Asus has a new Hall effect mechanical keyboard with an OLED display, numpad, and 8K polling rate
Asus has expanded its Azoth mechanical keyboard lineup with a new 96% model. Since launching the original Azoth in 2023 (curr: $154.99 at Amazon), the company has released two follow-up versions, both using standard mechanical switches in the same 75% layout. The new ROG Azoth 96 HE brings Hall Effect magnetic switches for improved precision while expanding the design to include a numpad and extra system keys.
Aside from the expanded layout, Asus has also upgraded the polling rate with this new model. The ROG Azoth 96 HE now supports a true 8,000 Hz polling rate in both wired and wireless modes via the 2.4 GHz ROG SpeedNova 8K adapter. It also includes Bluetooth and USB connectivity and can connect to up to five devices simultaneously. That said, the keyboard retains the 1.47-inch OLED touchscreen and multifunction knob from earlier Azoth models.
The biggest highlight here is the Hall effect upgrade. Unlike the previous models with ROG NX switches, the new ROG Azoth 96 HE now uses the ROG HFX V2 switches found on the ROG Falcata split mechanical keyboard. These are magnetic switches with ROG Hall sensors, meaning users can now adjust the actuation point and take advantage of advanced features like Rapid Trigger and Speed Tap, Asus’s take on Razer’s Snap Tap.
Actuation point can be customized from 0.1–3.5mm, with precise 0.01mm-step tuning for refined keystrokes.
Under the hood, the ROG Azoth 96 HE has premium touches like a silicone gasket mount with pre-lubed stabilizers for the space bar and other long keys. It also has six layers of dampening, including Poron and IXPE, which should all improve the acoustics and deliver a more cushioned typing experience. On top of that, the keyboard comes in a metal top frame, which should give it a premium look and feel.
Asus has not revealed any release date or pricing details, but considering the original launched at $250 with a 75% layout and no Hall effect switches, the ROG Azoth 96 HE will undoubtedly land on the higher end of the price spectrum.
Check out the Asus ROG Azoth X 75% mechanical keyboard at Amazon.
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