75% Gaming keyboards are very popular among gamers and everyday users as they often provide a quality mechanical switch experience with more reasonable pricing. However, the lower pricing aspect goes out the window with the ROG Azoth Extreme, which packs an abundance of features while commanding a hefty price of $499.99.
To provide comfort during use while providing that 'thock' acoustics many users prefer, the Azoth Extreme has multiple foam layers and a carbon fiber plate, similar in build what companies like Meletrix provide, with an exception being that the Azoth Extreme is a complete build, ready to work out of the box. Asus bundles a silicone wristrest to provide additional comfort. It also includes wired and wireless connectivity to both Windows and macOS through its USB connectivity, Bluetooth 5.3, and radio frequency for wireless. To enable higher polling rates for the keyboard, Asus bundles a dongle that allows polling up to 8,000 Hz.
During Computex 2024, Asus reps mentioned the option to choose between tactile and linear feedback NX switches, though the website does not show this option.
The NX switches use stems for Cherry MX compatible keycaps and you can hot-swap its mechanical switches. For the price, however, you probably won't want to hot-swap either the switches or change the keycaps — which are hopefully an improvement over the previously released ROG Azoth. Asus' proprietary software didn't provide a good experience when we reviewed that keyboard.
Apart from foam pads and gaskets, a standout feature is the OLED touchscreen in the top right and the inclusion of a three-way knob. There is also a generous number of accessories accompanying this keyboard.
The mechanical keyboard market is teeming with options these days from companies like Keychron and several others. New players like FiiO are experimenting with a built-in DAC and headphone amplifier.
It will be interesting to see if enthusiasts are receptive to the ROG Azoth Extreme's features and high price tag, given that $500 will get you a nice RTX 4070 these days.
