ROG Strix Scope NX TKL Deluxe Keyboard Review

As with all modern ASOS ROG products, the Strix Scope NX TKL uses the popular ASUS Armoury Crate software suite. This suite combines all ASUS products into a single location.  For this review I will concentrate on the keyboard specific tools available.

Some of the features are split across all ASUS products.  This build currently has four ASUS products if you include the ROG Maximus XII Formula motherboard. Navigating between devices is easily done via the left-hand navigation.

Selecting the ROG Strix Scope NX TKL Moonlight White from the device menu takes you to the device specific options. On the Keys Menu you can individually map each key or disable Alt+ Tab or Alt = F4 for gaming. Options can be saved to profiles for even more customization.

Lighting can be controlled across all compatible devices from the main menu or from the keyboard specific lighting menu.  Lighting can also be controlled directly from the keyboard using onboard key combinations. 11 modes are available or a custom lighting effect can be created.

The final tab is for Firmware Update and allows you to monitor the current version and update when needed. An update was needed right out of the box but took very little time.

The ROG Strix Scope NX TKL Moonlight White has been my daily driver for almost a year and find it easily meets my needs for both work and gaming.  Upgrading to the Deluxe adds that additional level of comfort through the wrist rest. Choosing an 80% TKL design means your compromises are pretty manageable making the adjustment period much easier than the 65% keyboards it competes with.

The ROG NX Red switches fell very similar to the Cherry MX keys that helped define the category.  If anything, the ROG NX switches are smoother and quieter than the classic Reds I have used. 

It’s pretty rare to have the same keyboard for so long here in the lab. Over the last year I was able to adapted to the formfactor and found almost no negatives to my FPS experience. Since my first review, I have only disabled the Windows key via the software. On occasion, the multifunction of the Function keys will slow me down if I lose track of the function state but I still don’t miss the ten key section!

The ASUS ROG Strix Scope NX TKL Deluxe keyboard is an attractive upgrade to my favorite TKL keyboard. The wrist rest is simply the cherry on an already excellent keyboard.  I love the smaller TKL format and the price difference to go Deluxe makes it an easy choice.  Combining the smaller footprint with a full featured mechanical gaming keyboard just makes sense.

Choosing a small form factor keyboard often requires you to accept some compromises to get to a smaller size. The ROG Strix Scope NX TKL requires almost none of these compromises making it a near plug and play change in a smaller footprint.  You even have the option to choose between the ROG NX or Cherry MX switches. I can strongly recommend the ROG Strix Scope NX TKL keyboard. I use it every day and would recommend it to anyone!

Great Mechanical Feel
Best in Class Software Suite
Small Footprint Without Compromise
Comfortable Wrist Rest

No Tenkey, Duh
Proprietary Cable Port
Switches Are Not Hot Swappable