The Asus ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless positions itself as a compact 96 percent gaming keyboard for enthusiasts who value sound, modularity and wireless gaming. After several weeks of intensive use, both for gaming and long periods of writing at my desk, I got a clear picture of what this keyboard can do, where it convinces and where it falls short of expectations. Read more in the test.
Technical data of the Asus ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless
| Product name | Morph 96 Wireless |
| Switch type | Mechanical |
| Button switch type | ROG NX V2 Mechanical Switch |
| Switch types offered | Linear |
| Switch interchangeable | Yes |
| Keycaps interchangeable | Yes |
| material | Plastic/aluminum |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 398 x 134 x 39mm |
| weight | 1,125 grams |
| Onboard memory | 1 profile |
| Connectivity | USB Type-C; 2.4 GHz; Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Rollover technology | N-Key Rollover |
| Keycaps | ABS |
| Operating modes | Typing; Gaming |
| Sampling rates | 1,000 Hz |
| price | ASUS ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless, schwarz, ROG NX SNOW V2, USB/Bluetooth, DE (90MP04IF-BKDA03)* (RRP: 139.99 euros) |
Asus ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless review: Elegant full-frame with RGB
The Asus ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless is something like the cheaper sibling of the already well-known and popular Strix Scope II 96 Wireless (our review) from 2023. However, the new edition also brings some exciting improvements. En Gasket Mount, for example, or macOS support and customization via Gear Link in the browser.
Visually, however, both gaming keyboards share some similarities: The housing consists of a matte grey, milled aluminum top section over a black plastic base. The edges are sharp and cleanly finished, and the entire construction feels solid and of high quality. With a weight of around 1,125 grams, the board has a pleasant heaviness that prevents it from slipping when typing.
The dimensions are 398 × 134 × 39 mm – making it slightly larger than its predecessor, the ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless, but it still fits on any normal gaming desk without displacing the mouse pad. The 96 percent layout is one of my personal favorites: You get all the important keys, including the number pad, function keys and navigation pad, in a compact housing – without having to sacrifice the number keys on the right. However, the arrow keys are somewhat cramped next to the shift key, which takes some getting used to at first.
The ROG branding is, by Asus standards, pleasingly restrained: “Republic of Gamers” and the ROG eye logo are emblazoned on the black space bar and on the left light strip. On the back, there is a larger ROG Eye logo in the decorative texture. If this is still too inconspicuous for you: Asus includes three translucent ROG keycaps for Escape and both Enter keys – including an alternative Ctrl cap for all those who reject the Copilot key. Of course, there’s also a harmonious RGB lighting system, which comes into its own here thanks to the South Facing PCB. Ideal for all those who like it colorful.
A real plus point is the new and well thought-out disassembly from the top: Five Torx screws hold the top part in place, and if you want to disassemble the keyboard, you don’t have to turn it over. This is a small but nice detail for all those who want to modify their keyboards or equip them with their own damping material – although unfortunately a Torx screwdriver is not included.
One downer: the ABS Doubleshot keycaps are a disappointment for a keyboard in this price range. Although they are well textured and feel pleasantly grippy under the fingers, ABS plastic tends to shine over time. This is a problem that direct competitors with PBT keycaps do not have. The predecessor model, the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless, comes with PBT keycaps, which makes this difference all the more noticeable.
I also noticed a slight flex in the corners of the case under heavy pressure. Not a dealbreaker, but this shouldn’t really happen on a board with an aluminum top section.
Features of the Morph 96 Wireless
From a technical point of view, the Asus ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless offers some of the most convincing features in this price range, for which you normally have to dig much deeper into your pocket. At its heart is a hot-swappable PCB that accepts both 3-pin and 5-pin switches. Switch enthusiasts can therefore easily install their favorite switches without having to solder.
The switches used are either the ROG NX Snow V2 (linear) or the ROG NX Storm V2 (clicky). My test device was equipped with the Snow V2. Factory-lubricated linear switches with 40 gf actuation force, 53 gf total force and an actuation point of 1.8 mm. The switches utilize a “walled stem design” that keeps dust out and run as smooth as butter. For lighting, there are per-key RGB and two RGB light strips on the sides of the board.
The Rotary Knob on the left side is one of the most functional design features. There are three preset functions: Volume (click to mute), media control (click to play/pause) and keyboard backlight brightness adjustment. A fourth, freely configurable function is set ex works as a scroll wheel. These functions can be expanded via the Gear Link app, but more on this later. The knob placement on the left side is one of the best decisions in this design for me, as you don’t have to reach into the right corner when gaming.
In terms of connectivity, the Asus ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless offers everything you would want: 2.4 GHz wireless via the included ROG Omni Receiver, Bluetooth 5.0 and wired operation via USB-C. The Omni-Receiver can also connect a compatible 2.4 GHz gaming mouse at the same time, saving a valuable USB port on the PC. On the back there is a dedicated tray for the dongle, a USB-C port for charging and operation and a slide switch for switching between 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth. The scope of delivery also includes a 2-meter rubber USB-C cable, a USB extension cable, a 2-in-1 keycap and switch puller and a Torx screwdriver.
What the keyboard does not offer: Magnetic switches (Hall Effect / TMR), Rapid Trigger, analog key inputs or an OLED display like the more expensive ROG Azoth 96 HE. For competitive gamers who rely on rapid trigger technology, this is a noticeable shortcoming.
Up to 590 hours of battery life
The battery life of the Asus ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless is one of its greatest strengths, at least on paper. Asus claims a runtime of 590 hours via 2.4 GHz wireless with deactivated lighting. With RGB lighting switched on, however, this value is reduced to around 100 hours. In Bluetooth mode, it should even be 750 hours without lighting or 110 hours with lighting.
In practice, these are impressive values for everyday use. If you use the keyboard with moderately bright lighting for six to eight hours a day, you can easily go several weeks without a charging break. Charging is convenient via USB-C, even while the keyboard is still in use.
A small drop of bitterness for those who want maximum battery life: The predecessor model, the ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless, clocks up a whopping 1,500 hours over 2.4 GHz without lighting. With the lighting switched on, things look more balanced (approx. 90 vs. 100 hours), but the maximum difference cannot be ignored. If you consistently deactivate the RGB lighting or dim it to a very low level, you will still be completely satisfied with the battery life. The 590-hour specification without lighting is a top value for 2.4 GHz wireless in the gaming sector.
App connection via browser
With the ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless, Asus has finally said goodbye to the infamous Armoury Crate Suite and instead relies on the new, browser-based Gear Link app. And yes: this is real progress. Gear Link runs in the browser, does not require the installation of a separate desktop program and also works via the 2.4 GHz connection without a cable.
The app can be used to reassign keys, adjust the lighting, activate Speed Tap (Asus’ implementation of SOCD technology) and configure the Rotary Knob. The interface is slim, clear and loads within seconds. However, if you want to record macros, link the Rotary Knob with website links or define your own text inputs, you need to download and install a Gear Link Companion app.
The configuration options for the Rotary Knob are also limited: The three preset functions (volume, media, brightness) can be deactivated but not replaced. Only the fourth, customizable function can be freely assigned – with restrictions such as predefined shortcuts or opening Copilot. Unfortunately, this is too little flexibility for a unique selling point such as a left-hand knob. On the plus side, the keyboard saves five profiles onboard so that configurations can also be used on PCs without installed software. This is a practical feature for production systems or office computers on which no gaming software is required.
Asus ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless: Practical test
In my opinion, the Asus ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless really comes into its own in everyday use and gaming. The gasket-mount design combined with two layers of damping material in the casing and the translucent PC positioning plate results in a typing experience that is far superior to what you often get in this price range. Anyone who has only ever used standard gaming keyboards will be surprised at how lively, soft and precise every keystroke feels.
The ROG NX Snow V2 switches are simply outstanding; smooth, stable, fast and very pleasantly quiet. With 40 gf actuation force and 1.8 mm actuation point, they are effortless to type on without tiring your fingers. When writing long articles or code sessions, you hardly notice that you have been typing for hours. The sound is a rich, well-muffled clack. Not too loud for an open-plan office, but with enough character to haptically confirm the keystroke. Especially as the typing feel is much more textured than you are normally used to from red linear switches. I really like that.
In gaming, the keyboard proves its worth in fast games such as Apex Legends or CS2, as well as in building games or RPGs. The 2.4 GHz connection via ROG SpeedNova is reliable and low-latency. Not once did I have the feeling that the connection was the deciding factor in a lost duel. The Speed Tap function (SOCD) can be activated via Gear Link, but should be used with caution as it provides a clear gaming advantage: In CS2, for example, it is already disabled in online mode. However, it can actually be very useful for offline games or other shooters.
The 96 percent layout offers a practical advantage, especially in gaming: more keys mean more direct keybinds for skills, menus or macros. The somewhat tightly placed arrow keys take some getting used to, especially for left-handers (who don’t play via WASD), but after a week of daily gaming this is no longer an issue.
One small drawback in everyday use: there is no palm rest. I miss this during long sessions, especially compared to its predecessor, the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless, which comes with one. This is bearable for gaming sessions. However, anyone who writes a lot should take this into account. All in all, the Asus ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless delivers a good performance in practice, although the keyboard is not able to set any particular accents. Good, but not really special.
Asus ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless review: Conclusion
With the Asus ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless, the manufacturer proves that you don’t necessarily have to spend 200 euros or more for a good and stylish gaming keyboard. The keyboard is particularly impressive in key areas such as typing feel, sound, modularity and connectivity. The gasket-mount design, the factory-lubricated NX Snow V2 switches and the flexible tri-mode wireless connection make it a strong all-rounder for gamers and power users who appreciate a compact layout.
However, there are a few points that give pause for thought. ABS instead of PBT keycaps, the limited customizability of the rotary knob, the lack of a rapid trigger and no palm rest included are weaknesses for a keyboard in this price range that competitor products do not have. Particularly challenging is the positioning next to the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless, which is currently available at a lower price and has the edge in some areas (PBT caps, battery life, palm rest). In addition, keyboards such as the HATOR Skyfall 80 MAG ULTIMA 8K (our test) already offer modern and better Hall Effect technology for less than 100 euros.
What remains in the Asus ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless test is a high-quality, versatile and customizable gaming keyboard with a lot of keyboard for the money. But also a price that is currently somewhat difficult to justify at the RRP.
PROS
- 96%-Layout
- Hot-Swap-PCB
- USB-C, 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.1
- Gasket-Mount
CONS
- ABS-Keycaps
- Little Flex
- Arrow keys narrow
Conclusion
The Asus ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless impresses with an excellent typing feel, solid wireless performance, and a modern, modular build, but makes it clear through its ABS keycaps, lack of Rapid Trigger, and limited knob configuration that there is still room for improvement.
