The ROG Falchion Ace HFX is a new gaming keyboard from ASUS ROG that, despite its compact size, offers big features to give gamers an advantage. These include pre-lubed magnetic switches, customizable actuation range, Speed Tap Mode, dampening for better typing experiences, multi-function buttons with interactive touch panels, and dual USB-C ports for easy toggling between two PCs. Read more about it below.
The ROG Falchion Ace HFX shares design similarities with the ROG Falchion RX Low Profile we reviewed previously. It features a 65% body with arrow and navigation keys and a dedicated key for Copilot. At 315mm, it’s nearly the same size as a 60% keyboard, saving valuable desk space for your mouse. For ergonomics, it has two pairs of feet at different heights to adjust to your preference.
It uses ROG PBT Doubleshot Keycaps, which feel thick and solid. The textured finish repels fingerprints and smudges, preventing the keyboard from looking oily after every gaming session. It also features a pre-lubed stabilizer, effectively reducing wobble and ensuring even keystrokes, even on longer keys pressed at the edges.
The Falchion Ace HFX is equipped with pre-lubed Linear and Speedy ROG HFX Magnetic Switches. Unlike traditional mechanical switches, which require a return to the reset point for the next input to register, magnetic switches reset instantly as they move upward. The switches have a 4.0mm travel distance, 40gf initial force, and 55gf total force, and boast a lifespan of 100 million key presses. ASUS ROG advises users to keep the keyboard away from magnetic objects during use. Additionally, the switches are hot-swappable.
Under the hood, the keyboard features five layers of dampening to absorb vibrations and minimize pinging noise: silicone foam, PORON switch pad, PORON dampening foam, a silicone pad with a gasket mount, and a silicone strip. The result is a cushioned typing experience with a sound profile that falls between “thocky” and “clacky.”
On the back of the keyboard is a multi-function button that lets you control system volume, media tracks, keyboard brightness, actuation point, and other custom commands by sliding your finger across the adjacent touch panel. As you adjust these settings, the RGB light bar at the top reflects the changes, giving a visual indicator.
The keyboard also includes dual USB-C ports on both sides, allowing you to connect to two PCs simultaneously. A switch in the middle lets you easily toggle between them. Additionally, it boasts a high-speed microcontroller with an 8000 Hz polling rate, reducing input delay from 1 millisecond to just 0.125ms—eight times faster than most gaming keyboards.
A dedicated toggle switch on the right activates the Rapid Trigger feature. Through the ROG Armoury Crate software, you can set your preferred key travel distance for release and re-actuation (from 0.1mm to 2.5mm). By default, this feature applies to the WASD keys, but you can assign it to other keys as needed. Turning on Rapid Trigger allows for faster keystroke resets, ideal for gaming.
Another notable feature is Speed Tap Mode. When the system detects two inputs, such as A and D, it prioritizes the most recent input while releasing the previous one automatically. This eliminates movement interruptions in FPS games, ensuring smooth directional changes without having to release the first key. However, note that this feature is banned in some games, such as CS2.
In my experience as a casual gamer, I found these features made a noticeable difference. Competitive gamers will likely benefit even more. I also used the keyboard for productivity tasks, including writing articles, and the adjustable actuation point was a game-changer. On traditional mechanical keyboards, I find bottoming out at 4mm uncomfortable. With the Falchion Ace HFX, I set the actuation point to 0.5mm, allowing me to type quickly without missing keystrokes. You can lower it to 0.1mm, though this may be too sensitive—I found it would register input just from resting my fingers on the keys.
In conclusion, the ROG Falchion Ace HFX impresses as a compact gaming keyboard. Despite its small size, it packs powerful features like Rapid Trigger and Speed Tap, giving gamers an edge in competitive play. With dual USB-C ports, an interactive touch panel, and customizable actuation, it offers flexibility and convenience for both gaming and everyday use.
Pricing is TBA.
