ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate Keyboard Review
The ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate is a testament to ASUS’s commitment to creating high-performance gaming peripherals. As the latest addition to the Strix lineup, this wired-only gaming keyboard is designed to meet the demands of avid gamers, offering advanced features like an 8000Hz polling rate, hot-swappable switches, and a unique LED display. This review dives into the user experience of the ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate, exploring its design, performance, and key features.
Design and Build Quality
The first impression of the ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate is its sleek and robust build. The keyboard’s construction feels premium, with a combination of high-quality plastic and metal components that provide durability and a sense of luxury. The keycaps are made from double-shot PBT plastic, ensuring they will withstand heavy usage without the legends fading over time.
One of the standout design features is the AniMe Matrix LED display located at the top right of the keyboard. This customizable display allows users to upload their own gifs or images, adding a personal touch to their setup. The keyboard also includes a detachable wrist rest, which is cushioned for added comfort during long gaming sessions.
Key Features
8000Hz Polling Rate
The ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate boasts an impressive 8000Hz polling rate, a significant upgrade from the standard 1000Hz found in most gaming keyboards. This results in a 0.125ms response time, making keystrokes nearly instantaneous. For competitive gamers, this ultra-fast response time can make a notable difference in performance, providing a tangible edge in fast-paced games.
Hot-Swappable PCB
Another major feature is the hot-swappable printed circuit board (PCB). This allows users to easily swap out switches without needing to solder, offering flexibility to customize the keyboard’s feel and performance. Whether you prefer linear, tactile, or clicky switches, the ability to change them on the fly without professional assistance is a huge plus.
ROG NX Mechanical Switches
The keyboard comes equipped with ROG NX mechanical switches, which are known for their fast actuation and ROG-tuned force curves. These switches provide a satisfying keystroke feel and feedback, essential for both gaming and typing. The ROG NX switches are available in different variants, including red, blue, and brown, catering to different preferences for switch type.
ROG Switch Stabilizer
ASUS has also included their proprietary ROG switch stabilizers, which are specially designed to ensure smooth keystrokes and stability for longer keys like the spacebar and shift keys. This feature minimizes wobble and enhances the overall typing experience by providing consistent feedback across all keys.
Improved Acoustics
One of the common issues with mechanical keyboards is the noise they produce. The ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate addresses this with built-in sound-dampening foam that helps absorb pinging noises and echoes within the keyboard. This improvement makes the keyboard more suitable for shared spaces or late-night gaming sessions where noise levels need to be kept in check.
Dedicated Media and Volume Controls
Convenience is another area where this keyboard shines. Dedicated media and volume controls are placed at the top-left corner of the keyboard, allowing for easy adjustments without interrupting gameplay. This thoughtful placement means users can quickly mute, change tracks, or adjust volume levels with minimal effort.
USB Passthrough Port
The inclusion of a USB passthrough port adds another layer of convenience, making it easy to connect other devices such as a mouse, headset, or USB drive directly to the keyboard. This feature helps declutter the gaming area by reducing the number of cables running to the computer.
Performance
In terms of performance, the ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate does not disappoint. The combination of the 8000Hz polling rate and the ROG NX mechanical switches delivers a responsive and satisfying gaming experience. The ultra-fast response time means that each keystroke registers almost instantaneously, providing a competitive advantage in games that require quick reflexes.
The customizable AniMe Matrix LED display is not just a cosmetic addition; it enhances the user experience by allowing gamers to display animations or images that reflect their personality or gaming style. This feature is controlled via the Armoury Crate software, which offers an intuitive interface for making adjustments and managing profiles.
Armoury Crate Software
The Armoury Crate software is central to the customization and performance tuning of the ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate. This software provides a user-friendly interface for configuring the keyboard’s settings, including key remapping, RGB lighting, and the AniMe Matrix display.
Key Remapping and Macros
Within Armoury Crate, users can remap keys to suit their preferences or create complex macros to perform multiple actions with a single keystroke. This level of customization is invaluable for gamers who want to optimize their controls for different games.
RGB Lighting
The ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate features per-key RGB lighting, allowing for endless customization options. Users can choose from a wide range of colors and effects to create a unique lighting setup that complements their gaming rig. The lighting can be synchronized with other ROG devices, providing a cohesive look across all peripherals.
AniMe Matrix Display Customization
Customizing the AniMe Matrix display is straightforward with Armoury Crate. Users can upload their own images or gifs, or choose from a library of preloaded animations. This feature adds a personal touch to the keyboard, making it stand out in any setup.
User Experience
Typing Experience
The typing experience on the ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate is exceptional. The ROG NX switches provide a tactile and responsive feel, making both gaming and typing a pleasure. The inclusion of the ROG switch stabilizers ensures that longer keys remain stable and consistent in feedback, reducing any wobble that can detract from the experience.
Gaming Performance
When it comes to gaming, the ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate truly excels. The 8000Hz polling rate ensures that every keystroke is registered with minimal delay, giving gamers a critical edge in competitive scenarios. The customizable switches and key remapping options allow for a tailored gaming setup, enhancing overall performance.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Comfort is crucial during extended gaming sessions, and the ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate addresses this with its detachable wrist rest. The wrist rest is padded and offers good support, helping to reduce strain on the wrists. The keyboard’s ergonomic design, combined with the comfortable wrist rest, makes it suitable for long periods of use without discomfort.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate is a wired keyboard, which means it relies on a USB connection for power and data transfer. The wired connection ensures a stable and reliable connection, which is essential for gaming. The keyboard is compatible with both Windows and macOS, making it a versatile option for different setups.
USB Passthrough
The USB passthrough port is a convenient addition, allowing users to connect additional devices directly to the keyboard. This feature is particularly useful for connecting a mouse or charging a mobile device without needing to reach for the computer’s USB ports.
Customization Options
Hot-Swappable Switches
The hot-swappable PCB is a standout feature for users who like to customize their keyboard switches. This flexibility allows for experimenting with different types of switches without committing to a single type. Whether you prefer the smooth feel of linear switches, the tactile feedback of tactile switches, or the clicky response of clicky switches, the ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate accommodates all preferences.
AniMe Matrix LED Display
The AniMe Matrix display adds a unique customization option that is not commonly found in gaming keyboards. Users can express their individuality by displaying custom animations or images, making their keyboard truly unique. This feature, combined with the extensive RGB lighting options, ensures that the keyboard stands out both visually and functionally.
Durability and Maintenance
Durability is a key consideration for gaming keyboards, and the ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate is built to last. The high-quality materials and robust construction ensure that the keyboard can withstand the rigors of intense gaming. The double-shot PBT keycaps are resistant to wear and tear, maintaining their appearance even after prolonged use.
Easy Maintenance
Maintenance is also straightforward with the ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate. The hot-swappable switches make it easy to replace individual switches if they become worn out or if users want to try a different type. The keyboard’s design also allows for easy cleaning, helping to keep it in top condition.
Comparison with Competitors
When compared to other gaming keyboards in its class, the ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate stands out due to its unique combination of features. The 8000Hz polling rate, hot-swappable switches, and AniMe Matrix LED display are features that are not commonly found together in other keyboards. Competitors may offer one or two of these features, but the ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate brings them all together in a single, cohesive package.
Price and Value
While the ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate is positioned at the higher end of the price spectrum, its extensive feature set justifies the cost. For gamers who demand the best in performance, customization, and aesthetics, this keyboard offers excellent value. The durability and build quality also ensure that it is a long-term investment that will continue to perform well over time.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 8000Hz Polling Rate: Provides ultra-fast response times.
- Hot-Swappable PCB: Allows for easy customization of switches.
- ROG NX Mechanical Switches: Offer excellent keystroke feel and feedback.
- AniMe Matrix LED Display: Unique and customizable visual feature.
- **Dedicated Media Controls**: Conveniently placed for easy access.
- USB Passthrough Port: Adds convenience for connecting additional devices.
- Improved Acoustics: Built-in sound-dampening foam reduces noise.
- High-Quality Build: Durable and robust construction.
Cons
- Price: Higher cost compared to some competitors.
- Wired-Only: No wireless option available.
Conclusion
The ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate is a top-tier gaming keyboard that excels in design, performance, and customization. Its 8000Hz polling rate, hot-swappable switches, and AniMe Matrix LED display set it apart from the competition, offering features that cater to the needs of serious gamers. While it comes at a premium price, the investment is justified by its extensive feature set, durability, and the enhanced gaming experience it provides.
Recommendation
For gamers looking for a high-performance keyboard that offers extensive customization and a unique aesthetic, the ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate is an excellent choice. Its combination of advanced features, superior build quality, and user-centric design make it a standout option in the crowded gaming keyboard market. Whether you’re a competitive gamer seeking an edge or a casual gamer looking for a reliable and stylish keyboard, the ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate delivers on all fronts.
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