ASUS ROG Claymore II

[VSG]

ASUS makes a massive splash with their new flagship keyboard, the ROG Claymore II. They have created their own switches, called "ROG RX," which work extremely well and create mesmerizing lighting, too. The numpad is detachable and can also be moved to the left of the base TKL keyboard.

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[TheLostSwede]

I guess this keyboard will be unavailable really soon then, as there's a global shortage of STM MCUs and the big corporations are hoarding whatever they can get their hands on now, as the lead times are anything from 44-52 weeks...

Asus should also have taken a good look at the old Microsoft Sidewinder X6 keyboard when it comes to the removable number pad, as they used a much simpler magnetic means of attaching it. It was a surprisingly decent keyboard back in the days.

 

[X71200]

Detachable numpad or multiple layouts doesn't make one keyboard, three keyboards. This looks like an extremely overpriced board for what it is. Pass.

 

[dgianstefani]

DOA because of keycaps being proprietary.

 

[Blaazen]

Why they don't put there dedicted multimedia keys above the F1-F12 keys? Those doesn't have to be mechanical and there's place for it. I don't like the Fn key down between AltGr and Ctrl. Microsoft X6 keyboard above has it (but its F1-F12 row is slim)

 

[bonehead123]

Although I like the overall aesthetics, $270 is way moar than I would pay for any KB, but I suppose that includes that damned "R.O.G." tax too....

 

[dirtyferret]

I was just saying to myself the other day it sucks I can't spend $300 on a new & capable video card. If only there was some other PC part I could buy for equal the price even if my under $80 version does just as well?

 

[VSG]

I was just saying to myself the other day it sucks I can't spend $300 on a new & capable video card. If only there was some other PC part I could buy for equal the price even if my under $80 version does just as well?

Based on what @TheLostSwede said, the cost of this keyboard might well go up similar to the GPUs.

 

[Vayra86]

Two hundred seventy.

Times pass.

 

[mechtech]

Can it even be used as a claymore at least???

 

[VSG]

Can it even be used as a claymore at least???

You can take off the plastic case and it will be sharp enough to do some decent damage at least.

Also, in case someone asks, you can buy a reproduction Claymore sword for about the same price.

 

[TheLostSwede]

Based on what @TheLostSwede said, the cost of this keyboard might well go up similar to the GPUs.

Only 45 weeks lead time for either of the MCUs they use...
Hopefully Asus stocked up.

 

[hdsonch]

Two hundred seventy.

Times pass.

It's A$U$, nothing to be surprised about. xD

 

[AusWolf]

There's nothing new about ROG RX. I used to have a graphics card called ROG RX 5700 XT.

Sorry, I've got nothing more thoughtful to write about a keyboard that costs 4 times as much as I would pay for any keyboard.

 

[Mescalamba]

• Stock keycaps are laser-etched ABS and will wear out sooner rather than later
• Impossible to replace stock keycaps because of the practically proprietary design
  
  Thanks for review. I wasnt going to buy it and now for sure I wont.
  
  These two points are basically ASUS going full retard mode.

 

[VSG]

There's nothing new about ROG RX. I used to have a graphics card called ROG RX 5700 XT.

Sorry, I've got nothing more thoughtful to write about a keyboard that costs 4 times as much as I would pay for any keyboard.

Instead of jokes, why not talk about the features here that you like and dislike so ASUS can take it to consideration for future keyboards?

 

[AusWolf]

Instead of jokes, why not talk about the features here that you like and dislike so ASUS can take it to consideration for future keyboards?

Well, I like its design even though I usually dislike "gamery" looking stuff - especially peripherals. This one isn't over the edge, though. Still, I can't think of a keyboard as more than just a piece of plastic that you press buttons on, so I'd rather not pay so much for all the features I don't need (and for the ROG name).

I've been using this (link) keyboard for the last 3-4 years. It's more of an entry into the world of mechanical keyboards, but I can't seem to find anything that's better value. The switches are comfortable, even if a bit loud, the keys are just big enough for my fingers despite the compact size of the whole thing, it has a hefty metal base, and it was cheap as hell. If there was something similar with white backlight (I'm not against RGB, but I don't find any use of it on a keyboard) and even more comfortable and/or quieter switches for a similar price (£50 maximum), I'd consider a replacement. But only then.

 

[WhitetailAni]

I like the design and modularity but here's why I won't be buying it:
1. M O N E Y
2. No dedicated media keys (you have to use your macros)
3. Custom keycaps

 

[VSG]

Thanks guys, I also appreciate knowing more about your likes and dislikes

 

[TechLurker]

While this is a nice keyboard update and I do like the use of USB-C, if I had to spend money, it would be on the Everest Max keyboard, which does retain the option to program 4 keys for specific shortcuts as well as physical media controls. It also allows for easy switch replacement and customization beyond their default. Alternatively, the ZSA Moonlander Mk1 for ergonomics while also allowing for switch customization, and just throwing in a decent, cheap numpad (I'm just used to number entry with one vs over the main keys).

If ASUS just licensed the Everest Max and gave it a ROG exterior, that would be more price justified.

 

[micropage7]

i dunno, it looks good but i prefer something that more basic than any "gaming" name with high tag
sometimes it feels better when you have $40 mechanical keyboard than this one

 

[VSG]

While this is a nice keyboard update and I do like the use of USB-C, if I had to spend money, it would be on the Everest Max keyboard, which does retain the option to program 4 keys for specific shortcuts as well as physical media controls. It also allows for easy switch replacement and customization beyond their default. Alternatively, the ZSA Moonlander Mk1 for ergonomics while also allowing for switch customization, and just throwing in a decent, cheap numpad (I'm just used to number entry with one vs over the main keys).

If ASUS just licensed the Everest Max and gave it a ROG exterior, that would be more price justified.

FYI you can remap the four hotkeys on the numpad here too.

 

[Deleted member 205776]

I'll keep my ROG Strix Flare thanks, at least the switches can be changed... and it doesn't look like a mess.

 

[Postal98]

I just wanted to say thank you for this tear down. it helped me immensely. I have a claymore 2. long story short. some keys stopped working due to the battery blowing up like a balloon. so I removed it with you help. it would have taken me a lot longer if wouldn't have explained where all the screws were and from were to open it. now I'm just waiting for new battery. Thank you so much!!!!!