ASUS ROG Falchion RX Low Profile Keyboard Review

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So, you’ve been on the hunt for a new gaming keyboard, huh? Something sleek, compact, and wireless, but still packs a punch? Look no further! Today, we’re diving deep into the ASUS ROG Falchion RX Low Profile Keyboard. This bad boy is not just for gamers; it’s versatile enough for office work and even mobile use. Grab a snack and settle in because we’re about to get nerdy (in a fun way, promise).

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Unboxing the Beast: First Impressions

Let’s start with the packaging. ASUS knows how to make an entrance. The box is sturdy, with bold ROG branding that screams “I mean business.” Inside, you find the ASUS ROG Falchion RX Low Profile Keyboard snugly nestled, with a plastic dust cover perched on top. There’s also a USB-C charging cable, a USB dongle for the 2.4 GHz connection, and some documentation you’ll likely ignore because, let’s be real, you’re too excited to get started.

Design and Build Quality: Sleek and Sexy

The ASUS ROG Falchion RX Low Profile is a looker. It’s compact and slim, clocking in at a 65% keyboard layout. This means it’s smaller than your typical tenkeyless keyboard, but it doesn’t skimp on essential keys. The 68-key layout includes arrow keys and navigation keys, all packed into a frame that’s only 26.5mm thick. That’s thinner than a slice of New York pizza!

But don’t let the slim profile fool you. This keyboard is built like a tank. The body feels solid, with minimal flex. The plastic dust cover is a nice touch, adding a layer of protection when you’re on the go. And when you’re using the keyboard, you can snap this cover onto the back, where it doubles as a base with large rubber feet to keep the keyboard from sliding around.

Key Switches: Smooth as Butter

Alright, let’s talk switches. The ASUS ROG Falchion RX Low Profile comes with ROG RX Red Low-Profile Optical switches. These bad boys are pre-lubed, which means they’re incredibly smooth right out of the box. They offer a linear feel, which is perfect for gaming since there’s no tactile bump or click – just a straight, smooth press.

These switches also have centralized lighting, which means each key is evenly lit. No more uneven lighting or dark spots. And the low-profile design means your fingers don’t have to travel as far, which can reduce fatigue during long gaming sessions.

RGB Lighting: Light Up Your World

If you’re a fan of RGB (and who isn’t these days?), you’re in for a treat. The ASUS ROG Falchion RX Low Profile features full RGB backlighting that you can customize to your heart’s content. Using the ASUS Aura Sync software, you can choose from a plethora of lighting effects and colors. Want a rainbow wave? You got it. Prefer a static color? No problem. You can even sync the lighting with other Aura Sync-compatible devices for a coordinated light show.

Connectivity: Triple Threat

One of the standout features of the ASUS ROG Falchion RX Low Profile is its tri-mode connectivity. You can connect via Bluetooth, the included 2.4 GHz USB dongle, or a wired USB connection. The Bluetooth mode lets you pair with up to three devices simultaneously, which is a lifesaver if you’re constantly switching between your PC, tablet, and phone.

The 2.4 GHz mode uses ASUS’s ROG SpeedNova wireless technology, which promises ultra-low latency and a stable connection. And if you’re old-school or just don’t want to deal with wireless, the wired USB option is always there as a reliable fallback.

Special Features: Bells and Whistles

This keyboard isn’t just a pretty face; it’s packed with features that make it stand out. The touch panel on the left side is a game-changer. You can use it to control media playback, adjust volume, and even tweak the keyboard’s lighting. It’s intuitive and adds a layer of functionality that’s genuinely useful.

Another neat feature is the MacOS support. There’s a physical toggle switch that lets you switch between Windows and MacOS modes, making this keyboard versatile enough for both platforms. Plus, the integrated silicone dampening foam helps reduce noise and provides a more comfortable typing experience.

Performance: Ready for Battle

When it comes to performance, the ASUS ROG Falchion RX Low Profile doesn’t disappoint. The latency performance is outstanding, making it a great choice for both casual and competitive gaming. The keyboard feels responsive, and the keys register with precision. Whether you’re strafing in an FPS or executing a combo in a fighting game, this keyboard keeps up.

However, we did encounter some key chatter during our testing. Key chatter is when a single press registers as multiple presses, which can be frustrating, especially in fast-paced games. It’s worth noting that this might be a quality control issue, and not all units will have this problem. But it’s something to keep in mind.

Typing Experience: Not Just for Gamers

While the ASUS ROG Falchion RX Low Profile is marketed as a gaming keyboard, it’s also a solid choice for office work. The low-profile design is comfortable to type on, even without a wrist rest. The linear switches are quiet, making them ideal for shared or noise-sensitive environments.

That said, the key chatter issue we mentioned earlier does impact the typing experience. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s noticeable, especially if you’re doing a lot of typing. If you get a unit without this issue, though, you’re in for a treat. The keyboard is comfortable, responsive, and a joy to use.

Portability: On-the-Go Companion

One of the best things about the ASUS ROG Falchion RX Low Profile is its portability. The compact design and included dust cover make it easy to toss in your bag and take with you. Whether you’re heading to a LAN party, a coffee shop, or just moving between rooms, this keyboard is ready to go.

The downside is that the dust cover doesn’t snap into place or offer the same level of protection as a dedicated carrying case. It’s better than nothing, but if you’re clumsy or worried about damage, you might want to invest in a proper case.

Battery Life: Keep Going and Going

Battery life is another area where the ASUS ROG Falchion RX Low Profile shines. ASUS claims up to 450 hours of battery life with the RGB lighting off, and while we didn’t test it for that long, we can confirm that the battery lasts a long time. Even with the RGB lighting on, you’re looking at several days of heavy use before needing to recharge.

And when it’s time to recharge, the USB-C connection makes it quick and painless. No fiddling with micro-USB cables here. Just plug it in, and you’re good to go.

Configuration Software: Make It Yours

Customization is key when it comes to gaming peripherals, and the ASUS ROG Falchion RX Low Profile doesn’t disappoint. The ASUS Armoury Crate software lets you customize everything from the RGB lighting to key assignments. You can create macros, set up profiles for different games, and even fine-tune the touch panel settings.

The software is intuitive and easy to use, but it does require a bit of a learning curve if you’re not familiar with it. Once you get the hang of it, though, you’ll appreciate the level of control it gives you.

Final Thoughts: A Mixed Bag

So, where does that leave us? The ASUS ROG Falchion RX Low Profile is a fantastic keyboard with a lot to offer. It’s compact, well-built, and packed with features that make it a great choice for both gaming and everyday use. The tri-mode connectivity, touch panel, and MacOS support are standout features that set it apart from the competition.

However, the key chatter issue is a significant drawback. It’s possible that we just got a faulty unit, but it’s something to be aware of. If you can get your hands on a unit without this issue, you’re in for a great experience. If not, it might be worth looking at other options.

Recommendations

Would we recommend the ASUS ROG Falchion RX Low Profile? Absolutely, but with a caveat. If you’re a gamer looking for a compact, feature-rich keyboard, and you can get a unit without the key chatter issue, this keyboard is a fantastic choice. It’s comfortable, versatile, and performs well in both gaming and everyday use.

If you’re concerned about the key chatter, it might be worth trying the keyboard out in person or looking for a return policy that allows you to exchange it if you encounter issues. Alternatively, you could wait for ASUS to address this in future production runs.

Overall, the ASUS ROG Falchion RX Low Profile is a strong contender in the wireless gaming keyboard market. Its combination of design, features, and performance makes it a worthy addition to any setup. Just be sure to keep an eye out for that key chatter.

And there you have it – the ASUS ROG Falchion RX Low Profile Keyboard Review. Hopefully, this helps you make an informed decision. Happy gaming (or typing, or both)!

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