Asus has introduced a $500 keyboard, the ROG Azoth Extreme, and we’re diving deep to figure out if it’s worth the price tag. From unboxing to typing experience, here’s everything you need to know.
The Main Takeaways
The ROG Azoth Extreme has a rigid build quality with a full-aluminum frame, a unique typing experience with its soft/hard mode switch, and a touch-screen OLED display. The non-magnetic wrist rest and high price tag may deter some users.
Switch and Click 2024
General Usage: The Asus ROG Azoth Extreme is designed for gamers who crave a premium custom experience. It offers customizable RGB, connectivity, and typing options with a robust build quality, making it suitable for both gaming and general use. However, its hefty weight and lack of portability might limit its appeal to users who prefer a more lightweight keyboard for daily tasks.
Typing: Typing on the ROG Azoth Extreme feels exceptional, thanks to its unique soft and hard typing modes. The pre-lubed linear NX Snow switches provide a smooth and satisfying keystroke. The keyboard’s customization options allow you to fine-tune the typing experience to your preference, making it a pleasure to use for extended typing sessions.
Gaming: The keyboard’s 75% layout and sturdy build make it an excellent choice for gaming. You also get the option to have an 8k polling rate wirelessly, which no other company has been able to do yet. If you value fast wireless gaming, the Azoth Extreme does it best.
Programming: For programmers, the ROG Azoth Extreme offers a reliable and comfortable typing experience. The keyboard’s layout and customizable keys make it easy to navigate through code. However, the non-magnetic wrist rest may be a minor inconvenience during long coding sessions, as it tends to move around.
In The Box
The ROG Azoth Extreme comes with an array of accessories, including a wrist rest, some extra switches, a wireless dongle extender, a polling rate booster, and a variety of feet to adjust the typing angle. The inclusion of these extras highlights Asus’s attention to detail and commitment to providing a complete premium package.
Parts In Box:
- Keycap and switch puller
- Wireless polling booster
- Cable extender
- Cable
- Magnetic Feet
- Extra switches
- Wrist rest
Unlike the original, Azoth, you don’t get the lubing and keyboard supplies. This is because they’ve already pre-tuned the keyboard directly in the factory.
Build Quality
Material: The keyboard is built with a sturdy aluminum frame that gives it a premium feel.
Flex: You can choose a more flexible typing experience in soft mode, or a rigid stable experience in hard mode.
Typing Angle: Adjustable via magnetic feet, allowing for personalized comfort.
Kickstands: Magnetic, with two height options.
Power Cable: The USB-C cable is detachable and comes with a cable organizer, making it easy to manage.
The overall build quality is exceptional, with a solid construction that exudes durability and luxury.
Layout and Size
Layout: The ROG Azoth Extreme features a compact 75% layout, ideal for those who need a balance between functionality and space-saving.
The keyboard’s dimensions and weight make it a substantial piece of hardware, more suited for a permanent setup rather than portability.
The Keycaps
Keycap Material: The keycaps are made of durable PBT plastic, ensuring longevity.
Profile: OEM profile provides a comfortable typing angle.
Legends: Double-shot shine-through legends
Standard Bottom Row: Yes
Aftermarket Keycaps: Compatible with most aftermarket keycaps.
The keycaps offer a premium feel with a rough PBT texture that provides excellent grip during extended typing or gaming sessions.
The Switches
Type: Linear NX Snow switches that are pre-lubed, providing smooth and consistent keystrokes.
Hot-Swappable: Yes, universal hotswap sockets
The switches deliver a smooth and responsive typing experience, making them suitable for both gaming and typing.
Stabilizers
Type: Proprietary Asus stabilizers
Color: Black
Unlubed/Lubed: Pre-lubed and pre-tuned
The stabilizers are designed to minimize rattle and provide a stable typing experience, contributing to the overall premium feel of the keyboard. The spacebar even has spacebar foam inside the keycap.
The RGB
Color: Full RGB spectrum
Per-Key: Yes
Underglow: No
LED Location: North-facing
Change Lighting Effects: Through the side knob and software
Change Brightness: Adjustable via the OLED screen and software
The RGB lighting is vibrant and customizable, allowing you to create a personalized lighting setup that matches your style. There is a touchscreen OLED screen on the top right that you can also change the graphics of.
The Software
The Asus Armory Crate software provides comprehensive control over the keyboard’s functions, from RGB lighting to custom key assignments. It’s user-friendly and offers a range of options to tweak the keyboard to your liking.
Connectivity
Port Type: USB-C
Wireless: Yes, via 2.4GHz and Bluetooth
Latency: Low latency, ideal for gaming, with the polling rate booster you can achieve 8k polling rate
Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux
Number of Devices: Connects up to 3 devices
USB Passthrough: No
The keyboard offers versatile connectivity options, making it suitable for various setups, whether wired or wireless. It has long lasting battery life if you decide to leave RGB off and use the 2.4G wireless option.
The Full Video Review
Watch the full video review here to see the ROG Azoth Extreme in action and decide if it’s the right fit for your setup.
Conclusion
The Asus ROG Azoth Extreme is a bold statement in the mechanical keyboard world, offering a blend of premium features and unique design choices. While the $500 price tag might seem steep, the keyboard delivers a high-quality experience that could justify the investment for those who demand the best when it comes to wireless gaming.
