If we know Asus for its wide range of products revolving around PC hardware, the brand has been developing a range of peripherals for gamers for a few years now.
We find Asus with the brand new Asus ROG Strix Scope RX, a more classic gaming keyboard in its layout, as you will see, its game very well.
Today, we compare ASUS Rog Strix Scope RX vs ASUS Rog Strix Scope TKL. Let’s check out and see should you require an upgrade?
The Scope TKL, we find Asus with the brand new Asus ROG Strix Scope RX, a more classic gaming keyboard in its layout, but which hides, as you will see, its game very well.
Indeed, this new model, if it takes a design similar to that found on the Scope range, stands out from its predecessors by using all new mechanical switches ROG RX Red full of promise.
Proposed around 130$, the ROG Strix Scope RX seems to be an exciting keyboard that is positioned at a reasonable price.
The Asus ROG Strix Scope TKL, the “10 keys less” version of the mechanical keyboard, intends to appeal to FPS players and LAN regulars.
Offered at a very high price of $149, the Strix Scope TKL offers a plastic chassis with a metal plate with complete RGB lighting. If some organizational specificities are present, the brand decides to do in the classic with Cherry MX Red switches.
Pros and Cons
| ASUS Rog Strix Scope RX | ASUS Rog Strix Scope TKL |
| Simple and convincing design | Solid build quality |
| Quality RGB lighting | Quality RGB lighting |
| Excellent performance | Excellent performance |
| No wrist rest | Unnecessary CTRL keys |
| Only basic features | High price |
Specification
| ASUS Rog Strix Scope RX | ASUS Rog Strix Scope TKL | |
| $ | CHECK PRICE | CHECK PRICE |
| Brand | ASUS | ASUS |
| Released | January 17, 2020 | December 22, 2020 |
| Dimension | 440 x 137 x 39mm | 356 x 136 x 40mm |
| Weight | 1070g | 811g |
| Colors | Black | Black and Gray |
| Form Factor | 100% mechanical keyboard | 80% mechanical keyboard |
| Material | Aluminum alloy top plate | Aluminum alloy top plate |
| Switch Type | Optical Mechanical Switch | Cherry MX |
| RGB Lighting | Aura Sync | Aura Sync |
| Weather Resistance | IP56 | IP57 |
| Connectivity | USB | USB 2.0 |
| Compatible Devices | Windows |
Design
ASUS Rog Strix Scope RX – Design-wise, Asus seems to have carried over the basics of its previous models with a bevelled metal plate that sits on a thick rigid plastic chassis. Despite this, we appreciate the overall simplification of the design, which says goodbye to the double texture of the metal plate, which gives way here to sobriety.
Indeed, we take advantage here of a discreet grey plate and master key on which the switches rest. Therefore, the set is simple and more sensitive than the previous models and does not displease us. The ROG logo sits in a plastic area where you will also find the LED indicators. A very discreet “Republic Of Gamer” inscription is also present at the keyboard’s base.
The ROG RX switches rest directly on the chassis and are topped with classic ABS keys. Asus still uses its very gamer typeface and whose readability and design are not the most convincing. The switches have unitary RGB lighting that is entirely correct and visible. All the characters are well illuminated, whether on the top or the side of the keys.
On the other hand, the body of the switches is translucent and reveals very clearly the red mechanism present inside. A feature that will necessarily give a red tint to the lighting you choose within the pilot. It’s a detail and a matter of taste, but it’s visible enough for us to point it out.
Under the keyboard, there is a pretty lovely textured plastic chassis that displays the ROG logo in relief. The non-slippery pads do not affect the experience since the keyboard and its weight do not move in place on the desk.
Note also the presence of two retractable feet to raise the back of the keyboard for more comfort. Unfortunately, the keyboard does not come with a wrist rest, which may bother some people due to the significant height of the keys.
On the connection side, it will be necessary to do with the imposing non-braided and non-removable USB cable of about 1.8 meters. It is equipped with a double USB A connection since the keyboard has a USB 2.0 port at the back, allowing you to connect a mouse or a USB key.
Therefore, the Asus ROG Strix Scope RX keyboard goes straight to the point by offering a reasonably simple design without forgetting the origins of the Scope range. We appreciate the solid construction of the whole here, which should therefore last over time without any problem.
The Asus ROG Strix Scope TKL keyboard takes up the design of its “complete” version and consists of a black hard plastic body surmounted by a dark aluminium plate benefiting from a double treatment bringing a little overall originality. The left part is closer to a “sanded” touchdown, while the right has a “brushed” touchdown.
The whole is visually successful, with rounded corners on the upper part and bevelled on the lower part. The ROG range logo sits proudly at the top right and benefits from customizable RGB lighting. The indicator LEDs are therefore relegated to just above the directional keys.
The switches are installed directly on the aluminium plate (it has become the norm) and surmounted by black ABS keys of reasonably good quality. We will note here two small particularities with the left “CTRL” key, which is a little overweight compared to the standard to facilitate its triggering when using the ZQSD keys.
Still, at the level of the keys, we regret the use of the usual “ROG” font. This one, clearly oriented gaming, is not to our taste with characters that are far too large and not readable.
The Strix Scope TKL would gain enormously charm if Asus decided to use a more classic typeface. Pity. We also notice the presence of additional inscription on the front edge of specific keys, which prefigures the possibility of using some integrated functions on which we will come back a little later.
To finish with the keys, these offer integrated and unitary lighting, which we will adjust using the brand driver discussed in the next part. This rather classic and efficient lighting is completed by a light strip present under the keyboard and extending the radiation of the illumination.
In addition to this light strip, the Strix Scope TKL has several rubber pads under its frame complemented by two retractable feet. On the connection side, we will appreciate the presence of a removable USB A to USB type C cable, which will allow on the one hand to replace it, but also to facilitate the transport of the keyboard. Its length (1.8 meters) will allow effective cable management.
With over 800 grams on the scale, the keyboard remains relatively stable on the desk and benefits from good rigidity due to its hard plastic frame, topped with a metal plate.
Overall, the Asus ROG Strix Scope TKL keyboard offers a clear design but lacks a bit of flavour. Only the font used by the brand tarnishes the picture and very clearly marks the gaming aspect of the whole.
Performance
ASUS Rog Strix Scope RX- In terms of design and functionality, the ROG Strix Scope RX is ultimately rather classic, it stands out from its competitors in terms of its performance. Indeed, Asus has developed brand new optical switches, which are very convincing.
We take advantage of linear switches with an activation force of 45 grams and, therefore, instead of typing “Red” on the technical sheet. The activation point is positioned at 1.5 mm, making them more responsive than Cherry MX Red. In addition, the initial force required is 40 grams, which makes them more resistant at the start of the race and thus avoids involuntary activations.
On top of that, the very design of these switches differs from their competitors. Exit the cross rod, replaced by a square, stabilized via a scissor system. No matter where we place our finger on the key, its descent is uniform, and it remains very stable, compared to what we are used to finding on the market. We invite you to consult our video dedicated to the keyboard to realize the difference compared to other gaming keyboards.
In practice, these RX switches work wonders. We benefit from a new experience with reactive switches offering a perfectly measured resistance and a swift return to the initial position. The linear descent is also compelling and approaches the experience that lubricated controls can offer.
In the game, on FPS, in particular, the Scope RX proves to be an ally of choice, and it allows you to chain actions with excellent responsiveness quickly. It will therefore be an ideal companion for all FPS enthusiasts, and it is quite simply the best keyboard with linear switches that we have been able to test so far for this use.
The writing is not left out since, unlike an almost reactive K100 RGB, we find ourselves here with a very fluid and satisfying experience during long sessions. Due to the more strong resistance of the switches, involuntary activations are rarer and are an absolute pleasure to use.
In short, Asus has achieved a tour de force with new switches that stand out from the competition and offer a happy medium between responsiveness and resistance.
ASUS Rog Strix Scope TKL- Asus has decided to play it safe to ensure good performance for its Scope TKL. The version is equipped with Cherry MX Brown mechanical switches. Still, the range is also available with other references: Red, Blue, Silver Speed and Silent Red. Everyone should therefore be able to find their account.
As stated in the first part of this test, the excellent rigidity of the chassis brings increased responsiveness and comfort to the Cherry MX Brown switches. As a reminder, these tactile (but not clicky) switches offer a total travel of 4 mm with an activation point halfway and a force required of 45 grams (55 grams for the tactile point).
Therefore, the overall performance is up to what one is entitled to expect from this type of switch. The keyboard is generally responsive, and lovers of tactile feedback will particularly appreciate this version.
Therefore, the Scope TKL proves to be an ally of choice in-game, especially for FPS players who will appreciate its responsiveness. We put it to the test on our side on Call Of Duty: Warzone, where it proved to be quite effective. The larger “CTRL” key, on the other hand, does not provide any additional comfort and remains, above all, a marketing argument.
Features
ASUS Rog Strix Scope RX- As with the rest of the Asus range, you will need to install the Armoury Crate software to customize all aspects of the keyboard. The tool is not the most convenient on the market to use, but it fulfills its role perfectly by offering a complete interface.
The first tab will allow you to configure the function of each of the keyboard keys and assign keyboard keys or even multimedia shortcuts and other parts related to the operating system. It is also possible to record macros and give them to keys.
Various lighting effects are also available with specific animations whose colour or speed can be customized. To finely customize the lighting effects, you will have to go through a second application called Aura Creator. Similarly, lighting can be synchronized between all compatible devices connected to your machine.
ASUS Rog Strix Scope TKL- To unlock all the features of the Strix Scope TKL keyboard, it will logically be necessary to install the Asus Armoury Crate driver, which is now common to all of the brand’s peripherals. If its interface is not necessarily the most welcoming, we will find the main essential features to take full advantage of its gaming keyboard.
In the key management interface, it will be possible to reassign each of the keys with the functions of our choice. Other keys on the keyboard, system functionalities, application launch or even execution of macros, we find all the usual possibilities offered by a keyboard of this range.
The lighting is managed in a rather summary way within the software with only the possibility of choosing predefined effects, but customizable. Armoury Crate also offers access to Aura Sync to sync their lights if you have other compatible peripherals.
Conclusion!
The Asus Rox Strix Scope RX gaming keyboard is quite simply one of the best linear switch keyboards on the market. If it does not shine by its design and functionalities, it goes on the other hand by focusing on the performances.
The performances are justly admirable, with particularly convincing RX switches that bring something new to the consumer gaming keyboard market. They make this new model an ally of choice for players of FPS and other demanding titles.
Better still, Asus does not go overboard and offers its new keyboard at a relatively reasonable price of around $130. If you are looking for a fresh typing experience with a keyboard that remains pragmatic, the Scope RX is for you.
The Strix Scope TKL is a good choice for the player who wants to equip himself with an excellent mechanical keyboard. If Asus had not been more than heavy-handed on the bill, we would tend to answer you yes.
Indeed, this keyboard ticks all the boxes overall with an exciting design, compelling finishes, and solid construction. We also benefit from performances following the technical sheet and therefore quite suitable.
But here it is, offering such a keyboard at 150 USD seems unreasonable to us. Other manufacturers will offer similar models at this price but with additional functions. Unless you want a setup entirely in the colours of Asus, we do not recommend the ROG Strix Scope TKL.
HyperX Alloy Origins, Roccat Vulcan 120 or Razer Blackwidow will offer a much more attractive price.
