This keyboard’s name is likely the longest one we saw. And all of this is because, in addition to the brand name and the line, the model’s key specs are also “encrypted.” So, it turns out that there are only twice as many characters in the title “ASUS ROG Strix Scope RX TKL Wireless Deluxe” as there are keys on the keyboard.
In addition to the keyboard, the box contains documentation, a USB/USB-C cable, a USB/USB-C adapter, a USB radio receiver, and a wrist stand. The word “Deluxe” in the model name shows that the wrist stand is included.
1. Making plans and building
The TKL in the name, which stands for “without Tenkey” (digital block), shows that the Asus Rog Strix Scope RX TKL Wireless Deluxe is a short keyboard without a number pad. These keyboards are 80% the size of full-format keyboards, which is another name for them. Tkl is a common choice for gaming keyboards because the numeric pad isn’t used in games and removing it makes room for the mouse on the right, so the player doesn’t have to spread his hands out on the table.
The keyboard’s case turned out to be very small, measuring only 35.6 x 13.6 cm. The thickness of the case and keys is pretty typical for “mechanics”: the lower row of buttons is about 28 mm above the table, while the upper row is 38 mm. By moving the top row of buttons up about 46 mm, you can increase the angle of tilt even more. This is because the legs are retractable. Both the bottom of the case and the legs have rubberized inserts so that the keyboard doesn’t slide on the table, no matter which option the user prefers: with extended legs or without.
The compact body weighs 854 g, which is a lot, because the top panel is made of a big piece of aluminum. Because of this, the body turned out to be very strong. Even if you try very hard, you can’t really twist the keyboard. The ASUS ROG Strix Scope RX TKL Wireless Deluxe doesn’t bend when it’s being used normally, but you can just barely “press” the top plane into the case, especially when the keyboard is on its legs.
The layout of the keys is mostly the same as the American ANSI standard, with a long Shift key on the left and a single-line Enter key. The only difference from this standard is the long left Ctrl, which is the same size as the Shift above it (because of this, the manufacturer had to reduce the space a little). The keyboard has 84 buttons, which is 3 less than the standard TKL. There are no extra buttons (this model also lacks separate PrtSc, ScrLk and Pause keys, their functionality is combined with Del, End and PgDn through the Fn modifier).
2. Switches
Depending on the model, the ROG Strix Scope RX TKL Wireless Deluxe keyboard from ASUS can come with either ROG RX RED or RX BLUE branded switches. These are optical-mechanical switches. When the button is pressed, the spring-loaded mechanical part stops the flow of infrared light, which stops the button from moving. Since there is no physical contact or friction, the switches last a lot longer. The manufacturer says they can be used 100 million times.
Because of the X-shaped stabilizer, when the switch is pressed, the movement is smooth, with no backlash or sideways movement. Also, when the keys are raised or pressed all the way down, there is no backlash. The LED is in the middle of the switch, and a lens sits on top of it. This gives the buttons a bright, even light.
The ROG RX RED is built into the model that was looked at. These are linear switches, which move in a light, smooth, and even way and don’t make any sounds or feel anything at the moment. Before it is turned on, the switch moves 4 mm, and after it is turned on, it moves 1.5 mm. 40G for the first effort, 45G for the operation, and 55G for the most effort (at the end of the course).
3. Software
ROG RX Blue switches can also be used with this keyboard. Unlike red, RX Blue has a response that can be felt and heard when it works. The length of their work is the same, 1.5 mm, but the initial effort is much less, only 30 g. This means that at the start, they are even easier to press than Rx Red. But the effort is noticeably more — 65G — and after it, it’s less — 60G — so with such keys, it feels like they “sink” to the end after the work. This kind of switch is better for printing quickly, while linear switches are best for games.
The ASUS ROG STRIX SCOPE RX TKL Wireless Deluxe uses software called ARMURY CRATE. It is a useful program that works with all ASUS devices. Because of this, it is quite big and may seem to have too many “extra” features. But if you have more devices from the same manufacturer, you can control them all from one “center.”
All View
The wrist stand is helpful when playing games for a long time, but it is especially helpful when printing. In this case, it supports the wrist very well, which takes some of the pressure off the wrists. In the games, the fingers are placed on the keys in different ways. If you play for a short time, you don’t have time to feel the tension, but if you play for a long time, it’s important to have a stand.
In Armoury Crate, you can change how any key works (except Fn), how the ROG logo-shaped indicator in the upper right corner works, how the keyboard is set up in detail, record macros, make different profiles and store them in the keyboard memory (up to 6 different profiles are supported), choose energy-saving modes, and update the firmware.
