The Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX is ASUS’s newest competitor to the Wooting 60HE when it comes to magnetic hall effect keyboards with rapid trigger. Can it hold its ground? Let’s dive in and explore its features, build quality, and whether it’s worth the price tag.
The Main Takeaways
The Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX gives you customizable actuation distances and a unique touch bar on the keyboard without software, but its $199 price tag and lack of switch compatibility are drawbacks for anyone hoping to mod their keyboard to their preferences. For a gasket-mounted keyboard, it’s also a bit stiff.
Switch and Click 2024
General Usage: The Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX is a compact 65% gaming keyboard that features hall effect magnetic switches and an intuitive touch bar. It offers versatile performance for both gaming and general typing, but its unique features like rapid trigger and customizable actuation distance make it stand out for gamers in particular.
Typing: Typing on the Falchion Ace HFX is responsive, especially with the ability to adjust actuation distance. The pre-lubed stabilizers and textured double-shot PBT keycaps provide a pleasant tactile feel, although the overall stiffness of the gasket mount may be less flexible than expected for long typing sessions.
Gaming: The hall effect switches paired with an 8,000 Hz polling rate make the Falchion Ace HFX ideal for fast-paced gaming. The customizable rapid trigger feature lets you fine-tune how responsive each key should be, offering a tailored experience for FPS gamers. Its compact size also saves desk space, making it easier to navigate during intense gaming moments. It also has arrow keys, so you don’t need it on another programmable layer.
Programming: For programming, the compact layout includes all essential keys, such as arrow keys and page navigation. The adjustable actuation distance adds precision to coding tasks, making it easier to switch between light touches and deliberate keypresses. You can also use the Armoury Crate software to program macros.
In The Box
Parts In Box: The Falchion Ace HFX comes with the keyboard itself, a detachable braided USB-C cable, keycap puller, control key replacement (for the Copilot key), and a protective cover that doubles as a height adjuster (I think).
Build Quality
Material: The keyboard is constructed from durable plastic and aluminum, giving it a solid feel.
Flex: Minimal flex, which contributes to its rigidity during typing. It is gasket-mounted, but it’s still stiff because the plate screws into the bottom case.
Typing Angle: Adjustable feet on the back. You can also use the keyboard cover as an additional stand.
Power Cable: Detachable braided USB-C cable.
Layout and Size
Layout: 65%
The compact layout offers a good balance between size and functionality, providing arrow keys and navigation while keeping the keyboard small and portable.
The Keycaps
Keycap Material: Double-shot PBT keycaps
Profile: OEM profile
Legends: Laser-etched shine-through
Standard Bottom Row: Yes
Aftermarket Keycaps: Compatible with most aftermarket keycaps
The PBT keycaps are textured and durable, ensuring longevity and resistance to shine over time. The standard bottom row makes it easier to find aftermarket keycaps for customization.
The Switches
Type: ROG HFX magnetic switches
Options: Customizable actuation distance
Hot-Swappable: Yes, but only compatible with HFX switches
Actuation Distance: Adjustable from 0.1mm to 4mm
Travel Distance: 4mm
Actuation Force: 45g
The customizable actuation distance is the star feature here, allowing users to fine-tune the keyboard’s actuation distance. However, the switches are proprietary to ASUS and are not compatible with other keyboards.
Stabilizers
Type: ROG proprietary stabilizers
Color: Black
Unlubed/Lubed: Pre-lubed
The stabilizers are smooth and rattle-free out of the box, providing a clean typing experience without the need for any modifications.
The RGB
Color: Full RGB spectrum
Per-Key: Yes
Underglow: No
LED Location: North-facing
Change Lighting Effects: Controlled via function key or software
Change Brightness: Adjustable through the touch bar
The RGB implementation is bright and vibrant, offering per-key customization and various lighting modes through the Asus Armory Crate software or Aura Sync.
The Software
The Armory Crate software allows for full customization of lighting, macros, and actuation distances.
It also has rapid trigger, mod tap, dynamic keystrokes, and more. However, the lack of a browser-based interface means users must download and install the software, which could be seen as a drawback for those who prefer portability and simplicity.
Connectivity
Port Type: USB-C
Wireless: No, wired only
Latency: 8,000 Hz polling rate provides minimal latency
Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux
Number of Devices: Can toggle between two devices via the dual USB-C ports
Cable Length: 1.8m
USB Passthrough: No
The dual USB-C ports allow for seamless switching between two computers, making it convenient for users with dual setups. Or if you don’t have 2 PCs, you can decide which direction your cable comes out of.
The Full Video Review
Watch the full video review here to see the Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX in action and decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Conclusion
The Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX is a strong competitor in the Hall Effect keyboard market, offering a blend of premium features like customizable actuation distances and a unique touch bar. While it doesn’t match Wooting’s modularity or browser-based software, it’s a solid choice for gamers who want a high-performance keyboard right out of the box.