Asus Falcata Ergonomic Gaming Keyboard: High Ambition, Average Performance.

The Asus ROG Falcata keyboard positions itself as an innovative solution in the world of technology dedicated to gaming, being a comfortable, split gaming keyboard designed to alleviate wrist, hand, and arm strain. This keyboard features advanced Hall Effect switches, allowing for precise customization of each key's actuation point with an accuracy of up to one-hundredth of a millimeter, in addition to supporting essential features for gamers such as Rapid Trigger and Speed Tap. However, its high price of $419.99 stands as a major obstacle, as for this amount, one could acquire a high-quality Hall Effect keyboard and a comfortable, split keyboard separately.

Hall Effect Switch Technology

Hall Effect switches, also known as magnetic switches, are an advanced technology that uses the Hall effect to detect key presses without physical contact. Instead of mechanical contact, a small magnet inside each switch moves when pressed, and the circuit board senses the change in the magnetic field. This leads to a significantly longer lifespan for the switches, resistance to wear and tear, and offers unparalleled flexibility in customizing the actuation point, allowing gamers to precisely adjust key response according to their play style. RTINGS.com.

Design and Ergonomics Challenges

The biggest challenge in the Falcata's design lies in its limited tilt angles, not exceeding seven degrees (or six degrees with wrist rests). Some users might find this sufficient, but others are accustomed to tilts of up to 15 degrees in other ergonomic keyboards like the Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB. This shortcoming in a vital feature for ergonomic keyboards, in addition to the short connecting cables between the two halves (maximum 10 inches), is a significant oversight given the keyboard's high price.

Gaming-Specific Features

In terms of gaming-specific features, the Falcata shines. It offers the same 75% key layout as many popular keyboards, eliminating the need for a learning curve. Its design is sleek and compact, and the two halves can be brought together for easy portability. It is also extremely quiet when typing.

The keyboard is packed with features geared towards gaming, such as Rapid Trigger, which allows for immediate reset of key actuation upon release, even if the full keypress motion isn't completed, speeding up response in competitive games. The Speed Tap feature (simultaneous opposing cardinal directions, like pressing A and D together) gives players the ability to continue moving, prioritizing the last input. However, this feature is considered controversial, as Valve prohibits it in games like Counter-Strike 2.

Customization and Innovations

The keyboard allows for extensive customization through the browser-based Gear Link application, which enables adjustment of key sensitivity and dead zones, and assigning macros to any key. The Dynamic Keystroke feature allows up to four unique commands to be assigned based on key travel distance, a feature that falls within the developments of artificial intelligence in peripherals.

Recommendation and Alternatives

Given its high price and limited tilt capabilities, it is advisable to try the Falcata before purchasing. As an alternative, the Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Plus is an excellent option for a comfortable, split keyboard at less than half the price, offering hot-swappable mechanical switches and tilt angles up to 15 degrees. Although it is bulkier and relies on a wired connection, and its switches may be louder, it provides better ergonomic comfort.