As a PC user who primarily uses laptops, being able to set my laptop up for use either on a larger screen or to a projector for projects at work, the use of an external keyboard is something I find myself needing from time to time. Finding one that will also work well when gaming while still maintaining a professional look is not always an easy task. I generally prefer wireless keyboards as it makes for a much cleaner-looking setup and frees my desk or presentation area of additional wires and cables. Introducing the Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96
Wireless keyboard, a compact full-size keyboard that could be a great option to fill that void I have.
The heft of ROG Strix Scope II 96 keyboard struck me as surprisingly solid when I lifted the Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless keyboard out of its packaging. This wasn’t just some light, plastic gimmick; the keyboard had a substantial weight to it that commanded attention. Far from being a disadvantage, the heaviness instilled a sense of quality and durability. It felt like the engineers had spared no expense in crafting a product meant to last.
Alongside the keyboard, the box was filled with an array of accessories and extras, which showed a thoughtful approach to user experience. There was a USB C charging cable, a feature that hints at its modern design. Additionally, a swappable spacebar and a key remover tool were included, giving users the freedom to customize their keyboard layout to some extent. A padded wrist rest offered an ergonomic benefit, signalling that extended use had been considered in the design phase. And, of course, there was the obligatory stack of manuals and warranty papers, which, although often ignored, are vital for troubleshooting and understanding the device’s full capabilities.
“The build quality of the ROG Strix Scope II 96 gives me the assurance that it should withstand years of use.”
Transitioning from a laptop keyboard to this full-sized behemoth required a period of adjustment. Laptop keyboards tend to have shorter key travel and a different tactile feel, so the initial moments on the Asus keyboard felt somewhat foreign to my fingertips.
However, it didn’t take long to acclimate to the distinctive keystrokes of this device. The tactile feedback was precise and satisfying, offering a muted but audible ‘click’ that wasn’t disruptive but still noticeable. One unique feature that stood out was the amount of travel needed to actuate a key; it was longer than a standard laptop’s, which greatly reduced the likelihood of accidental keypresses, a particularly useful attribute for both gaming and professional use.
Of course, what is a gaming keyboard without the addition of RGB? Asus has incorporated a whole load of fun RGB features into its Armoury Crate software for the ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless keyboard. The customization is nearly endless with per-key lighting, which can allow users to map out different buttons in different colours to enhance and simplify knowing which key does what while gaming. While RGB isn’t something I have a lot of in my current gaming setup, playing around with the different options and settings kept me entertained for several hours as I explored all types of modes for my setup.
For those who also use their gaming keyboards for work or school tasks and require a number pad, the ROG Strix Scope II 96 has a number pad on the right side, just like complete full-size keyboards. Also handy is the ability to connect to your computer in 3 different methods.
While I primarily found myself preferring the convenience of Bluetooth connectivity, you can also choose to use the wireless dongle stored in the keyboard body or a USB A to C cable if you desire a wired keyboard. Those using one of the wireless connections will be happy to know that the battery lasts a very long time, in days of using the keyboard, and the battery has barely dropped more than 10%.
To conclude, Asus has made a keyboard that I am beyond thrilled to have in my setup now. Not only because it is very comfortable to type on, but the additional features like the volume wheel or connectivity flexibility make the ROG Strix Scope II 96 a keyboard I could use with any setup I want. I also have the ability to take it along with me easily, thanks to its more compact size. The build quality of the ROG Strix Scope II 96 gives me the assurance that it should withstand years of use.
