ASUS ROG FALCHION

ASUS ROG FALCHION [INTRODUCTION]

December 18, 2020 Paul Görnhardt / Holger Dassler

Well-known manufacturer ASUS has launched a new 65% keyboard under its gaming brand ROG: the ASUS ROG Falchion. It addresses the increasing popularity of competitive FPS gaming and offers extra space for precise mouse movements due to its compact form factor. It can also be used wireless via a 2.4GHz dongle for an even tidier desk. Find out what's behind the colorful touch bar on the left edge and what other features it offers in this blog post.

SPECIFICATIONS AT A GLANCE:

Keyboard Layout: 65%
Switch Type: CHERRY MX RED, BROWN, BLUE, SPEED SILVER
LED Color: RGB LEDs
Makro Keys: All keys
Matrix: N-Key-Rollover
Software: Armoury Crate
Integrated Memory: Yes, up to 6 profiles
Media Keys: Available as keyboard shortcuts
Palm Rest: No
Dimensions: 30,5 x 10,1 x 3,85 cm
Weight: 520 grams
Special features: Touch-sensitive sidebar

ASUS ROG FALCHION IN DETAIL

ASUS breaks new ground with the ROG Falchion. Not only is this the first wireless keyboard from the manufacturer, but the 65% layout and the brand-new touch-sensitive sidebar are also a new feature. With a minimalistic but functional design, the keyboard aims to conquer a place on gamers' desks. In addition to its unique features, the long-lasting battery and resistant PBT keycaps also impress. And nothing stands in the way of mobile use with a multifunctional keyboard cover and a detachable cable.

DESIGN AND ERGONOMICS

The ROG Falchion follows its own path in terms of layout. ASUS accommodates a 65% layout in the approximate size of a 60% form factor. The keys are cleverly arranged in the frameless design so that the arrow keys, which are essential for gaming, find their place in this compact form factor. For ergonomic use, the keyboard can be tilted slightly via fold-out feet on the back. Alternatively, the Falchion can be placed in the included plastic cover to elevate it slightly. This gives the RGB lighting of the freestanding keys a shaded look.

FEATURE SET AND ACCESSORIES

The main innovation of the ROG Falchion is found on the left edge of the keyboard: ASUS installed a touch-sensitive sidebar with RGB lighting. You can intuitively adjust the volume, activate macros or trigger other functions by swiping or tapping the corners. The current settings as well as the battery's charge status can be read on the LEDs. The latter is supposed to last up to 450 hours without RGB lighting - longer than we could test - and 53 hours with RGB. The keyboard can be charged via the included USB-A-to-USB-C cable or connected for wired operation. It should be possible to use the keyboard for 30 hours after 30 minutes of charging. Alternatively, communication with the computer can take place via the included 2.4 GHz dongle. Lastly, 100% Anti-Ghosting and N-Key Rollover ensure error-free inputs even when several keys are triggered simultaneously.

ILLUMINATION AND SOFTWARE

The RGB lighting of the ROG Falchion can be controlled with the Armoury Crate companion app. Besides selecting lighting effects, you can also define macros, configure the touch bar and store up to six profiles in the onboard memory. If you need to move quickly, you can also adjust lighting and macros directly via keyboard shortcuts. For comprehensive synchronization with other ASUS ROG components, wireless Aura Sync is available for the first time. Thanks to durable double-shot PBT keycaps, the lighting effects are still clearly visible even after long-term use. To protect the keyboard while traveling, you can place the included cover on the top for a perfect fit.

CHERRY MX SWITCHES

With its versatile selection of CHERRY MX switches, the ROG Falchion can be precisely adapted to individual preferences. For gaming, the linear MX RED and MX SPEED SILVER switches are recommended, while frequent typists often prefer the tactile MX BROWN or MX BLUE with their characteristic typing noise.

Our model features CHERRY MX RGB RED. These trigger after a short pre-travel of 2.0 millimeters and offer a total travel of 4.0 millimeters. The low actuation force of 45 centinewton ensures fast response times during gaming. With their linear switching characteristics, these switches deliver reliable performance in both heated gaming moments and everyday typing.

CONCLUSION

With the ROG Falchion, established manufacturer ASUS joins the trend of compact keyboards and enhances it with its very own features. Thanks to elegantly integrated arrow keys, the 60% form factor layout does not restrict its functionality. The touch bar in particular offers real added value with its intuitive use and creatively converts unused space into another input method. Extremely useful is the option to use the keyboard on-the-go thanks to its multifunctional travel cover and detachable cable. Those who have budget of about €140 (RRP) will find a decent investment in 65% keyboards in the characteristic ROG style.