The Asus ROG Azoth Extreme isn’t your average keyboard. From its meticulously designed packaging to the satisfying click of the first keystroke, this keyboard exudes premium quality. However, with a price tag of $500, rivaling high-end graphics cards, the Azoth Extreme begs the question: does its performance justify the cost?
While the original ROG Azoth marked a significant advancement in mainstream keyboards, the Azoth Extreme refines and elevates the original design in nearly every aspect. It bridges the gap between mainstream and enthusiast keyboards, offering distinct advantages, but the hefty price point remains a significant hurdle.
A Luxurious Design and Build
The Asus ROG Azoth Extreme sitting on a pink background.Image: Asus ROG Azoth Extreme on a pink background. Credit: Jacob Roach / MaagX
The Azoth Extreme shares a similar aesthetic with the original Azoth, but boasts subtle yet impactful enhancements. Sporting the popular 75% layout favored by enthusiast keyboards like the Glorious GMMK Pro and Meletrix Boog75, the Azoth Extreme stands out with its full aluminum shell, a substantial upgrade from the original’s plastic construction.
This shift to premium materials translates to a noticeable difference in weight and feel. Nearly twice as heavy as its predecessor at 4.9 pounds (compared to the original’s 2.6 pounds), the Azoth Extreme feels remarkably solid and durable. Internally, a carbon fiber switch plate and three layers of sound dampening (two layers of Poron foam and a silicone pad) contribute to a softer typing experience and refined sound profile. The silicone pad can be removed for those who prefer a different feel.
Metal feet for the Asus ROG Azoth Extreme.Image: Magnetic metal feet of the Asus ROG Azoth Extreme. Credit: Jacob Roach / MaagX
External enhancements include two sets of magnetic metal feet, replacing the original’s plastic tabs, and a large, comfortable silicone wrist rest—a welcome addition. The wrist rest seamlessly integrates with the keyboard’s design, remaining securely in place.
Feature-Rich and Customizable
OLED display on the Asus ROG Azoth Extreme.Image: The full-color OLED touchscreen display of the Asus ROG Azoth Extreme. Credit: Jacob Roach / MaagX
The Azoth Extreme’s standout feature is its full-color OLED touchscreen display. Beyond its vibrant ROG animation, the display provides access to various functions through Asus’ Armoury Crate software. Users can swipe through displays showing animations, date and time, laptop battery status, hardware information (CPU temperature, frequency, and voltage), and keystrokes per second (KPS). Indicators flanking the display provide quick access to battery life, connection status, and caps lock status.
Metal knob on the Asus ROG Azoth Extreme.Image: The control knob on the Asus ROG Azoth Extreme. Credit: Jacob Roach / MaagX
A side-mounted control knob, similar to the original Azoth, allows for on-the-fly adjustments to media controls, brightness, and lighting effects. Pressing the knob cycles through options, while pressing, flicking up, or flicking down the top of the knob activates additional controls.
Another notable feature is the adjustable gasket, allowing users to toggle between a softer or stiffer typing feel. While the difference is subtle, it becomes apparent during extended use, offering flexibility for both gaming and typing.
Adjustable gasket on the Asus ROG Azoth Extreme.Image: The adjustable gasket switch on the Asus ROG Azoth Extreme. Credit: Jacob Roach / MaagX
Additional features include Asus’ range extender for 8,000Hz wireless polling rate with the included Omni receiver and a dedicated Copilot key, a first for gaming keyboards. The Copilot key can be remapped in Armoury Crate if desired.
A Typing Experience to Match the Price?
Switch on the Asus ROG Azoth Extreme keyboard.Image: Close-up of a key switch on the Asus ROG Azoth Extreme. Credit: Jacob Roach / MaagX
The Azoth Extreme provides an exceptional typing experience, surpassing even the original Azoth. The adjustable gasket significantly contributes to this, offering a nuanced feel tailored to different usage scenarios. The pre-lubricated ROG NX Snow linear switches (or optional NX Storm tactile switches) further enhance the typing experience, minimizing key wobble thanks to their box-style stems.
Keycaps on the Asus ROG Azoth Extreme keyboard.Image: Keycaps on the Asus ROG Azoth Extreme. Credit: Jacob Roach / MaagX
While the included double-shot PBT keycaps with transparent legends are durable and allow for per-key RGB lighting, the textured finish may not appeal to all users. The hot-swappable switches and keycaps allow for extensive customization, making the Azoth Extreme a versatile platform for enthusiasts.
Wireless Connectivity and Battery Life
Wireless dongle on the Asus ROG Azoth Extreme.Image: The wireless dongle for the Asus ROG Azoth Extreme. Credit: Jacob Roach / MaagX
Wireless connectivity remains a key feature. The Azoth Extreme supports 2.4GHz wireless via the Asus Omni receiver (with the option of 8,000Hz polling rate using the extender), Bluetooth connectivity for up to three devices, and wired mode while charging. However, the higher polling rate impacts battery life, offering up to 1,600 hours with OLED and RGB lighting disabled, a reduction from the original Azoth’s 2,000+ hours.
The Verdict: A Luxury Item, Not a Necessity
The Asus ROG Azoth Extreme sitting on a pink background.Image: The Asus ROG Azoth Extreme keyboard. Credit: Jacob Roach / MaagX
The ROG Azoth Extreme is undeniably a premium keyboard, packed with features and offering an exceptional typing experience. However, the $500 price tag makes it difficult to recommend for the average user. While its features and build quality justify a premium, the current price puts it in a category of its own. A price drop to $400 or, ideally, $350 would make it a much more compelling option.
While the Azoth Extreme offers a unique combination of features, comparable keyboards with similar typing experiences and functionality can be found for considerably less. For most users, these alternatives will offer a better value proposition. However, for those willing to pay a premium for the best of the best, the ROG Azoth Extreme delivers a luxurious and highly customizable keyboarding experience.
