Mainstream brands tend to be lethargic in adopting new features, which can be seen as disruptions to the status quo. This is especially true with peripherals, where the product manager would usually have 2+ years of product releases mapped out. Yet it was a mainstream brand that heralded Hall effect switches back in 2019, at least if SteelSeries can still be considered as one, and that has ballooned into an era where a lot of keyboard enthusiasts—especially gamers—can't contemplate purchasing a new keyboard that does not have the features that any HE keyboard offers today—adjustable actuation, rapid trigger, mod tap, dynamic keystrokes, and even SOCD. Wooting merits some credit for some of these features and the names chosen to where the rest of the industry seems to have mostly accepted them going forward. We've seen Razer and Corsair offer similar features with optical and mechanical switches too, albeit to varying degrees to success. ASUS was a notable absence here, having devoted a good amount of resources towards putting out an exceptional and expensive mechanical keyboard earlier this year, and the lag end of 2024 sees the first ROG magnetic switch keyboard in the form of the ROG Falchion Ace HFX.

Going with a 65% form factor is an interesting move, albeit I suppose the Falchion name made that obvious. I would not be surprised if we see an Azoth HFX sooner than later to appease those who want a 75% keyboard. The smaller size means ASUS could either go with something minimalist and just offer the keys, or try to distinguish the keyboard from the other HE keyboards on the market today beyond just relying on its ROG brand power. I'd say the Falchion Ace HFX achieves that in a good way. Take the toggle switch to active rapid trigger on the go, for example. Then there's the ability to have the keyboard wired to two PCs and choose which one is the active connection. A multi-functional slider goes beyond just volume control on the keyboard, and a display panel above the keys helps visualize a lot about the current operating status of the keyboard. Going wired with 8000 Hz polling in a 65% size with gaming-centric switches and features also makes this a viable keyboard for pro gamers also, although I doubt they are necessarily reading this review as much as just looking at which brand is willing to sponsor them in return for the exposure.

ASUS's first attempt into the magnetic switch market is impressive thus, yet there are issues to be aware of. The switches are ASUS ROG-branded and the switch sockets are not compatible with other magnetic switches at this time. We have a single linear switch to use here thus, so anyone who prefers tactile or clicky switches is out of luck. The switch itself is quite decent, yet is lighter than I'd like to be able to fully take advantage of the magnetic switch features on offer. It's also not as stable as some other high quality mechanical switches, or even the likes of Gateron's Magnetic Jade Pro switches which are the current standard that I judge all other magnetic switches by. Then there's the part where ROG Armoury Crate will have people lining up to complain about its bloat and general sluggishness, let alone the need to use a totally different program for more intricate lighting effects. ASUS had an opportunity here to address these complaints with the new Armoury Crate Gear, a cut-down software program that comes specifically made for different peripherals. The Falchion Ace HFX seemingly has a more intuitive and streamlined user experience with this software, yet unfortunately I was unable to get it installed on my system—your mileage may vary though, and this could well be a step in the right direction for ASUS even if I maintain there is plenty of work remaining to improve the overall software experience. Thankfully, you can get away with not needing to use Armoury Crate for a lot of things, and you can also save up to six profiles onboard once you have them configured with the software.

Ultimately, it will come down to pricing, as things often do. $200 is a lot to ask for a keyboard these days, even if it's an ROG keyboard that we have come to assume will cost more than usual. The Falchion Ace HFX does have some neat features though, and there's also the part where you can find it in different layouts and languages beyond just US ANSI as most keyboards do. This is the one thing that's stopping me from just saying you should strongly consider the likes of the LUMINKEY Magger68 Pro HE for $150, which uses an all-aluminium two-piece case as well as the aforementioned excellent Gateron switches. The software experience could be better there too, and obviously anyone wanting an ISO layout is out of luck in that regard. The ROG Falchion Ace HFX is a decent keyboard to consider in this specialized use case thus, at least if you absolutely want a magnetic switch keyboard.