ASUS: THE BEST KEYBOARDS & HEADSETS FOR 2021
There are few things more satisfying in life than the moment where your fingers adjust to a new keyboard. The satisfying click of the switches as you type that email, search for that Reddit thread, or – best of all – pull off that perfect gaming manoeuvre. Of course, that gaming moment is going to land much harder if the sweet sound of victory is pumped right into your ears by a new headset. ASUS understands the importance of great peripherals, and that your keyboard and headset need to not only enhance your gaming, but also handle work, music, browsing, and anything else you might want to use your computer for. That’s why their range of keyboards, switches, and headsets is as stylish and practical as it is competitive.
THE KEYS TO SUCCESS
ASUS’ flagship keyboard is the ROG Claymore II, a titan of typing with a robust feature set that’ll suit any game or task you might throw at it. This wireless mechanical keyboard is designed to be comfortable across long gaming sessions, with a variety of customisation options and accessibility features. Chief among these is a detachable numpad, which can slot into either the left or right side, as well as a wrist rest, four programmable hotkeys, and a volume control wheel. The numpad houses the hotkeys and moving it can make it easier for your non-mouse hand to reach them during fast-paced online games where milliseconds make the difference between a win or a loss. You can even detach the numpad entirely if size is a concern, making this an extremely versatile keyboard.
The Claymore II is completely wireless, with options for both USB-C fast charging and USB Type-A
passthrough. It ditches the wires without losing any of the features you might want, including Aura Sync – you can program your keyboard’s light display and colour patterns to match your mood. You can expect up to 144 hours on a single charge with the lighting features turned off, or 43 when they’re turned on. The Claymore II also features onboard memory for up to six profiles, and excellent build quality: it looks stylish and feels fantastic. It works at a distance thanks to its wireless dongle extender, and features an LED battery indicator so that you never get caught short.
For the more budget-minded PC gamer who still wants the bells and whistles of a superior keyboard, it’s hard to go past the ROG Strix Scope RX. This wired model sports some top-end features, including USB
2.0 passthrough, Aura Sync RGB illumination, and a stealth key that can hide apps and mute sound at the press of a button. The onboard memory lets you store up to five profiles, as well as several multi-key macro commands, and a quick-toggle switch makes it easy to shift between function and media modes for your keys. It’s made from quality materials, with an alloy top cover and with resistance to both dust and water, so it’ll suit gamers on the go. It’s a brilliant keyboard at a budget price.
Both keyboards are compatible with ASUS’ ROG RX Switches to ensure the best experience possible. These brilliant switches are designed for fast, satisfying inputs, and - thanks to their infrared actuation feature - these switches offer a 1.5mm actuation point across both the red and blue variants. The ROG Red Optical Mechanical Switches are designed for fast response times, with near-instant inputs from a lowforce push, while the Blue switches are perfect for gamers who prefer a clickier keyboard. These switches will give you wobble-free keystrokes thanks to their X-stabilizer feature and 4-c0rner latches, making for perfect, consistent keystrokes.
THE SOUND CHOICE
If you’re looking for a new headset to go along with your new keyboard, ASUS has an excellent range. Whether you’re after a highquality wireless set for comfort and convenience, or a wired device that will be perfect for multiplayer gaming, you can be sure that an ROGbranded headset will deliver.
The Strix Go series is a versatile range of headsets for all needs and budgets, headlined by the brilliant ROG Strix Go 2.4. This USB-C
2.4 GHz wireless gaming headset features a 3.5mm cable and AI-noise cancelling microphone for crystalclear communication, meaning that not only will you experience incredible sound quality, but your teammates will thank you, too. The Strix Go 2.4 features a lightweight design, with plush cushioning to keep your ears comfortable, and in wireless mode it can last up to 25 hours on a full charge; and if it runs out, just 15 minutes of charge will last for three hours. The sound quality is incredible: these headphones are optimised for deep bass and immersive audio, so you can shut the world out entirely and focus on what’s on screen. It’s perfect for listening to music or podcasts, too, and thanks to its collapsible design and the included carry bag, it’s easy to take with you wherever you go. It’s also perfect if your gaming extends beyond the PC: it’s compatible with both the PS5 and Nintendo Switch via a USB-C dongle. You can enjoy your Switch on the go with phenomenal sound quality.
For a cheaper wired headset, the Strix Go Core will deliver brilliant sound at a budget price, with many of the same features as its high-end brethren. It features ROG’s brilliantly designed airtight chambers for immersive sound, a volume wheel right on the ear cup, and cross compatibility across multiple devices. If you want the convenience of a Bluetooth headset, the Strix Go BT has you covered. You can get immersive sound on the go without the need for a dongle, with up to 45 hours of battery life from a full charge and all the same design perks as the Go 2.4.
If you prefer a wired headset for superior high-quality sound, the ROG Delta S is an excellent set that boasts some incredible features. This extremely powerful headset boasts high-resolution ESS 9281 audio with MQA technology: so immersive you’ll forget where you are. It also sports a noise-cancelling microphone, along with RGB lighting and comfortable D-shaped ear cups. At just 300 grams, it’s extremely light, too. If you don’t mind a wired device, it offers unbeatable sound performance.
No matter what your preference or budget, ASUS’ range of keyboards, switches, and headsets are a smart addition to your PC and entertainment set-ups. You’ll enjoy brilliantly tactile keystrokes, enhanced sound, and the build quality that ASUS has long been celebrated for.