When it comes to competitive gaming, optical switches are prized for their speed. The ROG Strix Scope II RX is the second iteration of the Strix Scope RX series, with a new design and pre-lubed RX optical switches.
Table of Contents
ROG Strix Scope II RX – Specifications
| Model Name | ROG Strix Scope II RX |
| Form Factor | 100% |
| Connectivity | USB Type-C |
| Keyboard Switch | RX Red RX Blue |
| Keycaps | PBT double shot |
| Dimensions & Weight | 436 x 129 x 36mm 836g (without cable) |
What’s in the Box?
- ROG Strix Scope II
- USB Type A to Type C connector
- Space bar keycap
- Wrist rest
- Warranty card
- User guide
- ROG sticker
Design
The ROG Strix Scope II RX is a full sized keyboard with a frameless design. At the top right, you are greeted by a volume wheel and a button with the ROG logo on it. The keycaps have clear and sharp legends, and are made of double shot keycaps. The legends are also transparent allowing the ARGB lighting to shine through.
The keyboard chassis has an aluminium top and a plastic base. For added ergonomics, you get a pair of feet offering 3 levels of tilt adjustment. Completing the keyboard is a full sized wrist rest, which can be attached to the keyboard frame via magnets.
In terms of accessories, you don’t get much. There is a spare space bar keycap with ROG theming similar to the ANiME Matrix. The switch stem uses a 4 pronged design, which limits customisability if you plan to use third party keycaps. On top of that, the switches are not hot-swappable.
Typing Experience
For full disclosure, I am not a huge fan of full sized keyboards, as I prefer keyboards with more compact layouts. With that said, the ROG Strix Scope II RX offers a decent typing experience.
While the keycaps’ profile leans toward the flat side, the contours are still pronounced to make typing a breeze. The individual keys also exhibited practically zero wobble, and rattling is kept to a minimum.
The ROG RX optical mechanical switches are factory lubed, and they felt consistent across the board. Our review sample came with RX Blue clicky switches, which surprised me. While the keyboard hobbyist community largely regarded clicky switches as loud and obnoxious, the RX Blue switches are surprisingly pleasant. Sure, they are audible, but its not the kind of loud rattly clicks we often associate with MX Cherry Blue switches. It’s as if the switches are dampened to minimise the high pitched noise for a satisfying click with no reverb whatsoever.
Latency
The standout feature of the ROG Strix Scope II RX is the use of RX optical mechanical switches. This combines the tactility of mechanical switches with blazing fast optical switch response times, resulting in instantaneous response while gaming.
In terms of real world use, I find that my inputs to be reflected on screen a lot faster than my daily driver, which may result in better gaming performance in competitive settings. For more casual forms of gaming, say Genshin Impact, the difference is negligible.
Comfort
The ROG Strix Scope II RX comes with a magnetic wrist rest. It has a supple leather grain like texture with a soft touch feel. Overall, the keyboard feels quite comfortable to use even for long hours of typing / gaming.
Software & Customisation
Like all ROG peripherals, the Strix Scope II RX can be customised via Armoury Crate. Not only do you get the usual ARGB, key mapping, and Aura Creator settings, you can also setup the multi-wheel / volume wheel.
Final Verdict
3.5 / 5The ROG Strix Scope II RX is a fast and responsive optical mechanical keyboard perfect for competitive play.
At first glance, the ROG Strix Scope II RX looks like any other gaming keyboard, but the switches are what makes the difference. If you only care about speed, and don’t mind paying the ROG premium, then you won’t go wrong with the Strix Scope II RX.
To learn more, please visit the official product page here.
