Buying Guide
The Best ASUS Keyboards
Six ASUS ROG and TUF gaming keyboards, from the IP57-rated TUF K3 Gen II to the gasket-mounted ROG Azoth.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
ASUS sells gaming keyboards under two names: ROG for enthusiast boards and TUF for durable budget models. Most use ASUS's own NX or optical switches, and several are hot-swappable.
We compared layout, switches, connection and keycaps from each maker's listing; we did not test these keyboards.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Enthusiast Board
ASUS ROG Azoth Wireless
A gasket mount with three foam layers and hot-swap switches.
Best for: Typing feel.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Azoth Wireless (opens in a new tab)
Best Wireless With Numpad
ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless
A 96% layout with a 1,500 hours on 2.4GHz.
Best for: Work and games.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless (opens in a new tab)
Best Hall Effect
ASUS ROG Falchion Ace HFX
HFX magnetic switches adjustable from 0.1 to 4.0mm.
Best for: Competitive shooters.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Falchion Ace HFX (opens in a new tab)
Best Wired Full-Size
ASUS ROG Strix Scope II X
A hot-swappable 100% layout with an aluminium top plate.
Best for: Desks with room for a numpad.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix Scope II X (opens in a new tab)
Best Compact Wired
ASUS ROG Falchion Ace
A 65% layout in a 306mm frame.
Best for: Small desks.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Falchion Ace (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget ASUS
ASUS TUF Gaming K3 Gen II
An IP57 rating with PBT keycaps.
Best for: Tight budgets and spill-prone desks.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming K3 Gen II (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Enthusiast Board1 of 6
ASUS ROG Azoth Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ROG Azoth is ASUS's enthusiast 75% board: gasket-mounted with three layers of foam, hot-swappable, and wireless over 2.4GHz or Bluetooth.
Best for
- Typing feel.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the TUF K3 Gen II, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
A small OLED display shows settings and battery. No other pick in this guide offers a 75% layout; compare the Scope II X, which has a full-size (100%) layout. Like the Scope II X and Falchion Ace, it has double-shot PBT keycaps, while the Scope II 96 Wireless uses PBT keycaps.
You also get a hot-swap PCB with a switch and keycap kit. Use the ROG Azoth's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. It was the highest-priced of the 6 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Falchion Ace HFX and the rest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 75%
- Switches: ROG NX Snow linear or NX Storm clicky
- Connection: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
- Battery life: 2000 hours
- Keycaps: Double-shot PBT
Pros
- Compact 75% layout
- ROG NX Snow linear or NX Storm clicky switches
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- Up to 2000 hours per charge
Cons
- Costs more than the TUF K3 Gen II at the time of writing
Best Wireless With Numpad2 of 6
ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless keeps a number pad in a frame ASUS lists as only 1cm wider than an 80% board.
Best for
- Work and games.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the TUF K3 Gen II, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It connects over 2.4GHz, Bluetooth or cable, with a 1,500 hours of battery on 2.4GHz. You get a 96% layout here, which sets it apart from the TUF K3 Gen II and its a 97-key compact layout. It shares PBT keycaps with the Falchion Ace HFX and TUF K3 Gen II; the Falchion Ace goes with double-shot PBT keycaps.
It also comes with hot-swappable pre-lubed switches and sound-dampening foam. Use the Scope II 96 Wireless's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. When we checked, only the Scope II X and cheaper picks cost less, and the Falchion Ace HFX cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 96%
- Switches: ROG NX Snow linear or NX Storm clicky
- Connection: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
- Battery life: 1500 hours
- Keycaps: PBT
Pros
- ROG NX Snow linear or NX Storm clicky switches
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- Up to 1500 hours per charge
- PBT keycaps resist shine
Cons
- Costs more than the TUF K3 Gen II at the time of writing
Best Hall Effect3 of 6
ASUS ROG Falchion Ace HFX on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Falchion Ace HFX uses Hall effect switches with actuation adjustable from 0.1 to 4.0mm and Rapid Trigger, in a 65% layout.
Best for
- Competitive shooters.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when wired onl is a problem.
Why we like it
Two USB-C ports let it switch between two PCs. Like the Falchion Ace, it has a 65% layout, while the Scope II X uses a full-size (100%) layout. It is the only pick here with ROG HFX Hall effect magnetic switches; the Falchion Ace has ROG NX mechanical switches instead.
Like the Scope II 96 Wireless and TUF K3 Gen II, it has PBT keycaps, while the ROG Azoth uses double-shot PBT keycaps. You also get a protective cover for travel. The Falchion Ace HFX needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub.
High polling rates use more CPU time; drop to 1,000Hz if an older system stutters. On price it sat fifth of 6, between the cheaper Scope II 96 Wireless and the pricier ROG Azoth, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its battery life; if that figure matters, the ROG Azoth runs for 2000 hours.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 65%
- Switches: ROG HFX Hall effect magnetic
- Connection: Wired
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
- Keycaps: PBT
Pros
- Compact 65% layout
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- 8,000Hz polling
- PBT keycaps resist shine
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the TUF K3 Gen II at the time of writing
Best Wired Full-Size4 of 6
ASUS ROG Strix Scope II X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASUS's Scope II X is a wired 100% board with hot-swappable, pre-lubed NX V2 switches and double-shot PBT keycaps.
Best for
- Desks with room for a numpad.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: full-size board takes more desk width.
Why we like it
An aluminium top plate and a multi-function wheel round it out. A full-size (100%) layout is unique to it among these picks, while the Falchion Ace uses a 65% layout. It shares double-shot PBT keycaps with the ROG Azoth and Falchion Ace; the Falchion Ace HFX goes with PBT keycaps.
The Scope II X needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. It was priced above the Falchion Ace and below the Scope II 96 Wireless at the time of writing. There is no published battery life figure, whereas the ROG Azoth runs for 2000 hours.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: Full-size (100%)
- Switches: ROG NX Snow V2 linear or NX Storm V2 clicky
- Connection: Wired
- Keycaps: Double-shot PBT
Pros
- ROG NX Snow V2 linear or NX Storm V2 clicky switches
- PBT keycaps resist shine
- Hot-swappable pre-lubed switches
- Aluminium top plate
Cons
- Full-size board takes more desk width
- Wired only
- Costs more than the TUF K3 Gen II at the time of writing
Best Compact Wired5 of 6
ASUS ROG Falchion Ace on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ROG Falchion Ace fits arrow and navigation keys into a 306mm, 65% frame with ROG NX mechanical switches and double-shot PBT keycaps.
Best for
- Small desks.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: wired only.
Why we like it
It is wired only. A touch panel on the left adjusts volume or runs shortcuts, and lubricated stabilisers smooth the larger keys. Like the Falchion Ace HFX, it has a 65% layout, while the Scope II X uses a full-size (100%) layout.
It is the only pick here with ROG NX mechanical switches; the Falchion Ace HFX has ROG HFX Hall effect magnetic switches instead. Like the ROG Azoth and Scope II X, it has double-shot PBT keycaps, while the Scope II 96 Wireless uses PBT keycaps. It also comes with lubricated switch stems.
The Falchion Ace needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. On price it sat second of 6, between the cheaper TUF K3 Gen II and the pricier Scope II X, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its battery life; if that figure matters, the ROG Azoth runs for 2000 hours.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 65%
- Switches: ROG NX mechanical
- Connection: Wired
- Keycaps: Double-shot PBT
Pros
- Compact 65% layout
- ROG NX mechanical switches
- PBT keycaps resist shine
- Arrow and navigation keys in a 306mm frame
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the TUF K3 Gen II at the time of writing
Best Budget ASUS6 of 6
ASUS TUF Gaming K3 Gen II on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASUS's TUF K3 Gen II is a 97-key wired board with optical-mechanical switches, PBT keycaps and an IP57 rating against water and dust.
Best for
- Tight budgets and spill-prone desks.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: wired only.
Why we like it
A gasket mount and foam are unusual at its price. A 97-key compact layout is unique to it among these picks, while the ROG Azoth uses a 75% layout. You get optical-mechanical switches here, which sets it apart from the Falchion Ace and its ROG NX mechanical switches.
It shares PBT keycaps with the Scope II 96 Wireless and Falchion Ace HFX; the Scope II X goes with double-shot PBT keycaps. You also get a detachable top plate. The TUF K3 Gen II needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub.
It cost the least of the 6 picks at the time of writing, with the Falchion Ace the next step up. There is no published battery life figure, whereas the ROG Azoth runs for 2000 hours.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 97-key compact
- Switches: Optical-mechanical
- Connection: Wired
- Keycaps: PBT
Pros
- Optical-mechanical switches
- PBT keycaps resist shine
- IP57 water and dust resistance
- Silicone gasket mount with dampening foam
Cons
- Wired only
How We Chose These ASUS Keyboards
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Polling rate
- We recorded polling rates where listings state them.
- Connection
- We checked wired, dongle and Bluetooth options and rated battery life.
- Layout and switches
- We recorded the layout, the switch type and whether the switches are mechanical, magnetic or membrane.
- Build
- We noted keycap material, frame material and extra controls such as knobs or screens.
What to Look for in an ASUS Keyboard
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Choose the layout before the switch
Full-size boards keep the number pad; tenkeyless drops it and gives the mouse more room. 75% and 65% boards keep arrows in a tighter frame, while 60% boards move arrows and F-keys to a function layer.
Linear, tactile or magnetic
Linear switches travel smoothly, tactile switches have a bump, and clicky switches add a click. Hall effect switches read a magnet, so actuation can be adjusted and rapid trigger resets a key as soon as it rises.
Wired, dongle or Bluetooth
A 2.4GHz dongle is fine for games; Bluetooth adds latency and suits typing on other devices. Wired boards never need charging.
Polling rate is a small factor
1,000Hz is enough for most players. 8,000Hz cuts reporting delay further, but the gain is small and uses more CPU time.
Hot-swap sockets allow switch changes
Hot-swappable boards let you pull and replace switches without soldering. Check whether the sockets take 3-pin or 5-pin switches.
Keycap material lasts longer than lighting
PBT keycaps resist the shine that ABS caps develop. Double-shot legends do not wear off.
How to Choose an ASUS Keyboard
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Typing feel | ROG Azoth | A gasket mount with three foam layers and hot-swap switches |
| Work and games | Scope II 96 Wireless | A 96% layout with a 1,500 hours on 2.4GHz |
| Competitive shooters | Falchion Ace HFX | HFX magnetic switches adjustable from 0.1 to 4.0mm |
| Desks with room for a numpad | Scope II X | A hot-swappable 100% layout with an aluminium top plate |
| Small desks | Falchion Ace | A 65% layout in a 306mm frame |
| Tight budgets and spill-prone desks | TUF K3 Gen II | An IP57 rating with PBT keycaps |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Keyboard | Layout | Switches | Connection | Battery life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROG Azoth | 75% | ROG NX Snow linear or NX Storm clicky | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired | 2000 hours |
| Scope II 96 Wireless | 96% | ROG NX Snow linear or NX Storm clicky | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired | 1500 hours |
| Falchion Ace HFX | 65% | ROG HFX Hall effect magnetic | Wired | Not listed |
| Scope II X | Full-size (100%) | ROG NX Snow V2 linear or NX Storm V2 clicky | Wired | Not listed |
| Falchion Ace | 65% | ROG NX mechanical | Wired | Not listed |
| TUF K3 Gen II | 97-key compact | Optical-mechanical | Wired | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Keyboards |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | TUF K3 Gen II, Falchion Ace |
| About $100 to $150 | Scope II X, Scope II 96 Wireless, Falchion Ace HFX |
| About $150 to $250 | ROG Azoth |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need 8,000Hz polling?
No. It is a marginal gain on top of 1,000Hz and can cost battery life and CPU time.
Do Hall effect switches help in games?
Adjustable actuation and rapid trigger help most in fast strafing games. In slower games the difference is small.
Should I pick tenkeyless or full-size?
Tenkeyless if you want more mouse room and rarely type numbers; full-size if you enter numbers often.
Is a membrane keyboard bad for gaming?
No. It is quieter and cheaper, but it feels softer and usually lacks per-key rollover guarantees beyond what the listing states.
Do these keyboards need software?
They work without it, but lighting, macros and actuation settings usually need the maker's app.
Is a wireless keyboard slower?
Not over a 2.4GHz dongle for most players. Bluetooth adds more latency and is better kept for other devices.
Bottom Line
The ROG Azoth is the best ASUS keyboard for typing feel, and the Scope II 96 Wireless keeps a number pad without a cable. The Falchion Ace HFX suits shooters, and the TUF K3 Gen II keeps costs down.