Some points about the ASUS ROG Strix II 96 Wireless

[Lysrin]

Whew that name! Thought I'd mention some things from my setup of the recent purchase. Just in case anyone else is considering buying one. @Caldezar chime in here too! You bought it first

- The NX Snow switches are COMPLETELY different from my MX Browns. Maybe it is the lube or the backing under the tray, not sure but the typing experience and sound on this keyboard feels all together more premium than my Cooler Master TKL. And that wasn't a cheap keyboard either. But now having used this I can only describe the Cooler Master as being noisy or empty sounding and feeling "sloppy" for lack of a better word. It is one of those things that you are not aware of until you have something to compare it with.

- Do not attempt a firmware update for the wireless dongle or the keyboard through a USB hub. Both work fine in normal operation through my hub, can set lighting effects from Armoury Crate, etc. but the firmware updates repeatedly failed. Connecting directly to USB ports on the PC solved the issue. Maybe that is an oddity with my particular hub, but passing on in case someone else runs into issues.

- The alternate ROG space bar is not the same height as the default one. So when I put that on it ended up being taller than all the other keys. I'm not sure if I'm doing something wrong there or not, but I don't like that. If that is by design, then I won't be using it. Unfortunate because it is a cool looking spacebar.

- Although I don't love the font on they keys, the keys themselves have a nice texture to them that I do like. I think I will stick with them for a while after all.

- Armoury Crate continues to be software that I find unintuitive. Once you figure out where something is and how to do it, clearly then you're fine, but I do find it oddly designed.

Very pleased with the purchase! Nice to have a numpad back again, still on a smaller form factor. It is going to take a little bit to get used to the non-standard Ins, Del, etc. (always a trade off somewhere) and the arrow keys being closer to my right hand, but I certainly now see why this keyboard was so well reviewed.

 

[Lysrin]

One additional thing, apparently the NX Snow switches are a linear switch, comparable to MX Reds. However, I didn't really like Reds, but I do definitely like these.

But as with a lot of this keyboard stuff, I'm going to guess that is another thing that ends up being pretty subjective for preference.

 

[Caldezar]

You're spot on with the switches. They're linear with no 'clicky' bump, which is why they feel different than the browns. Even though the browns have a silent click, it's still there from a feel standpoint.

The texture on the keys is because they are double shot PBT. Also stops them from getting that slick 'sheen' on them over time.

Armory crate is terrible. Period.

I haven't swapped out the spacebar as I don't really like the rog one. But I do recall someone in a review talking about a unique way that the space clips in with the stabilizers. So maybe there's something that needs to be done? But I haven't tried yet.

The custom locations and shortcuts for the 9 'command keys' (or whatever they're called) does take some getting used to, but you adapt quick.
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Overall this has been a phenomenal purchase and I'm glad I went with it. Although I'm a bit bummed that the wireless performance hasn't been as spectacular as people are saying, but it's not a problem to keep it wired. Given that the custom keyboards I was looking at were going to be closer to $300 for something similar, I think this worked out well.

 

[Lysrin]

I did do what I thought the instructions said with the extra stabilizers for the spacebar, but possible that I did something incorrect. I should have a look at it again. Not a huge issue because I like the look for the normal spacebar too.

What was your disappointment with the wireless? It seems to be working well for me for the couple days I've been using it. Tomorrow will another full work from home day so I'll be on it all day. I charged it when I set it up on Wed morning, used it for that work from home day but it was charging for part of that, and it is at 93% currently.

If I had to find something to complain about, it would be the number row keys and the illumination of the shift option legend for those keys... or nearly complete lack of illumination I should say. I am at the computer now with the only light being my monitor and the backlit keyboard. Overall the backlight is very good. Even, slick looking. But I cannot see those shift options on the number row at all. Not a huge deal, but would be nice if they were illuminated a bit better.

I agree with you @Caldezar. Very pleased with it. Typing on it is just so darn nice! I'm actually quite surprised.

 

[sswilson]

If I had to find something to complain about, it would be the number row keys and the illumination of the shift option legend for those keys... or nearly complete lack of illumination I should say. I am at the computer now with the only light being my monitor and the backlit keyboard. Overall the backlight is very good. Even, slick looking. But I cannot see those shift options on the number row at all. Not a huge deal, but would be nice if they were illuminated a bit better.

How are the legends on the keycaps? These YMDK Shine Through ones have the numbers beside the "Shift" symbols.

Without looking I'd bet that yours are the standard (for shine through gaming keyboards) numbers on the top, symbols on the bottom? If that's the case then it's similar to my Corsair w/ top (north facing) leds where that's the strongest light and the lower symbol just doesn't get a lot of direct light.

 

[Lysrin]

How are the legends on the keycaps? These YMDK Shine Through ones have the numbers beside the "Shift" symbols.

Without looking I'd bet that yours are the standard (for shine through gaming keyboards) numbers on the top, symbols on the bottom? If that's the case then it's similar to my Corsair w/ top (north facing) leds where that's the strongest light and the lower symbol just doesn't get a lot of direct light.

Yup you got it. Exactly that. Number on the top and symbol on the bottom. I certainly understand "why" it happens, I'd just prefer to have a bit more lighting I guess. The keycaps can always be changes of course. Or perhaps there's switches out there with north and south lighting on the same switch? Ooo that'd be something.

The legends themselves I think are very good quality, even if the font itself is gamer or techy looking. They are very consistent and clear to my eye. I have not complaints about that.

Another unexpected thing. The lighted switches are not in a frame. Looks great for the the lighting. However, in dark content on screen in a game, I now see a red (chosen colour) strip reflected back at me in the monitor, reflection from the top row of switches on the keyboard! Rather distracting. Sheesh... always something. That I certainly did NOT anticipate lol

 

[sswilson]

Or perhaps there's switches out there with north and south lighting on the same switch? Ooo that'd be something.

The LEDs are on the keyboard PCB, not incorporated into the switches.

 

[Lysrin]

The LEDs are on the keyboard PCB, not incorporated into the switches.

Ah okay. That makes sense considering the switches are removable... duh. Well perhaps a PCB with two for each switch area?

 

[Lysrin]

Just an update on wireless battery life. Started at 93%. Used a fair bit last night. Used all day today for work. RGB set to a single static colour, 90% brightness. Battery is now at 79%.

Never had a wireless keyboard before, but that seems decent?

 

[Caldezar]

My issue with the wireless is a combination of mediocre latency and ghosted key presses. Could be environmental as I have a lot going on in my office? But so far wired has been amazing.

@sswilson - Only the north (primary) function of any key is shine-through. So the secondary num functions and the down facing 'fn' functions are all just printed on. Image below for reference.

This is definitely an annoyance of mine as well. But It's tough to have it all.