Asus ROG Strix Scope PBT Review

USER EXPERIENCE

SWITCHES AND STABS

The Cherry MX Reds are linear switches. It means no bump or any feedback when you actuate a key. The actuation of the switch is 45 cN.

The Asus ROG Strix Scope PBT uses cherry-style stabs. Cherry-style stabilizers are kind of stabs that make keycap replacement/removal easier vs Costar stabs due to the Costar Stabs uses a wire bar and uses stabilizer inserts on the keycaps.

KEYCAPS

MATERIAL

The keycap material used here is PBT. PBT keycaps are more durable than ABS keycaps. They are less likely to shine over time.

TYPE

They used 2 processes here. The double-shot and printed. The only double-shot keycaps are the Ctrl, escape key and enter key while most of the keycaps are pad-printed PBT. It is quite disappointing to see that they didn’t go on a fully double-shot route. Maybe is to keep the cost down and according to some mechanical enthusiasts, I know that the pad-printed is the cheapest of the bunch and having a custom font on the keycaps would increase the cost more.

PROFILE

The keycap profile used here is OEM, they are slightly taller than Cherry keycap profile which the most preferred one by mechanical keyboard enthusiast.

SOFTWARE, LIGHTING AND OTHER FEATURES

The ROG Strix Scope PBT can be configured in the ROG Armoury II software.  You can still assign certain keys and macros.

The keyboard here doesn’t use the traditional function row like most boards. Asus switch the Function keys from F5 to F12 into certain controls like Media controls and the Privacy key which instantly hides all of the open applications and windows and muting the audio as well. You can still use the function keys with the FN Key + the desired function key.

PERFORMANCE

Gaming and typing on it feel very smooth and nice. The linear switches are preferred by most gamers due to less strain and fatigue and constant button press on the same keys in games like MOBAs. I mostly prefer tactile switches but switching linear switches is no problem at all. I did encounter some errors at typing at first but it’s all good now.

The Cherry MX Reds here on my sample feels lubed because of it quite smooth than the old Cherry MX board I had before where I can feel a scratchy actuation.

Asus also introduced a new key which is the “Ninja Key” which instantly hides or minimizes the running applications and mutes the audio as well. I really didn’t use the feature much but it might be useful for secretive people out there ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°).