ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme Wireless Keyboard: features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme is a 75% wireless mechanical keyboard built for gaming and everyday typing. It combines a compact layout, an aluminum body, hot-swappable switches and a small OLED screen, and it ships with the tools to customise it. Here is what each of those features means.

A 75% layout in an aluminum body

A 75% keyboard drops the number pad and squeezes the arrow keys and a column of navigation keys close to the main block. You keep the function row but save desk space, which leaves more room for mouse movement. ASUS says the chassis is a solid aluminum alloy with a metal frame, finished through a 12-step CNC process. The keyboard measures about 13.1 x 5.5 x 1.6 inches and weighs 4.9 lb (about 2.2 kg), so it is a heavy, solid board that stays put on a desk.

How the typing feel is built up

The Azoth Extreme uses a gasket mount, in which the plate floats on cushioning rather than being screwed rigidly to the case. This typically gives a softer, more flexible feel. A carbon-fibre positioning plate sits inside, which ASUS says gives crisp but controlled keystrokes. Two layers of PORON foam and a silicone pad absorb vibration, which ASUS says refines the sound.

This version comes with ROG NX Storm switches, described as clicky and tactile and lubricated at the factory. A clicky switch makes an audible click at the actuation point, which some typists like and others find loud in shared rooms. The listing says ROG NX Snow linear switches are also offered in the range. The keycaps are doubleshot PBT, a durable plastic that typically resists the shine that develops on some other keycap plastics.

Hot-swap customisation

The switches are 3-pin hot-swappable, so they can be pulled out and replaced with compatible switches without soldering. The box includes the Azoth Extreme parts needed for that: key and switch pullers, extra switches, a Ctrl keycap, silicone pins, foam stabilizer pads and a sticker, plus a silicone wrist rest with an aluminum base.

Three ways to connect

The keyboard offers 2.4 GHz wireless through ROG SpeedNova, Bluetooth for up to three devices, and wired USB-C. ASUS rates the battery at up to 1,600 hours with the lighting and OLED off, a figure that will fall when they are on. The ROG Polling Rate Booster and Omni Receiver allow an 8K Hz polling rate in wired and wireless modes, and the receiver can pair a keyboard and a mouse together. A higher polling rate means the keyboard reports to the computer more often, which matters mainly to competitive players with compatible hardware.

Speed Tap Mode is aimed at shooters: it lets direction changes register instantly, which ASUS says helps with counter-strafing.

The OLED screen and controls

A 1.47-inch OLED touch display shows battery level, system stats and animations. A multi-function knob and a side button handle volume, lighting and modes without opening software. The keyboard supports both PC and Mac.

Who it suits

It suits gamers and enthusiasts who want a compact board they can adjust, and typists who enjoy a clicky feel. It is less suited to anyone who needs a number pad, or who works near others and wants a quiet keyboard.

What to check before you buy

• Switch type: this model has clicky switches; confirm you like the sound and feel.
• Layout: a 75% board has no number pad.
• Connection: the 8K polling rate requires the included booster and a computer that supports it.
• Weight and wrist height: it is heavy and uses a wrist rest, so check it fits your desk setup.
• Software and compatibility: confirm the features you want work on your operating system.

The short version

• A 75% wireless mechanical keyboard with a CNC aluminum body and carbon-fibre plate.
• Hot-swappable ROG NX Storm clicky switches and PBT keycaps.
• 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth (up to three devices) and wired USB-C, with an 8K Hz polling rate.
• 1.47-inch OLED touch screen, control knob and wrist rest included.

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