There's no 3.5mm mic or headphone jack, but this and the fact that the ROG Strix Flare needs to connect to two USB ports instead of just one are about the worst things you can say about it.

Incredible functionality; Abundant customisation options; Practical

Slight lack of tactile feedback

Had this keyboard for a few days and loved it.Finally decided to customise the RGB backlit and downloaded ASUS ROG Armoury software... and the software just locked out the keyboard and turned the backlit option off completely.Multiple restarts and trying to delete software failed miserably.What a...

When most tech shoppers think of Asus and its gaming sub-brand, Republic of Gamers, they tend to think first of gaming desktops, laptops, and monitors, not input peripherals. But Asus does, in fact, have a whole input-device line, and makes a decent gaming keyboard in the ROG Strix Flare ($179.99). Cherry switches give it enthusiast cred, but the Flare falls a little short of the very best full-size gaming keyboards, when you take a close look at its feature set, and particularly its configuration software. Even so, it's a solid pick for typing and for most game genres. A Flare With Fair Flair In many ways, until you fire it up, the Strix Flare comes across as nondescript among full-size (104-key) keyboards. At 1.2 by 17.9 by 6.1 inches (HWD) and 2.8 pounds, it's standard height and weight for its class. Its graphite-colored ABS polymer case gives it a sort of futuristic feel, which is, ironically, very "now" among gaming keyboards. Similar Products ...

The Cherry-switch-based Asus ROG Strix Flare is well-made and has solid gaming and writing chops, but a few software quibbles keep it from joining the pantheon of today's gaming keyboards.

Per-key RGB lighting controls; Five Cherry MX RGB switch options; Nice finish on the case; Customizable acrylic logo slide

Buggy configuration software; Wrist rest lacks padding; Limited number of configuration profiles

The ROG Strix Flair is a mechanical gaming keyboard from the ASUS Republic of Gamers division that offers Cherry MX RGB switches, customizable lighting with underglow effects, a unique pop-out badge that can be swapped for a custom logo or text, dedicated media keys, USB passthrough, and...

We take a look at our first ASUS keyboard, and it just happens to be their flagship, the ROG Strix Flare. Featuring options galore, be it via Cherry MX RGB switch options, profiles and onboard controls, or software driver customization over functions and lighting alike, it makes for a strong...

High degree of customization on both the hardware and software front; Stable; feature-rich software driver; Six Cherry MX RGB switch options to choose from; Full programmability via the driver allow for the use of different OS/typing/language layouts; Per-key 16.8 M RGB backlighting; and side and...

Expensive relative to the market; Stock keycaps are mediocre at best

The mechanical keyboard or RGB keyboards are nothing new about it but if you like RGB lighting and want something flashy then ASUS STRIX Flare designed for you. Asus has integrated STRIX Flare into Aura Sync ecosystem to offer an infinite amount of customization and effects.

Great design; Genuine cherry MX switches; Media control keys with volume wheel; Excellent RGB lighting with a tone of customization; USB passthrough; Very comfortable wrist rest

All plastic construction; Cannot use ARMOURY II when you sync it using motherboard Aura software

Peripherals are something every gamer drools over but rarely changes. Once you are used to something you use daily, it's hard to break away from that familiarity and muscle memory you've earned.

It's a great keyboard with all the bells and whistles and then some. The RGB lighting on the sides reflects pleasantly of the desk and is clear and vibrant throughout the rest of the keyboard.

The Asus ROG Strix Flare is a gaming keyboard with the high price we expect – but the kind of subtle design that's rare in this part of the market. This unit has smart looks, customisable options and RGB LEDs, and it uses familiar CherryMX Red switches.

RGB lighting isn't for everyone , but if you happen to be partial to a bit of illumination, there are good reasons to keep within a particular manufacturer's ecosystem. Synchronised colours and effects become a whole lot easier, and Asus has been using its established Aura Sync ecosystem to offer...

Attractive design; Favoured Cherry MX Red switches; Left-sided volume roller makes sense; Aura Sync illumination

Ought to be metal at this price point; Only USB 2.0 passthrough; Multimedia keys not RGB backlit