Should you buy the ASUS ROG Falcata?

A split keyboard sounds crazy, right? Why would you use a keyboard that's split in the middle?

 

Beyond its quirky design, the ROG Falcata utilizes ASUS's advanced HFX Magnetic Switch V2 to deliver a superb and customizable typing experience, while the keyboard itself can be adjusted for 8K response rate, high sensitivity, and more.

This is truly a comprehensive split-key mechanical keyboard that your wrists will thank you for buying – moreover, using the two halves of the keyboard together feels very modern.

Price and availability

The ASUS ROG Falcata is currently available for $420 at Best Buy. No direct link to the product can be found on the official ASUS website; the product information on that website will direct you to Best Buy.

 

Specifications

1. Design: Split keyboard, 75%
2. Switch options: HFX Magnetic Switch V2
3. Backlight: Yes
4. Shock absorption: 4 layers
5. Can the keys be replaced? Yes
6. Connectivity: USB-C, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
7. Keycaps: ROG UV-coated ABS
8. Battery life: 200 hours
9. Software customization options: Armoury Crate/Gear Link
10. Dimensions: 327mm x 127mm x 38mm
11. Weight: 968g
12. Number of keys: 80
13. Brand: ASUS

Setup is key to success.

 

The ROG Falcata feels very much like a keyboard cut in half. Consequently, the typing angle is very flat, which might not suit everyone. People actually quite like this ultra-flat angle as it's relatively similar to the Lemokey L5 HE keyboard, but if that's not your preference, adjustable silicone feet are included in the box.

Additionally, the box includes two crucial screws that you'll need to connect the Falcata's wrist rest to the keyboard. Typing with the Falcata in the wrist rest without screwing them together works perfectly fine, but the added stability from the screws is well worth it.

 

Connectivity is also a factor to consider when setting up the Falcata. There's a wired USB-C connection, but you can also use Bluetooth or a 2.4GHz wireless connection. Now, you also have to connect the two halves of the mechanical keyboard, which is also done using a USB-C cable.

The box includes two cables of slightly different lengths, suitable for most desks. There's really no scenario where you'd need a longer cable than the ones included. However, if you did, you'd be in big trouble, as this small connecting cable is proprietary. You can't replace it with just any old USB-C cable.

The typing feel on an ergonomic mechanical keyboard is fantastic.

It takes a little time to get used to, but it's well worth it.

 

Using a detachable keyboard is one of the strangest sensations that takes time to get used to. Using a conventional keyboard has become so ingrained in our ten-finger typing habits that anything that disrupts that process requires time to adjust, let alone achieve the same typing speed.

But once you get the hang of it, the comfort of using a detachable keyboard is essentially unparalleled. This isn't entirely unfamiliar to those who use Keychron's Q8 "Alice-style" ergonomic keyboard and achieve some of the fastest typing speeds ever.

It might not suit everyone. But you can move the two halves of the keyboard to find a comfortable typing position, reducing pressure on your wrists and arms, which is a huge advantage. The split keyboard posture is more natural, and efficiency will improve over time.

Customizable magnetic switches are a key factor in keypress response.

Change the trigger point, sensitivity, and response speed.

 

The ROG HFX V2 magnetic switches are among the best many people have used recently. Right out of the box, they're responsive and easy to type on, although it must be said that their sound isn't the best. The HFX V2 magnetic switches don't sound bad; they're simply normal.

But the key takeaway from these magnetic Hall effect switches is that they have customizable trigger points, and that's one of the first things to personalize the ROG Falcata. This isn't the first keyboard to feature customizable key sensitivity (like the Lemokey P1 HE), but ASUS's implementation works well, and many users appreciate the switch to Gear Link instead of the often poor Armory Crate experience.

The key sensitivity is set to 1mm by default, with a 0.2mm dead zone at the beginning and end of each press. However, if you want greater resistance, you can adjust it to 3.5mm, making each press feel heavier. Or, if you want faster key response, you can reduce the sensitivity even further.

Should you buy the ASUS ROG Falcata?

It's expensive and has some issues, but the typing feel on this keyboard is great.

ASUS has done a great job with the ROG Falcata. It's comfortable, incredibly well-built, offers plenty of customization options, and it has reduced some strain on the wrists and shoulders. The detachable keyboard is excellent in this respect.

However, it's difficult to recommend it to everyone. The ASUS ROG Falcata keyboard retails for $420, a price tag completely out of reach for most people, even avid gamers or those who spend all day typing. This is hard to accept because it's one of many people's favorite keyboards – everything about it feels great – but it's a significant amount of money for a keyboard you might not need all of its features.