When we talk about FPS, ROG definitely knows what every gamer wants. It’s all about features, excellent performance, and awesome aesthetics. In our ASUS ROG Strix Scope RX mechanical gaming keyboard review, let’s look more into this ASUS ROG gaming keyboard.
ASUS ROG’s Strix Scope line of mechanical gaming keyboards established its reputation via these foundations. Not only that, but they’ve also got some of the most notable keyboards especially for FPS gamers.
The Strix Scope range is noted for its excellent quality. But despite its prominence, ASUS knows that there’ll always be room for enhancement.
The company has then revealed their first FPS keyboard, which is the ROG Strix Scope RX mechanical gaming keyboard. It features the new ROG RX switches designed for the gamers and is made specifically for every gamer out there.
As they start transitioning to the level of games, the company ensures that this keyboard can meet their demands.
The question is, can this keyboard really meet the demands of today’s gamer? Is it really a game-changer, or nothing but just an aesthetic switch?
We’ll find out in our ASUS ROG Strix Scope RX mechanical gaming keyboard review. But first, let’s check out its packaging and contents.
ASUS ROG Strix Scope RX Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Packaging
The ASUS ROG Strix Scope RX mechanical gaming keyboard review will first discuss the packaging and its contents.
When we received our package, it shipped in your typical-looking ROG cardboard box. An image of the product is displayed in front while ROG’s logo can be seen on the upper-left corner.
The top-right side of the box shows the name of the keyboard. On the lower-right corner, you’ll find a few of the keyboard’s features listed.
Flipping the box, you’ll see more details about the ROG Strix Scope RX mechanical gaming keyboard. There’s another image of the keyboard there, but it shows the different functions of a couple of its keys.
Inside, you’ll find the ROG Strix Scope RX mechanical gaming keyboard along with other items. These include the warranty card, quick start guide, and an ROG logo sticker.
All the items are packed neatly and securely. With that, you don’t need to worry about the keyboard getting damaged while in transit.
ASUS ROG Strix Scope RX Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review – Design and Functionality
In our ASUS ROG Strix Scope RX mechanical gaming keyboard review, we’ll discuss the design and functions of the keyboard.
When looking at the Strix Scope RX mechanical gaming keyboard, it’s closely similar to the Strix Scope’s no-fuss core design. It sports a clean-looking charcoal alloy face that gives off a premium design and feel to the keyboard.
The core design of the keyboard’s ROG RX Optical Switch is all about the infrared light utilised to register a keypress. This is compared to the classic mechanical design of two closing metal contacts.
The technology can readily produce near-zero debounce time. It means that the input is immediately acquired instead of the chattering from closing metal contacts.
Each of the buttons present comes with an independent RGB LED option. With that, all the bright lighting appears extremely classy and pleasing to the eyes.
You’ll even find lighting on the back-lit area. In addition, you can easily adjust the light effects using the Armory Crate software. If not, you can utilise the manual button with the FN and right/left buttons.
The mechanical gaming keyboard comes with full options including an additional Numpad option, plus extra buttons for use.
Aside from looking classy and premium, the keyboard presents a clean and solid finish.
Key Switches
The key switches come with a comfortable feel for additional activities like typing. The mechanical sounds are still there, but it isn’t too loud.
Because of its design and functions, the keyboard isn’t only ideal for gaming use. It’s also great for long term typing. The double function it offers will be a great magnet for hybrid gamers doing tons of activities with their keyboards.
The RX Optical Switch’s distinct physical design was created to boost the keycap’s stability. Moreover, it eliminates any of the wobbling experience when you press on the keycaps’ edge.
There’s a hollow square-shaped box replacing the switch’s classic low profile housing. It allows for a distinct four-post keycap style that’ll slide into the switch’s hollow square base.
It’s an excellent aspect that offers support on each corner of the keycap, rather than at the switch’s centre.
Lastly, there’s a mechanical scissor-like action called the X-stabiliser which supports the vertical keystroke of the switches.
Key Features of the ASUS ROG Strix Scope RX Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
This time on our ASUS ROG Strix Scope RX mechanical gaming keyboard review, we’re checking out the keyboard’s main features.
Immediate Response, Perfect for Gaming
The ROG Strix Scope RX is the very first mechanical gaming keyboard featuring ROG RX Red Optical Mechanical Controls and RGB. The switches sport a 100M keystroke lifespan and provide linear keystrokes with instant response.
Not only that, but each switch features centralised RGB LEDs providing all-round lighting for every key.
Dust and Water Resistant Body
The keyboard comes with an IP56 water/dust resist feature. For being dust and water-resistant, you can be sure that the keyboard is safe from dust and spills.
Putting this in perspective, the IP56 has the same amount of protection needed for electrical equipment. These are often installed in heavy-duty environments where dirt, dust, and liquids are present.
Technically, IP56 offers partial protection against dust and other particles that won’t affect the keyboard’s performance. It offers maximum protection against powerful jets of liquid coming from different directions.
ROG RX Red Switch
The Optical Mechanical ROG RX Red Switches are the very first developed by the brand. The company’s gone through thorough research, tests, and enhancement, resulting in switches with 1.5mm actuation points for speedy inputs.
These offer you a seamless and linear feel to provide a near-instantaneous response the moment you press the keys.
Made and Designed to Last
This gaming keyboard comes with alloy top covers and the USB 2.0 pass-through. The aluminium top plate offers structural rigidity and integrity for reliable and long-lasting performance.
The aluminium faceplate of the keyboard provides daily resilience, finishing the design with a striking slash for added style.
For the USB 2.0 pass-through, it allows you to plug a mouse or flash drive. Not only that, but it even allows you to charge smart devices too.
Made Especially for FPS Gamers
Like the other Strix Scope keyboards, the Strix Scope RX has wider Stealth and Ctrl keys for FPS gamers.
The ROG team had been studying the gaming style of FPS players. With that, they’ve come up with the Xccurate Design.
It’s a Ctrl key that’s wider than usual. Its form helps and makes it easier for players to quickly find and press during gameplays.
With these, you can confidently and readily go into battle with this gaming keyboard.
Immediate Privacy
The Stealth key on the Strix Scope RX mechanical gaming keyboard has a cloaked-figure keycap. It immediately conceals all apps while muting audio to ensure privacy when necessary.
One tap engages it, while another tap brings audio and apps back up as they were.
Ready for Play and Work
The Quick-Toggle Switch prepares the keyboard for intense gaming. It lets you toggle the top row between the Media or FN key input. Hence, making it easy to alter modes for play or work.
Aura Sync
The vibrant backlight illuminates the keyboard from bottom to top, and on every edge. Powered by Aura Sync, the whole colour gamut and a collection of lighting effects are available for you. It’s there to let you customise the keyboard based on your style.
The lighting on the mechanical gaming keyboard can be synced easily via the Aura ecosystem. This is to establish an efficient gaming environment for all.
Specifications
Now, we’ll discuss the different specifications of the keyboard in our ASUS ROG Strix Scope RX mechanical gaming keyboard review.
The Strix Scope RX mechanical gaming keyboard has a standard full-size form factor. It utilises the ROG RX Red opto-mechanical key controls and is a wired gaming keyboard. In addition, its wired connection is via USB 2.0.
This Strix Scope RX mechanical gaming keyboard has a USB pass-through port. Plus, it comes with a report rate of 1000Hz
This keyboard comes with anti-ghosting features, as well as media keys and win-lock keys. It sports the N-Key rollover, and all the keys present are macros.
All these keys are back-lit, and its keycaps are removable as well. The backlighting functions of the keyboard includes breathing, rainbow, colour cycling, and starry night, to name a few.
Some of the special keys available include LED light control keys via FN, and macro recording keys via FN. In addition, on-board macro-recording is present on this mechanical gaming keyboard.
Lastly, the Strix Scope RX mechanical gaming keyboard measures 440 x 137 x 39mm (W x H x D). For its weight, it’s only 1070g.
Hands-on with the ASUS ROG Strix Scope RX Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Our ASUS ROG Strix Scope RX mechanical gaming keyboard review won’t be complete without getting hands-on with the keyboard. So, we’re now discussing all about its performance and how well it worked.
Let’s first take a look at the Armory Crate Software.
ROG’s software ecosystem includes Strix Scope RX via the Armory Crate. If you own numerous ROG devices and hardware, everything will come together in the software app.
Armoury Crate permits custom profiles to be assigned for apps and games. We found this useful for making specific profiles for work, gaming, and music.
The music profile we made synced all ROG products to the Music Aura Effect and reacted to our audio playing. With the gaming profile, it allowed us to display all our vibrant RGB effects. For our work profile, it was more subdued with less distracting effects.
The first section that Strix Scope RX boots with is the key-mapping page. This is where you can assign a function on specific keys.
Options for this include mouse functions, entered texts, media, macros, and shortcuts. It will also allow you to disable a button entirely if the Windows-Lock key appears inadequate.
For the Modified buttons, these are highlighted in red on the layout.
The continuation page has the RGB circus of the Strix Scope RX mechanical gaming keyboard. Its lighting effects appear adequate, and with the software, you can make custom and preferred lighting effects.
In Armory Crate, all linked ROG products can utilise the created lighting effects from ROG Creator. It’s possible to utilise lighting effects per ROG device, but we think it’s best to have a single theme. This is because it’s relatively easy via the Aura Sync All button that’s in the software.
For the Strix Scope RX mechanical gaming keyboard’s performance, its 1.5mm actuation point is perfect. It didn’t only offer short-stroke distances for actuation, but it ignores false inputs. This is from getting registered when shifting your fingers across the key’s faces.
When ROG informed that the switch was meticulously and primarily designed from the ground up, it was true. They weren’t lying at all.
Overall, the Strix Scope RX mechanical gaming keyboard was excellent. It performed just how a mechanical gaming keyboard should, and its RGB display was perfect.
The entire time we utilised it, we didn’t experience any issues. Gaming with it was fun, and the keys were highly responsive too.
With how it performed, we will definitely recommend the ROG Strix Scope RX mechanical gaming keyboard.
ASUS ROG Strix Scope RX Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review Summary
The Strix Scope RX is the very first keyboard featuring the ROG RX red switches from ASUS. With the ROG RX red switch, it’s fast, responsive, and consistent, making it excellent for gaming competitions.
The ROG Strix Scope RX is an impressive game-changer for a gaming keyboard. Its engineering, technology, and performance combined with IP56 rating and RBG gas set the standard for a gaming keyboard. Also, it has all the features that FPS gamers look for.
As we end our ASUS ROG Strix Scope RX mechanical gaming keyboard review, we’re highly recommending this product.
If you want to purchase the keyboard, click here.
