ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate Review | 64 Data compared

The TechPowerUp review highlights the ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate as a premium, highly customizable keyboard featuring an AniMe Matrix LED display, hot-swappable switches, and pre-lubed ROG NX switches paired with durable PBT keycaps. It boasts excellent sound damping via internal foam and pre-lubed stabilizers, plus convenient media controls, a USB pass-through, and robust, per-key RGB lighting. Conversely, the review notes a high $219.99 price point, significant switch ping against the metal top plate during heavy typing, and frustrating, resource-heavy, two-part software. Additional drawbacks include opaque secondary legends and variable visual quality from the customizable LED matrix.

The ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate is a premium, full-sized mechanical gaming keyboard featuring exceptionally low latency, an 8,000Hz polling rate, and a customizable AniMe Matrix LED display. Key advantages include hot-swappable switches, pre-lubricated stabilizers, PBT keycaps, internal sound-dampening foam, and a comfortable, magnetic wrist rest. Conversely, the keyboard is wired-only with a thick, non-detachable cable and lacks wireless connectivity, making it less versatile for HTPC setups. Additionally, the proprietary Armoury Crate software is considered necessary for full customization but can be difficult to navigate, and the overall design is quite bulky.

The Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate is a full-size mechanical gaming keyboard praised for its extensive customisation features and premium hardware, earning it an Editor's Choice award. Its standout feature is the "AniMe Matrix" display in the upper right corner, which uses 312 white LED lights to show custom images, text, and GIFs via the Asus Armoury Crate software. Built on a sturdy, one-piece aluminum top plate, the keyboard includes hot-swappable ROG NX Red linear switches, sound-dampening foam to eliminate spring ping, coarse double-shot PBT keycaps, an 8,000Hz polling rate, and a dedicated, highly satisfying media control cluster featuring a volume wheel and track-skipping switch. It also provides functional additions like USB 2.0 passthrough and a leatherette RGB wrist rest. The keyboard's primary strengths (pros) include its unique LED dot matrix display, exceptional media controls, hot-swappable PCB for easy switch lubing or swapping, a robust aluminum top plate, and integrated sound-dampening foam. However, the review highlights several drawbacks (cons), such as the "dry and rattly" stabilizers that lack premium tuning, an aggressive "gamer-y" keycap font, and a clumsy, convoluted...

The ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate is a premium, full-sized wired mechanical gaming keyboard that balances high-end gaming performance with customizable flair. The reviewed unit features linear ROG NX Red switches, which provide a smooth, fast, and responsive feel with a 1.8mm actuation point and 45g actuation force. It is built for competitive speeds, offering an adjustable polling rate that can scale up to an impressive 8000 Hz to lower latency down to 0.125 milliseconds. Beyond pure performance, the keyboard stands out visually with its customizable AniMe Matrix LED display on the top right, a floating key-cap design with double-shot PBT keycaps, per-key RGB lighting, and customizable media controls on the upper left. The review highlights several distinct pros and cons regarding the keyboard's physical features and daily usability. On the positive side, it offers exceptional build quality, extensive customization—including both keycap and switch hot-swapping using included puller tools—and an incredibly luxurious, comfortable wrist rest with its own underglow lighting. Integrated sound dampeners also make it one of the quietest linear keyboards tested. However, these premium additions come at...

The Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate is a feature-rich, full-sized mechanical keyboard praised for its notable hardware customization and unique aesthetics. A standout feature is its hot-swappable PCB, which allows users to easily change switches, although it is limited by only supporting three-pin variants out of the box. The review highlights the ROG NX Brown switches as a major positive, noting they deliver a surprisingly pronounced, medium-tactile typing experience with minimal stem wobble compared to standard, lighter brown switches. Additional pros include the highly functional, satisfying metal volume scroll wheel, premium media controls, vibrant translucent per-key RGB lighting, and the innovative AniMe Matrix LED display that dynamically visualizes volume levels and custom animations. However, the keyboard comes with several notable drawbacks that may deter some users. On the physical side, the double-shot PBT keycaps feature a lower, comfortable Cherry-like profile but suffer from an unpleasantly rough texture. In terms of performance and acoustics, the keyboard provides a very stiff typing experience with no flex, paired with a loud, plasticky sound profile and noticeable ticking or rattling in the stabilizers—especially...

The Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate is a rugged, well-built mechanical keyboard that stands out for its high-quality typing experience and extensive enthusiast features. Its greatest strengths lie in the hot-swappable, three-pin switch PCB and sound-dampening foam, which delivers a satisfyingly subdued, quiet acoustic profile for heavy typists. It also features durable PBT keycaps, dedicated top-left media playback controls that can be reassigned for productivity software, full N-key rollover, and highly customizable per-key RGB lighting managed through Asus' Aura Creator software. However, the keyboard is held back by its headline gimmicks and minor design inconveniences. The signature 312-LED dot-matrix animation display is heavily criticized as a frustrating, limited feature marred by unintuitive Armoury Crate software that only allows a single mode per profile. Additionally, the keyboard lacks a detachable power cable, relying instead on a thick, double-cable setup for USB 2.0 passthrough. Users will also find that installing the included leatherette wrist rest is a tedious process, as it requires completely removing a magnetic light strip from the bottom of the frame before it can be slotted into place.

The ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate is a high-end, 100% full-size gaming keyboard featuring a rigid aluminum top plate, durable doubleshot PBT keycaps, and hot-swappable 3-pin switches for easy customization. It distinguishes itself with the customizable Anime Matrix LED display, which shows GIFs and system feedback, alongside premium dedicated media controls and an RGB-diffusing wrist rest. The linear ROG NX Red switches offer rapid response times tailored for gaming. However, the keyboard suffers from an aggressive, "gamer-esque" aesthetic with a bulky plastic media control housing and confusing keycap fonts, such as a 'B' that looks like an '8'. While the switches are good for gaming, they lack tactile feedback for optimal typing, and the Armoury Crate software is not very user-friendly. Additional drawbacks include slight chatter on un-stabilized keys and subpar protective packaging.

The Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate is a feature-rich, full-sized gaming keyboard that delivers exceptional in-game consistency and blazing-fast response times. Equipped with hot-swappable ROG NX Red linear switches, it features a highly responsive 2mm actuation and software-backed anti-ghosting, making it highly effective for competitive gaming in titles like Valorant. Beyond its core performance, the device serves as an opulent desktop centerpiece with robust dedicated media controls—including a volume dial and track-skipping switch—as well as customizable RGB lighting and a built-in USB passthrough port that works smoothly with external mice and controllers. However, the keyboard's luxury features introduce significant bulk and an intentionally cumbersome design. A primary drawback is its massive, non-detachable two-meter woven nylon cable that severely clutters desks and lacks any wireless or Bluetooth support. Additionally, the signature top-right LED "Animate" panel loses its novelty quickly due to limited customisation options, and dedicated buttons for Windows lock and brightness add unnecessary physical size. Starting at a steep price point of $179.99 to $220, the reviewer notes that the keyboard ultimately demands too much physical space and financial...

The ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate is a premium, full-size mechanical keyboard featuring a robust aluminum frame, factory-lubed switches, and a unique AniMe Matrix LED display, offering exceptional stability and customization for enthusiasts. Key pros highlighted in the Root-Nation review include the comfortable magnetic wrist rest, intuitive multimedia controls, and high-performance, smooth typing experience. However, the review notes drawbacks, specifically the non-removable, thick braided cable which limits customization and portability, alongside a wrist rest that can deform during storage. Despite these, the keyboard is praised for its near-perfect, highly durable design, receiving an excellent rating of 9.6/10. Root-Nation.com

The Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate is an outstanding 100% full-sized gaming keyboard that bridges the gap between mainstream gaming and enthusiast custom boards. It features a muted gunmetal design highlighted by per-key RGB, a removable front underglow bar, and a highly customizable AniMe Matrix LED display on the top right. Gamers and hardware enthusiasts will appreciate performance perks like a highly responsive 8,000Hz polling rate, hot-swappable 3-pin switch compatibility, premium PBT keycaps, and a comfortable magnetic wrist rest. The keyboard operates relatively quietly compared to competitors and includes full macro programmability and a USB 2.0 pass-through. Despite its premium features, the keyboard has notable drawbacks, primarily its high street price point of د.إ 810.00. The Armoury Crate and Asus Aura Creator software tools required to customize the dot matrix display and lighting are tedious, overly complex, and need to be simplified. Furthermore, creating custom animations is difficult due to the layout shape, which often results in cropped graphics. Lastly, the thick, permanent 2-meter braided USB cable cannot be detached, which is an intentional design choice required to supply...

The KitGuru review of the ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate mechanical gaming keyboard awards the device an overall score of 8.5 out of 10. Reviewed by Alistair Davidson, the keyboard is highlighted for its unique aesthetic customization, specifically its standout AniMe Matrix LED display featuring over 300 programmable LEDs to showcase custom animations or images. It is a full-sized wired peripheral equipped with robust construction, intuitive top-left multimedia controls, a comfortable wrist rest, and high-end technical specs like a user-controllable polling rate reaching up to 8000Hz via the Armoury Crate software. The review explicitly outlines distinct advantages and drawbacks for potential buyers. On the pros side, the keyboard boasts solid and durable construction, extensive customization options, highly intuitive multimedia keys, excellent software control, and a comfortable wrist rest. Conversely, the listed cons note that the AniMe Matrix display can sometimes feel distracting, the overall price tag (£199.99 at Overclockers UK) is steep compared to rival off-the-shelf mechanical options, and there is no direct control over key backlighting from the Fn keys without requiring manual user mapping. Ultimately, KitGuru concludes...

The Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate is a sturdy, premium mechanical gaming keyboard featuring built-in sound-dampening foam, durable double-shot PBT keycaps, and a 5.5-degree ergonomic wrist slope. Its standout features include the highly customizable AniMe Matrix LED display for notifications and animations, a magnetic faux-leather wrist rest with integrated light-diffusion routing, and a hot-swappable PCB using Asus's own linear ROG NX Red switches. It also provides dedicated multimedia controls, including a volume cylinder and a song-skipping lever, alongside a thick braided 2-metre cable with a built-in USB 2.0 pass-through hub. Pros & Cons Pro: Modular hot-swappable switches support standard Cherry MX options. Pro: High-quality AniMe Matrix LED display offers excellent personalization. Pro: Robust, heavy aluminum-backed build avoids flexing during use. Con: Modular switch design completely removes water resistance. Con: Only available in a US layout with secondary functions unbacklit. Con: Stiff multimedia volume cylinder is precarious to press intuitively.

The Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate ($219.99) is a premium, full-size mechanical gaming keyboard highlighted by its customizable "AniMe Matrix" white LED display in the top right corner. The keyboard delivers an exceptional, high-end typing experience featuring smooth ROG NX Red linear switches, well-lubricated stabilizers, and integrated case-silencing foam that eliminates hollow echoes and key rattle. Additional performance pros include hot-swappable switch sockets for easy customization, dedicated left-side multimedia controls, a comfortable magnetic memory foam wrist rest, and a responsive 8,000Hz polling rate. However, the keyboard suffers from several design and software drawbacks. The signature LED matrix is low-resolution, restricted only to white lighting, and requires the Armoury Crate software to run, meaning custom animations cannot be saved directly to the hardware profile. Hardware cons include a bulky, non-removable dual-ended USB cable and a complex internal design that makes opening the case for repairs nearly impossible. Furthermore, at $220, it is more expensive than competing optical alternatives that offer slightly better raw gaming performance, making it a purchase driven primarily by its unique aesthetics.

Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate Review Summary The Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate is a premium, feature-packed wired gaming keyboard that justifies its steep $220 MSRP through exceptional customization and build quality. Its standout visual feature is the highly customizable 320-LED AniMe matrix display, which functions alongside metal media controls and an even RGB light diffusor. Performance-wise, it offers a blazing 8,000Hz polling rate and a highly comfortable, plump faux-leather wrist rest that seamlessly attaches to the chassis for an optimal typing angle. A major pro of this keyboard is its hot-swappable key bed that accepts any 3-pin switch (such as Cherry, Gateron, or Kailh), allowing users to easily mix and match linear or tactile switches to their preference. Despite its premium status, the keyboard has notable drawbacks. The Asus Armoury Crate configuration software is a major con; it lacks focus and feels cluttered with extra features like game deals and system updates, making basic adjustments more difficult than competing platforms like Corsair iCue or Logitech G Hub. Furthermore, the physical limitations of the 320-LED AniMe matrix make...

The ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate is described as a top-tier mechanical keyboard, featuring excellent build quality, highly functional custom switches, and a unique, customizable LED dot-matrix display. Reviewers highlight the 8,000Hz polling rate, hot-swappable switches, and outstanding typing experience as major pros, making it highly responsive and customizable for gamers. Drawbacks to the $219.99 keyboard include a thick, stiff, and unyielding cable that complicates cable management. Furthermore, its high premium price point acts as a potential barrier, though the overall, highly positive, and feature-rich performance is considered a worthy investment for enthusiasts.

The ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate is described as a premium gaming keyboard featuring a unique, top-right AniMe Matrix panel with 312 white LEDs for custom graphics and system monitoring. The review highlights its exceptional tactile feel, relatively quiet operation, and intuitive, top-left media controls, along with a functional USB 2.0 passthrough. Medium · However, the keyboard requires substantial power, necessitating two USB ports, and the standout AniMe Matrix display is limited to white light, which may clash with the per-key RGB lighting. Furthermore, optimizing custom visuals and remapping controls relies on the heavy ASUS Armoury Crate software.

The Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate is a high-end gaming keyboard retailing for A$349 that offers excellent build quality, satisfying keys, and extensive customisation options. It features a robust aluminium frame covered in ABS plastic to eliminate flexing. The keyboard comes equipped with responsive Asus NX Red linear switches, which offer a swift 1.8mm actuation point, though they may feel overly sensitive for fast typists. Fortunately, the PCB is hot-swappable, allowing users to swap in aftermarket switches. Other notable design features include soft PBT keycaps that dissipate heat, a 2-metre braided USB cable, adjustable feet, a front underglow lighting strip, and dedicated media controls (brightness button, volume wheel, and media knob). A standout feature is the unique "AniMe Matrix" display in the top right corner, which uses 312 individual programmable LED lights to show custom images via software. However, a minor con is that these LEDs only display in plain white rather than full colour. Additional downsides include the Asus Armoury Crate software, which can be tricky to navigate because peripheral customisation is restricted to a single sidebar tab....

The ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate is described by Root-Nation as a premium, heavy-duty mechanical keyboard featuring a sturdy all-aluminum top plate, hot-swappable ROG NX switches, and a customizable AniMe Matrix LED display. Praised for its quality, the device includes convenient media controls and a 480 Mbps USB pass-through, though it is limited by a thick, non-removable cable. While the magnetic wrist rest offers initial comfort, its material is prone to becoming misshapen over time, according to the review.

The ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate is a premium, full-sized mechanical gaming keyboard designed for high-performance comfort, earning an impressive review score of 9 out of 10. It stands out due to its exceptionally high 8000Hz polling rate for precise reactivity, high-quality PBT doubleshot keycaps, and customizable ROG NX mechanical switches with integrated stabilizers to reduce wobble. Users will enjoy an ultra-comfortable experience thanks to a premium, detachable memory foam wrist rest featuring a built-in light diffuser. Furthermore, a dedicated layer of sound-dampening foam ensures exceptionally smooth and quiet keystrokes. Additional notable pros include highly customizable, tactile media keys on the top left, Aura Sync lighting synchronization, and a distinctive "AniMe Matrix" LED panel capable of displaying personalized GIFs, text, battery health, and reactive music visualizations. However, the keyboard does come with a few notable drawbacks. It demands a substantial amount of desk real estate, acts as a major power draw requiring two USB 3.0 ports to operate, and limits its built-in USB passthrough strictly to a low-bandwidth USB 2.0 connection. On the typing front, the default switches can...

The ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate is a feature-rich, premium gaming keyboard featuring a robust gunmetal aluminum top plate, hot-swappable switches, factory-lubricated ROG NX switches, and the customizable AniMe Matrix LED display. Key advantages include an 8,000 Hz polling rate, excellent build quality with sound-dampening foam, and a comfortable magnetic wrist rest. However, the review notes drawbacks such as a thick non-detachable cable, limited typing angles, and unlit secondary key functions. Additional criticisms include the heavy Armoury Crate software, a high price point, and an awkward, short wrist rest.