Verdict
The Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wi-fi is a implausible wi-fi gaming keyboard. It presents the good thing about being each a standard gaming board and enthusiast-level options – taking issues to a different stage. There are snug and easy switches alongside beauty and vibrant RGB lighting. Simply be careful for that barely iffy software program.
Professionals
- Beauty
- Pre-lubed switches really feel wonderful
- Vibrant RGB lighting
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Pre-lubed NX Snow switchesOptions linear NX Snow switches, that are pre-lubricated for a smoother really feel -
Fanatic-level optionsHotswappable and options sound dampening foam for higher acoustics -
Twin connectivityMakes use of Bluetooth or the bundled 2.4GHz USB receiver
Introduction
2023 appears to be like to be the 12 months that Asus goes all in with keyboards that blur the strains between gaming and enthusiast-grade boards – enter their newest creation, the Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wi-fi.
It brings with it an intriguing structure alternative, in addition to lubricated switches and a hot-swappable PCB. There are some wonderful and speedy wi-fi connectivity to supply a well-rounded alternative.
Given the model’s prior efforts with the Asus ROG Azoth, the most effective mechanical keyboards of 2023, this Strix Scope II 96 Wi-fi has rather a lot to dwell as much as. Let’s do some digging, and learn how effectively it performs.
Design
- Stable development
- 96% structure is an intriguing alternative
- Considerate interface
The Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wi-fi supplies a strong body with a plastic chassis and metallic high plate. There’s no deck flex to talk of, and Asus’ newest candidate brings with it an honest quantity of heft. It’s not as heavy because the likes of the Azoth, although at simply over 1kg, however this can be a well-made ‘board.
Its 96% structure is an intriguing one, transferring the nav cluster to the perform row and bringing the quantity pad and arrow keys nearer to the principle alphanumeric set of keys. That is an odd structure for a ‘gaming’ board to make use of, however one which’s change into a favorite of fans through the years. It’s additionally generally referred to as an ‘1800 structure’, given the origins of this structure lie with the Cherry G80-1800, a keyboard from the German producer that dates from round twenty-five years in the past.
Moreover this unorthodox structure alternative, the Strix Scope II 96 Wi-fi appears to be like like an ROG product, full with an aggressive typeface on the keycaps. They’re comprised of a textured PBT, very similar to the Azoth’s are, and really feel wonderful beneath the finger. PBT is a way more sturdy and hard-wearing plastic than the cheaper ABS, that’s extra historically utilized in keyboards at various value factors and can also be immune to the shine skilled on cheaper keycaps with prolonged use.
You don’t get an OLED show, however there are handy measures elsewhere, together with keycaps with devoted sub-legends for controlling recording features on Home windows Recreation Bar, in addition to a multi-function button and curler for controlling media playback and lighting, which is sweet. There’s additionally a snug wristrest that goes with the Strix Scope II 96 Wi-fi, too. It attaches through magnets, and stays in place moderately effectively, providing you with an answer for even higher ergonomics.
When it comes to its interface and connectivity, issues are saved good and simple, with the whole lot it’s essential be housed on the keyboard’s high aspect. There you’ll discover a USB-C port for wired connectivity and charging, in addition to a swap to show the keyboard on and select between connectivity modes. The receiver is housed contained in the keyboard, which implies you would conceivably use the ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wi-fi as extra of a transportable keyboard if you happen to wished to.
The packaging is comprised of cardboard, with the Strix Scope II 96 Wi-fi coming in a ROG-branded cloth bag, whereas the wrist-rest’s plastic bag is the one signal of the fabric upon nearer inspection. Asus makes no environmental claims concerning the supplies used on this keyboard, although.
Efficiency
- NX Snow switches are particularly easy
- Scorching-swappable PCB means you may swap others in
- Handy connectivity, and strong endurance
Contained in the ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wi-fi, Asus has bundled its personal pre-lubricated NX Snow switches, a lightweight and linear swap with a 45g weight. With that spot of lubrication, they’re supremely easy, with no type of scratchiness. In comparison with the NX Reds, in addition they supply a ten per cent shorter journey with a complete distance of three.6mm and 1.8mm actuation level (in comparison with 4mm and 2mm on the NX Crimson), main them to really feel snappier beneath the finger, which made them a pleasure to make use of in testing.
Lubrication may also make a distinction in a keyboard’s acoustics, too. It aids in dampening the sound and eradicating any pinging or rattling. There isn’t any to talk of with the Strix Scope II 96 Wi-fi, whereas the addition of layers of froth contained in the casing additionally helps it to supply some wonderful acoustics.
Fans may even be happy to know that the Strix Scope II 96 Wi-fi is hot-swappable, which means you may chuck in any switches you want, so long as they conform to the MX commonplace of three or 5-pin mounting. It supplies you with just about infinite customisation of swap decisions if you happen to aren’t keen on the NX Snow. Swapping switches out is straightforward, and may utterly change the texture of the keyboard and your expertise with it. To vary them, you merely seize a swap puller from contained in the field, pull gently to get the swap out, after which change it by ensuring the pins line up with the socket, after which push down till it clicks into place.
With the default NX Snows inside, the Strix Scope II 96 Wi-fi felt snug to make use of with easy actuation and lightweight power. This additionally makes them an excellent swap for gaming when taking their shorter journey distance under consideration, giving them a quick keypress. They might not be analogue or have adjustable actuation factors, however they provide a lightweight keypress, making them an excellent all-round alternative.
The Strix Scope II 96 Wi-fi options some wonderful wi-fi connectivity choices, working over each Bluetooth and the bundled 2.4GHz receiver. Switching between the 2 modes isn’t laborious both, because of the bodily swap on the highest of the keyboard. Each connections are additionally slightly dependable, whereas the two.4GHz receiver presents a decrease latency connection than Bluetooth does.
There’s additionally some implausible endurance on supply right here. The Strix Scope II 96 Wi-fi is rated to final for as much as 1500 hours when utilizing the two.4GHz receiver, so long as you’ve obtained the superb RGB lighting turned off. That provides you over a 12 months’s price of cost, and in my weeks of testing, I didn’t need to cost the Strix Scope II 96 Wi-fi as soon as. If you happen to do flip the lighting on, anticipate to get between 80 and 90 hours of endurance, which is much less spectacular, however nonetheless provides you two working weeks’ price of cost earlier than needing to be plugged in.
Software program and Lighting
- Vibrant and sharp RGB lighting
- ROG Armoury Crate is okay, however extremely sluggish
Asus has delivered on the lighting aspect of issues with the Strix Scope II 96 Wi-fi, providing a full spectrum of vibrant and vivid lighting that brings out the very best within the keyboard’s appears to be like. Asus’ lighting has all the time been first rate, however this newest vary of keyboards appears to have taken issues to a different stage.
Nevertheless, ROG Armoury Crate continues to be a little bit of a ache with sluggish loading occasions and okay performance, in comparison with what different keyboards and their software program supply. It’s a requirement, versus being an non-obligatory further, as you want it to replace the keyboard’s firmware. You get entry to remap keys, in addition to to customize the RGB lighting and the features of the wheel and button within the high proper nook. There is just one perform layer, although, so energy customers might wish to look elsewhere.
Newest offers
Do you have to purchase it?
You need a customisable keyboard with an incredible appear and feel
The Strix Scope II 96 Wi-fi supplies beauty, a strong chassis and a great deal of customisation with swappable switches.
You need a number of software-based customisation
The Strix Scope II 96 Wi-fi supplies a number of alternatives for hardware-driven adjustments, however its software program presents much less.
Last Ideas
The Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wi-fi continues the brilliance we noticed earlier within the 12 months from the ROG Azoth. It provides a extra unconventional structure but many of the similar options, all for a way more stomachable value. It’s the entire package deal, deftly blurring the strains between conventional gaming boards and extra unorthodox fanatic decisions with sensible execution.
This can be a well-made keyboard with a strong metallic and plastic body, full with the enjoyable of a further magnetic wristrest. What’s extra, its pre-lubed linear switches are easy and nice for typing and gaming, though it’s nice that Asus has bundled within the choice so that you can change them just about at will. It’s right here the place the Strix Scope II 96 Wi-fi notches up a notable victory towards the lately launched Logitech G Professional X TKL Lightspeed.
Mixed with this higher battery life, an arguably extra handy means of fixing between connections, and a keyboard that’s additionally a little bit bit cheaper, it’s fairly a simple win for Asus over the competitors. My solely challenge is the software program, however that’s a small downside compared to the remainder of what’s on supply right here. The Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wi-fi actually is a class-leading keyboard. For extra decisions, be happy to take a look at our record of the very best mechanical keyboards.
How we check
We use each keyboard we check for at the very least every week. Throughout that point, we’ll test it for ease of use and put it via its paces by enjoying a wide range of completely different genres, together with FPS, technique and MOBAs.
We additionally test every keyboard’s software program to see how straightforward it’s to customize and arrange.
Spent at the very least every week testing
Examined the efficiency on a wide range of video games
In contrast the construct high quality with comparable priced keyboards.
FAQs
Sure, the Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wi-fi is hot-swappable, which means you may change the switches out with none want for soldering or desoldering.
