Final words and conclusion

Final words and conclusion

I really enjoyed using the new Asus CLAYMORE II. This is a good execution of the wireless mechanical keyboard. It’s an excellent choice for gamers, even on a competitive level – there is no lag in wireless mode operation (2.4 GHz with only 1 ms delay time). As we’re at it, the battery life with the lighting on is about 37h (Asus claimed 43), so really not bad. As for the other things - you also can’t miss the media keys and my beloved volume roller, which I use frequently. The advantages of ROG Claymore II It is a design that can flexibly respond to 100% and 80% needs, and at the same time can install the digital area on the left side. The Asus CLAYMORE II uses ROG MX Reds, so it’s a very safe choice for mech-keyboard newbies. Why very safe? The ROG implementation is very stable, quiet and should match most of the user’s needs. Additionally - ROG can provide a 100 million keystroke rating with their RX Optical Switches. The reviewed keyboard comes with ABS keycaps (it would be better to have the PBT, which are more reliable) and a leatherette palm rest (but it only really fits the full-format state of the Claymore II). You can find the Asus Aura compatibility(how would that be a surprise for an Asus product?). Speaking of this software suite, the keyboard has dynamic per-key RGB backlighting; you can record macros, etc. But it’s not my favourite one to use, as sometimes it’s not stable and not very user-friendly. The quality of the keyboard itself is excellent, so no reason to complain here, as the frame is sturdy and made of aluminium. The feet are rubbery, so the CLAYMORE II stays in place as it’s supposed to, and you can adjust the height to match it to your preferences.

Aesthetics

The CLAYMORE II uses a mix of full-size and tenkeyless formats, which we already saw in the predecessor. You can put the Numpad sector both on the left or right side or… not connect it all. Flexibility all the way. There are four media keys, volume roller – so that’s always appreciated. The LED lighting system does its job excellent (vivid and crisp colours). If you want to, you can individually adjust each key to your preference. Even anti-RGB guys should be satisfied because you can make the backlighting, e.g., all-white, or use it only on some keys. There are plenty of ROG logos on the product, so not everyone will like it.

  Final words

The mechanical keyboards market is very crowded, and Asus wanted to make something new. Did they manage to achieve it? Well, mostly yes. It’s a nice evolution of the first Claymore. The implementation of the wireless mode is excellent, the working time is really enough, even with the lighting on. You can choose the variant of operation – full-form factor with Numpad section on the left or right side, or you can go tenkeyless, and that’s great. You get great ROG MX switches; the Reds used in the provided sample are my new favourites. They don’t wobble; they are really quiet (for the Reds), and the lighting effect is excellent. Let’s say standard features- the 1,000 Hz polling rate, full NKRO, and 100% anti-ghosting are here. But not all is the best. First of all – the keycaps. Although they seem sturdy and solid, still – they’re only ABS ones. The PBT would bring more durability, for sure, from the definition. This lack of (PBT) feature is surprising considering the other weak point of the Asus Claymore II keyboard, which is the price. In that segment, I mean – it’s 269.99 USD/279.99 EUR. I wouldn’t expect less than the PBT. What was the idea here? Additionally, some nit-picking – you get the palm rest here, but it only really serves (and looks good) its purpose in full format. For the TKL option – it’s rather redundant. Another thing – Asus Aura still needs some improvements, as it wasn’t perfectly stable in the usage, also I had to re-install it to have the device recognized. Last but not least –I think that there are too many ROG logos all around, and not everyone can be fond of this; it’s just a “warning.” For everything that it offers, the CLAYMORE II deserves the “Recommended” award. It’s not a Top Pick, as there are some flaws. We appreciate the innovation, the ideas here, but some things need to be addressed (maybe in Claymore III?). Aaah, perhaps some option with the independently working Numpad would be good, for example, for streamers? Perhaps an option to add O-rings? More than two types of switches to choose from would also be nice.

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