If you’re looking for new peripherals for your rig, ROG has a hot combo for gamers: the Azoth Wireless Mechanical Keyboard and the Keris II Ace Wireless Mouse.

The Azoth and the Keris II Ace are two premium gaming peripherals from the ROG lineup designed to deliver top-tier performance and versatility for casual and competitive gamers. After spending two weeks with both peripherals, it’s safe to say that I didn’t expect to like them as much as I did, which is saying something because of my familiarity, attachment, and preference to my current setup.

ROG Azoth Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

The ROG Azoth is a 75% compact wireless mechanical keyboard with ROG NX mechanical switches. Typing with the pre-lubed NX Snow Linear switches from a GMMK Pro with Gateron Black Ink V2 Switches was a joy due to their similar feel and smoothness. The sound profile was also somewhat similar, which I vastly prefer over clicky or tactile switches, and it’s worth noting that it sounds and feels fantastic out of the box without any need for immediate modifications. Like the GMMK Pro, the Azoth also has minimal branding, except for the massive ROG logo at the underside, and a sleek yet simple profile, which is great for fitting in with any setup.

The ROG Azoth has some pretty nice packaging, as the keyboard even comes with a nifty soft-touch cloth cover for good measure. It is much appreciated that it also comes with a whole swath of accessories like the braided USB-A to C cable, a switch, a keycap puller, and more. Not stopping there, it also comes with something that enthusiasts will appreciate because the package includes some switch lube, a lubing brush, a switch opener, and even a USB-A to C adaptor alongside some extra switches. ROG seems focused on catering to enthusiasts with the Azoth, and including an almost full complement of accessories is a step in the right direction.

The ROG Azoth also comes with some basic features that most, if not all, mechanical keyboards built for gaming have, such as anti-ghosting technology, a hot-swappable PCB, and some generous RGB lighting. Its outstanding build quality features a gasket-mounted design and an aluminum top housing. While I would have preferred the Azoth to have been encased in full aluminum, the plastic bottom isn’t shabby, and still works well enough and keeps the keyboard light compared to others.

I didn’t like that the doubleshot PBT keycaps are quite elevated because of the relatively high-profile casing, which might require a wrist rest to use comfortably. Despite the availability of flip stands for inclined positioning, default ergonomics isn’t its strong suit, at least for my tastes.

One of the standout features of the ROG Azoth is its unparalleled versatility, thanks to its support of three connectivity modes: 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and wired USB-C. The switch to toggle which connection to use is conveniently placed on the top of the keyboard, opposite where the USB-C connection is located, and the USB dongle can also be tucked into a slot on top, which is a thoughtful design. It bears mentioning that while it can be taken on the go, the keyboard weighs over 2.5 lbs, which has me questioning if I’ll ever actually need to take it around, but I’m glad that the option to do so is there.

While most mechanical keyboards add an OLED panel for quirky gimmicks, the ROG Azoth adds some functionality. Replacing what’s normally a knob in most keyboards, the Azoth has a physical switch that can alternate between multiple functions: changing the RGB lighting patterns, volume control, media controls and playback, and even custom animations. It’s an all-in-one place for your control needs, and while the lever-type controls took me some getting used to coming from the GMMK Pro knob, it was quite easy to use but a bit prone to accidental taps.

However, if you want deeper customization, like programming individual keys, you’ll need to deal with the Armoury Crate software, which is not the most polished experience. While it is a bit slow and there are occasional crashes here and there, it allows extensive customization if you need to tinker around with it more than what the physical controls through the OLED panel can do, like show system resources and GPU temps. Beware, though, as the Azoth does not have dedicated macro keys, so you’ll need to improvise with some key bindings if required.

ROG Keris II Ace Wireless Mouse

On the other side of the Combo is the ROG Keris II Ace, a lightweight gaming mouse that’s both capable and durable. It comes packed with inclusions like a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, a USB-A receiver, extra mouse feet and adhesive grips, a dongle for 2.4GHz use, and much more. You’re getting a complete package here, so no complaints in terms of value.

Weighing in at just 54g is impressive considering some other lightweight mice like the Glorious Model D- Wireless, which I currently use, clock in at 69g. It may not look like much, but the difference in weight is noticeable when picked up, and considering it doesn’t have holes as part of its shell, 54g is a feat. This results in smooth and easy use, but more importantly, keeps dust and other unwanted particles out of its contacts and components.

Left-handed users who look at this will be quite disappointed because the ROG Keris II Ace only comes in a right-handed form factor. The bump is pronounced and might be uncomfortable for users with smaller hands. The design is a bit bulky compared to some sleeker and low-profile mice, but it is made with lightweight nylon material derived from castor oil, resulting in a solid build without feeling brittle.

The ROG Keris II Ace comes with ROG’s optical micro switches, which felt a bit stiffer to click than what I’m normally used to. It still doesn’t take too much effort, but clicking the left and right mouse buttons feels more deliberate compared to others, avoiding any accidental presses. The buttons produce a slightly deeper sound, which is a nice departure from the high-pitched clicks of other mice, but I find that the click sound is just as loud, or a tiny bit louder than my current mouse.

Two extra side buttons can be customized to your liking. Compared to the Glorious D- Wireless, the ROG Keris II Ace’s side buttons are a bit more pronounced, meaning they’re easier to find. On the bottom, you’ll find the other buttons to adjust the DPI, pair via Bluetooth, and toggle between connectivity modes.

If there’s one area that the ROG Keris II Ace excels at, it’s how versatile it is. Connectivity isn’t a problem, because similar to the ROG Azoth, this mouse is also equipped with 2.4GHz via a USB-A dongle, Bluetooth, and a wired connection, meaning it can pair with multiple devices and can be brought around despite its bulky form factor. In particular, the dongle can be kept inside a notch near the bottom mouse feet, which is a nice touch for when you need to take it out with you.

The ROG Keris II Ace’s battery life is somewhat similar to that of my current mouse. Advertised at above 100 hours before needing a charge, this figure felt on point, as I could go on around 5-6 days of full 10-12 hour use via 2.4GHz without RGB before plugging it in. The mouse also features the ROG AimPoint Pro sensor, which boasts a maximum polling rate of 8000Hz in wired mode and 4000Hz in wireless mode.

Users can customize the ROG Keris II Ace with the Armoury Crate software, like the ROG Azoth. Again, not the best of experiences, but there are multiple settings to adjust, like new button inputs, DPI levels, surface calibration, and more. The feature set is nice and very much welcome, but could be more pleasant if not for its bloated software.

Overall, the ROG Azoth and ROG Keris II Ace are fantastic options for users in the market for higher-tier gaming products that are feature-packed and can look the part with their sleek design and clean aesthetic. Its versatility is its top selling point, allowing multiple connectivity options ranging from wired to 2.4GHz and Bluetooth.

While they cost a pretty penny, you get plug-and-play peripherals that can be customized to your heart’s content. Both are extremely capable gaming options, offering durability and great battery life even after extended use.