Performance

Using the keyboard feels highly satisfying due to its gasket mount design and three layers of sound-dampening material that reduce noise and improve the feel of typing. It comes equipped with durable double-shot PBT keycaps in a Cherry profile, which are standard-sized for compatibility and ease of use. As explained the keyboard offers several types of pre-lubricated mechanical switches: with the NX Storm switches being ideal for gaming thanks to their smooth, linear action and consistent actuation. The lower-profile keycaps improve the gaming experience by offering a balance between smooth and tactile feedback. For gamers, the ROG NX Snow switches on the Azoth Extreme ensure a smooth and quick linear keypress, which is consistent and well-suited even for those who typically don't prefer linear switches. The keyboard also maintains a reliable wireless connection and can be enhanced with the ROG Polling Rate Booster accessory, which increases the polling rate to up to 8,000 Hz for supported devices.

The Asus ROG Azoth Extreme is a keyboard that delivers impressive acoustics and performance. Straight out of the box, the Azoth provides clean and crisp sound quality, free from noticeable hollowness and a lot of 'clickety-clack'. This acoustic experience is supported by sound-dampening features, including a Poron sheet and a silicone sheet, contributing to its high-end construction. For gamers, the wireless system in the Azoth is designed to rival wired keyboards in responsiveness, ensuring that commands are executed as quickly as they are inputted, without sacrificing performance. Asus advertises a 2000-hour battery life for the Azoth with RGB lighting turned off. During two weeks of testing with RGB on, the battery still had 55 % remaining, suggesting a considerable battery life, although the 2000-hour claim may be optimistic. The Azoth Extreme's value proposition, however, raises massive questions. While it boasts features such as an OLED touchscreen, adjustable gasket mount, and wrist rest, these may not at all be essential for all users.

High polling rates, although present, are not unique to this model and can be found in other gaming keyboards as well. The price of the Azoth Extreme, which is nearly double that of the original Azoth, will be hard to justify for many users. The new features, while notable, do not seem to warrant such a significant price increase. The OLED touchscreen, while a cool addition, may not offer much practical value, especially considering the ease of using the adjustable knob on the side and the occasional finicky nature of the touchscreen. Make no mistake, the Asus ROG Azoth Extreme is a superbly crafted keyboard with features and performance levels that will astound those who prioritize customization and are willing to pay a premium price. However, for the majority of users, the original ROG Azoth offers a similar experience at a much lower cost (which quite frankly already is expensive). For me personally, I like the OLED screen, but find it too distracting TBH, so it serves of no extra meaning for me. Also, I do miss that numeric keypad. Typing and gaming in this keyboard is fantastic, but not different than a $100-150 keyboards can achieve as well. No, it's a fantastic keyboard, but the deal breaker remains its pricing. If you really consider this to be a 'must-have' then it may be wise to wait for a potential price reduction before purchasing the Extreme model. Alternatively, the original Asus ROG Azoth remains a strong option for those seeking a high-end, customizable gaming keyboard without the extreme premium price tag.