Today, we are writing our ASUS ROG Claymore II Keyboard Review to share everything about the Claymore II. It is a modular keyboard that you can utilise as a full-size product or one without a Numpad. You can easily slide the latter out for a smaller footprint which most gamers prefer.
ASUS took the original Claymore to enhance it and make it even better. But despite the changes, is the keyboard worth purchasing?
Continue reading our review to see how everything stacks up. But first, what is inside the box?
ASUS ROG Claymore II Keyboard Packaging
Before getting in-depth with the product, our ASUS ROG Claymore II Keyboard Review will focus on its packaging and contents. Our Claymore II came in a typical-looking cardboard box for keyboards.
An image of the product is in front of the box, along with the ROG branding. The product name and key features are also present in this area. On its rear, you will find additional information about the product and another image of the Claymore II. You will also find points indicating the use of some buttons.
Everything is secure inside, so you will not have to worry about any damage. There, you will find the keyboard and the Claymore II Numpad. There is a USB-C to Type-C cable, a USB wireless dongle, a wireless dongle extender, and USB-C to A adapter. ASUS even included a magnetic leatherette wrist rest, ROG sticker, warranty booklet, quick start guide, and a transparent reference map.
The company also slipped a thank you card for your purchasing the product.
ASUS ROG Claymore II Keyboard Review – Design and Functionality
Continuing our ASUS ROG Claymore II Keyboard Review, let us discuss the keyboard design and functions.
ASUS introduced the idea of the modular gamepad on its original Claymore in 2016. Despite that, it still feels exciting and fresh this year. The reason is likely because the keyboard is a more enticing product overall.
The Claymore II sports a modular Numpad, altering its size from a full-sized 100% keyboard to a TKL when detached. What we like about the keyboard is you can link the Numpad to the left/right side.
You can break down the keyboard into three parts. One is the TKL (core tenkeyless) keyboard which has 87 keys. The others are a 17-key number pad featuring customisable buttons, a volume controller, and a thin, well-padded removable wrist rest.
Remember, the Claymore II supplies power, and the number pad will not work alone. For its wrist rest, you can use it with other boards; however, the magnetic top edge pairs with the Claymore II.
Looks-wise, it is one of the most aesthetic-looking boards we tried. And it showcases a style that other brands cannot match.
The usual ROG trimmings are present, and the keyboard features decent lines while conveying a certain sharpness. These were on older models like the Strix Scope TKL Deluxe.
It is easy to attach and detach the number pad. The two tabs on each side of the Claymore II drop into slots and then locks in place.
You can quickly and easily remove it to tilt the keyboard while playing shooters. Then, you can return it to complete spreadsheets and other similar tasks.
Key Features of the ASUS ROG Claymore II Keyboard
What makes the Claymore II so notable that many users want to get their hands on it? Here in our ASUS ROG Claymore II Keyboard Review, we will share its features that make the keyboard stand out from the crowd.
Versatility That Gets Even Better
The Claymore II offers functions crafted to provide you with new ways to game. Create your perfect gaming setup by utilising the detachable Numpad on any side you prefer. Then, select between wired/wireless mode then light it up using Aura Sync.
Once you are in the game, enjoy full-tactical control using the ROG RX Optical Mechanical Switches plus customisable hotkeys.
RX Optical Mechanical Switches for Excellent Presses
These key switches on the keyboard offer centralised lighting. While providing consistent, solid, and wobble-free keystrokes with close to no debounce delays.
PBT Doubleshot Keycaps for Increased Durability
The PBT keycaps offer long-lasting durability plus a premium feel that features distinct ROG legends for aesthetic illumination.
Long Battery Life
With its 4000 mAh battery and energy-efficient design, you can use the Claymore II for up to 43 hours. A single charge gives you nonstop gaming despite having the RGBs working.
Seamless Connection
Enjoy a seamless, lag-free connection whether you use the Claymore II with a cable or via 2.4 GHz wireless.
Ergonomic Design
The detachable magnetic wrist rest has a plush leatherette material to keep you comfortable during long gaming sessions.
Armoury Crate
Armoury Crate unifies your lighting and system. This software allows you to create, define, and customise profiles and map keys while recording macros.
Specifications
This time, we will share the product specifications of the keyboard in our ASUS ROG Claymore II Keyboard Review. It will help you determine if the keyboard will function adequately with your setup.
The keyboard sports ROG RX Red Optical Mechanical switches and utilises a USB 2.0 EF 2.4GHz for connectivity.
It is a full-sized, 100% keyboard with RGB LED lights per key and also features 100% anti-ghosting. Additionally, AURA Sync is compatible with the Claymore II, has all-programmable macro keys, and allows on-the-fly recording support.
The USB pass-through is available and fully functional while having a USB report rate of 1000Hz.
It works with Windows 10, and you can make customisations via the Armoury Crate from ASUS. Lastly, the keyboard measures 462 x 155 x 39mm and weighs approximately 1156g without the cable.
Hands-on with the ASUS ROG Claymore II Keyboard
We did product tests for our ASUS ROG Claymore II Keyboard Review to inform you about its performance. But first, we will discuss the Armoury Crate software.
The Claymore II works with Armoury Crate, the Windows-based configuration software of ASUS. It has a simple, clean interface, making it easy to use for remapping keys, adjusting power usage, and customising RGB. With the onboard memory of the Claymore II, you can store up to five profiles.
Access to keyboard configuration settings has always been handy, but Armoury Crate makes the experience more convenient. ASUS also recently added a feature showing the battery percentage of the Claymore II if you minimise the app.
For RGB lighting, the software offered a wide range of options. Pre-programmed effects included breathing, rainbow patterns, and lights responding to keypresses. It also allows the synchronisation of these with other ASUS RGB products.
We were able to try the keyboard for our ASUS ROG Claymore II Keyboard Review. Then, we used it for over a week to see how well it performed.
The first thing we did was to use the Claymore II with a 2.4GHz connection. We linked it with the help of the included USB dongle, which worked perfectly in wireless mode.
While using the Claymore II for typing and gaming, we noticed the incredibly low latency. Although the latency was higher when we used a USB receiver, our connection remained seamless.
When we plugged it in to charge, we kept the dongle in its dedicated slot on its rear edge.
The Claymore II offered us an excellent typing experience. Its ABS keycaps were fairly-good to type on because of the textured surface; however, these were prone to shine. All its keys were stable, including the Enter and Shift keys, though the spacebar was slightly wobbly.
Because of the wrist rest and incline settings, we did not experience fatigue while typing or gaming. And even if its Optical Mechanical switches felt slightly heavy, they will not cause finger fatigue either.
For its Numpad, we loved how easy it was to switch it from one side to another. This feature will benefit left-handed users or anyone who prefers having the Numpad on the left hand.
The clicky optical switches of the Claymore II were loud and tactile, so we would not recommend it for offices. Their actuation force makes them heavy but good for typing.
The backlighting of the Cla\ymore II was stunning, thanks to its clear switch housing. Although the lights were quite dim out of the box, we adjusted the brightness to make them more vibrant.
After making some changes via the software, we loved the overall appearance of the Claymore II.
ASUS ROG Claymore II Keyboard Review Summary
The Claymore II is an excellent keyboard for gaming. We enjoyed its low latency and responsiveness while testing it for our ASUS ROG Claymore II Keyboard Review. Plus, it had a decreased pre-travel distance.
Aside from offering impressive performance, we loved its customisable settings, which include its RGB backlighting and macros. It also has a detachable wrist rest and a modular Numpad that can be on either side of the keyboard. Plus, you can remove the Numpad for a TKL form factor.
Since it sports unique features, a solid construction, and reliable performance, we highly recommend the Claymore II. Although expensive, it is worth the purchase, especially for left-handed users with limited options.
For more information about the ROG Claymore II Keyboard, visit the official product of ASUS.
