We liked the unique ROG Strix Scope with its top-notch construct, high quality, and simple gaming keyboard design method. The brand new Scope RX, then, is just a refinement of that, taking classes discovered from the primary keyboard and including in some funky new light-powered key switches, all for an inexpensive worth.
That’s what the ‘RX’ a part of the title means. This Scope packs the brand new ROG RX Optical Mechanical Change from Asus, not dissimilar to the proprietary switches discovered within the Huntsman household of Razer keyboards. With lightspeed actuation becoming a member of the Strix Scope’s glorious aesthetic and manufacturing requirements because of this, this is among the most OK gaming keyboards. It appears to be like and feels unbelievable.
Naturally, the vital optical switches are the thrilling factor right here. Utilizing a whole stem and cross-shaped stabilizer across the spring signifies that these switches are the definition of linear, with virtually no wobble and satisfying typing motion. An infrared beam underneath every change replaces the standard steel contact level, making any enter register on the velocity of sunshine. The absence of a steel filament additionally improves lifespan, with every change rated for 100 million keypresses.
Eliminating enter delay isn’t all of the ROG Strix Scope RX has to supply, although. This could be a reasonably customary full-scale gaming keyboard at first look. Nevertheless, it has a handful of different helpful options up its sleeve. A USB-A pass-through on the rear will help to scale back cable litter in your desk, whereas keyboard shortcuts can be utilized to rapidly regulate your lighting presets without the necessity for a software program.
One characteristic (coming back from earlier Scope fashions) that’s certain to be appreciated by any stealthy workplace gamer is the ‘Stealth key,’ a single button with a shady motif that lets you immediately conceal all apps and mute all audio, then resume on command with one other faucet. It’s a robust privateness instrument, however, one that’s aimed toward customers gaming once they, er, shouldn’t be.
Design
The general design right here hasn’t modified that a lot from the unique Strix Scope because of an aluminum alloy high plate and PCB keycaps with a matte end. It’s a sturdy affair, with its sturdy supplies rated for IP56 mud and water resistance.
It weighs simply over a kilogram as properly, and the twin USB cable is a thick, rubber-sleeved affair that isn’t significantly versatile, so we couldn’t name the Scope RX’ transportable’ with any diploma of confidence.
Nonetheless, this can be a comparatively compact keyboard contemplating the full-size format, with nary an inch of wasted area to be seen. A removable wrist relaxation would’ve been good. However, the Scope RX will work superbly with any freestanding third-party possibility.
Above the Numpad, a translucent panel is backlit for indicating caps lock, scroll lock, and so forth, with an ample ROG brand lighting as much as match the RGB color scheme you choose.
Talking of RGB, the central per-key lighting provided by these much-touted hole systems appears to be implausible. Current enhancements to the ROG Armory Crate software program have made an enormous distinction, with quite many customizable lighting schemes and button remapping options at your fingertips. The Scope RX appears to be bloody implausible, and the slick ROG-themed typeface seals the deal.
Efficiency
The ROG RX switches may take some acclimatization if you’re used to low-force or tactile key switches. Nevertheless, it’s unattainable to disclaim that they work exceptionally properly in first-person shooters. Valorant and Overwatch each felt easy and attentive to play, and the enlarged Ctrl key makes crouching behind cowl a lot simpler for the large-handed gamers amongst us.
That is solely proper; Asus markets the Scope RX as “crafted for FPS players”, and it’s not onerous to see why after just some hours of use. The RX switches are snappy, and the 1.5mm actuation level retains mistypes to a minimal, which means that it’s well-suited for regular typing duties too. Nevertheless, we did discover that the keys are pretty noisy for non-clicky switches, with keyboard clatter that could be annoying for mic customers.
Actually, the one factor that feels prefer it lacks right here is devoted media keys. Alternate capabilities are printed on the front-facing sides of the keycaps, which is nice. However, the format does really feel considerably stripped-back when it comes to extraneous buttons. That is one thing that very a lot comes down to personal choice. Some customers will favor the minimalist setup.
Verdict
There are lots to like regarding the ROG Strix Scope RX, from the clear aesthetic to the lightning-fast actuation. The optical switches aren’t any sooner than these seen in competing fashions, just like the Razer Huntsman. However, the wobble-less keys and central LEDs are superior, making this a simple five-pointer evaluation.
Should you’re critical about first-person shooters, however, you additionally use your pc for work (maybe you’ve been relegated to working from dwelling within the Nice Workplace Purge of 2020), this is among the finest choices in the marketplace proper now. Glorious sturdiness in the virtual thing switches and primary building signifies that the Scope RX will final for years, and we advocate you make the funding.
