ASUS ROG is one of the first names that comes to mind when it comes to devices and accessories designed for gamers and with reason. Over the years, the captivating design of the ASUS gaming division has been able to keep up with cutting-edge technologies and performances. Now, ASUS ROG wants to repeat itself and raise the bar with the new Falchion Ace mechanical keyboard and this is its review.
Our review of the ASUS ROG Falchion Ace mechanical keyboard
We are facing one Compact mechanical keyboard with 65% form factor of a standard keyboardmechanical keys with Switch ROG NX e pre-lubricated housings for high-level performance. All enclosed in a compact and elegant body characterized by the unmistakable ROG style.
But let’s start in order.
Design
The ASUS ROG Falchion Ace mechanical keyboard is available in two colourways, white, which accompanied us in this review and black. In both cases, the design and style maintain the high standards to which ASUS ROG has accustomed us. This Falchion Ace really is small and compact: we are talking about 305 x 101 x 38.5mm in size for 593g in weight. To maintain this line, it has given up not only, as expected, the numeric keypad, but a series of other keys that have been embedded in the FN key of the keyboard. Among these, the row of keys F1-F12 has been incorporated into that of numbers. In this way we will have access to the same functions, as well as the management of audio media or animation profiles of the luce RGBwith a simple key combination.
The yield of the materials is really excellent and they give an excellent feel, both when pressing the keys and the body of the keyboard. Even the back, which we don’t see, hasn’t been overlooked and features a number of fascinating “curves”, again, in perfect ROG style. Here we also find two feet that allow you to raise the keyboard with respect to the desk level in two different heights. However, it is a matter of a few millimeters that can make the difference. On the left side of the keyboard we find instead atouch area where it is possible to increase or decrease the audio volume. In the upper part instead we find two Type-C inputs to connect the cable to the PCvia USB. The presence of two entrances makes it possible connect the keyboard to two computers at the same time and change devices with a simple switch (also located at the top).
Inside the package, in addition to the Falchion Ace, we also find the USB Type-C cable, an elegant keyboard cover, a practical guide and some stickers from the Republic of Gamers (ROG).
Technology
Inside this delightful casing, we find the best ASUS ROG technology in terms of mechanical keyboards that we have already had the opportunity to test in its wireless version with the ROG Falchion. The keys with switch ROG NX pre-lubrificati (Linear Red in our version), they offer instant feedback and a very pleasant feel and sound. The switches boast a 1.8-millimeter actuation point that provides zero-time actuation, which is essential during certain video games. The keyboard also boasts an effective anti-ghosting technology which eliminates incorrect pressures. The polling rate is instead equal to 1000Hz. All this translates into truly excellent and very fast performances that do not give milliseconds time to interfere with our actions in game.
To decorate everything, the inevitable takes care of it per-key RGB LED lighting. The keycap with effect shine-through allows, as the name suggests, to see the light through for excellent versatility even in the dark. Obviously the keyboard is compatible with i software di ASUS ROG Armoury Crate e Aura Sync to be able to completely reprogram the keyboard or play with RGB lighting by saving up to 6 different profiles.
Our test of the Falchion Ace keyboard
Other than writing its own review, we used ASUS ROG’s Falchion Ace for, well, everything. It has replaced our usual keyboard in the past three weeks, becoming part of our setting. We must be honest with you, the size of the keyboard scared us a bit, not so much for the management of space for which, equipped with a not so big desk, we were happy, but more for the size of our hands, far too big for such a small keyboard.
In reality, after a few hours of use to give our muscle memory time to adapt to the new desk, we found that despite our concerns, the keyboard “moved” very well. The feel returned by the keys is really pleasant and efficient that leaves no room for errors or delays.
Obviously it was also our main tool during videogame sessions. From FPS to RPG, from strategic to MOBA, in all the particular cases and respective needs we have not noticed any type of defect or delay in typing. In the same way, writing is particularly pleasant, not only for the performance of the keys but also for the sound they emit, bordering on ASMR.
The ASUS ROG Falchion Ace review in a nutshell
Yes, ASUS ROG has managed to surprise us again with a well-made, performing and beautiful to look at device. The small size makes it extremely versatile and easy to handle, which is why we recommend it to those with space problems, those who could take it on a trip or those who mainly play video games and don’t know what to do with the other bulky keys.
All of this could be yours for around €149.99. This is perhaps a high price for a gaming keyboard of this size, but to say that we are paying the price for a truly versatile product is an understatement. Don’t be fooled by the sizehaving a small product does not mean paying less “since you give up some pieces”. Keeping the standards of a “full” keyboard high is not simple or cheap but ASUS ROG, once again, has succeeded.