Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless: A Compact and Wireless Gaming Keyboard
If you’re looking for a wireless mechanical gaming keyboard, the Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless is a compelling option. Its compact layout and hot-swappable PCB help it stand out in a growing market, and its refined NX switches pair nicely with the 2.4GHz wireless connection.
Asus’s new ROG NX Snow linear switches are pre-lubed, and the actuation force now sits at 45g. The keyboard also includes extra sound-dampening foam, an aluminum alloy top plate, and tri-mode connectivity with 1,500 hours of battery life over 2.4GHz wireless.
All of this comes at a price though, with the ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless costing $179.99 (£219.99). It’s a hefty price considering the original ROG Azoth costs $159.99 (£149.99), but with a lower actuation force and customizable per-key RGB lighting, it could be worth the upgrade.
Design and Layout
I’ve used the original ROG Azoth for a couple of years, so the styling of the ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless takes some getting used to. The keyboard is slightly wider than a standard 80% layout, giving it a chunky feel that’s accentuated by the thicker keycaps.
Although the ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless has a 96-percent layout, it feels more like a 99-percent board due to the extra key real estate on the left side. I’ve spent the last week getting used to its slightly wider profile, but if you don’t like the way your thumbs sit, you might want to look elsewhere. The good news is that the keycaps can be replaced, so you can always swap them out for something more comfortable.
Asus includes its ROG eye key on the Scope II 96 Wireless, which cycles between volume, media, lighting, and customizable options. It’s a neat feature that’s handy for gaming and multimedia, but I’d prefer if the volume controls took priority over lighting. Having to cycle through the options every time I want to change my volume is a bit of a nuisance, and I’d much rather have a dedicated volume knob instead.
The ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless comes with a magnetic leatherette wrist rest that’s comfortable to use, and it also comes with a USB-C to USB-A cable, a USB extender, and a combination keycap and switch puller. I’d prefer if Asus bundled a second wrist rest, since the one included feels a bit too narrow, but it’s a nice addition regardless.
Specifications
The ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless uses Asus’s NX Snow switches, which the company describes as “refined” linear switches. It also comes with double-shot PBT keycaps that have a lower profile than full-size keyboards, which makes them more suitable for a 96-percent layout. Typing on the keyboard feels smooth and stable, and I didn’t come across any key wobble during my time with it.
The ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless uses 2.4GHz wireless, which means you shouldn’t experience any latency while gaming. I didn’t notice any delays while using the keyboard, and it’ll also connect to up to three Bluetooth devices simultaneously.
The Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless is a well-constructed keyboard, but I wish it felt a bit more premium. Sure, it includes an aluminum alloy top plate and a plastic chassis, but its price is comparable to the Asus ROG GX800 laptop, and I’d expect the two products to feel a bit more similar.
Features
The Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless has a 2.4GHz wireless connection, which is a nice alternative to Bluetooth. It uses the same Nordic nRF52840 chipset as the ROG Strix Edge, but it also includes 128KB of flash memory for storing firmware.
I didn’t notice any latency using the ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless, and its multi-function key includes an LED that cycles between its connection status, battery life, and mouse functions. It’s a handy feature that makes it easy to check on your connection, and you’ll also find a USB-C charging port on the back of the keyboard.
The ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless includes Asus Armoury Crate software, which allows you to pair the included Omni Receiver dongle to multiple devices using its one-click pairing process. You can also use the software to configure macro keys and lighting effects, but I’d advise against installing any virtual pets or wallpapers on your PC.
Performance
The Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless is a solid gaming keyboard, with no noticeable latency over 2.4GHz wireless. I also like that it’s been designed with gamers in mind, featuring a multi-function key that cycles between volume, media, lighting, and customizable options.
