Asus Republic of Gamers (ROG) has announced a pair of new mechanical RGB LED keyboards. Whichever you choose you will have "the ultimate gaming keyboard", says Asus. How can both models be the 'ultimate'? The unsatisfying answer to that riddle is that they are the same, but different. The ROG Claymore keyboard is a full sized traditional layout keyboard with detachable numpad, the ROG Claymore Core is a tenkeyless (TKL) version without the numpad bundled. However, you can add the Asus custom-made numpad to your Claymore Core if you feel like it, as it is "available separately in case you change your mind".
Whichever Claymore you choose, you will get a keyboard with an aluminium chassis etched with signature Asus ROG Mayan patterns. The RGB LED lighting is adjustable per-key and works with AURA Sync in partner with other Asus AURA products like chassis, graphics card, motherboard and more. Presets are provided so you don't have to fiddle around for ages for pleasing lighting effects. AURA pre-sets include; CPU temperature, Static, Breathing, Colour Cycle, Wave, Ripple, Reactive, Starry Night, Quicksand, and a Custom Effect of your own.
Asus equips the Claymore keyboards with the popular Cherry MX range of keys and buyers can pick from Red, Blue, Brown and Black varieties for their characteristic-feel preferences. Gaming keyboard niceties such as anti-ghosting keys, 1000Hz polling, and N-Key rollover are present and correct. Some gamers use macros to master their games and you can use and store macros in the built-in flash memory, as well as six user profiles. When paired with an Asus ROG motherboard these keyboards offer hotkeys for fan speed, lighting and overclocking controls.
Asus ROG Claymore keyboards come with eight adjustable feet, cable routing grooves, and large rubber feet for superior stability and grip. A 1.8m long braided fibre cable is provided to plug in the underside back of the keyboard and your PC USB 2.0 port.
The detachable numpad option for the ROG Claymore keyboards allows some interesting flexible usability choices. You can leave the numpad at home when you go to a LAN party for example. Alternatively you might find it invaluable to position the numpad left or right to suit your dexterity or gameplay style. The keyboards weigh 770g, or 943g with the numpad attached.
Asus didn't provide any availability or pricing infomration.
