After two months of use, I still find it difficult to decide what I think about the keyboard. It is a solid piece that weighs a lot and stays firmly in place on the desk where you put it. Comfortable switches that provide quick response with good feedback for every press. I would have liked the option of an extra pair of feet on the underside, as the keyboard can feel a bit wobbly if you press the keys harder than usual near the "split" when the keyboard is in two pieces.
Since I would classify myself as a "casual" gamer who doesn't demand too much, I feel this keyboard gives me too much all at once. It is a keyboard better suited for an enthusiast, or for someone who writes a lot and enjoys the ergonomics of curved keyboards. I've given the split layout an honest try, but I use the keyboard too little to really get accustomed to it. Most of the time I use that function just to make room for a plate when relaxing, or alternatively only need the WASD section.
It is also the first time I've gone down to 75% size; I have always had a "normal-sized" keyboard before. Although I've gotten better at it, I still reach for the numpad and miss it slightly. Again, probably just a matter of unfamiliarity on my part, and nothing negative for someone who prefers a keyboard of this style, just not for me.
One of the parts I appreciate most is the wrist rest, even though it attracts dirt terribly, it is very comfortable to rest your hands on. I've had it before on other keyboards but quickly removed it as it never offered much comfort in those cases; on this keyboard, I really appreciate it enormously.
The keyboard's battery life is fantastic; I've probably only charged it twice in two months, although the battery likely was not below 20% when I did.
I also think the functions in Gear Link (web-driver) are wonderful. Much easier and more convenient than struggling with Armoury Crate as with some other ASUS products. I wish more would let go of their apps that might not always work so well!
I usually run without RGB unless I just want a bit of cozy factor sometimes, and use the keyboard in "normal mode" which balances performance and power-saving mode.
I would probably rate it somewhere between 3 and 4, so it becomes a 3, but it would definitely have been a 4 if I felt more comfortable with the split/75% size.
Niche product of top-class quality.
I really enjoy that Asus is investing in and developing more niche products with incredible build quality. Their focus in recent years has been very clear: to try to capture market share from the custom keyboards market and offer an alternative.
Something I think they have succeeded very well with. The keyboard feels extremely good and nothing feels cheap, plastic-y, or loose. Nice with the included wrist rest and extra keycaps, though I would have liked a couple more included feet.
The keys/switches are very stable and quiet but still have a very pleasant tone. Zero ping or plong from the springs, which is very unusual on non-custom keyboards.
Something noteworthy and maybe only on my copy is that the two spacebars sound a bit different. Feels a little strange but nothing that bothers me much since I always use the same spacebar.
Very unusual at first to type on a split keyboard but you get used to it relatively quickly and learn where the keys are. In the end, after about a week's use, I chose to, at the time of writing, press my keyboard back together and use it as “normal.” It also works really well and smartly with magnets holding the two halves together.
I generally think the Asus Gear Link software works well, though I've had issues with it not always saving settings, but it's very easy to use and offers very good configuration options. I prefer that Asus has also jumped on the trend of using a web app instead of requiring a program to be installed on the computer.
I would have liked to see an included protective case for the keyboard that Asus offers with some other models, especially given the price. Speaking of price, the keyboard is at least expensive. I can still see where the money goes and the quality of the keyboard is very high and can only be compared with custom keyboards, which in many cases are even more expensive. Whether it's worth the money or not is probably up to each individual to consider but I think for most people a model without split/splittable functionality at a lower price point would be perfect.
That said, I find it very hard to find anything that this keyboard does not offer. Magnetic switches, hall effect, rapid fire, wireless, wrist rest, adjustable angle, and split. What more could you wish for? 5/5 stars.
Comfortable magnetic switches, many features and configuration options in Gear Link, the web-based tool that means you don't have to use Armoury crate. Heavy, feels high quality and detachable, so if you want more space for the mouse you just disconnect the right half.
It's a pity that you have to have the link cable between the halves to use the keyboard, it could have been some wireless solution instead. This means you can't separate the halves arbitrarily far but a short and a longer link cable are included.
I've had a few keyboards but these switches feel like the most comfortable for me so far.
