The ROG Azoth X, sitting strategically between the original Azoth and the ultra-premium Azoth Extreme, the X edition aims to be the definitive 75% wireless mechanical keyboard for those who want enthusiasts-grade features without the steep price tag of the Extreme.
Disclaimer: We have received the ISO layout for the review sample. Malaysian retail units will have the standard ANSI layout.
Design and Aesthetics: The “Stellar” Look
The most striking change is the move to the Stellar White colorway. It’s a clean, sophisticated look that stands out in a market dominated by stealth-black peripherals. The keycaps are particularly interesting—three-sided translucent “Stellar” caps that allow for massive RGB diffusion while keeping the top legends legible and professional. This design choice is certainly interesting in some ways, but it is always subjective to personal preference.
Under the hood, the construction remains premium. You still get a heavy-duty metal top frame, but the internal philosophy has shifted. While the original Azoth used a stiffer steel plate, the Azoth X opts for FR4 (fiberglass). This is a massive win for typing feel. FR4 offers a bit more “give” and a naturally deeper acoustic profile compared to metal, making every keystroke feel less jarring during long typing sessions.
While this version omits the extensive lube station kit found in the original Azoth box, it does include a high-quality silicone wrist rest, which is a much-appreciated addition for ergonomics.
The Typing Experience: Sound and Feel
For the DIY crowd, the Azoth X remains hot-swappable. ASUS has clearly been listening to the community regarding acoustics. The Azoth X features a sophisticated 5-layer dampening system, including PORON gaskets and silicone pads. When combined with the FR4 plate, the result is a “marbly” or “creamy” sound straight out of the box—no modifications required.
Perhaps the most important update for the hardcore enthusiast is the south-facing PCB. On the original Azoth, north-facing LEDs caused interference with high-end Cherry profile keycaps (like those from GMK). By flipping the switches, ASUS has ensured that the Azoth X is 100% compatible with any aftermarket keycap set you might want to throw at it.
Our unit came equipped with the ROG NX Snow linear switches. These are pre-lubed at the factory and feel remarkably smooth. The stem stability is excellent, with very little wobble, providing a consistent feel across the entire 75% layout.
Tech and Connectivity: SpeedNova Performance
While the “custom” features are great, this is still an ROG product, which means the tech inside is industry-leading.
- Tri-Mode Connectivity: The 2.4GHz SpeedNova wireless is flawless. We experienced zero latency issues even in an office environment crowded with wireless signals. Bluetooth 5.1 is there for alternative connection, and the USB-C wired mode handles charging.
- Battery Life: ASUS claims up to 1,600 hours with the OLED and RGB turned off. Even with the lights at a moderate setting, you can easily go weeks between charges, which remains the gold standard for wireless mechanical boards.
- Polling Rate: Out of the box, it supports 1,000Hz, but if you pair it with the ROG Polling Rate Booster (sold separately), you can crank that up to 8,000Hz for ultra-low latency gaming.
The OLED and Control Knob
The signature 2-inch grayscale OLED returns, and it remains one of the best implementations of a screen on a keyboard. Using the 3-way control knob on the side, you can cycle through system monitoring (CPU/GPU temps), media controls, or custom animations without ever opening Armoury Crate. It’s tactile, intuitive, and genuinely adds to the workflow rather than being a mere gimmick.
Software and Customization
Software remains the one “catch.” To get the most out of the OLED and RGB, you’ll need to use Armoury Crate. While it has improved significantly over the years and offers deep customization, it is still a heavy piece of software. That said, once you’ve set your profiles, the Azoth X has onboard memory, so you can save your settings and close the app.
Other than Armoury Crate, ROG also recently introduced Gear Link, a web-based customization tool that serves as a lightweight, no-install alternative. It allows you to configure your ROG peripherals directly through a compatible web browser. This is an amazing feature especially for those who don’t like to install additional applications in their PC.
Verdict: Who is this for?
The ROG Azoth X feels like the “matured” version of the original Azoth. It takes a successful formula and polishes the rough edges. The switch to a south-facing PCB and an FR4 plate shows that ASUS is paying attention to what the mechanical keyboard community actually values.
Pros:
- Excellent “creamy” sound profile thanks to FR4 plate and 5-layer dampening.
- South-facing LEDs solve all keycap interference issues.
- Stunning Stellar White aesthetic with high-quality translucent keycaps.
- Best-in-class wireless battery life.
Cons:
- Higher price point than the standard Azoth.
- Armoury Crate is still required for full OLED customization.
If you already own the original Azoth, the upgrade might be hard to justify unless you specifically need south-facing LEDs or love the white aesthetic. However, if you are looking for a gamer-branded wireless 75% board, the ROG Azoth X could be one of the options for you.
