Looking for a compact gaming keyboard that won't take up too much desk space? Consider the Asus ROG Strix Scope RX TKL Wireless Deluxe. It's a tenkeyless keyboard that keeps only the bare necessities, while features like a wider Shift key may come in handy for some. More importantly, Asus' RX optical mechanical switches offer an excellent typing experience — the keyboard feels responsive and stable.
Quick specs
- Tenkeyless (TKL) form factor
- USB, RF 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.2
- ROG RX optical mechanical switch (Red/Blue)
- 854g (without cable)
The Strix Scope RX TKL Wireless Deluxe shares a similar compact design as the Strix Scope NX TKL Moonlight White that I previously tested. Both are tenkeyless keyboards with a solid aluminium alloy top plate. But the RX TKL model is wireless (with both 2.4GHz radio frequency and Bluetooth connectivity), and uses Asus' RX optical mechanical switches. These switches are said to offer consistent, wobble-free keystrokes (each switch has four corner latches and an x-stabiliser) with extremely low delay, and longer lifespan. My review unit comes with the RX Red linear switch — Asus also has a version using clicky RX Blue switch. Also included: A comfy, plush wrist rest that loosely, and magnetically attaches to the keyboard.
Like the older NX TKL, the RX TKL has several unusual features, such as an extra-wide left Ctrl key. The idea here is that you're unlikely to miss a wider Ctrl key, which is typically used to ‘crouch' in a first-person shooter. It makes sense, though I personally don't find it that useful, unlike the Stealth key (F12). Say you're searching for a surprise Valentine's Day gift for a special person, and he or she is approaching your desk. Hitting this Stealth key hides all your app windows, and mutes the audio. Press it again to restore your apps and the audio. There are several other keyboard shortcuts to adjust the brightness of the LEDs, change the lighting effect, or start a macro recording. But I recommend downloading the Asus Armoury Crate app for all these functions, and more.
It takes very little effort to trigger the keys on the RX TKL. It has a 1.5mm actuation point, and requires just 40g of initial force, going up to 55g for a solid rebound feedback. I really like how the keys feel under my fingers — smooth yet fast. The keycaps are of the more durable PBT doubleshot variety. This means the legend will not fade, while the keys themselves are resistant to shine, unlike the usual ABS keys. However, the RGB lighting, probably because of the PBT keycaps, doesn't quite come through, and seems relatively dim. I have also experienced the occasional lag — the keyboard would freeze momentarily — while connected via the 2.4GHz dongle. Another potential deal-breaker: No third-party keycaps.
Based on my experience, the Asus ROG Strix Scope RX TKL Wireless Deluxe keyboard lasted around a week on battery using the 2.4GHz dongle with the LEDs set to 50% brightness. This roughly corresponds to the 76-hour battery life touted by Asus. At SS$299, this Asus keyboard is expensive, even for a wireless gaming model. But it's a well-built premium keyboard that offers a great typing experience, has some unusual features, and is suitable for both work and play. Get it now from Amazon SG (Blue switches, but cheapest), Lazada, and Shopee.
Review unit provided by Asus.
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Verdict
CAN BUY
Available at Amazon SG
Available at Lazada
Buy it at Shopee
