ASUS ROG Azoth X gaming keyboard review – A stylish powerhouse with lots of features

1 - Introduction and unboxing 2 - Technical data and features 3 - Software 4 - Sound check and conclusion

Introduction and unboxing

Today I have something special on offer, or rather in the test. The conspicuously inconspicuous ASUS ROG Azoth X gaming keyboard. A very interesting board from ASUS with high-quality workmanship, great keycaps and very good switches. The ROG Azoth X is a 75% customizable gaming keyboard for gamers and keyboard enthusiasts who value precision and versatility. It features hot-swappable ROG NX Mechanical Switches V2 and color-sublimated, three-sided transparent keycaps for enhanced durability and aesthetics. The south-facing PCB ensures full switch compatibility, while five layers of dampening with gasket retention and the FR4 positioning plate provide an overall optimized typing experience.

The Azoth X comes with a range of well thought-out functions aimed at versatile use. In addition to the aforementioned tri-mode connectivity – i.e. Bluetooth, wired use and 2.4 GHz wireless via ASUS’ own SpeedNova technology – it has an OLED display that can be operated intuitively directly on the device and can display various status indicators or user content. The whole thing is complemented by a silicone palm rest, which is not a matter of course in this device class and noticeably increases typing comfort. The option to set up the board at three different angles allows it to be individually adapted to different working or gaming environments. Compatibility with macOS is also explicitly supported.

The packaging is functional and visually appealing and conveys a high-quality overall impression as soon as it is unpacked. It is a compact 75 % layout in tenkeyless format, which offers a good compromise between function keys and space saving. In the variant tested here, ROG NX Snow V2 switches are installed, which have a linear switching behavior and are particularly suitable for users who prefer smooth, low-friction actuation without tactile interruption. These switches are lightly lubricated at the factory, well tuned and contribute to the overall clean acoustic design of the board. Despite the variety of functions and the striking design, the technical focus remains clearly recognizable in the test – the Azoth X should not just stand out, it should impress.

The back of the packaging lists all relevant functions and technical data. It provides quick orientation and multilingual information on the product’s features.

After unpacking, a simple box with a discreet ASUS ROG logo is revealed. The design is restrained and functional, without any superfluous design elements.

The packaging makes a high-quality impression. A welcome card with the words “Welcome to Republic of Gamers” is placed on top and underlines the careful presentation. The inside of the lid is lined with a thick foam insert, which provides additional protection for the contents and makes the packaging look solid overall.

Inside the packaging, the mainboard is neatly and securely stored together with all the accessories. The individual components are labeled separately and arranged thoughtfully, which not only improves clarity, but also gives the impression of a high-quality, careful presentation. The presentation is coherent and functional throughout without being overloaded – an indication that not only technical content but also a clean packaging solution was important here.

After unpacking, the accessories are well thought-out and practically arranged. Three additional switches are included, which are of convincing quality, as well as an alternative CTRL key that can be used instead of the Fn key if required – a small but functional option for customization. The supplied dongle extender with clip allows flexible positioning of the receiver, for example to optimize the signal when using wirelessly. Particularly noteworthy is the combined tool for removing keycaps and switches, which combines both functions in a compact format and therefore saves space as well as being easy to use. A detailed description of how it works follows in the next section.

The fully unpacked board leaves a thoroughly positive first impression. The keycaps have a clean finish and are pleasant to the touch. Their translucent finish on three sides, in combination with the powerful RGB lighting, ensures an even, atmospheric illumination that supports the overall color concept without appearing exaggerated. The OLED display stands out with its clear display and good brightness, while the rotary control is precisely guided and mechanically reliable. The second-generation ROG NX switches are hot-swappable, which makes future adjustments easier. Overall, the impression is of a technically and creatively well thought-out product that pursues a cohesive and functional design language despite its colorful playfulness.

The back of the board is functional and unobtrusive. The two-stage adjustable feet, which together with the four rubber pads ensure a stable hold on the table, are striking. The surface is slightly ribbed and conveys a subtle structure that remains visually and haptically unobtrusive. The housing is screwed together with a total of ten finely crafted hexagon socket screws, which speaks for a solid and maintenance-friendly design. The lower part of the housing is made of plastic, which is a minor drawback in terms of material appearance – an aluminum version would have been desirable, as is only used in the higher positioned “Extreme” version. Nevertheless, the overall finish is clean and precise.

The dongle is integrated on the front to save space and can be easily removed if required, which is a practical solution for both transportation and everyday use. Next to it is a three-stage switch that can be used to select the desired connection method: either wirelessly via the supplied 2.4 GHz dongle, via Bluetooth or classically via USB cable. The positioning of the switch is well chosen and enables a quick change between the modes without cumbersome handling or additional software interventions.