In for a much needed review is the ROG Azoth. This is a 75% layout premium wireless gaming keyboard from ASUS, featuring a price point of $199 USD (Amazon) and ₱12,637 PHP (Shopee) respectively.
Disclosure: ASUS sent the ROG Azoth for the purpose of this review. The brand did not ask me to say anything particular about it. All thoughts and opinion you are about to read here are of my own.
Table of Contents
Technical Specifications
The ROG Azoth is ASUS’ first outfit into the world of serious DIY mechanical keyboards. I said serious, since this is actually DIY friendly, featuring gasket-mounted swappable switches, dampeners, and a kit for rebuilds complete with lubes and extra switches to play with.
| Keyboard | |
|---|---|
| Design | 75% |
| Type | Mechanical |
| Resolution | 16000 DPI |
| Polling Rate | 1000 Hz, 125 Hz (Bluetooth) |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, 2.4 GHz RF, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Switch | |
| Type | ASUS ROG NX |
| Mount | Swappable |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 326 mm |
| Width | 136 mm |
| Height | 40 mm |
| Weight | 1.16 kg |
Packaging and Accessories
ASUS encased the Azoth in their standard ROG packaging.
Scope of delivery are as follows:
- ASUS ROG Azoth
- ROG switch opener
- ROG keycap puller
- ROG switch puller
- Lube station
- Lube brush
- Lube
- 3x ASUS ROG NX Switch
- 8x Stabilizer mat
- USB dongle
- USB extender
- USB cable
- ROG sticker
- Quick start guide
- Warranty booklet
That’s a lot of stuff included with the keyboard. Not surprising for its price and label (ROG) though.
Design, Build and Connectivity
The ROG Azoth in its Moonlight White variant is a beautifully crafted keyboard draped in a silver-white colorway with the weight to back it up at around 1.16 kilogram. The heft mainly comes from the thick aluminum top shell.
Unlike many premium DIY keyboards, the ROG Azoth has a plastic bottom shell. Some mechanical keyboard enthusiasts may not like it, but this approach enhances the sound dampening properties of the set so I do not find it less premium to some full-metal offerings. This keyboard also comes with two-stage height adjusters and hex screws to access the internals.
Another highlight of the ROG Azoth is its built-in OLED display. This feature allows system status monitoring, audio visualization and keyboard settings adjustments – via the three-way knob next to it. I have nothing to complain with this setup.
Now the rear houses the switch to toggle between the available connections, along with a magnetic recess for the multi-device capable dongle to latch into. This side also houses the Type-C port for charging and USB mode.
There’s nothing harsh to criticize about the Azoth; however, if there’s one thing to point out, it would be the absence of a true Black finish. The standard model is available, but it’s not quite Black – it’s more of a Gray finish, to be honest.
Ergonomics
The ROG Azoth follows your typical 75% keyboard when it comes to footprint. That also includes its height which is a bit daunting if you are used to slimmer keyboards.
Our Moonlight White model comes with the ROG NX Snow switches. These are linear switches with an actuation force of 40 gF (39 cN) at 1.8 mm. Total travel is about 3.6 mm which is 0.4 mm shallower compared to standard Cherry MX switches. Combined with the silicon gaskets, and foam dampeners, the Azoth is one of the most pleasurable mechanical keyboards to type with – out of the box.
Input Lag
The ASUS ROG Azoth’s input lag across its connectivity options are excellent. USB latency on average is about 2.18 ms, while 2.4 GHz is measured at 2.22 ms. Bluetooth latency is surprisingly good at 6.87 ms – something that I would even expect for some 2.4 GHz devices.
Polling Rate
As for polling rate, the Azoth is spot 1000 Hz for both wired (USB) and wireless 2.4 (GHz) modes. Bluetooth is at 125 Hz, but I could see it reaching 130 Hz at best.
Actuation Force
Measuring each unit of keycaps, we’ve found out the ROG Azoth’s spacebar has the lightest actuation force out of the bunch. This might be due to its weight, along with the spring-enabled stabilizers in-place. The backspace on the other hand has the highest actuation force required at 55.4 cN. Ideally, we want to see the 1u keycaps within the 40 cN range (switch specs) or better, all units for a more consistent typing experience.
Final Thoughts
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the ROG Azoth exudes excellent build quality, boasting a thick aluminum top shell, shine-through PBT keycaps, foam dampeners, and even in-house ROG NX switches. It’s not a full metal build though, but if you prioritize dampening with adjustable incline, then its plastic under belly should not be seen as a detriment.
Now the inclusion of gasket-mounted swappable switches, and a comprehensive rebuild kit truly showcases the ROG Azoth’s DIY-friendly nature. The built-in OLED display further accentuates this, along with a complementary three-way knob interface. The keyboard is configurable via the Armoury Crate software which is technically a must to maximize its potential.
Connectivity options are excellent, with negligible input lag across USB, 2.4 GHz wireless, and even Bluetooth mode. There’s also an option to use ROG Omni, which basically allows the receiver to connect yet another Omni capable device, simplifying management. This is extremely useful if your setup is in a situation where each and every USB port counts.
Thanks to the combination of linear switches, silicon gaskets, and foam dampeners, the Azoth also excels in comfort – both touch and hearing senses concerned. However, if you are accustomed to slimmer keyboards, you may initially find its height imposing. This is true with most mechanical keyboards so getting accustomed to it requires diligence.
The ROG Azoth showcased itself as a formidable contender in the realm of premium wireless gaming keyboards, marking ASUS’s foray into the domain of serious DIY mechanical keyboards without much to complain. Priced at around $199 USD, it offers great performance, number of features and customization options, justifying its label and price point.
ASUS ROG Azoth (Moonlight White) Keyboard $199 USD
Product Name: ROG Azoth (Moonlight White)
Product Description: The ROG Azoth is a highly customizable gaming keyboard with a 75-key form factor, featuring gasket mount, three-layer dampening foam, and a metal top cover.
Brand: ASUS
Summary
The ROG Azoth emerges as a standout contender in the premium wireless gaming keyboard market, signaling ASUS’s entry into the realm of serious DIY mechanical keyboards.
Pros
- Build quality and design
- Excellent bundle of accessories
- Gasket mounted swappable switches
- Connectivity options
- Low input lag
- Competitive price point
Cons
- Thick design, may not be for everyone
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