Mechanical keyboards are everywhere, but only a few stand out. A couple of months ago, I got the chance to use and review the metal-clad ASUS ROG Claymore + Core. It is amazing in many ways – without being exaggerated – albeit too big and little pricey for some consumers.
Enter ASUS Sagaris – an entry-level fully featured RGB mechanical keyboard. It isn’t the direct answer to the ASUS ROG Claymore, but it sure is filled with features, which are enough to send gamers to ASUS retailers to get one.
There are plenty of reasons to get an ASUS Sagaris. For one, it’s built to withstand the test of time. More than the classic yet appealing look of its aluminum chassis, Sagaris is ready for the beating inside and out. The overall design is robust-looking, just enough to connote durability. Its cables are braided as well, but I’m a little baffled with it having 2 USB cables. I reckon that it’s probably for additional power to power up the RGB keys. I reached out to ASUS regarding this for their comment.
It is unapologetically heavy, but a feather compared to the more superior ASUS ROG Claymore. The keyboard has Cherry MX blue mechanical switches, which has a total of 50-million-keystroke lifespan. I’ll talk more about the switches, and the quality later on. It is also worth-noting that there are extra often-used keycaps inside its retail box: A,S,D,F,Q,W,E,R,ESC,Arrow keys.
The keyboard also has rubber pads for it to stay intact on your desktop. Combine this with its significant heft, and you’re left with a keyboard that’s almost fixed on its position. This is a perfect combination for gamers as the latter usually have the tendency to accidentally move the keyboards during intense gameplay. The keyboard leg allows users to adjust the height for maximum usage comfort.
As for the keyboard layout, the Sagaris employs a classic (full-size) layout. Finger-travel distance is downright short, which makes typing a comfortable experience. It is very clicky and noisy though. If you’re the type of gamer who does not want clicky keys, you might want to find alternatives that aren’t as clicky as blue switches like brown and black keys.
It requires 60g of actuation force – just like other mechanical keys with Cherry MX Blues – but typing with it felt great. Finger fatigue is low when using the keyboard, and key transition is not an issue. It also has 100% anti-ghosting with N-key rollover, which assures that you’re hitting the right keys.
Each key is RGB-led backlit, but are governed by 7 pre-set lighting modes: All key led on, spiral, customization, color rotation, fading out, starry sky and laser.
(We will post sample usage videos on our YouTube page on June 2).
Customization isn’t as easy as ASUS Claymore + Core and it cannot be synced to ASUS Aura, which is a little letdown to solid AURA fans. Installing an additional app specifically for ASUS Sagaris consumes 8mb to 24mb of memory.
The keyboard is programmable too, so you can assign Macro keys to your heart content. We haven’t tested this part fully yet, so we will be updated this post once we’re done with our full experience.
Verdict
The ASUS Sagaris (GK1100) is a good addition to ASUS line-up of budget friend keyboards. It, being an RGB mechanical keyboard, tickles the sweet spot of gamers and computer enthusiasts. At PhP6,995, Sagaris may be a little pricey for its class but I believe that all the benefits it offers outweigh the asking price.
Fortunately, if you fancy getting a laptop throughout the month of June 2017, you can get the Sagaris for free! Check out ASUS latest promo on this link: REPUBLIC OF GAMERS – GAME ON STUDY ON PROMO – FINAL FLYER
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
