Unboxing and overview

ASUS has paid attention to the presentation. It comes close to the care given to an Azoth, with a carrying case that reminds us of the Logitech G Pro X TKL case. That is welcome for anyone who moves their keyboard around. For one that stays on the desk, it will naturally see less use. We would also have liked this accessory with the Azoth models we have handled, whether the standard version, Extreme or Edition 20.

The red and black Falchion carrying case — Credit: Hardware Reference

The other accessories are fairly straightforward: a USB cable, a keycap puller and a spare CTRL keycap. The case is therefore the main practical extra in this unboxing.

The cable, keycap puller and spare keycap in the Falchion case — Credit: Hardware Reference

We really like the finish in the hand. The chassis feels less premium than the Azoth's, but the overall build is still very well finished. Its small screen is also absent, although we see that more as a nice extra than a necessity.

The red Falchion in front of its open case and accessories — Credit: Hardware Reference

Key specifications

Specification

Manufacturer specification

Layout

75% without a number pad

Connection

Wired USB-C to USB-A

Specified switches

ROG HFX V2 and V2X magnetic switches, depending on the version

Polling rate

Up to 8,000 Hz

Adjustments

Rapid Trigger, sensitivity wheel and touch panel

Dimensions

320 × 145 × 35 mm

Configuration

Gear Link

Key detection uses Hall effect sensors. ASUS provides an adjustable actuation point and a Rapid Trigger mode, among other features. The keyboard also has physical controls for some settings.

The rear edge of the Falchion with its USB port and controls — Credit: Hardware Reference

Our first impressions

Typing felt light, with a feel reminiscent of an MX Red. This is strictly a comparison of feel: the Falchion uses magnetic switches. Comfort and ergonomics seemed good to us. The sound was not particularly distinctive, with a character we naturally associate with a conventional mechanical keyboard.

The red keycaps and the profile of the Falchion chassis — Credit: Hardware Reference

The 75% layout works well on a desk used mainly for gaming. As soon as we start entering numbers, however, we miss the number pad. We would like to see more full-size keyboards in these ranges: a PC is not necessarily just for gaming.

As for the red, we love it. It will not match every room, but it gives the keyboard a character we like from the moment we unbox it.

Conclusion

This first encounter is positive: an attractive colour, a carefully finished build and a light typing feel that we enjoyed. The Falchion ACE 75 HE also has a substantial feature set, with magnetic switches and plenty of adjustments.

The sticking point remains the price, which we found at €229.99 for the red version. At that level, you really need to want its layout and adjustments. A price of around €180 to €200 would already seem more accessible to us. For our mix of gaming and office work, the lack of a number pad is also worth considering.

The ROG Falchion ACE 75 HE in pictures

1 / 12 · Front view of the red ROG Falchion ACE 75 HE box — Credit: Hardware Reference

Photos by the Hardware Reference editorial team.

All reviews