ASUS ROG Claymore II keyboard review - Mechanical (ROG) Keys

Mechanical (ROG) Keys

ROG RX Red Optical Mechanical Switches are the first to be developed by ROG. Extensive research, testing, and fine-tuning have resulted in switches with a 1.5mm actuation point for lightning-fast inputs. An initial force of 40gf prevents accidental keystrokes and goes all the way up to 55gf for excellent rebound feedback. ROG RX Red switches provide a smooth and linear feel to give you a near-instantaneous response when you strike the key. The second option is ROG RX Blue Optical Mechanical Switches. They have a 1.5mm actuation point for lightning-fast input and operation force of 65gf, which is the level preferred by most gamers. These game-changing switches provide a firm and clicky feel while delivering near-instantaneous responsiveness.

For reference purposes, you can see the Cherry MX switches table below:

Cherry MX switches are the most popular ones on the market, but it’s good that there are alternatives, such as the ROG ones used in Asus. Mechanical switches give you a more perceptible feel compared to the rubber membrane used in most cheaper keyboards. Mechanical keyboards are gaining an increasing share of the gaming peripherals market very fast. The performance is good, and the reliability is outstanding, so what more can you ask for? Aaah, yes – full key rollover (but can you push more than ten buttons at once?) and anti-ghosting. The Reds (used here) are possibly the best choice for first-time buyers.

 

Why’s that? The crucial features here are 40 g of actuation force and linear response. If you spend some time using a keyboard like that, you get used to typing faster without bottoming out the keys. Still, some switches work better for writing, e.g., MX Browns or Blues. For the ROG RX switches, there’s a 100-million keypress lifespan given. Still, you’ve got the warranty if something breaks, right? The keycaps are made of ABS, which is less reliable/resistant than the PBT, and the per-key RGB backlighting makes it look good.