ASUS ROG Strix Scope TKL  Keyboard Review

Reviewed Mar 30, 2021 at 09:46am
Writing modified Oct 12, 2022 at 03:05pm
Tested using Methodology v1.0 
ASUS ROG Strix Scope TKL

Track

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Gaming 
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Mobile/Tablet 
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Office 
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Programming 
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Entertainment / HTPC 

Track

 1

The ASUS ROG Strix Scope TKL is an excellent mechanical gaming keyboard. It's a TenKeyLess keyboard without a numpad, and it's available in various Cherry MX switches. It has excellent build quality and is reasonably comfortable to type on, even without a wrist rest, though there's a Deluxe variant that comes with one. It has full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys, as well as LEDs at the bottom of the keyboard to create an underglow effect. Unfortunately, its latency is a bit high and might not be ideal for serious, competitive gamers. Also, while its companion software offers plenty of customization options, it isn't available for macOS or Linux.

Our Verdict

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Gaming 

The ASUS ROG Strix Scope TKL is an excellent gaming keyboard. It has excellent build quality, RGB backlighting, and macro-programmable keys. The Cherry MX Browns on our unit are light and responsive, and there are multiple Cherry MX switch options available to suit your needs. Unfortunately, its latency is a bit high for a wired keyboard and might not be ideal for competitive gamers.

Pros
  • Macro-programmable keys.
  • Excellent build quality.
  • Great typing experience.
  • Comfortable to type on without a wrist rest.
Cons
  • Latency may be too high for competitive gamers.
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Mobile/Tablet 

The ASUS ROG Strix Scope TKL is a wired-only keyboard and isn't suitable for use with mobile devices.

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Office 

The ASUS ROG Strix Scope TKL is good for office use. It's well-built and comfortable to type on without a wrist rest, although there's a Deluxe version that comes with one if you need it. The Cherry MX Brown switches on our unit provide a great typing experience, and you can also get the keyboard in various Cherry MX switches to suit your preference. It's fully compatible with Windows, but a few keys don't work on macOS, and there's no customization software either.

Pros
  • Excellent build quality.
  • Great typing experience.
  • Comfortable to type on without a wrist rest.
Cons
  • No customization software for macOS.
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Programming 

The ASUS ROG Strix Scope TKL is good for programmers. It's a well-built keyboard that provides a great typing experience. It has macro-programmable keys, and its full RGB backlighting is great for those who like to work in the dark. The version that we tested doesn't come with a wrist rest, but most people should be comfortable without one. Unfortunately, there's no customization software for Linux.

Pros
  • Macro-programmable keys.
  • Excellent build quality.
  • Great typing experience.
  • Comfortable to type on without a wrist rest.
Cons
  • No customization software for Linux.
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Entertainment / HTPC 

The ASUS ROG Strix Scope TKL is bad for use with a home theater PC. It's a wired-only keyboard with no trackpad, which isn't ideal if you have kids who might trip over wires, and you need a dedicated mouse for navigation. On the bright side, it has full RGB backlighting for dark room viewing, and you can set the media controls as the default for easier access.

Pros
  • Great typing experience.
Cons
  • Wired-only.
  • No trackpad.
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    Gaming
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    Mobile/Tablet
  • 0.0
    Office
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    Programming
  • 0.0
    Entertainment / HTPC
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Oct 12, 2022: Added in a comparison to the recently reviewed ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate.
    2.  Updated Mar 30, 2021: Review published.
    3.  Updated Mar 25, 2021: Early access published.
    4.  Updated Mar 15, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.

    Check Price

    BlackROG Strix Scope
    Amazon.com
    BlackROG Strix Scope Deluxe
    Amazon.com
    BlackROG Strix Scope RX TKL
    SEE PRICE
    Amazon.com
    BlackROG Strix Scope RX
    Amazon.com
    BlackROG Strix Scope NX
    Amazon.com
    BlackROG Strix Scope NX TKL
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    Amazon.com
    BlackROG Strix Scope NX Deluxe
    Amazon.com
    BlackROG Strix Scope NX TKL Deluxe
    Amazon.com
    Black/GrayROG Strix Scope TKL
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    Amazon.com
    Gundam EditionROG Strix Scope TKL
    Amazon.com
    Moonlight WhiteROG Strix Scope NX TKL
    SEE PRICE
    Amazon.com

    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    We tested the ASUS ROG Strix Scope TKL with Cherry MX Brown switches, but it's available in various Cherry MX switches, including Red, Blue, Speed Silver, and Silent Red. There's an Electro Punk variant with a black and pink color scheme, but it's only available with Cherry MX Red switches. Also, while our unit doesn't come with a wrist rest, there's a Deluxe version that does.

    You can see our unit's label here.

    Popular Keyboard Comparisons

    The ASUS ROG Strix Scope TKL is an excellent gaming keyboard that provides a great typing experience. However, its latency is a bit high for a wired keyboard and might be disappointing for competitive gamers looking for the lowest input lag.

    For more options, check out our recommendations for the best gaming keyboards, the best mechanical keyboards, and the best RGB keyboards.

    ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless

    Track

    The ASUS ROG Strix Scope TKL and the ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless are gaming keyboards in the same lineup. The Strix Scope TKL is an older wired-only model with a smaller TenKeyLess form factor. On the other hand, the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless is a newer wireless model with a compact (96%) form factor. It has significantly better latency performance, higher-quality PBT keycaps, and includes a wrist rest, which the Strix Scope TKL lacks.

    ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate

    Track

    The ASUS ROG Strix Scope TKL and the ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate are both wired-only gaming keyboards. However, the Strix Flare II performs much better overall thanks to its exceptionally low latency, higher maximum polling rate, and included wrist rest for better ergonomics.

    SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL

    Track

    The ASUS ROG Strix Scope TKL and the SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL are both wired TenKeyLess gaming keyboards. The SteelSeries is better for the most part because it has more features, like an OLED screen, dedicated media controls, a USB passthrough, and it comes with a wrist rest. Also, it has lower latency and customization software for macOS. Both keyboards are available in multiple switch options.

    Ducky One 2 RGB TKL

    Track

    The ASUS ROG Strix Scope TKL and the Ducky One 2 Mini RGB TKL are both wired TenKeyLess keyboards that are available in various Cherry MX switches. The only difference is that the Ducky has lower latency, making it a better choice for gaming. While we tested both keyboards with Cherry MX Brown switches, the Ducky provides a better typing experience because it has higher-quality PBT keycaps.

    Show more 

    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
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    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    Dimensions
    Size
    LockedTenKeyLess (80%)
    Height
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    WidthLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Depth
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Depth With Wrist Rest
    LockedN/A
    Weight
    LockedLock lbs (Lock kg)

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    0.0
    Build Quality
    Keycap MaterialLockedLocked

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    0.0
    Ergonomics
    Board Design
    LockedLocked
    Minimum Incline
    LockedLock°
    Medium Incline
    LockedN/A
    Maximum Incline
    LockedLock°
    Wrist RestLockedLocked

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    0.0
    Backlighting
    BacklightingLockedLocked
    Color
    LockedLocked
    Individually Backlit Keys
    LockedLocked
    Color Mixing
    LockedLocked
    Effects
    LockedLocked
    Programmable
    LockedLocked

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    Cable & Connector
    ConnectivityLockedWired
    Detachable
    LockedLocked
    LengthLockedLock ft (Lock m)
    Connector (Keyboard side)
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Wireless Versatility
    Bluetooth
    LockedLocked
    Bluetooth Multi-Device Pairing
    LockedLocked
    Proprietary Receiver
    LockedLocked
    Battery Type
    LockedLocked

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    Extra Features
    Media Keys
    LockedLocked
    Macro Programmable Keys
    LockedLocked
    Trackpad / TrackballLockedLocked
    WheelLockedLocked
    USB Passthrough
    LockedLocked
    NumpadLockedLocked
    Windows Key Lock
    LockedLocked
    Lock IndicatorLockedLocked

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    In The Box

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    Typing Experience
    Keystrokes
    Mechanical
    LockedYes
    Key Switches
    LockedLocked
    Feel
    LockedLocked
    Operating Force
    LockedLock gf
    Actuation Force
    LockedLock gf
    Pre-Travel
    LockedLock mm
    Total Travel
    LockedLock mm

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    0.0
    Typing Quality

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    Typing Noise
    SAMPLE
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    ASUS ROG Strix Scope TKL Typing Sample Sample
    Noise
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Latency
    SAMPLE
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    ASUS ROG Strix Scope TKL Latency Video Sample
    Latency Wired
    LockedLock ms
    Latency Receiver
    LockedN/A
    Latency Bluetooth
    LockedN/A

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    Software and Operating System
    0.0
    Software & Programming
    Software NameLockedLocked
    Account Required
    LockedLocked
    Profiles
    LockedLocked
    Onboard Memory
    LockedLocked
    Cloud Sync
    LockedLocked
    Macro Programming
    LockedLocked
    Ease Of Use
    LockedLocked
    Software Windows Compatible
    LockedLocked
    Software macOS Compatible
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Keyboard Compatibility
    WindowsLockedLocked
    macOSLockedLocked
    LinuxLockedLocked
    AndroidLockedLocked
    iOSLockedLocked
    iPadOSLockedLocked

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