ASUS ROG Strix Flare 2 Animate: Keyboard with programmable LED matrix

With the ROG Strix Flare 2 Animate, ASUS has introduced a unique gaming keyboard at CES 2022. The keyboard is equipped with Cherry switches, offers a particularly high sampling rate of 8,000 Hz, and features an LED light matrix that can be freely configured.

The ROG Strix Flare 2 Animate in Detail

The most exciting unique selling point of the ROG Strix Flare 2 Animate is undoubtedly the programmable LED matrix, which is installed in the upper right corner of the case. It enables the display of pixel art images, animations and symbols.

The AniMe Matrix LED display can also be freely configured and programmed using the accompanying software. It is also possible to display changes to the status of the system, an adjustment of the RGB lighting or brightness. It is also possible to display email notifications, the time or the date. When used with a notebook, the LED matrix can also provide information about the battery status. The display uses a total of 312 mini-LEDs.

The keyboard itself is only offered in full-size format with additional media keys and a volume wheel on the upper left side. It weighs in at 1157 grams and connects to PCs and notebooks via USB 2.0. Dimensions are 435mm x 165mm x 38mm (length x width x height).

Cherry MX switches

In terms of switches, there are several mechanical switches from the manufacturer Cherry to choose from. Cherry’s MX Red with linear stroke, MX Brown with tactile pressure point and MX Blue with additional click noise can be selected. Alternatively, ASUS offers the in-house developed linear ROG NX Red switches.

8,000 Hz polling rate

Another special feature is the enormous polling rate of 8,000 Hz, which is usually known from the field of gaming mice. Thus, the ROG Strix Flare 2 Animate is supposed to be able to implement inputs significantly faster than normal gaming keyboards. The response time is a low 0.125 ms (compared to the usual 1 ms).

The keys are also equipped with extra high-quality ROG PBT Doubleshot keycaps, which turn out to be more robust and durable while delivering a secure grip thanks to their textured surface.

Other features

All buttons can be programmed via software with macros or alternative assignments. The software also controls the LED matrix, while synchronization with AURA is possible. In addition, all keys have individual RGB lighting.

Larger keys, such as the space bar, Enter and Return key, are also equipped with the special ROG Switch Stabilizer stabilizers, which are supposed to improve the pressure point and minimize rattling noises.

Price and Availability

The ROG Strix Flare 2 Animate gaming keyboard should still be available in stores from January 2022. The manufacturer names a price of 220 US dollars as the MSRP.