ASUS ROG STRIX Scope RX keyboard test: the choice of reason?

01.03.2021

The test

ASUS is also getting into the mecha-optical keyboard, with a whole new generation of switches called RX-Red, and whose characteristics are directly aimed at the most demanding players, and in particular FPS enthusiasts. We were able to take in hand the latest Republic Of Gamers stamped keyboard, and see if it can hold its own against the latest products on the market. Here is our verdict.

After the boom in mechanical keyboards in the gaming world in recent years, manufacturers are looking to offer new products that are always more efficient, and the fashionable solution is to move towards opto-mechanical switches. Here, the contact is not made by contact between two parts, but by the interruption of a light signal emitted in the heart of the switch. The advantage of this system is of course its very extensive customization possibilities, as we could see during our test of the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog. Called RX by ASUS, these switches should be available in a full range, but for now, something new, the brand only offers the “Red” version, which offers a perfectly linear stroke.

The players will therefore have 4mm of total travel, knowing that the actuation point is located at 1.5mm. This hyper-reduced stroke will therefore make it possible to have an action taken into account without even having to press the key completely, which saves time for competitive players. This super fast actuation is also a strong point when you just want to type, since it suffices to touch the keys. Those who like to press like nags will not need to change their habits, but the super powerful rebound of the keys may surprise at first. From a purely mechanical point of view, the keys of the Strix Scope are particularly well made, with an ABS plastic which lets filter light from the RGB backlighting. The latter are also fixed via a system that uses four small legs, each placed at a corner of the fingerboard, instead of the traditional cross found everywhere in the competition. This system makes it possible to have a much more rectilinear movement than the average, without the key “bending” while moving around its axis, as can happen if you press on the edge.

Another specificity that will delight FPS players, the keyboard is equipped with a left ctrl key with more generous dimensions than the average. Since this key is generally activated with the little finger (which is generally not the finger with which we have the best dexterity), we appreciate this additional surface which avoids inadvertently ending up on shift or on fn. This might all seem like a little detail, but in reality we really felt the difference in the game, whether it was the larger ctrl key, or the new key binding system.

On the other hand, other innovations have much less seduced us, in particular the “stealth” key. The latter, which relegates F12 (either the screenshot shortcut in Steam, Origin, GOG or Uplay) to a secondary function, is used to hide all the applications and mute the sound via a simple press. We admit that it is difficult to see the interest of the thing, unless the targeted customers are followers of certain websites that morals disapprove of. As you can see, onanists probably represent the heart of the target. Moreover, we hope that it is not this kind of user who pushed ASUS to make the keyboard IP56, either resistant to dust as well as to projections of liquids (bodily or not) of all kinds. The advantage is that clumsy people who spill their drink on their keyboard will no longer need to redeem a device each time.

It would be a shame to throw the STRIX Scope RX in the trash, because the latest from ASUS offers a really pleasant visual. The keyboard is very successful with its large aluminum frame that hides the different plastic parts well. Despite a contained weight (about 1Kg), the keyboard stays in place on the desk thanks to large rubber pads. Attention, those who like their device raised will have to use the feet with only one adjustment (6 °), which will deprive them of half of the rubberized pads. The small savings don’t stop at the feet at a single adjustment, the cable being sheathed in plastics and not in braided nylon, while no dedicated multimedia key is present.

Only fantasy: the presence of a USB pass-through that will allow you to connect an accessory directly to the keyboard, which is particularly practical, especially for those who still put their CPU far away, or under their desk. Of course, the keyboard is fully configurable as long as you pass the Armory Crate home software. Although very complete, it is not necessarily the most readable in the world. Still, for € 139.99, it is very difficult to be choosy about the Strix Scope RX. It’s very simple: we won’t find better, without paying much more.

MOST :
Hyper-responsive ROG RX switches
Keys fixed via 4 attachment points
Powerful rgb
Quite quiet, even for a mecha-optic
Oversize left ctrl key
Convenient USB pass-through
IP56 (splash proof)

The lessers :
Stealth key which replaces by default F12
One adjustment to raise the keyboard

Plastic sheathed cable (not braided)

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