Ever wondered what an already good gaming mouse would look like when upgraded? ASUS ROG decided to answer that question with the ROG Keris II Origin, an updated and improved version of the Keris II Ace (read our ROG Keris II Ace review). Is this gaming mouse worth your attention? Let’s find out in this ROG Keris II Origin review!
| Key Switch | ROG Micro Switch II |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0 (TypeC to TypeA) Bluetooth 5.1 RF 2.4GHz |
| Lighting | ROG Logo Scroll wheel Side markings |
| Aura Sync | Yes |
| USB Report Rate | (USB Report rate) 8000 Hz with ROG Polling Rate Booster |
| RF 2.4G Report Rate | 8000 Hz with ROG Polling Rate Booster |
| Cable | 2-meter ROG Paracord |
| OS | Windows® 10 Windows® 11 |
| Software | Armoury Crate |
| Dimensions | 121(L)x67(w)x42(H) mm |
| Color | Black/Moonlight White |
| Contents | 1 x ROG Keris II Origin mouse 1 x wireless receiver 1 x USB dongle extender 1 x micro-switch clip 2 x ROG Micro Switches II 1 x mouse grip tape set 2 x replaceable mouse feet 1 x 2-meter ROG Paracord 1 x warranty booklet 1 x Quick Start Guide 1 x ROG sticker 1 x thank you card |
For this review, the Moonlight White version of the ROG Keris II Origin was used.
In this review, you might notice that the ROG Keris II Origin sports a light-blue color as its RGB lighting. This is the color used while taking pictures for this review. However, you can actually change the RGB colors and lighting behavior using either ASUS Armoury Crate App or via the Gear Link website.
The Omni Receiver, found in most of the higher-end ROG products, comes with the ROG Keris II Origin. This USB receiver makes it so that you can connect both a compatible ROG keyboard and the mouse itself at the same time. No need for another USB receiver, and no double USB slots needed with this wireless configuration.
In addition to the Omni Receiver, the ROG Keris II Origin also works with Bluetooth connection. Quite helpful as you can also use this with other mobile devices such as tablets. It is also a pretty useful feature if you also find yourself regularly using tablets and other similar devices.
Similar to its contemporary gaming keyboard, the ROG Azoth X, the ROG Keris II Origin is also a Gear Link compatible device. Gear Link is ASUS’ way of allowing users to configure and customize their peripherals using a “non-invasive” approach which is through your internet browser. There’s no need to install anything. Just plug in the device, head over to the website using a compatible browser (Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome), and you can basically tweak how your mouse performs. It’s a good way to ensure that you have access to most of the mouse’s fundamental features without having to trouble yourself with the often problematic ASUS Armoury Crate app.
Aside from the overall ergonomic design, the ROG Keris II Origin is also a mouse built for longevity. You can replace the switches on this thing. Switches, the ones that make those clickety-clacks whenever you click your mouse, have limited lifespans. While limited, the switches included in the ROG Keris II Origin are rated at 100 million clicks. However, should you find yourself with a broken switch, you can easily replace your switch by simply opening the mouse, pulling out the broken switch, and setting down a new one.
Note that there are two switches included when you purchase an ROG Keris II Origin, making this a worthy investment if you look at things in the long run.
First off, using the ROG Keris II Origin is an experience itself. It’s smooth when used on even a normal, unbranded mouse pad. It has the exact size that’s perfect for the size of my hand and my fingers don’t have to adjust themselves to “ride” the ROG Keris II Origin. That being said, this gaming mouse is built for right handed users, making sure that the lower right side of your hand has support, relieving a bit of wrist strain. It is also worth noting that the mouse weighs only 65g.
If you’re into a sleeker look, you may opt not to use the added ROG grip tapes in the package. As the name implies, grip tapes add texture between your fingers and the mouse, adding more feedback and feel. Again, this is optional and you may just use the ROG Keris II Origin out of the box, without sticking the included grip tapes.
As mentioned above, the ROG Keris II Origin can be opened and its switches replaced. The process however, is not as complicated as it seems. The outer shell is only attached to the base via two screws and a generous number of snap joints. I really commend ASUS for getting the process outlined in the instruction manual and in a very easy-to-understand format.
Once you get rid of the outer shell, the insides of the ROG Keris II Origin are yours to tinker. What you’ll likely do here is just replace the switch for the two mouse buttons. Included in the package is a micro-switch clip that you can use to easily take out the installed switch. From there, you can install an extra switch by just simply placing it on the receptacle and giving it a gentle push from above. It’s that easy.
The ROG Keris II Origin is available in two different colors: white and black (shades if you’re technical). In terms of preference, I would recommend the black version as it is less likely to look dirty in the long run. The white gaming peripherals tend to accumulate dirt, dead skin, and minor scratches as time passes by. Again, this is but my preference, if you have a white PC build, then by all means, consider getting the white version of the ROG Keris II Origin.
Despite being a gaming peripheral marked with a whopping 8000 Hz polling rate at its maximum, the ROG Keris II Origin can only unlock this feature via an accessory called “ROG Polling Rate Booster”. In some products, this USB dongle thingy is included in the package. Unfortunately, not in this case as you have to buy the ROG Polling Rate Booster separately.
The ROG Keris II Origin has the standard 1000Hz poll rate by default on both wireless and wired connections.
Polling Rate pertains to the times the mouse updates its position in a second. If it’s 1000 Hz, the mouse updates 1,000 times per second; if it’s 8000 Hz, its updates 8,000 times. The higher the number, the smoother the performance and the more accurate your PC can capture your mouse’s movements. This might not mean a lot to the average user but for fast-paced FPS and competitive gaming, a millisecond can mean the difference between landing a shot or not.
The ROG Keris II Origin stands as one of the better gaming mice out there, even among ROG’s stellar stable of gaming peripherals. It feels smooth to operate, easy to use, and quality is noteworthy. Performance-wise, it’s a good mix of weight and smoothness, making it a good gaming mouse for those sweaty FPS games. In terms of disadvantages, the high asking price and the lack of the touted ROG Polling Rate Booster makes the package a bit discouraging.
With all things considered, if you’re looking for a mouse that can last you a lot longer than it should have, this might be a good bet. As mentioned above, ASUS also included two extra switches so you can replace the default switches once you go way past the 100 million click life span. A good proper investment, if you ask me.
The ROG Keris II Origin is now available in the Philippines and can be purchased online or via your favorite PC hardware stores. Official SRP from ASUS Philippines is PhP 6,790 as of writing but you can spot some shops offering it at a marginally lower price.
If you think that the ROG Keris II Origin is too expensive for your taste (which it is, I won’t blame you), you can also check out our review of the ROG Keris II Ace for an alternative. You can also check out its partner gaming keyboard, the ROG Azoth X for some gaming keyboard candidates for your dream white PC.
Check out the official ROG Keris II Origin product page for more info.
