Asus is leveling up its keyboard game with the new ROG Azoth 96 HE — a magnetic, feature-packed upgrade designed to please both gamers and heavy typists. Building on the Azoth’s reputation for premium feel and performance, this latest version adds a full numpad, swaps out traditional switches for Hall Effect sensors, and keeps that beloved OLED screen intact. The result looks like Asus’s most ambitious keyboard yet, one that aims to balance competitive responsiveness with all-day usability.
The ROG Azoth 96 HE expands the lineup beyond the original 75% model that launched in 2023 at $250 (and now sells for around $155 on Amazon). Instead of the ROG NX mechanical switches, this version introduces ROG HFX V2 magnetic switches—borrowed from the ROG Falcata—to deliver pinpoint accuracy and customizable actuation.
Users can fine-tune the trigger point anywhere between 0.1mm and 3.5mm, in 0.01mm steps, allowing for ultra-precise input. Features like Rapid Trigger enable faster key resets, while Asus’s Speed Tap lets users change movement direction instantly—perfect for FPS players looking to shave off every millisecond during counter-strafes.
The layout is another highlight. By moving to a 96% form factor, Asus manages to squeeze in a full numpad and a few extra keys. Connectivity options are comprehensive too: the keyboard supports tri-mode connections with ROG SpeedNova 8K wireless, Bluetooth, and USB-C, handling up to five devices at once. Impressively, the 8,000Hz polling rate works in both wired and wireless modes, ensuring near-zero latency. The familiar 1.47-inch OLED display and multifunction control knob also make a return, letting users adjust lighting, macros, and actuation settings on the fly.
Under the hood, Asus is continuing its focus on sound and feel. The Azoth 96 HE features a silicone gasket mount, pre-lubed stabilizers for longer keys, and six layers of dampening materials—including Poron and IXPE—for softer acoustics and a cushioned typing experience. The metal top plate and translucent ROG keycaps round off the design, giving it a premium yet customizable look.
Asus hasn’t revealed pricing or an exact release date, but given the upgrades, it’s safe to expect a price north of $300 when it arrives later this year or in early 2026.
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(Source: ASUS)
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