accuracy or grip. On the plus facet, due to PBT, fingerprints and greasy smudges are just about non-existent.

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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 stress perform. This mini grayscale show serves as a flexible info heart:

It shows the battery degree, quantity, energetic profiles and even stay system information (akin to CPU temperature or utilization) and will be custom-made with particular person animations. It’s conveniently managed by way of the rotary wheel, which can be utilized to regulate the amount, lighting brightness or music playback, for instance.

In on a regular basis use, the OLED panel proves to be a pleasant additional with a excessive coolness issue, however its sensible use is moderately restricted. Many capabilities are displayed on the PC monitor anyway, and whereas an simply readable battery degree or a humorous GIF are good, you don’t really want the show. We discover the display screen eye-catching and versatile, and those that get pleasure from personalization will admire it.

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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 regulate the typing angle.

A palm relaxation was conspicuously absent from the primary Azoth model. Luckily, 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).

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Talking of what’s included within the field: the producer offers the Asus ROG Azoth X with a complete host of equipment. Along with 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 must do with out the DIY lubrication package that comes with the non-X model. Three extra ROG NX switches and a substitute CTRL keycap spherical off the package deal.

This beneficiant vary of equipment underlines the DIY strategy of the Asus ROG Azoth X: even with none modding expertise of your personal, you will get began immediately and check out different switches, for instance.

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Asus ROG Azoth X: Typing

With regards to typing, the Asus ROG Azoth X places on a efficiency that can 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.

As well as, 4 layers of damping foam and silicone pads are used. The result’s spectacular: background noise or clattering? Not an opportunity! Each keystroke feels satisfying and exact, nothing wobbles or echoes. Even the massive keys (house bar, return, shift) are fully clatter-free and steady due to 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 by way of quantity even in quiet workplace environments. Till now, we’ve solely seen this in elaborately modded {custom} keyboards.

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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 principally the identical because the NX Pink (linear), however are milky white in coloration and, in response to Asus, have been fine-tuned for a very “clear” and wealthy sound.

Technically, they’ve a brief actuation distance of 1.8 millimeters with an preliminary power of 40 grams and a bottom-out resistance of round 53 grams. That is barely lighter than traditional Cherry MX Reds and allows very clean, quick enter.

In truth, the pre-lubricated NX Snow V2s really feel extraordinarily clean: no bouncing, no scratching, simply pure linearity. In heated gameplay, the Asus ROG Azoth X registers instructions directly; 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. On this respect, it’s by no means inferior to traditional gaming keyboards.

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For those who don’t just like the stress 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’ll be able to swap any change in your most well-liked mannequin throughout operation.

In our check, we tentatively changed a number of the ROG NX Snow V2 switches with tactile fashions – due to the included instrument, this was fast and simple, and the keyboard continued to perform and not using a hitch.

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One other spotlight is the specifically tuned, lubricated stabilisers on the bigger keys. They arrive from the manufacturing facility with adequate lubricant, stopping the standard rattling of the house bar and different keys.

In our check, the house bar was top-of-the-line we have now ever skilled on a pre-built keyboard: agency and but buttery clean to the contact. Right here you’ll be able to clearly see the affect of the {custom} keyboard neighborhood that Asus has integrated into the Azoth X.

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However how does it really feel to sort on total? In brief: wonderful. The mix of springy gasket mounts and dampened switches ends in a barely springy typing really feel: simply sufficient flex for consolation with out feeling spongy. Lengthy typing classes (akin to penning this evaluation) are a breeze.

Even “counter-testers” within the editorial workplace observed the distinction. With the usual NX Snow V2, the keystroke is comparatively gentle. These coming from heavier or tactile switches may have slightly time to regulate.

However that is precisely the place the Asus ROG Azoth X exhibits its energy, as a result of switching to heavier Kailh Field White (clicky) or different switches takes only a few minutes. After that, the keyboard as soon as once more offers suggestions that’s good in your particular person style.

In all circumstances, the typing noise stays pleasantly low due to the insulation. In brief: proper out of the field, the Asus ROG Azoth X affords 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 continually fails. However 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 have 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 rapidly between them utilizing the Fn key. Sensible for multi-device customers: with a single keystroke, the Asus ROG Azoth X jumps out of your PC to your laptop computer or pill.

In fact, the keyboard may also be operated within the conventional approach by way of a USB-C cable or just proceed for use whereas charging. A change on the again lets you 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 appropriate Asus ROG mouse on the identical time. This frees up one USB port.

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The Azoth’s battery life is solely phenomenal. Asus has put in a beneficiant 4,000 mAh battery, which provides the keyboard marathon operating instances. 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 not confirm this info because of an absence of long-term testing, but it surely appears believable. For those who change on the RGB lighting, the battery life nonetheless drops to round 130 hours.

For those who activate OLED and RGB on the identical time, you’ll be able to count on round 62 hours of steady operation earlier than you’ll want to recharge. In our blended sensible use (alternating between work and gaming, reasonable lighting, occasional OLED data show energetic), we solely needed to reconnect the charging cable after greater than six weeks.

This can be a merely excellent worth. This makes the Asus ROG Azoth X good for LAN events or for engaged on the go with out having to continually take into consideration charging. By the way, charging is finished by way of USB-C; a full cost takes six hours, however due to the aforementioned runtimes, this can be a moderately uncommon ritual.

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Asus ROG Azoth X: Software program and OLED management

As refined because the {hardware} and options of the Asus ROG Azoth X are, Asus sadly slips up in terms of software program – and this can be a recurring theme. Like virtually all ROG peripherals, the Azoth X depends on the in-house administration software program Armoury Crate, which has an especially doubtful status.

Our check confirmed this: this system is cumbersome and takes ages to load, it’s overloaded with capabilities and its design is complicated. Each setting for the keyboard needs to be present in some submenu and it isn’t at all times essentially the most intuitive to find.

Much more severe: the steadiness and reliability of the software program left rather a lot to be desired in our check run. There have been common crashes, frozen menus or error messages when trying to put in firmware updates for the keyboard.

In some circumstances, Armoury Crate didn’t acknowledge our Azoth X appropriately or failed in the midst of the replace course of. Solely after a number of makes an attempt and PC restarts was it attainable to replace the firmware, which was extraordinarily irritating. Such issues mustn’t happen with a keyboard this costly.

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The excellent news is that lots of the core capabilities of the Asus ROG Azoth X can be utilized with none software program in any respect. Asus has outfitted 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 Home windows key lock mode and N-key rollover, amongst different issues.

Together with the OLED show and the rotary knob, many of the settings can really be adjusted immediately on the keyboard. Right here’s an instance: Urgent and holding the wheel opens a menu within the OLED the place you’ll be able to change settings akin to RGB brightness, results or system data show by turning the wheel, with none software program in any respect.

For a lot of customers, which means that they gained’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 known as “Gear Hyperlink” that’s considerably much less cumbersome.

This can be a good 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 fans would welcome.

Friedrich Stiemer

One other minor disadvantage for energy customers: the Asus ROG Azoth X solely permits easy assignments. The FN degree (secondary assignments) is mounted and can’t be reprogrammed.

In comparison with real {custom} options with fully freely assignable layers (e.g. due to QMK), this can be a limitation that will not matter to 99 p.c of regular customers, however is related for absolute keyboard professionals.

Nonetheless, the software program’s vary of capabilities is adequate for the goal group of demanding avid gamers and occasional modders. You possibly 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). As soon as Armoury Crate is operating, it really works reliably – it’s simply that getting there generally is a bit bumpy.

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Is the Asus ROG Azoth X price it?

The Asus ROG Azoth X – particularly within the fashionable white version – proves to be an all-round spectacular package deal for fans 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. Not often has a pre-built keyboard reminded us a lot of a lovingly tuned {custom} keyboard. From the very first keystroke, all the pieces feels “clean” and properly thought out: lubricated switches, insulated housing, discreet acoustics, lengthy battery life. Asus has considered virtually all the pieces. Added to this are helpful extras such because the useful OLED show, hot-swap help and versatile tri-mode connectivity (USB, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz).

In fact, such luxurious comes at a worth: Asus at present prices round $300 for the keyboard. This makes the Azoth X one of the costly keyboards available on the market. The value-performance ratio is due to this fact reasonable, as there are area of interest manufacturers that supply comparable options with out OLED for considerably much less. However to be honest, if you happen to examine the Azoth X with a custom-built keyboard (e.g. GMMK Professional, Keychron Q1 together with switches, keycaps, wi-fi mod, and so forth.), the value 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 a lot of fans, that is prone to be a horny possibility, supplied their funds permits.

Aside from the value, there are just a few factors of criticism, however they’re vital: Firstly, the Armoury Crate software program lags behind the general high-quality {hardware} and urgently wants enchancment. Secondly, the OLED show is fashionable, however in on a regular basis use it’s extra of a gimmick – those that can do with out it’s going to discover cheaper options and not using a display screen that carry out simply as properly. And thirdly, with its 75% format, the Azoth just isn’t 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 general package deal although is spectacular and is geared toward demanding customers who’re searching for a pre-configured but modular keyboard. This can be a advisable 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 achieved plenty of issues proper.