After spending quite some time with a small but great keyboard, I found myself longing for the standard-sized keyboards. You know, those that can be used as paperweights. Aside from missing the numpad, I’ve figured it would be best to have distinct function keys again. That prayer and longing was answered as ASUS lent us the ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless for review. Not to be confused with the ROG Strix Scope NX TKL Deluxe, this new keyboard is flaunting its wireless capabilities and its unusual keyboard layout. Is it good? Let’s find out.
| Connectivity |
USB 2.0 (TypeC to TypeA)
Bluetooth 5.1 RF 2.4GHz |
| Size (Full/TKL) | 96% |
| Lighting |
RGB Per keys
|
| AURA Sync | Yes |
| Anti-Ghosting |
N Key Rollover
|
| Macro Keys |
All Keys Programmable
|
| USB Report rate |
(USB Report rate) 1000 Hz
|
| RF 2.4G Report rate | 1000 Hz |
| Cable |
2M USB type A to C braided cable
|
| OS |
Windows® 11
|
| Software |
Armoury Crate
|
| Dimensions |
377 x 131 x 40mm
|
| Weight |
1012g without cable
|
| Color | Black |
| Contents |
1 x ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless, 1 x wrist rest, 1 x 2-in-1 ROG keycap & switch puller, 1 x wireless receiver, 1 x USB extender, 1 x ROG-themed spacebar keycap, 1 x USB cable, 1 x ROG sticker, 1 x quick start guide, 1 x warranty booklet
|
In my recent review, I mentioned that I’m growing to love the feel of tactile switches. The signature *thock* is starting to become music to my ears. The switches that come with this review unit require only a small amount of force to activate and you won’t get any feedback when you press. Overall, the feel of these ROG NX Snow switches is nice.
Part of what makes the ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless unique is its layout. As its name implies, it uses a 96% keyboard layout which occupies far less space than your standard keyboard. As a consequence, some buttons have been relocated to less than familiar places, and you’ll notice that the spacing between some keys may be a bit smaller than the usual. If it’s your first time using this layout, you may need to take it on a spin for a couple more hours before you jump in with it in a competitive game.
Despite its size, you can still see a semblance of control found in larger ROG keyboards in the ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless. The ROG logo on the upper right is a button and beside it is a wheel that allows you to control certain functions. Pressing the ROG logo activates the selector which is displayed between the main keys and the numpad. Scrolling or pressing the wheel manipulates the selected option, giving you instant control. All good but you might have to squint a bit to see where the display is currently pointing at.
Omni Receiver, despite its flatulent name, simply means that a compatible wireless device can connect to the ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless’ receiver at the same time. This can also be done in reverse. So to put it into more simpler terms, you have two wireless devices, both a keyboard and a mouse, using a single wireless USB dongle. That’s it. While it’s not a groundbreaking tech. It does, in a way, force the user to use ASUS keyboards and mice to take advantage of the feature.
As of the writing of this article, the ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless and the ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition are the only compatible devices capable of using the Omni Receiver.
Aside from the usual ROG and mechanical gaming keyboard gimmicks, I really did find the ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless’ implementation of its wireless capabilities as perfect. You only need one USB receiver for both the mouse and the keyboard, giving you more flexibility and less frustration in terms of connectivity. The combination of both the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless and ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition is a match made in heaven. Both devices are smooth and I can imagine myself using both for an extended period of time. Maintaining the batteries of both is another matter on its own.
The only downside that I can think of is that the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless is it is a pretty expensive keyboard. But it also is not one of the most expensive ones which is incredibly telling and quite shocking. But then again, you are paying for features that I mentioned above. Is it worth it? In my case, yes. But for some, the tried and tested (and hugely cheaper) wired design works just fine.
Having experienced a slew of gimmicky keyboards, it’s quite difficult to find a decent one with new features that actually work. The ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless is a perfectly well done keyboard that harbors practical features married with style and a good amount of panache. The ROG NX Snow is a notably great switch and the wireless Omni Receiver is a godsend to those craving for a clean desk. All in all, a superb and well done keyboard.
The ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless is available in the Philippines. Aside from the ROG NX Snow switches featured in this article, you can also get them in ROG NX Blue and ROG NX Red. The ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless has an SRP of PhP 7,830.
If you want a more affordable ROG keyboard, check out our review of the ROG Falchion. If money is not a concern and you want more style, check out the ROG Azoth.
For more information about this product, check out the official product page.
