ASUS Republic of Gamers

ASUS Republic of Gamers has announced the availability of the new ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless, a mechanical keyboard with a 96% layout designed for gaming users who want to customize their setup. This new model focuses on a customizable modular design, with components designed to facilitate assembly, switch replacement, and fine-tuning of typing.

The keyboard uses a compact layout that retains the full numeric keypad while reducing the footprint compared to traditional full-size models. The 96% format allows for greater desk space for mouse movements during gaming sessions, without sacrificing dedicated function keys like Home, End, Print Screen, and Screen Lock.

Among the most relevant features are the ROG NX Snow V2 mechanical switches, installed on a hot-swappable socket that allows for quick replacement without soldering. The switches use a stem and housing made of composite material, which improves fluidity and stability during key presses. ASUS also emphasized the presence of reinforced walls to limit dust ingress and a pre-applied lubrication that enhances uniformity and precision in typing.

The new ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless also integrates the Speed Tap function, developed for competitive FPS gaming. When the system detects simultaneous pressing of two opposite directional keys, the software automatically prioritizes the last input recorded. This allows for immediate direction changes, eliminating downtime during what is known as counter-strafing.

ASUS has also focused on the acoustics and tactile feel of the keyboard. The structure features a silicone gasket mount system along with a polycarbonate positional plate and various layers of sound-absorbing material. This configuration reduces resonance and vibration during typing and improves key response.

It is interesting to note that for the lighting, the keyboard adopts a south-facing PCB, meaning the LED is positioned in the lower area of the switches. This solution ensures greater compatibility with third-party custom keycaps. Moreover, this LED arrangement is expected to enhance the visual impact of RGB effects, as the keyboard is viewed from a lower perspective.

Connectivity is another central element of the design. The ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless supports three operating modes: wired connection via USB-C / USB-A, wireless at 2.4 GHz with ROG Speednova technology, and Bluetooth. In 2.4 GHz wireless mode, ASUS claims up to 590 hours of autonomy with RGB lighting turned off, a truly remarkable achievement for a keyboard that prioritizes performance.

On the design front, the keyboard sports a somewhat aggressive look, in line with the ROG tradition. On the sides, there are two RGB LED strips, naturally customizable. But it is precisely in the area of configuration that ASUS takes a decisive step forward with GearLink.

For those who do not know, GearLink is ASUS's new web-based suite for managing and configuring peripherals. This means no downloads, no installations, no waiting. It is sufficient to directly access the dedicated page from the browser and customize the settings that will then be saved on the device's built-in memory.

Support for macOS is also included. By using the Fn+Tab combination, users can quickly switch from PC mode to Mac mode, with automatic remapping of function keys F1-F12 to fit Apple’s operating system shortcuts and controls. The new ASUS ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless is already available at a suggested price of 149.90 Euros.