Asus announced at CES 2021 a new mechanical keyboard called the ROG Claymore II. It’s designed for gamers, with customizable macro keys and RGB backlight per key. It is also the first device to feature Asus’ own ROG RX Blue or Red optical switches with an alleged lifespan of 100 million.
This model gives a nod to people who simply can not leave the numpad: you can loosen it to make the Claymore II an 80 percent keyboard if you need to save space or attach it magnetically if you need a few numbers crunch. The numpad also offers more intuitive media controls, such as a volume knob.
The ROG Claymore II can be connected via a USB-C cable or wirelessly via 2.4 GHz. If you use it wirelessly, the 4000 mAh battery is supposed to last up to 40 hours. Asus says the USB-C port supports fast charging and USB porting for other devices. This model will be released in Q2 2021; Asus has not shared a price yet.
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Image: Asus
Asus has also announced its new ROG Gladius III Wireless gaming mouse. The mouse does not have a final price or a specific release date (outside its Q2 2021 target), but the design and specifications are worth knowing about it. The Gladius III Wireless looks similar to the Razer DeathAdder V2, which we named as the best wired gaming mouse to buy. The sensor of the new device supports up to 19,000 DPI and can be connected with a wire or wireless via 2.4 GHz or Bluetooth. Asus says a pure wired version of this mouse will be released at some point.
Notably, the ROG Gladius III can replace user-replaceable switches so you can find the right feel for your needs. You can even switch between three-pin mechanical and five-pin Omron optical switches. Most people will probably never put their mice under such stress that they will come to the end of their switches life, but it is definitely a beautiful feature to exchange the option.