The ASUS ROG Falchion is a compact 65% gaming board that you can use wired or wirelessly via its USB receiver. Its latency is incredibly low when used over either connection. It comes with a polycarbonate keyboard case cover to protect the keycaps when traveling, and you can use it as a case while using your board. You can set macros to any key directly from the board itself or by using the Armoury Crate software. It has a programmable touch panel on its left side that you can use to control volume or switch apps, and you can even set macros to it. The board is available with Cherry MX RGB Red, Brown, Blue, or Speed Silver switches. Unfortunately, it doesn't have Bluetooth support, so you can't pair it with devices that don't have a USB port.
Our Verdict
The ASUS Falchion is fantastic for gaming. This very well-built board has incredibly low latency and customizable RGB backlighting. Also, you can set macros to any key, including the touch panel on the left side of the board. The Cherry MX Red switches on our unit feel light and responsive. If you prefer a different switch feel, it's available with a few types of Cherry MX switches. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with a wrist rest.
-
Incredibly low latency.
-
Customizable RGB backlighting.
-
Programmable touch panel on left side.
-
All keys are macro-programmable.
-
Doesn't include a wrist rest.
The ASUS Falchion isn't suitable for use with mobile devices or tablets. While you can use it wirelessly, it doesn't have Bluetooth support, which isn't ideal for devices without a USB-A port. However, it does come with a cover case to protect the keys when in a bag.
-
Comes with a case cover to protect keycaps.
-
No Bluetooth support.
-
Can't pair with multiple devices at once.
-
Taller than most dedicated mobile device/tablet boards.
The ASUS Falchion is good for office use. This very well-built board provides an excellent typing experience, thanks to the quiet Cherry MX Red switches on our unit, which feel light to type on. If you prefer a different feel, there are other switch types available. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with a wrist rest.
-
Customizable RGB backlighting.
-
Cherry MX Red switches are quiet.
-
Programmable touch panel on left side.
-
Doesn't include a wrist rest.
The ASUS Falchion is very good for programming. It feels excellently well-built and well-designed, and the Cherry MX Red switches on our unit feel light and help provide an excellent typing experience. If you prefer a different feel, the board is available with other Cherry MX switches. All keys are macro-programmable, including the touch panel on the left side, and it has customizable RGB backlighting. Unfortunately, while you can use it wirelessly, it doesn't have Bluetooth support, so you can't pair it with multiple devices at once. Also, it doesn't come with a wrist rest.
-
Customizable RGB backlighting.
-
Programmable touch panel on left side.
-
All keys are macro-programmable.
-
Can't pair with multiple devices at once.
-
Doesn't include a wrist rest.
The ASUS Falchion is inadequate for a home theater PC setup. You can use it wirelessly, so you don't need to worry about a cable, but it only works with its USB receiver since it doesn't have Bluetooth support. While it has media hotkeys and a touch panel for easy volume control, it doesn't have a built-in trackpad, so you also need a separate mouse to navigate your computer's interface.
-
Customizable RGB backlighting.
-
Programmable touch panel on left side.
-
No Bluetooth support.
-
No built-in trackpad or volume wheel.
- 9.0 Gaming
- 3.5 Mobile/Tablet
- 7.5 Office
- 7.8 Programming
- 3.1 Entertainment / HTPC
- Updated Nov 09, 2023: We've added a link to the newly-reviewed ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini Air to the Backlighting Features section of this review.
- Updated Jun 15, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.2. This update introduces new Backlight Features and Backlight Clarity test boxes. We've also added a new Switches test box, added additional test comparisons to our Hardware Customizability test box that we introduced with our last Test Bench. For an in-depth look at our changes, you can see our full changelog here.
- Updated Jun 12, 2023: We've added a link to the ASUS ROG Azoth in the Wireless Versatility section of this review.
- Updated May 26, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.1. This update adds several new tests addressing Hardware Customization, Macro Keys And Programming, and Wireless Mobile Compatibility. We've also added new objective evaluations to the Typing Noise test, and we've simplified several tests and removed several others that were no longer relevant. For an in-depth look at all our changes, you can see our full changelog here.
- Updated Jun 30, 2021: Review published.
- Updated Jun 25, 2021: Early access published.
- Updated Jun 15, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Jun 11, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Jun 02, 2021: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
- Updated May 23, 2021: The product has won our suggestion poll, so we'll buy and test it soon.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the ASUS Falchion with Cherry MX Red switches, but it's also available with Cherry MX Brown, Blue, and Speed Silver switches. You can see the label of our unit here.
Compared To Other Keyboards
The ASUS Falchion is a fantastic gaming keyboard if you want something 65% compact and wireless. It has very low latency next to other wireless gaming keyboards, although there are a few similar models with even lower values, such as the Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed and the Corsair K65 RGB Mini. It offers lots of customization options like many other comparable boards, and it has a touch panel on its left side that you can program to perform a range of different tasks. Unfortunately, it doesn't have Bluetooth support, so it isn't a good choice if you want to pair it with multiple Bluetooth-enabled devices at once.
For other options, see our recommendations for the best wireless keyboards, the best gaming keyboards, and the best mechanical keyboards.
The Razer Huntsman Mini and the ASUS ROG Falchion are compact mechanical gaming keyboards, but the ASUS is slightly bigger and has dedicated navigation keys, including arrow keys. Also, you can use the ASUS wirelessly via a USB receiver, and its wired latency is lower than the Razer's. It has a programmable touch panel on its left side, and it comes with a polycarbonate cover case to protect the keys. The ASUS is available with a variety of Cherry MX switches. On the other hand, the Razer has more incline settings, and it's available with proprietary Razer Optical switches.
The ASUS ROG Falchion and the ASUS ROG Azoth are wireless compact mechanical gaming keyboards. The Falchion is available in a variety of Cherry MX switches. On the other hand, the Azoth is available in a selection of pre-lubed ROG NX switches. It also has a programmable OLED screen, a much longer advertised battery life, and Bluetooth support, which the Falchion lacks. Additionally, it has a gasket-mounted design and layers of sound-dampening foam that provide a better overall typing experience.
The ASUS Rog Falchion and the ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless are wireless gaming keyboards. The Falchion has a smaller compact (65%) form factor. On the other hand, the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless has a compact (96%) form factor. It also has a multi-function button, a multi-function scroll wheel, and an included wrist rest.
The Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed and the ASUS ROG Falchion are both wireless compact gaming keyboards. Both have dedicated navigation keys, including arrow keys, and neither have a dedicated F-row. The Razer has Bluetooth and multi-device pairing support, which the ASUS lacks. The Razer also has lower latency, which is ideal for gaming. It's available with clicky Razer Green and linear Razer Yellow switches. On the other hand, the ASUS comes with a cover case to protect the keycaps, and it has a programmable touch panel on its left side. It's available with Cherry MX Red, Brown, Blue, and Speed Silver switches.
The ASUS ROG Falchion is a slightly better gaming keyboard than the ASUS ROG Strix Scope TKL thanks to its significantly lower latency. Also, you can use the Falchion both wired and wirelessly, and it has a touch panel on its left side that you can reprogram or set macros to. On the other hand, you can only use the Strix Scope TKL wirelessly, but its larger size gives it space for a dedicated F-row. Both boards are available with Cherry MX Red, Brown, Blue, and Speed Silver switches, but the Strix Scope TKL is also available with Silent Red switches.
The ASUS ROG Falchion and the ASUS ROG Claymore II are both wireless gaming keyboards, but the Falchion is a 65% compact board, while the Claymore II is a full-size board with a modular numpad. The Falchion is significantly smaller and comes with a cover case to protect its keys, making it a better option to travel. Its latency over both a wired and wireless connection is slightly lower. It's available with Cherry MX Red, Brown, Blue, and Speed Silver switches. Comparatively, the Claymore II comes with a plushy wrist rest, and it has more extra features thanks to its larger size, like a volume control wheel, a USB passthrough, and a numpad. It's available with linear and clicky ROG RX Optical Mechanical switches.
The ASUS ROG Falchion and the ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate are both exceptional gaming keyboards that offer incredible gaming performance with low latency. They do have some differences in that the Falchion is a compact wireless model that doesn't have nearly as many extra hardware features, while the Strix Flare II is a full-sized, wired-only unit that boasts an 8000Hz maximum polling rate in addition to several extra hardware features.
The ASUS ROG Falchion and the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless are both compact, wireless gaming keyboards with a few notable differences. The SteelSeries uses specialized switches that allow you to adjust the pre-travel distance on a per-key basis, meaning you can control the sensitivity of your keypresses. On the other hand, the ASUS is a slightly larger model, so it has dedicated arrow keys tucked into the right-hand side of the board. While the ASUS is also wireless, it doesn't support Bluetooth connections, while the SteelSeries does.
The ASUS ROG Falchion and the Corsair K70 PRO MINI WIRELESS are compact, wireless gaming keyboards that offer an excellent in-game experience. They have a few notable differences. Firstly, the Corsair is Bluetooth compatible, while you can only use the ASUS with its USB receiver. Secondly, the Corsair is hot-swappable, meaning you can change out the stock switches easily. The ASUS is only available with a few Cherry MX switch options at checkout, and you won't be able to change these out without soldering.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the ASUS ROG Falchion are both outstanding gaming keyboards. If you prefer a wired and full-size model, the SteelSeries is better. It has a USB passthrough, a volume control wheel, and a programmable OLED screen. It uses proprietary linear OmniPoint switches, which let you adjust the operating force to your preference. The ASUS is better if you prefer a wireless and 65% compact board. It has a much lower wired latency, and it's available with different Cherry MX switches. While the ASUS doesn't have a volume control wheel, it does have a touch panel that can control volume, and you can even reprogram it to perform other tasks.
The ASUS ROG Falchion is better than the Keychron K6 for gaming. The ASUS has much lower latency whether used wired or wirelessly, and it comes with a polycarbonate cover case to protect the keys when traveling with it. You can set macros to any key on the ASUS, including to the touch panel on its left side, and you can customize the RGB backlighting. If you're looking for a wireless board to use with more than one device at once, the Keychron has Bluetooth and can pair with up to three devices. You can get the Keychron with Gateron or LK Optical switches, or you can get the hotswappable variant.
Test Results
The ASUS ROG Falchion is a 65% compact board that shouldn't take up much space on your desk. Note that our dimension measurements don't include the cover case.
The ASUS ROG Falchion feels very well-built, thanks to its stiff plastic chassis and aluminum top plate. It has textured, doubleshot PBT keycaps with a nice curve to them that cradle your fingertips. There's a bit of wobble to the keys, but it's minimal and shouldn't be noticeable while typing. There are four rubber pads in each corner on the underside and two more on the incline feet. They do a great job of keeping the board in place. While not a part of the board itself, the included polycarbonate cover case also has rubber pads that keep the board in place when used. You can see a side shot of the board with its incline feet extended in the cover case here.
The ASUS Falchion has acceptable ergonomics. It's a standard straight board with one incline setting. While it doesn't come with a wrist rest, the board is low enough that you should still feel comfortable typing for long periods without one.
The ASUS ROG Falchion has fantastic RGB backlighting with individually lit keys and good color mixing. You can adjust the color, effects, and brightness through the Armoury Crate software. You can also cycle through effects and adjust the brightness directly from the board itself.
If you're interested in a similar but more RGB-focused keyboard with low-profile keycaps and clear switch housings, check out the ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini Air.
It comes with a USB-A to USB-C braided cable and is still easy to plug in even when you use the board with the cover case.
ASUS advertises that the battery can last 450 hours without RGB lighting. If you're looking for a wireless gaming keyboard with considerably longer advertised battery life, check out the ASUS ROG Azoth.
The ASUS ROG Falchion has a touch panel on the left side that lets you control volume and create shortcuts to switch apps. You can even program a macro to it for use while gaming. Also, you can set macros to any key on the board through the Armoury Crate software or by using the macro hotkey. There's a white light on the touch panel that lights up when you toggle Caps Lock and the Windows Key lock. There are no indicators for Scroll Lock or Fn lock, but there are on-screen prompts.
- ASUS ROG Falchion
- Keyboard cover case
- USB-A to USB-C cable
- USB wireless receiver
- Wireless receiver extender
- ROG stickers
- Manuals
Our ASUS ROG Falchion unit comes with linear Cherry MX Red switches, which feel light and responsive. They're silent and don't provide any tactile feedback. If you like a different feel, it's also available with Cherry MX Brown, Blue, and Speed Silver switches.
The ASUS ROG Falchion provides an excellent typing experience. The doubleshot PBT keycaps have a nice textured feel and have a slightly curved shape that cradles your fingertips. The keys feel pretty stable, and while they do wobble a little, this shouldn't be too noticeable during regular use. While the board doesn't come with a wrist rest, the board is low enough that you shouldn't feel much fatigue after long periods of typing. The Cherry MX Red switches on our unit feel light and responsive, so your fingers shouldn't get too tired. However, the typing quality will likely change if you purchase this board with different switches.
The Cherry MX Red switches on our ASUS ROG Falchion are quiet, but this may change depending on the switch type you get.
The ASUS ROG Falchion has incredibly low latency when used either wired or wirelessly via its receiver.
ASUS's Armoury Crate software has an easy-to-navigate interface. You can customize macros, remap keys, customize the RGB backlighting and touch panel, and save profiles to the onboard memory.
The software is only available on Windows. However, all of the keys on the ASUS ROG Falchion still work properly on Linux, but the Print, Scroll Lock, and Fn Lock keys don't work on macOS. While the board can be used wirelessly, it can only be used with its USB receiver.