Asus ROG Azoth Review: A Versatile Gaming Keyboard For Enthusiasts
Asus ROG Azoth stands out with its high-quality PBT keycaps, pre-lubed ROG NX switches, and versatile connectivity options, offering an excellent balance between gaming prowess and everyday functionality. Dive in as we put the keyboard through its paces, discussing everything from its build quality to its programmable OLED screen.
The ASUS ROG Azoth has caught the attention of gamers and keyboard enthusiasts alike. It's a compact, wireless, mechanical keyboard packed with exciting features. These include full RGB backlighting, high-quality PBT keycaps, a programmable OLED screen, and more. It’s safe to say that Azoth isn't your average keyboard.
But how does this keyboard perform in the real world? Beyond the sleek design and robust build quality, what value does it offer to its users? This review will dive into these questions. I'll be sharing my experiences and insights gathered from hours of testing.
Additionally, we'll take a look at compatibility across different operating systems, such as Windows, MacOS, and Linux. For gamers, the connectivity options can make or break the deal. So, we'll also be discussing the Azoth's connection capabilities, both wired and wireless.
Are you ready to take a deep dive into the world of the ASUS ROG Azoth? If so, let's get started.
The Asus ROG Azoth targets both gaming and keyboard enthusiasts, offering premium features and customization flexibility. Its 75% layout design provides a balance between gaming prowess and everyday functionality, making it suitable for both high-performance gaming and productivity tasks.
- Built with high-quality PBT keycaps and pre-lubed ROG NX switches
- Features a programmable OLED screen and control knob
- Hot-swappable PCB allows for easy switch replacements
- The keyboard's 75% layout design includes a full function row, arrow keys, and a column of navigation and editing buttons
- Comes with a lubing kit for switch maintenance
- Compatibility issues with the customization software for MacOS and Linux users
- High-profile design can be tiring for long periods without a wrist rest
- No dedicated macro keys available
- White-only lighting has a slight reddish hue and legends are hard to see when the backlight is off
If you are a gaming or keyboard enthusiast looking for a keyboard that offers extensive customization, solid build quality, and versatile connectivity options, the Asus ROG Azoth is an excellent choice. However, it may not be ideal for MacOS and Linux users due to compatibility issues with the customization software. Considering the features and build quality, the Azoth is worth its premium price tag.
Test Results
Design
The ASUS ROG Azoth is designed to leave a strong impression, boasting a compact form factor and an array of eye-catching features. Let's dissect each aspect of its design.
Although specific measurements aren't provided in the review, the ASUS ROG Azoth features a compact yet high-profile design. It’s considerably weighty, instilling a sense of durability. Despite the heaviness, it manages to be less burdensome due to its plastic bottom component.
The build quality of the Azoth is exceptional. High-quality PBT keycaps, pre-lubed ROG NX switches, and stabilizers contribute to its robustness. The top half of the case is made of aluminum, whereas the bottom half is plastic, necessary for its wireless functionality. There's a gasket-mounted design and layers of sound-dampening material to ensure a smooth and quiet operation.
The Azoth has dual-stage tilt feet that let users set their preferred typing angle. However, its high-profile design can be tiring over extended periods without a wrist rest. A notable drawback is the finicky control knob that's easier to bypass in favor of mouse controls.
The Azoth sports full RGB backlighting, with key legends that allow the RGB to shine through in dark environments. However, these legends are difficult to spot when the backlight isn’t on. Although the brightness and effects can be adjusted via the keyboard's control dial, the white-only lighting carries a slight reddish hue.
The Azoth stands out with high-speed wireless connectivity options for USB, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz SpeedNova wireless. It can pair with up to three devices simultaneously via Bluetooth and it automatically pairs with its USB dongle. Despite being wireless, its connection is fast and reliable, matching even wired keyboards in its class.
Azoth is rich in extra features including a programmable OLED screen, a control knob, and customizable keyboard settings. It comes with a lube kit for further improving the feel and sound of the switches. Also notable is the OLED screen that displays various types of information, including battery level and system stats. The hot-swappable PCB and a generous battery life of up to 2,000 hours with RGB and OLED screen turned off enhance its usability.
Typing Experience
As an essential tool for both gaming and everyday computing, the Azoth promises an outstanding typing experience. It's time to examine what makes it stand out.
The ASUS ROG Azoth utilizes custom ROG NX switches, available in linear red, tactile brown, and clicky blue versions. The switches are pre-lubed, yielding smoother than average keystrokes with little wobble. The tactile browns offer a gratifying bump, whereas the NX Reds are smoother and quieter, lending to a versatile typing experience.
Offering a high-quality typing experience with premium materials and smooth switches, the Azoth is a solid choice for various tasks, from office work to programming. The keyboard is also decent for tablets and mobile devices, though not specifically designed for them. The layers of foam and silicone beneath the switches help enhance the sound of the switches, resulting in a quiet and refined typing sound.
The Azoth is remarkably quiet, especially when equipped with the ROG NX Red switches. The keyboard's triple-layered interior foam and silicone layers significantly reduce noise, making it one of the best-sounding gaming keyboards available. Brown and Blue switches are expected to produce more noise, but the sound-dampening measures in place keep it minimal.
Boasting a 2.4GHz connection and a 1,000Hz polling rate, the Azoth exhibits exceptionally low latency. Its SpeedNova wireless connectivity matches the responsiveness of wired keyboards with higher polling rates. This quick response makes the Azoth perfectly suited for gaming, offering an immersive in-game experience.
Software
The Azoth's software capabilities set it apart from the competition. The programming and compatibility aspects are key to understanding the full potential of this gaming keyboard.
The ASUS ROG Azoth, despite lacking dedicated macro keys, provides flexibility in recording macros directly on the keyboard or with the customization software, the Armoury Crate. However, it's worth noting that the software does not support assigning macros to a combination of function key and another key. The software is also the exclusive means for customizing the screen and control knob settings, enhancing the customization potential of the keyboard.
The Azoth demonstrates wide-ranging compatibility, fully supporting Windows, macOS, and Linux. However, the customization software is only compatible with Windows, which can be a limitation for Linux or macOS users. Additionally, some default key functions might behave differently on macOS. Nevertheless, the keyboard is fully functional with Android, iOS, and iPadOS devices, ensuring compatibility with a broad range of devices.
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews offer invaluable insights into the real-world usage and performance of products. Let's delve into the customer feedback on the ROG Azoth, a customizable mechanical keyboard that has generated buzz among users for its unique features and high-quality construction.
Benefits
Many customers have commended the robust build quality of the ROG Azoth, praising the high-quality stabilizers and low-latency wireless capability. Users find the performance of the keyboard, whether in gaming or regular typing, to be impressive, with particular emphasis on the board's weight and solid feel. Some appreciated the unique features like the OLED screen which displays useful information and the inclusion of a customizable switch. According to a few users, the battery life and wireless performance have been phenomenal, with instantaneous wake from sleep, no pairing delay and long periods without the need for recharging.
Another plus point highlighted by several customers is the availability of the switch swapping feature and the inclusion of extra switches in the package for future upgrades. Some even mentioned that the pre-lubed switches offered a smooth and satisfying typing experience. Furthermore, customers expressed satisfaction with the keyboard's triple-mode and 75% layout.
Complaints
Despite its advantages, some customers had several concerns about the ROG Azoth. The most common complaint revolves around the ASUS Armoury Crate software, which is required for customizing the keyboard. Users described it as being buggy, resource-heavy, and prone to connectivity issues. Many were dissatisfied with the keyboard's dependency on this software for basic functionalities and customization options. Additionally, the firmware installation was reported to frequently encounter problems, and users found the support from ASUS to be inadequate.
Some users were less than thrilled with certain design aspects, such as the keycap font and the lack of separate indicator lights for functions like caps lock. One review mentioned that the OLED screen is susceptible to burn-in, suggesting that a sleep timer should be integrated to prevent this issue. Furthermore, a few users have noted that the keyboard was packed too tightly with sound-dampening foam, limiting the effectiveness of the silicone gaskets included in the build. Finally, several customers wished for more variety in terms of keyboard color options.
Customer Conclusion
In conclusion, the ROG Azoth stands out in the market with its quality build, customizable features, and wireless capabilities, which most customers greatly appreciated. However, there's room for improvement in its software and firmware aspects. Issues concerning design and personalization options were also shared, yet, in many instances, these did not detract from the overall positive experience of using the keyboard. Therefore, the ROG Azoth could be a solid choice for those seeking a high-quality, customizable mechanical keyboard, especially if future updates address the mentioned drawbacks.
Customer Questions/Answers
Do I need to install any software to use this keyboard?
Does the keyboard feature a dedicated print screen button?
Yes, the print screen function can be accessed by pressing FN+P.
Is there a barebones version of this keyboard?
As of now, Asus has not released a barebones version of the ROG Azoth. However, they've received feedback about this from enthusiasts, so it might be a possibility in the future.
How does the ROG Azoth compare to the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL wireless?
The ROG Azoth outperforms the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL wireless in several aspects. Many users have switched to the Azoth and found it to be a superior experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ASUS ROG Azoth is an intriguing entry in the mechanical keyboard market. It combines a sleek and sturdy design with high-quality keycaps and exceptional RGB backlighting.
The versatility of the Azoth is evident in its connectivity options, which includes both USB and wireless options. Not to mention, the compatibility across different operating systems such as Windows, MacOS, and Linux is a plus.
Furthermore, the Azoth is equipped with tools for keyboard customization. It's a definite boon for users who enjoy personalizing their devices. The addition of an OLED screen and control knob adds a touch of sophistication, making the keyboard more than just a typing tool.
However, it's not without its drawbacks. The high-profile design can be tiring for prolonged use. The absence of a dedicated macro key might also be a downside for some users. The software, while feature-rich, is criticized for its bloated nature and frequent update requirements.
Overall, the ASUS ROG Azoth presents a solid balance between gaming features and everyday functionality. Whether you're a hardcore gamer or a typing enthusiast, it's definitely worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ROG Azoth worth it?
Yes, the ROG Azoth is considered to be worth its price tag for a certain audience. Its robust build quality, pre-lubed ROG NX switches, customizable OLED screen, and various connectivity options (USB, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth) are some of the standout features. The keyboard caters to both gamers and keyboard enthusiasts, providing a balance between gaming prowess and daily functionality. However, whether it's 'worth it' can depend on the user's specific needs, preferences, and budget.
Is Asus ROG Azoth good for gaming?
Yes, the Asus ROG Azoth is designed with gamers in mind. It boasts a high-speed wireless connectivity that competes with wired keyboards, exceptionally low latency, and pre-lubed ROG NX switches that deliver excellent feedback. The keyboard also allows for key and macro customization through Asus Armoury Crate software, enhancing the gaming experience. However, it lacks dedicated macro keys.
How many keys are on the ROG Azoth keyboard?
The ROG Azoth is a 75% layout keyboard, meaning it has 81 keys. This includes a full function row, arrow keys, and a column of navigation and editing buttons on the right side.
What kind of customization options does the ROG Azoth offer?
The Asus Armoury Crate software provides customization options for the keys, macros, lighting effects, and the OLED screen on the ROG Azoth. However, it has been criticized for its slow load times, excess of unwanted features, and difficulty to navigate. Moreover, the software lacks the ability to assign functions in secondary layers.
What are the connectivity options for the ROG Azoth?
The ROG Azoth provides versatile connectivity options. It supports USB, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth connection. Additionally, it automatically pairs with its USB dongle and offers reliable and fast connection even when compared to wired keyboards.