Asus ROG continues to decline its range of RX keyboards with a new wireless model in TKL format. Despite its extended name, the Strix Scope RX TKL Wireless Deluxe is positioned as a rather basic keyboard.
The keyboard gamer Asus ROG Strix Scope RX TKL Wireless Deluxe is the latest addition to the brand’s keyboards equipped with ROG RX optical switches. As a reminder, the latter had particularly convinced us during our Claymore II review.
Behind this extended name hides a keyboard in TKL format (Ten Key Less) and which can work just as well in 2.4 GHz wireless as in Bluetooth or wired. It retains a similar design to its predecessors and comes with a detachable wrist rest.
This new model is offered for the tidy sum of 179 eurosa price that places it directly in competition with best models on the market.
like deja vu
One thing is sure, Asus does not really innovate in terms of design and ergonomics. The Strix Scope RX TKL Wireless Deluxe uses the same design codes as the other models in the range with a hard plastic chassis, topped here with a brushed metal plate.
These choices give the keyboard a look that is both modern and discreet which allows it to fit perfectly on any desk. As often, ROG RX optomechanical switches take place directly on the metal plate and thus reveal their internal mechanism.
Despite its relative thickness, the Scope RX TKL remains comfortable to use thanks to the wrist rest supplied in the box. This offers very generous padding and is deep enough to use without difficulty. Only its magnets disappoint because of their low power which is not enough to keep it sufficiently in place. Shame.
The keys that surmount the switches are here ABS plastic although a more expensive version should be available with PBT keys. The criticism remains the same: at such a price, we are entitled to expect more durable PBT keys, without having to line up an additional ticket…
All characters are laser cut and therefore leave the RGB lighting illuminate everything. This is powerful and is also repeated at the level of the ROG logo present at the top right of the keyboard. The various indicator LEDs are relegated to just above the directional keys.
Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid
Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid
Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid
At the back, we find the power switch which also allows you to switch between the different communication modes. A USB C connector is also part of it and it will allow both to charge the keyboard and to use it wired. Without forgetting the housing dedicated to the dongle USB which will be practical for transport.
Asus ROG always takes special care below its keyboards. The Strix Scope RX TKL Wireless Deluxe is no exception and features a striped pattern revealing the brand logo. The keyboard is equipped with 5 non-slip pads and two retractable feet to change its inclination.
There is nothing wrong with the design of this new keyboard. Asus ROG has made it simple with an all-purpose keyboard, modern and above all very well built. In particular, this suggests an excellent lifespan for the Strix Scope RX TKL Wireless Deluxe.
Full functionality with Amoury Crate
Before discussing the software suite, let’s not forget that we are dealing with a TKL keyboard here. That implies the absence of a numeric keypad and some function keys. These keys are not lost and are in fact accessible via secondary functions accessible with the “Fn” key.
In addition to that, we keep the possibility of locking the Windows key in order to avoid returns to the desktop in full game. A particularly welcome function here due to the presence of a very imposing left Ctrl key and which will require a slight adaptation period. The multimedia shortcuts take place on the F5 to F11 keys and the panic button very expensive to the brand is also in the game.
To go further, the Armory Crate software suite comes to the rescue. This application, common to all the brand’s peripherals, allows you to customize the keyboard options in detail. It is logically possible to reassign keys with different functions or macros.
The RGB lighting can also be changed to suit individual tastes. All of these parameters can be stored in profiles to associate with your games and appsthe idea being, as always, to automatically switch between these depending on the situation.
Triple connectivity and decent battery life
The 2.4 GHz wireless link is the ideal choice for gaming. She only suffered fromno clipping or detectable latency during these few weeks of testing. Asus also announces an autonomy of 76 hours using this link and we can confirm that the keyboard is reasonably usable for a good week for several hours a day.
Le Strix Scope RX TKL Wireless can also be used in Bluetooth and be connected to 3 devices different. The brand does not communicate autonomy figures in this mode, but it is logically higher than that measured in 2.4 GHz. Note also that regardless of the connection used, switching off the RGB lighting will extend the battery life.
Excellent ROG RX switches work wonders
The model we received for testing is equipped with the optomechanical switches ROG RX Red. These are linear switches whose main feature is that they are equipped with a scissor mechanism guaranteeing exemplary stability and fluidity.
We had already mentioned it during the Claymore II test, but these switches are among the best consumer linear models on the market. The activation force required is 45 grams with an initial activation force of 40 grams, a little higher than average and making these switches more “resilient” at the start of travel. They remain very responsive thanks to their 1.5 mm travel with the activation point.
It’s simple, the performance delivered by these ROG RX switches is exemplary. They are perfectly suited for competitive gaming and in particular FPS, but are also very pleasant to write because of their responsiveness and their necessary initial activation force which is a little greater.
Compared to classic Cherry MX Red switches, the ROG RX Red are more fluid, more stable and generally more pleasant with a different “feeling” that is quite difficult to explain in words. However, the switches remain quite noisy when used, as is often the case with mechanical keyboards…
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Price and availability of the Asus ROG Strix Scope RX TKL Wireless Deluxe Keyboard
The keyboard gamer Asus ROG Strix Scope RX TKL Wireless Deluxe is available at the recommended price of 179 euros.
