ASUS ROG Azoth 75% Wireless DIY Custom Gaming Keyboard

Description

Unique gasket mount design: Silicone gasket mount with three layers of dampening foams combine to provide an unrivaled typing experience
Tri-mode connection: Use Bluetooth to connect and switch between three devices at a time, ROG SpeedNova wireless technology provides up to 2,000+ hours of low-latency gaming experience in 2.4 GHz RF wireless mode (OLED & RGB off), or use standard wired USB
OLED display and intuitive controls: The 2″ OLED display in the upper right of the gaming keyboard allows you to view system info and keyboard settings at a glance; built-in three-way knob allows for quick settings adjustment
Hot-swappable ROG NX mechanical switches: Pre-lubed switches for smoother clicks and eliminates bouncing noises respectively; fast actuation and ROG-tuned force curves provide great keystroke feel and consistencyy
Enhanced typing experience: Pre-lubed keyboard stabilizer produces less friction for smoother keystrokes and stability for longer keys; ROG PBT doubleshot keycaps provide a premium feel and long-lasting durability.
DIY Switch lube kit: The ROG Azoth includes a set of tools for keyboard DIY, including a switch opener, keycap puller, switch puller, lube station, brush, and bottle of Krytox GPL-205-GD0 lubricant.

So, I just purchased one of the most expensive keyboards I’ve ever own, the ASUS’ ROG Azoth Keyboard. I’ve been in the market for a keyboard for my ROG Ally, and decided to go with the ROG branding with their high-end keyboard.

Before you say anything, at $250, it’s pretty competitive with other mechanical keyboard makers: Corsair, Razer, and Logitech… as you can see from the comparative listing below, their high-end keyboards all costs $250 or more.

Both Corsair and Logitech are citing their ultra-fast wireless connection, called Slipstream or Lightspeed (both companies have their own name for their connection), and both provides “low profile” switches.

Corsair went with standard Cherry, while Logitech went with their own switch called GL Tactile.

Razer has the worst offering, for $250, they’re only offering wired connection. To be honest, no one knows why their Huntsman V2 keyboard is so expensive. Maybe the Razer’s Analog Optical Switch is really that good, that they can justify asking for $250. Looking at all the features, I wouldn’t go with Razer, especially at that price.

I felt the ASUS ROG Azoth offers the best of all the high-end keyboard. This is mostly because of the stand-out feature of a tiny OLED Black & White screen on the keyboard. This can display a custom animation, the ability to change settings on the keyboard (without the aid of a computer) or you can show useful information, such as battery level and CPU temperature… however, you can only show one of those three options.

The other nice thing about the Azoth keyboard is that they offer three ways to connect your keyboard, their “SpeedNova” wireless connection, which has its own dongle at 2.4GHz RF technology, standard Bluetooth connection, or, my personal preference, a wired USB-C cable. There is a switch that lets you choose how to connect.

The other stand-out feature of the ROG Azoth keyboard is that Asus has decided to market the keyboard to both gamers and custom DIY keyboard enthusiasts… which means that you can swap out keycaps easily, or swap out Cherry switches with other north-facing color switches. It’s fully customizable, and they’ve even included a switch removal kit (with lube and brush!).

On top of that, like all gaming keyboard, there’s the ability to display RGB colors.

I own a lot of keyboards, but so far, the ROG Azoth Keyboard is my favorite.

What I don’t like is that it’s a small, compact keyboard. It’s missing the 10-key numpad, and tactile media control (but at least you can control media using the OLED screen). The numpad is my biggest complaint, but I understand that normal people don’t really use the numpad, so they don’t miss it. I guess I can always buy a separate dedicated numpad, if I really need it.

Spotlight	Brand	Name	Switch	Connection	Features	Price	Release Date
	Corsair	K100 AIR	Cherry MX Ultra Low Profile	• Slipstream Wireless • Bluetooth • USB wired	• Ultra-Thin	$279.99	10/04/2022
	Razer	Huntsman V2	Analog Optical Switch	• Wired USB Passthrough	• Magnetic wrist rest • digital dial and media keys	$249.99	02/09/2021
	Logitech	G915 Lightspeed	GL Tactile Low Profile switch	• Lightsync wireless • Bluetooth • micro-USB wire	• Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy	$249.99	08/14/2019
	ASUS	ROG Azoth	NX Red Cherry Switch	• SpeedNova wireless • Bluetooth • USB-C wire	• OLED display • DIY Switch kit • Compact design	$249.99	01/19/2023