The Asus ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20 arrives as a significant anniversary release, boasting an impressive array of features and a luxurious design. However, its substantial $600 price tag positions it firmly in the realm of enthusiast hardware, where bragging rights and aesthetic appeal often outweigh pure performance metrics. This keyboard represents a $100 increase over the already premium Azoth Extreme, aiming to justify its cost through an exhaustive list of additions.
Among the standout features are an 8,000 Hz polling rate, a claimed battery life of up to 1,600 hours, a carbon-fiber positioning plate, and multi-layer sound dampening. The keyboard also includes a generous bundle of accessories and a distinctive 24K-gold-plated commemorative nameplate. The overall build quality is exceptionally robust, with a considerable heft that contributes to its sturdy feel. While not ideal for portability, its weight ensures stability during use. The integrated OLED screen is a functional and visually appealing addition, complemented by intuitive controls for volume, brightness, and custom shortcuts, though it doesn't match the integrated functionality of solutions like Corsair's Stream Deck.
The Azoth Extreme Edition 20 utilizes a mix of keycap designs. Standard keys feature black caps with translucent bases for the legends, allowing per-key RGB lighting to shine through, while function keys, the spacebar, and side keys are fully translucent. This design choice enhances the keyboard's aesthetic, particularly with the gold accents present on the chassis and palm rest, creating a striking visual contrast. The differing textures between the smooth translucent caps and the matte standard caps offer a subtle tactile distinction that can aid finger placement without being distracting.
From a typing perspective, the ROG NX Mechanical Switches are on the lighter side for actuation, a characteristic that facilitates rapid inputs without causing frequent accidental presses. The sound profile is light and clicky, with the internal dampening layers effectively minimizing any deep 'thock' typically associated with heavier keyboards, leaving a treble-focused sound. This combination results in a pleasant typing experience, where keys actuate with ease and a satisfying auditory cue.
In gaming scenarios, particularly in fast-paced titles like Counter-Strike 2, the keyboard's responsiveness is a notable advantage. The light actuation contributes to quicker reactions, and the overall ease of use reduces fatigue during extended play sessions. While the inclusion of mechanical switches is appreciated, the absence of optical or analogue switches means it misses out on potential benefits like even faster actuation and rapid trigger functionality, though the performance remains high regardless.
A recurring issue for some users, including in this review, is the legibility of keycap legends in low-light conditions. The white lettering on black keycaps can be difficult to discern without direct illumination, necessitating reliance on touch for key identification. This contrasts with designs where legends are translucent and backlit by RGB, though such designs can sometimes be less visible in bright ambient light.
Furthermore, the accompanying Asus software has presented stability issues. The Armoury Crate application has reportedly failed to recognize the keyboard, even after multiple restarts and a complete reinstallation of necessary software components. This software integration problem detracts from the otherwise premium hardware experience.
The Azoth Extreme Edition 20 is a keyboard designed for those who prioritize luxury and extensive accessory bundles. It includes extras such as additional switches, puller tools, a palm rest, and the aforementioned gold-plated nameplate. While it delivers a premium feel and comprehensive package, its high cost means potential buyers should carefully consider if the unique inclusions justify the significant investment over more competitively priced, high-specification alternatives.