The Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless has been a long-time favourite mechanical keyboard of mine. That’s because of its highly functional, near-full-size layout, its smooth, lubricated switches, and just the sense that the entire package feels thoughtful and well-put-together. I tried looking for a deal for in in the UK, sadly to no avail, though our US pals will be happy to learn it’s currently $130 from Amazon US in their Spring Sale (that, for some strange reason, is happening over a week after the UK one ended).
I actually reviewed this very keyboard back when it launched, and became an instant fan of its ROG NX Snow switches – they’re definitely some of the better Cherry MX clones I’ve tested. They provide a smooth and responsive keypress, especially thanks to their pre-lubrication, and several layers of sound dampening inside keep this ‘board from producing any rattle or ping from the case. The switches are also hot-swappable, so you can replace them at will – without any need for soldering and de-soldering – to give the keyboard a different feel, if you’d prefer.
It’s a sturdy keyboard, too, with a chassis comprised of aluminium and plastic, plus a lightly space-saving 96% layout that gives you all the accoutrements of a full-size option, just in a slightly squished-up form factor. (It’s also known as the 1800 layout – both are the same thing Bit of keeb knowledge there, for your Wednesday morning.)
PBT keycaps are a pleasant inclusion, providing more of a premium touch and a more durable finish, as is the addition of a wristrest to complete the package. Wireless connectivity is handled with either Bluetooth or low-latency 2.4GHz, and Asus rates this keyboard to last for 80-90 hours on a charge with the RGB on. Turn this off, though, and Asus reckon it could last up to 1,500 hours. That’s… yeesh, 62 and a half days.
The only element of the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless I had reservations about, at the time of my review was its software. ROG Armoury Crate has never been the slickest or most feature-rich of its contemporaries, although with this keyboard, there is decent scope for key remapping, configuring the RGB lighting and the functions of the volume wheel in the corner. It just seemed a little sluggish but if you can look past it, there are some useful functions within. Asus has started to use a new, web-based system for newer products, although I’m not sure if it retrospectively applies to older models.
It’s still a very capable mechanical keyboard, mind, and this Amazon Spring Sale deal knocks it down to its joint lowest-ever US price.
