Keeping a clean, minimalist desktop set-up can be a daunting task. While I love my gaming keyboard I always find that the black wire sticks out like a sore thumb on an otherwise clean set-up. When I bought my PC gaming peripherals, a wired keyboard was preferred because it allowed for RGB light syncing and fast response times. Since that purchase gaming peripherals have come a long way. Today, wireless gaming keyboards are just as good, if not better than their wired counterparts. In this article, I will be reviewing the ASUS ROG Falchion Red wireless mechanical RGB gaming keyboard.
Compact well thought out body
The ASUS Falchion is a compact keyboard that is 65% the size of a regular keyboard. To achieve this ASUS removed the dedicated number pad, modified the key sizing, and adjusted the layout of the keyboard.
Along the top lining of the keyboard there is the on/off switch, a USB-C charging port, and storage space for the wireless dongle. Looking over the body I’m impressed with ASUS’s clever design language. Instead of making a dedicated storage compartment ASUS opted to make the space recessed so that it’s not visible when you look at the keyboard from above. This makes it easy for the user to access the charging port and on/off button while still keeping them out of sight.
Another thoughtful design decision is the included keyboard cover. This cover is made of a hard plastic and can be mounted on the top or bottom of the keyboard depending on your needs. During transportation the cover can be mounted on top of the keyboard to protect the keys. When stationary, the cover can be conveniently mounted to the bottom of the keyboard. ASUS designers were also careful to ensure that the touch bar and charging ports are accessible when mounted on the bottom.
Connectivity and long lasting battery life
The ASUS Falchion can be connected to your computer in two ways both requiring a USB-A port. The primary method of connection is the 2.4ghz wireless option. This is done through a wireless USB-A dongle connected to your PC. The second method is a traditional wired connection.
During my testing I was impressed by the Falchion’s amazing battery life. On the left hand side of the keyboard you will see an LED bar letting you know how much battery remains. With the RGB lights turned off the Falchion has a 450 hour battery life. Personally, I love RGB LEDs so I left mine on full brightness while testing the Falchion.
Over the course of 1.5 weeks I played games for 2-3 hours daily. After 1.5 weeks the Falchion’s battery level was still at an impressive 75%. It’s safe to say that users will not have any battery life concerns while using the keyboard.
If you do find yourself needing to charge the Falchion you’ll be happy to know that it is capable of fast charging. Plugging in the Falchion for just 30 minutes will give you 32 hours of battery life with the LEDs turned off.
Comfortable and responsive keys
The Falchion’s keys are Cherry MX and can be purchased in red, brown, blue, or silver switches. The unit that I used for testing came with red switches. Cherry MX red are my preferred type of switches for gaming and daily typing.
During my tests I found the Falchion’s keys easy to press and responsive. Response time is important when it comes to gaming, especially when you’re playing games that require real time instantaneous feedback. According to the ASUS website the Falchion has a 1ms response time. While playing Call of Duty Warzone I was pleased to find that the Falchion’s response times were equal to my wired gaming keyboard.
When it comes to day-to-day typing, if you are used to typing on a full-sized keyboard you will probably need time to adjust to the Falchion. In order to achieve a 65% keyboard size ASUS had to modify some of the keys sizes. For example the spacebar and the right hand shift key are smaller than standard size. During my testing it took me about three days to get used to the Falchion keyboard layout. After that I was able to type on the Falchion at the same speed as with a full-sized keyboard.
Keycaps of the Falchion are double shot PBT. This is nice to see since double shot coating protects the keys from becoming shiny and reduces the likelihood of text fading. The longevity of the Falchion’s keys are important for two reasons. First, as I previously mentioned, because of the compact body of the keyboard some of the keys are custom sizes. Second, the Falchion’s keys have text on the front indicating their secondary functions. Because of this, replacing the Falchion’s keys is possible but will need to be purchased directly from ASUS.
Generous customization of the Falchion keyboard
Like other high quality gaming keyboards the ASUS Falchion comes with some stellar customization options. By far my favourite feature is the touch bar located on the left hand side of the keyboard. Out of the box this touch bar is set to control media volume. However using ASUS’s Armoury Crate software you can customize this touch bar to create shortcuts and switch between apps.
The touch bar can be customized to support five different input options. This includes swiping up, down, or touching the top, middle, and bottom of the bar. I really enjoyed the level of customization that I got out of the touch bar. The only challenge that I had was learning where to touch the bar without taking my eyes off my computer screen. Because the bar is out of sight, you will need some practice locating the top, middle, and bottom without looking at the keyboard.
In addition to customizing the touch bar, the Armoury Crate software unlocks a whole host of functionality for the Falchion. This includes the ability to program all of the Falchion’s keys based on your needs. Other customizations that you can make through Armoury Crate include custom lighting, power consumption, and updating the keyboard’s firmware. It should be noted that as of this review the Armoury Crate software is only available for Windows. Mac OS and Chromebook users will still be able to use the keyboard. However, without the Armoury Crate software they will not be able to take advantage of all the customization options.
Final thoughts on the ASUS Falchion
The ASUS ROG Falchion is an impressive wireless gaming keyboard. I enjoyed its compact size, touch bar, and the long battery life. Likewise, I’m impressed with features and customization that ASUS was able to pack into such a small keyboard. It’s clear that ASUS put thought into this product and how it will be used. This is evident in the inclusion of a reversible keyboard cover, port placement, and secondary key texts.
While there are many benefits to the ASUS Falchion there are some minor downsides. For those coming from a full sized keyboard they’ll need to get used to typing on the smaller Falchion. In addition to that, the ASUS AURA Sync software is currently only available for Windows. This means that non-windows users will be limited in their keyboard customization options.
Do you think the ASUS Falchion will be your next gaming keyboard? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below. If you’re interested in seeing what other gaming peripherals are made by ASUS have a look here.
My gaming setup would look much better with this keyboard because it would add nice colour and flair to it!
This keyboard would be so awesome. Its basically as good as it gets with those amazing keys and rgb which they called led in here. Maybe I read wrong and they were referring to the led for the rgb lights. Also Wired And Wireless!!! WOW!!!
Sure Would Kick My Logitech k750 solar that I’ve been using for the last 5 years to the curb as it literally sucks. Which is sad because my pc is half decent. I have a i7 8700k, so 980 ti and many other decent hardware. I just ran out of money when building the PC which I built to keep me distracted due to my crohns disease. But I’ve been down on my luck with medical Bill’s ever since.
Hopefully someday something good will come to me.
Also if you ever have any used demo units you’re willing to sell at a good rate since I know they are hardly used when you do these reviews, please do reach out. Maybe at a better time finance wise in my life there will be something I can afford cuz atm I’m on disability (fixed income).
The compact size would be a real help with my limited desk space.
This gaming keyboard would be perfect for my first build which is coming together for the new year. It’ll complement it well with its RGB lights, portability and brand (a lot of my pc parts are ASUS at the moment).
The smaller size would definitely work well with my setup
I think this keyboard would be great for my gaming setup because, as of right now, everything’s just solid black. Black monitors, black mouse, black speakers. Having a touch of color(s) would make it less boring. And then I could finally sit in the dark, eating chips and drinking pop while being illuminated by wonderous lights.
Good for battlefield and It would make a great setup because it’s wireless so its easier to store, use, and move around with limited table space.
I have glowing lights all around my setup but no keyboard that has the same.. it would match really well with my gaming setup.. Thanks for the giveaway
I’d like this mechanical wireless keyboard upgrade for my setup as I already own a mechanical keyboard that is wired and having a type of keyboard you love become wireless truly makes the experience better. I currently use my desktop setup for playing games and working/ studying so having the pleasure of using the satisfying feel of a mechanical keyboard plus the convenience of wireless ability, makes life awesome! (my table gets cluttered easily with other gadgets and book while working :P)
This is the ultimate keyboard for any gamer, and I absolutely love the feeling of a fine mechanical keyboard!
This would be amazing because it’s compact, eliminates a wire coming down the middle of my desk because it’s Wireless, and I’m curious how a wireless gaming keyboard would perform compared to wired. It’d also look awesome on my desk since it’s RGB
This keyboard would look great with my new ASUS monitor I recently purchased from Best Buy!
Need to upgrade my old wire keyboard, this seem like a sweet model.
I could use a new wireless keyboard that responds well to fast typing and game play.
Zero latency -programable keys. Great setup for warzone.
Wireless & only have a normal keyboard now.
I think this would be great for a set up because the comfortable and responsive keys as well as the customization.
Wireless, long life. Sounds great!
I think this gaming keyboard would be great for my setup because of the zero latency and customizable keys.
It would be a great addition to my setup with the long wireless life and that configurable touch bar looks
This would be perfect in my setup as a centrepiece, also the wireless feature keeps everything so clean!
An ideal solution for my gaming setup, being wireless and with an extended battery lifespan is truely a game changer. Asus ROG did a brilliant job
This would be amazing for my setup as I am attempting declutter the maelstrom of cables and wires that are on, beside and under my desk. I would refer to it as a bird’s nest but even birds are too afraid to go near it. Plus Asus products are always incredible.
I hope to win this 🙁
My son can use this for gaming
Awesome keyboard. Backlit, Mechanical keys, Elegant, wireless with long battery. Amazing tech for my set up that would also add some colour to the build
Comfortable and responsive keys. The keys on my present keyboard, are starting to stick.
This would be great for my setup as it will go with my ROC laptop.
The long lasting battery is a win!
I love the long lasting battery life
Would love to use it to play the new Star Wars game they just announced!
The form of it being mechanical as well as the back lighting would help make my setup pop out more as well as improve my overall usage of my pc with this beast of a keyboard!
I’d use it to play the Hitman series.
This keyboard will be great because I have a small desk!
Having very limited desktop space at home, the compact size is perfect for a greater mouse range of motion! And, c’mon! It’s beautiful!
The minimal size of this keyboard is great.I appreciate the lighting.
compact design and long lasting battery life
compact design and long lasting battery will suit my setup and keep things running smoothly
The size will be a great for my setup.
Being wireless, this would keep my desk clutter-free and the long battery life is awesome!
I think it would work good for me because every bit of space matters! Super neat keys too.
compact design and long lasting battery life
450 hour battery life!
compact design and long lasting battery life
compact design and long lasting battery life
Love the compact design and long lasting battery life. Perfect for our condo life where we have limited space but want the luxury of a premium product!
Being a wireless keyboard, this is going to help with switching between my pc and tv.
The long battery life of this gaming keyboard would be great for my current setup, so I can play for hours and hours and hours!
It’s a perfect set up because it’s wireless and with the RGB lights turned off the Falchion it has a 450 hour battery life!
I love that it is wireless and a mechanical keyboard
I’d like to upgrade to a keyboard that is more responsive for gaming.
It would make a great setup because it’s wireless so its easier to store, use, and move around with limited table space.
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