I reiterate here that the 300–1800 RPM range model might have been a better fit to my review process, if only for more data points of comparison. But based on everything I have seen so far, it would have to pull a rabbit or two out of the hat to do more than what the 300–1200 RPM model has done here. Unfortunately, there is little good to say if you want to use the Scythe Kaze Flex 120 RGB PWM fan as a radiator fan in PC watercooling. It is not easy to obtain in the USA, with limited retail options resulting in a cost that puts it in the $15–$20 range per fan even when purchased from the Scythe USA store on Newegg. Some of this cost can be attributed to the relatively better bearing, especially compared to the Alphacool Eiszyklon Aurora RGB LT fan from before, but the rest of the package is the same, if not even less impressive compared to the market overall, including for RGB fans.

Put simply, this is not a static pressure optimized fan. It is best used as a case fan for airflow ventilation, and might do well in less restrictive conditions, such as a single-tower CPU air cooler or a HDD cage. It is on the quieter side of average, but performance is lacking to say the least. As a PWM fan, compatibility was weak when testing the original three samples with three different PWM fan controllers adhering to the current PWM spec, resulting in a precipitous drop in RPM going from 100%–95% PWM duty cycle alone. Voltage control was better but that is not recommended for PWM fan motors, especially with PWM in the product name! This began a nearly year-long saga of going back and forth with the company, and two other samples came in that tested much better with an updated power design. Unfortunately, Scythe isn't going to change the design as a whole, insisting that this change is only needed for older motherboards. I suppose it is not as big a deal when performance up against a radiator is lacking as it is, but it is another complaint that does further diminish the appeal of the Kaze Flex 120 RGB fan.