Still Awesome!!! Asus ROG Azoth One Year Later

[@mynusten]

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUCEMENT: Asus recently launched a lighter version of Armoury Crate called "Armoury Crate Gear", which is focused on periphreals. Gamers can find the app here -- rog-forum.asus.com/t5/technologies-explained/armoury-crate-gear-is-now-available/ba-p/957266

[@paolocoletti3424]

But only 2 of their boards are supported! So hardly a solution at all... 🤬

[@mynusten]

@@paolocoletti3424 Didn't know that. I do use the full version of Armoury Crate, but thanks for posting this.

[@al96n]

@@mynusten Do I still get aura creator within the installation of crate gear?

[@mynusten]

@@al96n Aura lighting is a seperate install. I do use it and then make Armoury Crate as the priority lighting under Windows Dynamic Lighting.

[@Xephez]

Thanks for this review. It was exactly what I was looking for. Have my sub :D

[@mynusten]

@Xephez thanks for the kind comment and engagement! The Azoth is a fantastic keyboard and can't wait to see how Asus makes it better. Appreciate the sub, too.

[@NickFje]

I have been swapping between many different keyboard the last few years, I have had Steelseries Apex Pro, Rog Falchion and Blackwidow V3 mini hyperspeed and more. When I got my Azoth 1 year ago I decided that this was a keeper. Crazy battery life so I only need to charge it 3 - 4 times every year with 25% brightness. The most consistent switches I have ever used and they are not loud and I like the sound profile a lot. Build quality is excellent and it is heavy so it never slides around on my desk. It is also nice to have to option to change out the switches even though I most likely will keep it original. The only modification I did to mine was to replace the spacebar with a Pokemon artisan acrylic spacebar

[@mynusten]

@@NickFje that’s awesome! I’m still hammering away on my Azoth with blue clicky switches. The keyboard just keeps on going. I’ve even taken the time to dial in my audio mixer’s noise gate to make sure no key clicks come through my EV RE20 mics. I’m tempted to buy the new Azoth for a review, but it’s hard to justify a $500+ swing. Appreciate the comment! 👍

[@NickFje]

@@mynusten I want to try out the new Azoth extreme too but it costs the equivalent of 600 dollars here so I am not buying it. Maybe if it was half the price and I did not own the regular version already.

[@5675venom0666]

Nice review man.

[@mynusten]

Thanks for the nice comment! Appreciate it! 👍

[@MarbsMusic]

Excellent review and I agree 100% While I'm using more custom boards, primarily 65% with VIA so I can reprogram some of the keys, our Azoth which we have had since release is still being used by one of my sons since I let him "try it" when I got my first custom. He often picks up one of my custom boards for a couple of days then thus far always goes back to the Azoth! I originally had the Blues in it as well but he wanted linear so we have had WS Morandi in it since Sept. As those are some of the smoothest out there and have a light diffuser it really enhanced the RGB. Definitely still the best mainstream option hands down IMHO!

[@mynusten]

@MarbsMusic indeed...yet to experience anything as good as the Azoth. The financier in me is trying to figure out how Asus makes money on this keyboard; maybe its a combo of scale and very thin margins...the Xbox approach. Use the Azoth to make a tiny profit and cross-sell other hardware? Maybe. As always, thanks for the kind comment and engagement!

[@mynusten]

@@danzka_ that's a bummer! I am a big fan of Gateron switches. Gateron has been in the market for as long as anyone, there are plenty of options out there and you can buy them pre-lubed. Whether you like linear, tactile or clicky, you'll have endless options on Gateron's website. Sorry to hear about your switches malfunctioning...that's definitely not the norm.

[@JamesMKE]

got mine the first day it came out. I actually just changed the ROG NX blue switches to Akko Lavender purple pro v3 a few days ago lol. I do recommend adding some tape to the inside of the space bar to help the slight rattle on that key. Over all i really love this keyboard for gaming due to its extremely fast wireless. I've had nothing break or go bad in 14 months of heavy use.

[@mynusten]

@JamesMKE, I'm with you...excellent keyboard and its durable. Akko Lavendaer Purple switches...I'll have to check them out. The clickier the better. 😂 Thanks for the advice and I'll try the tape mod on my spacekey. Honestly, that's about the only complaint I have...but its nitpicky for sure. Appreciat you watching my content and the comment. 👍

[@MFN073]

Hi i had a question. I see a lot of people talking about double typing issues. Have you experienced any?

[@mynusten]

@MFN073 I purchased two Azoth keyboards since its launch and neither keyboard had any issues with double typing. There can be production issues with any manufacturer, but double typing is more common with very light, linear switches as it takes very little pressure to actuate the switch. I am almost always using 60+ gram linear or clicky switches.

[@JDMdream347]

Will the rog nx red switches last for along time without breaking

[@mynusten]

@NAMOR5000 I didn't test my Azoth with the red switches, but most mechanical switches will last a very long time. The most common issue I have with mechanical switches are the switches manufacturing, i.e. bent pins, bad spring and faulty switch housing. Hope this helps.

[@shntlga]

does it really cause wrist pain in long use? I'm between the gaming performance of asus or better long use with low profile keyboards (keychron most likely) currently using macbook keyboard for work and really used to it, would like to carry over this to my gaming keyboard as well

[@mynusten]

@shntlga I didn't have any wrist issues while using the Azoth as I use a gel wrist rest. On my MacBook Pro, I use the Apple Magic Keyboard and its excellent for editing videos. That said, the Magic Keyboard is the only membrane keyboard I use.

[@costantineyoussif6679]

Btw how the Oled screen, they do get scratch very easily i just have it now for 3 days and i haven’t even touched it and already some scratches on it !!!! I bought some screen protector from Aliexpress just made for Azoth

[@mynusten]

@costantineyoussif6679, indeed, the OLED screen does scratch easily. My first Azoth had quite a few scratches on the OLED screen, but I've been more careful with my seocond Azoth. No scratches so far, but I only touch it with a micro fiber cloth now.

[@morten1]

It’s easy to swap the Delete and Insert keys and bind them

[@mynusten]

@morten1 definitely can do that; however, as the Azoth uses full-sized keycaps, the delete key would be a little lower than the insert key. This would drive me nuts. 😅 I adjusted my muscle memory. Thanks for watching and engaging! Much appreciated.

[@morten1]

@@mynusten Ah I thought keycaps was same height

[@mynusten]

@@morten1 Yea, for full-sized keyboards, the keys get a little shorter as you head towards the space bar.

[@morten1]

@@mynusten Yeah ok. So I wonder.. can I even find a keycap set where the delete key would fit + that key column there. I think I will bind the Insert key to be delete too. I have never ever used the Insert key ;) Not perfect fix, but maybe tolerable

[@mynusten]

@@morten1 Most 3rd party keycaps won't have this issue where the delete key is much lower than the insert key. As long as you pick keycaps with the right stem type, you should be okay. The only reason I didn't change my keycaps is the Azoth double-shot, PBT keycaps are a standout feature. They are really, really good. It only took me a couple days to adjust my muscle memory. That said, I wonder what management discussions went into deciding to put the delete key, below the insert key? Quite certain, every aspect of the Azoth went through numerous management reviews prior to retooling the factory.

[@Seven_yuzaki]

I see some one in Reddit say that he play with the keyboard a lot and after a month the switches they been broken is that true cuz i want one really bad

[@mynusten]

@Seven_yuzaki I have purchased two Asus ROG Azoths and both have preformed very well. I haven't had any switches, stabilizers or keycaps go bad...all work well. The great part of the Azoth, though, is it allows full customization so in the event you want to change-it-up, all are replaceable. I absolutely love my Azoth's and really excited to see what version #2 comes with. Thanks for watching and engaging in my content! 👍

[@Seven_yuzaki]

@@mynusten sorry but I have last question is it good for fps games like call of duty and is it better then wooting?

[@mynusten]

@@Seven_yuzaki I have tested several keyboards with Adjustable Mechanical Switches includeing the Wooting 60HE. Although it does take time to get used to the tech, its DEFINITELY an advantage in multiplayer or battle royale FPS games like Valorant, Apex and Warzone. Its awesome. That said, there are a few trade-offs that you need to factor in. The Wooting 60HE is only a 60% keyboard and there are no function, arrow or multi-media keys. I can't live without these keys, so I just couldn't use the keyboard. I did try a couple keyboards from Drunkdeer and they are good...and less expensive options...but you give up quite a bit in typing experience. I'm holding out for the Wooting 80HE, but no ETA when it will arrrive. So, my daily driver remains the Asus ROG Azoth. Warzone is my main BR FPS game and I easily manage a 1.25 KD...not the best, but I'll take it for being an older game. 😁

[@onlyskill7003]

My azoth switches broken after 10months. They have key repeat (doubleklicking). I became i new one. Now i try to sell the new one and like to buy me the Azoth in Moonlight White with nx Snow Switches

[@mynusten]

@@onlyskill7003 the beauty of the Azoth is the ability to replace the switches. I’ve upgraded my original Azoth with Gateron Ink Black V2s…still works well.

[@flarierza33]

I wish this came with a wrist rest or they sold a matching one

[@mynusten]

@flarierza33 the new Azoth Extreme does come with a wrist wrest, but that keyboard is $500. 🙁 I've been using the Glorious Wrist Rest in the Compact, Regular size and it fits well with the Azoth. Appreciate the comment.

[@G_krajst187]

Does oled had burn in?! I saw people talking a lot about that

[@mynusten]

@G_krajst187 I run my Asus ROG Azoth with rotating stats and I haven't noticed any burn-in. That said, even if there was some burn-in, the screen is small enuf that it wouldn't really matter. The overall keyboard is still fantastic, but relative to recent keyboards its showing its age. HE switches are really the sweet spot for gaming right now and hoping to get my Wooting 80HE next week. Currently, gaming and working on the NuPhy Field75 HE and its exceptional.

[@v_AsT]

Wooting 80he > Azoth. Trust me man, wooting is blowing up the market now i cant wait for your 80he review

[@mynusten]

@v_AsT you won't believe this, but I have the Wooting 80HE sitting on the shelf, unassembled. Received it a few weeks ago, but work has been so crazy, I've had almost no time for my KZbin channel. I work in the Global Finance industry, so working around the clock right now. You've motivated me to get it assembles and into my rotation! 👍

[@y2kprawn]

NIce look back over the year. I am confused at one thing though. I got one on Monday and I have been unable to set single key RGB. Kinda mad in a €250 keyboard. The software is terrible. It says I need Aura creator but when It launches from "Armoury crate" it says it cannot find a compatable keybord. Any thoughts on this ? Did you get the lighting to work ?

[@mynusten]

@@y2kprawn I’ve never tried to change single key lighting, only the effects. Let me take a look into it as I’ve learned ARMOURY Crate over the years. Agree with you wholeheartedly that the software is rough. One thing to check is plug in the keyboard to a usbc cable and plug in the dongle. Set the keyboard to wired mode and check for a firmware update. Asus updates the keyboard regularly, so this could be the problem.

[@y2kprawn]

@@mynusten My logitech g915 has terrible software as well. Took me ages to figure out how to set the per key rgb to be on the device as opposed to running the software every time. Yea, if you get a chance can you check crate, as I have seen reviews mention that it has this feature but I just feel like an idiot in that software.

[@mynusten]

@@y2kprawn Using Aura Creator, I was only able to change the color effects for the whole keyboard; not color per key.

[@y2kprawn]

@@mynusten Thanks for checking this for me. I have opened a support case and I will let you know what they say.

[@kennY_72]

You should do this video but with the black widow v4 75% I'm still wondering which one should I pick.

[@mynusten]

@kennY_72 I've got it on the list of things to look at. Really appreciate the idea!

[@kennY_72]

@@mynusten thanks man. I would really appreciate that bc there aren't videos about it anywhere. Have a great day 😊

[@mynusten]

@@kennY_72 Just ordered the keyboard and will try to do a comparison by end of next week. Thanks again and good idea.

[@jammies701]

Nice vid mate. Can you explain what you mean by the delete key positioning? It looks like it's where it always is to me, below insert on R2

[@mynusten]

@jammies701 on TKL and 75% keyboards, the Delete key is often on the R1 or R2 row and I wish gaming keyboards would become more consistent with a R1 Delete key as its easier for productivity...I use a my Azoth for both work and gaming. Appreciate the comment! 👍

[@jammies701]

so I use a 75% sort of as well, and this keyboard has delete on R2, which you mentioned as one of the normal locations on a 75%, so I'm trying to understand what you mean when you say it's in a weird spot. The R1 thing you said i get, but I'm just confused about what you said about the R2. Personally I prefer R2 delete, but options are always good, and I can easily see why someone would want to remap it to R1 next to backspace

[@Jason-pb2vo]

Does your Azoth have double pressing issue? like sometimes (or a lot of times if it's a bad day) pressing once will result in twice like "ttest" "aand" "wway" etc

[@mynusten]

@Jason-pb2vo I don't have that issue and it sounds like the switches are bad. If its across a number of switches, you may want to buy a new set. I'm partial to Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switches, but Gateron makes a large number of switch types.

[@Jason-pb2vo]

@@mynusten I see, seems like most double press issue happens on the NX snow switches

[@mynusten]

@@Jason-pb2vo interesting...from the marketing, the NX Snow switches are supposed to be the upgraded switches...

[@BrawndoQC]

I had this happened to me on one of my azoth only on a few specific keys . Only solution was to replace the culprit switches. Thankfully there are 3 extra nx switches included in the box. NX Red.

[@costantineyoussif6679]

If you would to pick up one now would you go for the Red switch Or the Snow ? Great review 👌

[@mynusten]

@costantineyoussif6679, I'd go with the Snow Switches as the box stem will make the key caps more stable and probably smoother. Both are 40 gram switches, so both will be pretty light to acctuate. Thanks for the comment! Really appreciate it. 👍

[@costantineyoussif6679]

Great! But any idea where to buy the Replacement switches for the NX Snow? Also is there’s any kinda a maintenance i should be aware of since this is my 1st mechanical board and the reason i bought it because the built quality i have some Asus ROG devices and they’re Rock solid 👌

[@mynusten]

@@costantineyoussif6679 Unfortunately, Asus ROG doesn't sell replacement switches. Good news is if you do find you need a new set, you can use any 5-point switches with a box or cherry stem depending if you go snow or reds. Unless something goes wrong, the NX switches should last a very long time. As for maintenance, the pre-lubed switches will probably last longer than the keycaps. Most gamers who go down the rabbit hole of customizable keyboards don't wearout the switches; rather, they want to experiment and try different switches. Hope this helps.

[@costantineyoussif6679]

@@mynusten you definitely deserve a subs. 👍🏼🎉

[@mynusten]

@@costantineyoussif6679 Many thanks! Really appreciate the sub and engagement...constantly working to improve my content and delivery. Lots of fun making the videos and learning a whole new skill set. 👍

[@SceonMC]

Where can you buy rog switches? I want the Snow.

[@mynusten]

@user-mj5tq1dz2i unfortunately, Asus ROG doesn't sell replacement switches for its keyboards. To acquire the Snow switches, gamers will need to buy a keyboard. Definitiely a bummer.

[@SceonMC]

@@mynusten Sad to hear this, but everytime i write a comment, you always answer very quickly, wich I apriechiate a lot! Thank you!

[@mynusten]

@@SceonMC I try to reply in a timely manner and can do so as my community is still relatively small. Hope to be more efficient as my channel grows. Check out Gateron switches. That is what I use in one of my Azoth keyboards.

[@SceonMC]

@@mynusten Sure, I will. Thank you again!

[@mynusten]

@@SceonMC My pleasure...keep on finding ways to level-up and keep on gamin'! 👍 Appreciate you.

[@villekoskela9073]

Its excellent I was lucky to pick one for 150€

[@mynusten]

@villekoskela9073 Wow; that's an amazing deal...especially in the Euro Zone. Thanks for the comment!

[@5675venom0666]

Azoth is a terrible experience. Poor RGB, Armory Crate is abysmal, Aura lighting renders the selection knob useless. The OLED screen lags and can't keep up with the software. Its been a year since release and ASUS is not fixing any of the bugs. The funny thing is none of the reviewers aren't talking about this. I tried so hard to like this keyboard.

[@mynusten]

@@5675venom0666 Sorry to read you had a bad experience with the Azoth. Agree with you that Armoury Crate is rough. It took me a while to figure out how to use it. In regards to lighting, I keep my RGB separate from Aura Light as I like the lighting different than what appears on my MoBo, fans, memory sticks and mouse. As for the OLED screen, I’ve never heard of this issue; are you referring to the hardware readouts?

[@AWG-e3r]

Yap yap yap

[@mynusten]

@@AWG-e3r As for the hardware readouts through the Azoth OLED screen, outside of the Task Manager, Performance readout, most general software apps will have a some lag. In the event you do need precise readings, I'd go with the Task Manager. Although not 100% certain, there are probably a few physical devices specifically designed for this feature. Appreciate the comment and never considered this during my review. Something for me to think about in the future.

[@ancientslav4863]

This kb suffers from double press issue. It's really bad. Don't buy. I have it. It's all over internet. It can be fixed but... It's not 100% and not that easy. DO NOT BUY!

[@mynusten]

@ancientslav4863 did you try changing out the switch? I've had two Azoth's and had no issues, but haven't heard about wide spread issues with the PCB. If there is a root cause, please do post it here. Thanks in advance! 👍

[@ancientslav4863]

@mynusten I had the NX red, ten akko switches. Both showed double press on the same keys. Software versions didn't help. Being in wifi or wire mode was the same. Many speculated what's the issue. It came down to he on pcb. You can fix this by either setting delays next to filter keys in windows or installing key delay apps aka keyboard chatter blocker and such. But even if, it's a shame the kb won't work properly without it. Some have it some don't. Who knows. Maybe bad batch? Anyway, it's fixable, but bot easy when you aren't tech savy and can't find online. Reddit has 1 really good comment section about this and it helped me. Finally I can type and game. My character in game was always crouching and standing when I didn't want it to while pressing C.

[@mynusten]

@@ancientslav4863 That's a big bummer as I've never had any problems with both the Azoth's I bought. Its my main inbetween keyboard reviews. I'm planning to do a 2-year review and will note this in my next update. Appreciate the comment. 👍