Asus takes a big step towards the custom keyboard market with the ROG Azoth, a wireless high-end model in 75% format. On paper it’s probably one of the best keyboards out there.
Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid
The Asus ROG Azoth gaming keyboard is… different than the GG Ironclad V2 reviewed a few weeks ago. This new model aims to introduce the world of custom keyboards to the general public while offering an extremely complete service.
It is characterized by its relatively rare 75% format, but above all by Asus’ work on the acoustics and the typing feel. On the menu: lubricated and replaceable mechanical switches, three-layer soundproofing and the delivery of a complete lubricating kit.
For the rest it is a wireless keyboard with an OLED screen similar to that of SteelSeries, with triple connectivity and a very premium price positioning. In fact, this new model is offered at the prohibitive price of 290 euros.
A solid and perfectly assembled keyboard
The ROG Azoth surprises with its 75% format right out of the box. In contrast to the 65% models we’ve already touched, this layout keeps the top row of keys and separates the directional arrows and the four additional keys located on the right more clearly. Despite this compact format, it impresses with its relatively high weight of almost 1.2 kg, which ensures rock-solid stability.
Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid
The assembly quality is also right and there is nothing to complain about at this point. The chassis is built on a hard plastic base on which an imposing anthracite-colored metal plate is mounted. The switches are positioned slightly recessed to facilitate the integration of acoustic elements and to limit the overall thickness of the keyboard.
Asus hasn’t decided to offer PBT keys on this model yet, so you’ll have to settle for the traditional ABS. Still, we like the use of two different tints for the modifiers, which gives the ROG Azoth a slightly more original look. RGB lighting is of course part of it and all characters are perfectly cut.
Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid
Despite its small format, the ROG Azoth has some additional appendages, including a customizable OLD screen, which we’ll get to later, and a steering wheel, which is also customizable. Although it is less accessible than in competing models, it is much more discreet and perfectly integrated.
Overall, the design of the ROG Azoth is successful. More discreet and versatile than the brand’s other models, the keyboard benefits above all from excellent assembly quality. It’s just missing a palm rest and PBT buttons to be perfect. Finally, its weight can also be a nuisance, despite the benefits it brings.
Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid
The keyboard is charged via a USB-C port on the left rear of the case. On the right side, the ROG Azoth houses a slot for the USB dongle and a three-position switch for selecting the operating mode. The latter is accessible and allows you to switch between the two connection modes without thinking.
Finally, the underside of the chassis houses two retractable pads with two positions, thus allowing three different inclinations. Due to its thickness and lack of a palm rest, we found it more comfortable to use the Azoth at its default incline.
Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid
ROG Azoth also comes with a comprehensive Switch maintenance and lubrication kit. As these are interchangeable, three spare (or training) switches are provided. There is also a plate for placing the switches during maintenance and a tool for disassembly.
Finally, the brand also supplies the tools to extract the keycaps, as well as a second one to extract the switches from the keyboard. If indeed they are lubricated from the factory, the user can do it themselves with the lube and brush included in the kit.
Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid
We applaud Asus’ approach with this kit. This is a first for a “general public” brand taking the initiative to bring the joys of custom mechanical keyboards to a necessarily well-informed public. We hope this doesn’t become a dry run and that other manufacturers will start while slowly bringing the price down for this particular hobby.
Very complete functionalities thanks to Armory Crate
The ROG Azoth uses the usual shortcuts built into its buttons and accessible with the Fn key. So you can easily switch between the different profiles, adjust the lighting or even activate the traditional “Stealth” mode, which immediately collapses all windows and mutes the sound of the system.
Some of these functions are also accessible via the integrated OLED display. The main button then toggles between the different settings and the dial is used to change them. In particular, we find the management of the volume, the control of the media and a customization of the RGB lighting.
Armory Crate then gives us more wiggle room to customize the screen. Various animations are proposed and the user can add their own as well as simple images. A personalized banner can also be added with the text of our choice. The keyboard can also show details about the song being played and add a visualizer to it. Finally, a system information module is present and customizable. As so often, these different features are more of a gadget than a real revolution.
More interesting: The wheel is also customizable. Apart from the previously mentioned settings, its three actions can be assigned to functions or shortcuts of our choice. Therefore, in certain software, it may be useful to quickly access the zoom or other relevant actions. However, we would have wished for the wheel to be positioned to the left of the keyboard for this type of use.
Azoth-specific features aside, Armory Crate offers full keyboard key customization with plenty of features. Likewise, the lighting is fully editable with various animations, while offering the ability to create your own effects with Aura Creator.
All the settings presented so far can be saved in profiles. These take on their full meaning as soon as they are associated with games and applications to take advantage of automatic switching depending on the use case. On the other hand, some of the functions, especially those related to the screen, require the software to be installed and running in order to work.
autonomy and connectivity
Almost standard: The ROG Azoth is equipped with triple connectivity. The demanding gamer will prefer the 2.4 GHz wireless connection and can be satisfied with Bluetooth for more traditional applications. Finally, it is still possible to use the wired keyboard when the battery is dead or there is no other choice.
Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid
Wired and 2.4GHz wireless, the Azoth is both finger and eye responsive. We didn’t encounter any latency or any particular issue during our two-week testing. These two weeks were also an opportunity to measure the keyboard’s autonomy, announced by the manufacturer for 2,000 hours. It is difficult for us to measure this value precisely, but we can assure you that after two weeks of daily use, the battery is still above 60%, indicating excellent autonomy!
An extremely qualitative blow
ROG Azoth has been flawless so far and doesn’t intend to stop there. The brand has bet everything on the typing experience to get closer to the best: custom keyboards. Our test model is therefore equipped with red ROG NX switches, i.e. linear. The activation point is 1.8mm, requiring an activation force of 40g. On paper, these are very responsive switches.
Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid
The lubricating work is quickly noticeable in the first few minutes of impact. The travel of the switches is very fluid and this adds to the sense of responsiveness of the whole. Especially the additional keys and the space bar underline the acoustic work of the keyboard the most. We therefore find this satisfactory and qualitative blow.
The chassis also has a lot to do thanks to the acoustic optimization carried out by Asus. This is noticeable in the ear by a complete freedom from resonance when typing. The only thing that can clearly be heard is the click of the keys at the end of the race. When it comes to typing, the ROG Azoth performs better than all of its competitors except for the Ironclad V2, which doesn’t play on the same court.
Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid
Logically, the experience in the game does not differ from that observed in writing. The Azoth is very responsive, very fluid and really comfortable to use. It has been tested with several titles including Call Of Duty. The switches also offer an effective rebound, which further perfects the typing experience by quickly linking actions.
If we had to find a fault compared to other models of the brand, we would criticize the stability of its keys. Still, on this point, it’s no worse than any of its competitors based on Cherry switches. In short, we hope that one day an Azoth with ROG RX switches will arrive.
Asus ROG Azoth keyboard price and release date
The Asus ROG Azoth gaming keyboard is available at the recommended price of 290 euros.