Asus ROG AZOTH/NXSM/PBT Gaming Keyboard, OLED Display, Storm Switch, 75 Keys, Tri-mode Connection, Black

I can only give this 4 stars unfortunately, I’ll tell you why. The Pro’s:The Azoth feels well made.It is very nice to type on after getting used to.The RGB is good.The software (which I read was terrible everywhere online) is actually pretty good, I had no issues installing it or running it.The NX red keys it comes with are smooth and give a nice sound.The wireless connectivity with both 2.4 and Bluetooth are great for me as I have to switch between my home PC and my work laptop, the switching is seamless and has allowed me to really reduce my desk clutter. The adjustable feet give good angles for typing.Comes with some bundled extras, which I’ll probs never use, but they’re nice to have.The screen is useful and you can have some fun with it if ... MoreI can only give this 4 stars unfortunately, I’ll tell you why. The Pro’s:The Azoth feels well made.It is very nice to type on after getting used to.The RGB is good.The software (which I read was terrible everywhere online) is actually pretty good, I had no issues installing it or running it.The NX red keys it comes with are smooth and give a nice sound.The wireless connectivity with both 2.4 and Bluetooth are great for me as I have to switch between my home PC and my work laptop, the switching is seamless and has allowed me to really reduce my desk clutter. The adjustable feet give good angles for typing.Comes with some bundled extras, which I’ll probs never use, but they’re nice to have.The screen is useful and you can have some fun with it if you wanted.Hot swappable switches!The Con’sThe Azoth advertises 2000 hours battery life with screen and RGB off. And that is fine, but, most people are noting to do that. So, for me RGB at 100% and screen at 50%, using the keyboard on average 12-14 hours a day (work and gaming), got me 7 days use before it went to energy saving mode. I thought this could better.The double shot PBT keycaps are not the best, they feel nice, but the shine through is questionable on some keys.The keycaps are not the same as the ones advertised on the Box website. This honestly was almost a deal breaker for me and I almost sent the keyboard back. As a programmer, I need to see all of the keys, and I often work in a darkened room. So with the special character keys being printed and not shine through as per the pictures, I couldn’t see them at all at night. I had seen differences in the keycaps on sites so I had contacted Asus and Box directly before purchase to find out what I would receive, neither could tell me and advised to contact the other. So, just so you’re aware, they are not the good keycaps.You will struggle to get replacement keycaps for this keyboard too. I have found some, but the choice was very limited.Overall, I really like keyboard, it’s is a big improvement over my Corsair, which I had had for about 4 years. It is comfortable, small and works as it should. Is it worth the price tag?? I don’t think it is, if this keyboard was around the £180-£200 point, I would recommend, however, for £240, I think it is missing the everything that is needed on they keycaps and battery to make me value it at that.

Endgame - Even for a Keyboard Enthusiast

I have gone through many boards ranging from $100-$800 and I have to say this really ticks all the boxes when it comes to even a custom build. Gasket mounted, hot swap for both 3 pin and 5 pin switches, 75% build, foam and silicone modded, factory lubed switches and fantastic stabs. Now to add on this things that you will never get on a custom build like the customizable OLED screen (which is actually super useful to show CPU and GPU usage and temps) as well as the tri band 2.4 ghz, bluetooh, and wired mode. This is fantastic for me as I use two computers and this makes swapping them literally instant. Typing and gaming on this is a dream. I did swap out the switches for the Glorious Fox Switches from microcenter also, highly recommend them for a step up on a linear ... MoreI have gone through many boards ranging from $100-$800 and I have to say this really ticks all the boxes when it comes to even a custom build. Gasket mounted, hot swap for both 3 pin and 5 pin switches, 75% build, foam and silicone modded, factory lubed switches and fantastic stabs. Now to add on this things that you will never get on a custom build like the customizable OLED screen (which is actually super useful to show CPU and GPU usage and temps) as well as the tri band 2.4 ghz, bluetooh, and wired mode. This is fantastic for me as I use two computers and this makes swapping them literally instant. Typing and gaming on this is a dream. I did swap out the switches for the Glorious Fox Switches from microcenter also, highly recommend them for a step up on a linear build

Endgame Keyboard

I've had this keyboard for not very long, but I immediately fell in love. It has some weight to it, giving it a very premium feel. I bought the board with Red switches, and it feels lovely to type on. I am not a keyboard/switch expert, but I am sure you wont find it hard to enjoy typing on this keyboard. The OLED screen is a nice touch to have, though of course not necessary.The fact that these switches are hot-swappable make this keyboard incredibly appealing. It is darn good as is, but having the freedom to customize it as you please makes it an endgame keyboard. Everything about it feels classy. You truly get what you pay for, and this is no exception.

Exactly the middle ground stock experience I wante

A really good step in the right direction for bigger gaming companies to bridge the gap between enthusiast keyboard hobbyists and casual gamers.Stock stabilizers are extremely good, even to the standards of some custom keyboards I've seen. It can even take screw in stabs too so aftermarket choices are plentiful. The switches (Asus NX switches) are factory lubed, there is plenty of poron foam, and is gasket mount; all contributing to a really nice stock sound experience. Disassembly is really straightforward as well so changing anything is relatively easy.Armoury Crate is required to change keymapping and the animation on the small OLED screen. The animation is surprisingly smooth and works like a charm with files saved in the .gif format.Wireless with the ... MoreA really good step in the right direction for bigger gaming companies to bridge the gap between enthusiast keyboard hobbyists and casual gamers.Stock stabilizers are extremely good, even to the standards of some custom keyboards I've seen. It can even take screw in stabs too so aftermarket choices are plentiful. The switches (Asus NX switches) are factory lubed, there is plenty of poron foam, and is gasket mount; all contributing to a really nice stock sound experience. Disassembly is really straightforward as well so changing anything is relatively easy.Armoury Crate is required to change keymapping and the animation on the small OLED screen. The animation is surprisingly smooth and works like a charm with files saved in the .gif format.Wireless with the dongle and bluetooth work flawlessly. Of course, the dongle is definitely the way to go for playing games as the response time is pretty much indistinguishable from wired.Downsides are the bottom casing being plastic leading to a slightly "cheaper" feel (though Asus has said that it's to allow for less interference with their wireless tech). The price is also really hard to justify for both enthusiasts and casual gamers as you could build a better looking and sounding custom board for cheaper, and spending this much for some gamers is odd when it's not full sized.Though personally, it's hard not to recommend it to someone who can't decide between the two. Overall, I love it!

Is it worth it?

Pros:- Excellent build quality- OLED screen is a nice addition- Battery life / wireless connectivity is great- Double-shot PBT keycaps are an added bonusCons:- No wrist rest- ExpensiveThis keyboard is hefty and feels premium straight out of the box. I currently use the OLED screen to monitor my CPU and GPU temps during long gaming sessions. The 3-way control knob + push button also does well in replacing the typical multimedia buttons/volume scroll you would typically find at the top of a full size keyboard.Other things to consider:- The keycap height is in-between my Logitech G915 TKL low profile and Razer Blackwidow which I really like but will be down to personal preference.- I didn't run into any issues upgrading the firmware out of the box ... MorePros:- Excellent build quality- OLED screen is a nice addition- Battery life / wireless connectivity is great- Double-shot PBT keycaps are an added bonusCons:- No wrist rest- ExpensiveThis keyboard is hefty and feels premium straight out of the box. I currently use the OLED screen to monitor my CPU and GPU temps during long gaming sessions. The 3-way control knob + push button also does well in replacing the typical multimedia buttons/volume scroll you would typically find at the top of a full size keyboard.Other things to consider:- The keycap height is in-between my Logitech G915 TKL low profile and Razer Blackwidow which I really like but will be down to personal preference.- I didn't run into any issues upgrading the firmware out of the box but maybe this has been ironed out in Armoury Crate?- I don't find this to be an issue but there is a small notch on the W key which may bother some peopleOverall, I'm very happy with my purchase and wouldn't hesitate to buy this keyboard again.

The BEST mainbrand keyboard on the market!

This keyboard is simply amazing. It looks and feels great with features that you would not normally find on main-brand keyboards like gasket mounting and layered foam for cushioning. It also is one of the VERY FEW keyboards that are in the TKL format that is also wireless and hot-swappable. The OLED display looks great and is fun to play with (frankly a gimmick, but cool and a showcase nonetheless). The aluminum top plate and strong plastic bottom casing feel very sturdy and reliable. I was previously hesitant about spending such a large amount on a keyboard with a plastic bottom housing, but there is absolutely no flexing or creaking when stressed, and was apparently chosen because it would be difficult for the 2.4GHZ and Bluetooth signals to escape a full metal ... MoreThis keyboard is simply amazing. It looks and feels great with features that you would not normally find on main-brand keyboards like gasket mounting and layered foam for cushioning. It also is one of the VERY FEW keyboards that are in the TKL format that is also wireless and hot-swappable. The OLED display looks great and is fun to play with (frankly a gimmick, but cool and a showcase nonetheless). The aluminum top plate and strong plastic bottom casing feel very sturdy and reliable. I was previously hesitant about spending such a large amount on a keyboard with a plastic bottom housing, but there is absolutely no flexing or creaking when stressed, and was apparently chosen because it would be difficult for the 2.4GHZ and Bluetooth signals to escape a full metal housing. Speaking of which, the keyboard is rated at an insane 2000 hours of battery life when the RGB and OLED are turned off.The only negative I have for the board is the ASUS armory crate software that is used to set up advanced RGB features and modify the display GIF and menus on the OLED. It is pretty buggy and took a re-install to get working. However, once you have everything set the way you want it, you never have to touch it again. You can easily cycle all modes of RGB patterns or brightness through keyboard hotkeys, retiring the need to ever play around with armory crate again.The Azoth also comes with a lot of accessories for modding: a key cap/switch puller, a switch housing opener, 3 extra keyboard switches if one breaks, and keyboard switch lube with a brush for application. Frankly, the Azoth is a great way to enter the realm of high-end keyboard modding and I feel that it has the capability to last you a very long time. If you ever get tired of the feel of the board, you can simply pop out the switches and put in something new and refreshing. Personally, I have already changed out my ASUS NX blue switches for Glorious's Holy Pandas. It is a very expensive board, but it is also very unique and is perfect for those that want to customize their keyboard without having to go and separately buy a bunch of equipment to dip their toes into the hobby.I highly recommend the Azoth if you are in the market for an amazing, high-end keyboard.

The Keyboard is GREAT, the software is GARBAGE.

Using with a ROG Strix SCAR laptop. The keyboard itself is fantastic. Armoury Crate is still complete garbage. Took over two frustrating hours to do the mandatory firmware update. Multiple errors, uninstalled/reinstalled Armoury Crate. If MicroCenter was still open, I would have taken it back and exchanged for a BlackWidow v4 75%. It's finally updated and working, we'll see how long it lasts. Armoury Crate is so so SO incredibly bloated and bad.

The best MAIN-BRAND keyboard

Put simply, this is the beat MAIN-BRAND keyboard out there. Better than anything razer, anything, corsair, steelseries, etc. While you might not see much in it’s stock format, the sheer customization is what gives it this title. To be expected from a reddot 2023 winner, it has tons kf optoons when it comes to the keys, no sodering needed, has a 2,000 HOUR BATTERY LIFE, and has a pretty rad OLED screen. Are there better enthusiast keyboards? Yes, but for a beginner, its worth it. Its not built cheap, has plenty of options, and even gives you a lubing kit as well, if the factory switches aren’t up to smuff for you. I purchased the brown switches and will be keeping them for a bit because I love the thicker sound, but it does come with brown, red, and even blue ... MorePut simply, this is the beat MAIN-BRAND keyboard out there. Better than anything razer, anything, corsair, steelseries, etc. While you might not see much in it’s stock format, the sheer customization is what gives it this title. To be expected from a reddot 2023 winner, it has tons kf optoons when it comes to the keys, no sodering needed, has a 2,000 HOUR BATTERY LIFE, and has a pretty rad OLED screen. Are there better enthusiast keyboards? Yes, but for a beginner, its worth it. Its not built cheap, has plenty of options, and even gives you a lubing kit as well, if the factory switches aren’t up to smuff for you. I purchased the brown switches and will be keeping them for a bit because I love the thicker sound, but it does come with brown, red, and even blue switches! Overall, I would give the keyboard an 8/10. The downsides are really just the price. You couldmake your own keyboard for about $100 dollars cheaper if you cut some corners and had to, but its amazing stock.