ASUS recently sent us a complete Republic of Gaming setup to try out, including the ROG G22CH desktop PC, an ROG STRIX SG27ACS Ultra-fast Gaming Monitor, the ROG Delta S Gaming Headset, the ROG X Aimlab Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition gaming mouse, the ROG Sheath mouse pad, an ROG Raikiri Pro Gaming controller, and the topic of this write-up, an ROG STRIX Scope II RX Optical Mechanical Gaming Keyboard.

Packaged with a USB cable, a detachable wrist rest, and of course, the keyboard itself, you wouldn’t necessarily assume much by looking at it while nestled in the box, but there were a few things that initially caught my eye as I read over the box. Most noticeable was the words, “pre-lubed.” I’ve never known a keyboard to require lubrication, but this was all about to change.

As with most USB-connected devices, it can be as simple as plug-and-play, which is exactly what I did to begin with, and let me tell you, that pre-lubing is doing its job. My very first mechanical keyboard was from a well-known brand, and while I did enjoy the clickiness of the keys, I did find them to be quite stiff.

The keystroke on the ROG STRIX Scope II RX Optical Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is incredibly smooth, leading to an amazing typing or gaming experience, but it still has a satisfying bounce-back when you release the key. Each key is further supported by the ROG Keyboard Stabiliser, which is where the lube comes into play, helping to guide the keystroke in a single vertical motion – unlike my existing keyboard where the keys have developed a nasty wobble.

Using Armoury Crate, I was able to set up the per-key RGB LEDs in a variety of different ways, including making use of the ever-wonderful Aura-Sync, where you can synchronise your whole setup to display in the same way. It’s also here that you can quickly and easily program some of the alternative functions, although Republic of Gaming have included the most important ones, and these can be store in the onboard memory, allowing you to take up to six profiles or five custom schemes and use them on any computer you happen to connect it to.

The function keys – F1 to F5 have all been pre-mapped as hotkeys for Xbox Game Bar and recording functions, while a multi-functional scrolling button can control anything from volume, multimedia and lighting controls, but like most of the keyboard, this too is customisable through Armour Crate. Additionally, for those of you who like to jump into games where you need to pretend to use a controller to call in some form of special attack, or you have a specific set of skills or spells you use in your favourite MMO, you can record macros as you play.

Still, if you’d rather actually press the buttons and actually play the game, the ROG RX Optical Mechanical switches, both Red and Blue, offer 1ms response times with N-Key rollover, so your inputs register uniquely and instantly. This is further enhanced by the previously mentioned ROG Keyboard Stabilisers preventing any wobble, and internal sound-dampening foam means you’re left with a crisp-sounding button press – not the hollow click I have become accustomed to, and many mistake for a sign of quality.

The keys alone offer a substantially more comfortable tapping experience, but when you throw on the detachable wrist rest and set the tilt into your preferred position out of the three, the ROG STRIX Scope II RX Optical Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a dream to use. Even better is that it will support you during those sweaty moments when a thirty-something-year-old is using a voice filter to sound like a kid and griefing you in your favourite battle royale.

It’s rated at IP57 rated – so small spills of your favourite citrus-flavoured drink aren’t going to bother your flashy new keyboard. Nor will the dusty cheesy goodness of your favourite gaming snacks, but even if you do mistreat this masterpiece of a gaming peripheral, the UV-coated keys are easily detachable and easy to clean, although the material may vary depending on where you are in the world.

Now that I’ve had a chance to try several gaming keyboards, I can provide you with some information that I never had – Throw away that obnoxiously clicky keyboard that can be heard four streets away. Quit struggling with the bargain basement keyboard you picked up because all you need is WASD. If you want a fighting chance at scoring that chicken dinner, you need something that will respond instantly and accurately to your inputs. The ROG STRIX Scope II RX Optical Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is your best option, and I’ll be begging the team at ASUS to send me one for my birthday.

Written by: Mathew Lindner