- Cherry MX RGB Switches.
- Acrylic badge with ability to customize.
- USB powered pass through.
- On-the-fly macro recording.
- Full lighting customization with under-glow.
- Multimedia keys with roller-like volume control.
- Full anti-ghosting and N-Key rollover.
- Textured and weighted wristpad.
| Interface | USB + 1 USB pass through |
| Cord Length | 2.0m braided fiber |
| OS Support | Win 10, Win 7 |
| Dimensions | 455 x 155 x 35 mm |
| Weight | 1256g (with cable) |
Inspecting the box alone, there is quite a colorful essence conveyed. The packaging was no frills yet all surfaces were protected well. A small core list of features where outlined on the back of the package, mostly describing the “flare” portions that consisted of RGB color matrices and styling.
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The keyboard itself is hefty and appearances subtly suggest the outside frame is made of metal; this is not the case, it is two-tone rigid plastic with a solid metal base inside. The bottom is very sturdy due to wide surface areas of rubber feet; furthermore, the top flip-out kicks (for incline) are industrial strength and snap into position firmly.
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On the top left corner is not just a tiny thumb or finger wheel for volume, but a weighted roller (the rolling action is completely smooth). Next to that is the windows key lock out and brightness selection. All of these plus the multimedia keys are back lit white, which have a silent (yet firmer response than the Cherry Switch).
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Sporting the flare is what the far top right of the keyboard is all about, with a glowing acrylic badge that one may design or customize a logo. The sides of the Strix Flare also possess the much talked about “under-glow,” which granted, does add an additional visual element.
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The wrist pad is also made of the same tough plastic, but has been treated on the surface to feel like a smooth rubber coating. On the back side, once again, are massive rubber feet. The wrist pad seemed slightly higher at the bottom lip of the keyboard incline then was necessary (more on this at bottom).
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Accessories included a basic setup manual, Republic of Gamers decals, and an extra acrylic badge. The setup supports printing your own logo, stickers (or removable stickers recommended) or even paint. To go the paint route please note a light color provides the best results.
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One thing to mention, notice on the last picture how the wrist pad “secures” itself to the keyboard: The keyboard merely sits on top of it in two small slots. This design choice did raise some issues after extended use and in the end a complete abandonment of the wrist pad occurred.
Considering that this product is marketed toward the gaming segment, it is only logical to use the Cherry MX switch type. This provides the fastest action response with no bump or friction; ideal for the gamer or to work in an office environment. Note that for these same reasons may not be the best if you are a pure typist (and accuracy is ranked of importance).
| Switch Type | Force Curve | Actuation Force |
| Red | Linear | 50 gf |
| Brown | Tactile | 45 gf |
| Blue | Clicky | 50 gf |
| Black | Linear | 60 gf |
ASUS refers to their drivers as the “Armory” and it is unique in the fact that one set of drivers operate and synchronize all ROG products. It is quite instinctive and easy to use; moreover, the best feature is preferred settings are flashed to the hardware.
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The first panel is where 5 (plus the default) profiles are accessed, from hot keys Function + 1-6. This is primarily for lighting effects; however, it is also an easy way to map macro-sets across various games or applications. A lock-out for Alt+Tab and Alt+F4 is also presented with each profile if needed. The custom lighting effects is the most thorough ever witnessed in any driver set (concerning a keyboard), possessing 10 tweakable presets plus the ability to make a set based on your own parameters. Such aspects as patterns, hues, saturation, brightness, thickness, speed, and direction are allowed.
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The macro page is incredibly straight forward with the added bonus of being able to edit the exact delay prior to the final save. Note: Printed on the front of the left alt key is the word macro for the “default” macro initial input. In addition, on the front of the left and right arrow keys is printed on the word “Mode.” The Function+Mode cycles between profile lights while leaving the original macro profile selected.
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The Sync tab is where all ROG peripherals may link lighting profiles together. It is a global command and must write out and save to all hooked devices. Once static, breathing, or color cycle is selected, all peripherals will be “locked” into this and will not be able to have further adjustments made until it is switched off and saved again. The tiny wrench in the top right corner provides a convenient method to check firmware on all ROG devices, as well as provide the option of the drivers auto starting (if needed).
The ASUS ROG Strix was tested over 120+ hours in a variety of applications: approximately 60% in typical typing fashion and 40% in games. To verify the anti-ghosting features, the software Aqua S Key test was used. A detailed breakdown will follow in the Final Thoughts section.
- Processor: Intel Core i7-4790K
- Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UDH5
- System Memory: CORSAIR 16GB 1866Mhz
- Intel 256 M2 main drive with twin 512 SSD.
- Video: Gigabyte GTX 970 G1
- Monitor: ASUS 32″ IPS 2560×1440
The ASUS Strix Flare passed Aqua S Key Test with zero issues. One thing to note is that the pass through USB port on this keyboard has enough voltage to support any peripheral or matching ROG device.
Actual typing experience was smooth and quick; however, with the lack of tactile feedback, sometimes a few errors would slip in (more than the usual). This is recognized as an adjustment phase and does not affect scoring of product. As far as actual gaming, the key response meets expected Cherry MX parameters lending the ability for overall faster response times. FPS games were tested specifically to try out the WASD keys with very positive results in that arena.
This particular keyboard is marketed undoubtedly toward the segment that puts flare and style above everything else. Employing Cherry MX switches with the choice of non-scalloped key-caps was a wise decision and does lend a more even flow to overall typing (furiously in game even). The myriad of default and custom color profiles is primarily what the end-user is paying for; however, the best system (The Armory drivers) is properly executed.
Performance of the ASUS Strix Flare was admirable in games. The response time was indeed smoother and more prominent than other type of MX switches. The ability to flash and save to 5 onboard profiles is also very convenient. !00% anti-ghosting is a standard with this product.
ASUS claims this to be a “dual-textured” type of keyboard; however, it simply looked like a subtle level difference between two mat black paints. Not that this detracts by any means. The presentation of the cycling RGB (especially quicksand and default modes) are something you will not see on other products of this nature.
Construction wise the Strix Flare is actually quite heavy with a solid metal plate inside. There was zero flex in the board or slop in any of the keys. A special nod goes to functionality concerning the back lit media controls, window lock out key, and the much touted volume wheel that is probably the best ever seen on a keyboard so far.
Concerning the value is a little more tricky with this keyboard: retailing for $179.99 (Amazon | Newegg), that is pretty expensive for an RGB lit gaming keyboard. It really boils down to solid aesthetics at this level: if you demand the hottest ROG Strix product or desire the best looking peripheral, cost not being a factor; rest assured in this case you get what you pay for, quality from ASUS with flare.
Pro’s
+ Precision customization for macros and lighting.
+ 5 Discreet profiles (also with independent lighting shifts).
+ Massive weighted (smooth-action) volume wheel.
+ Powered USB pass through.
+ Massive extended legs on bottom for stable angle.
Con’s
– Wrist pad is not comfortable (or even stays attached).
– Very expensive for a Cherry MX keyboard.
Ratings
- Performance: 8.00
- Appearance: 9.00
- Construction: 8.50
- Functionality: 8.25
- Value: 6.50
