Trends in technology often fluctuate; consider the ever-increasing size of mobile phones. However, in PC gaming, recent years have seen a shift towards more compact and lightweight peripherals. We’ve seen the rise of ultra-lightweight “hollow” mice and the proliferation of smaller keyboards. This begs the question: how small is too small? Today, we aim to address this with a review of the new Asus ROG Falchion RX Low Profile.
What are the advantages of a smaller keyboard? Beyond aesthetics, which are undeniably important to many gamers, the primary benefit is increased desk space, allowing for wider mouse movements. The main trade-off, however, is a reduction in the number of available keys. For FPS enthusiasts, the absence of keys like F1-F12 or the numpad might be inconsequential, but those who frequently work with applications like Excel may find it limiting.
Size encompasses more than just length; thickness is also a key consideration. The majority of serious gamers prefer standard-profile mechanical keyboards due to the fairly uniform dimensions of most mechanical switches. Low-profile keyboards, historically, haven’t often featured mechanical switches, which has limited their appeal to the gaming community.
Design
The Falchion RX Low Profile arrives to fill a noticeable gap in the market: a premium keyboard featuring mechanical switches that offers both a reduced footprint and a low profile.
The immediate impression upon unboxing the Falchion RX Low Profile is its diminutive size. It is significantly smaller than other keyboards with a similar key layout. Asus has managed to integrate a 65% keyboard layout into what is essentially a 60% form factor.
Picking up the Falchion RX Low Profile reveals its impressive rigidity. The metal construction eliminates any noticeable flex, a characteristic that distinguishes it from keyboards like the Akko. The “Falchion” moniker appears apt, referencing a medieval sword. The keyboard is currently available in a white finish, which should integrate seamlessly into most professional environments.
Functions
Beyond standard features like macro programming, which are now commonplace, the Falchion RX Low Profile boasts several notable additions. The RGB customization is extensive, with individual key LEDs. A more subtle but highly functional feature is the integrated touchpad on the keyboard’s side. This touchpad enables control over system volume, media playback, and keyboard RGB settings without requiring additional software. The inclusion of Asus’ Omni Receiver allows for wireless connectivity of multiple compatible devices via a single dongle, beneficial for users with both Asus keyboards and mice seeking to conserve USB ports.
Usage
Initial expectations were moderate, as our team’s gamers have generally not had positive experiences with low-profile keyboards in the past. However, our skepticism proved unfounded. Describing the experience of using the Falchion RX Low Profile is genuinely positive. The tactility and responsiveness are exceptional, and the switches perform admirably despite their smaller size. Our test unit featured the optical, red, linear switches. The Falchion RX Low Profile also distinguishes itself as one of the quietest keyboards we’ve tested, attributed by Asus to the factory-lubricated switches and the inclusion of two layers of sound-dampening foam within the chassis.
However, there are a few drawbacks. When using the Falchion RX Low Profile for tasks beyond gaming, the condensed layout, designed to maximize key density, can lead to mistypes. Despite practice, we found ourselves making more errors than usual, impacting typing speed. Furthermore, the included cover, intended for portability, does not securely attach to the keyboard. We were unable to find a method to keep it in place without using an external fastener. This appears to be a design oversight. If any readers have insights on this issue, we welcome their input.
Conclusion
The Falchion RX Low Profile excels in several key areas: Compact size – Confirmed. Robust build quality – Confirmed. Excellent gaming performance – Confirmed. Comprehensive feature set – Confirmed. While some minor shortcomings exist, their impact is relatively small, although they slightly affect the overall rating considering the price point. The Falchion RX Low Profile is a compelling product with limited direct competition. For gamers considering a transition to low-profile keyboards, the Falchion RX Low Profile offers a compelling alternative that could potentially replace traditional, thicker keyboards – size is a factor, but not the only one!
A clear new reference for gaming keyboards.
Asus provided a review sample for this evaluation. The provision of review materials does not influence our editorial independence; our reviews are conducted independently with our readership as the primary focus.
