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The Asus ROG Strix Scope (Check on Amazon.com) is a gaming keyboard that is aimed at FPS lovers: the left CTRL-key is double the size compared to a classic one while the Windows key is half the size in order to avoid involuntary presses. All this is called by Asus “Xccurate Design”.
Another special feature is the F12 key that activates “Stealth mode”: it allows you to quickly hide all apps and silence the audio so as to “hide” from prying eyes everything that you are doing. We can all imagine what it will be used for…
The Asus ROG Strix Scope is a “full size” keyboard but with reduced edges to limit the bulk. It measures just 440×137×39mm and weighs 1.070grams (with the USB cable). The keyboard is made of aluminum and hard plastic and feels very sturdy.
Since this is a mechanical keyboard it uses a selection of the popular Cherry MX RGB switches: Red, Brown, Blue, Black, Silent Red, and Speed Silver.
The keyboard is accompanied by the ROG Armoury II software that allows you to customize the RGB lighting and create profiles and macros. Also present is Asus’ Aura technology that allows you to synchronize light effects with other Aura products.
In the box, you will find a set of silver keycaps for the WASD keys, but Asus also released a really nice ROG set for FPS and MOBA fans, which include the ESC and QER keys. The included silver keycaps are smooth, while the ROG set is rough. The ESC key is in metal alloy, unlike the others, with the ROG logo embossed on it.
Asus ROG Strix Scope – Software
The keyboard can be customized using the ROG Armoury II software. There is a default configuration and five customizable profiles (which can be saved on the onboard memory), with various tabs for macros, lighting and useful statistics.
Asus ROG Strix Scope – User experience
The Asus ROG Strix Scope is the ideal solution for someone who is looking for a fairly compact gaming keyboard but, without having to give up the convenience of a numeric keypad.
With the ROG Strix Scope, ASUS aims to reduce the typical clutter of a traditional full-size keyboard with dedicated macro and multimedia keys without making it feel too lacking.
The end result has been very positive. However, we missed the wrist rest, and although we do not consider it indispensable, it is appreciated by a large crowd of gamers and by those who spend several hours typing in front of the PC.
Asus ROG Strix Scope – Gaming
The Asus ROG Strix Scope behaved as expected. It is not a typist’s keyboard, especially our model that is using Cherry MX Red switches… it was not born for that purpose, so we tried it in gaming where these switches, in particular, proved to be fantastic as always, especially in competitive FPS titles where they behave admirably thanks to their reactivity.
[The Cherry MX Red are linear, therefore lacking both tactile and sound feedback (in the sense that they do not click unlike, for example, Blue); they are also characterized by an operating force of 45cN and have an actuation point of 2mm].
We played several multiplayer shooters such as CS: GO, Battlefield V and Fortnite, in order to better test the new “Xccurate Design” which includes the double-sized Ctrl key.
Having a wider CTRL button does make a difference both in “finding” the key and rapidly using it.
The same goes for the additional set of ROG keycaps, which were easy to recognize without having to look at the board.
Last but not least, this keyboard also features Full-Key rollover anti-ghosting technology.
Asus ROG Strix Scope – Verdict
The Asus ROG Strix Scope is a no-frills mechanical keyboard that aims to meet the needs of those who want to enjoy the gaming experience to the fullest, especially in FPS games.
The excellent build quality, the relatively compact size and the on-board memory capable of storing up to five profiles make it one of the most portable TK gaming keyboards perfect for tournaments and LAN Parties.
The Xccurate Design is undoubtedly interesting and can come in handy in all those FPS games where you often use the Control button.
In terms of performance, the Scope has little to envy thanks to an N-Key Rollover with 100% anti-ghosting and the presence of the emblazoned CHERRY MX RGB switches.
Both RGB lighting and ROG Armoury II software have proved lacking but practical.
The price is perhaps its only weakness: in an industry full of similar products, having a competitive price tag is crucial.
Nevertheless, the Asus ROG Strix Scope (Check on Amazon.com) is an attractive alternative and a serious contender for the crown of FPS king!
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