ROG launches Falchion Ace HFX, the first 65% wired gaming keyboard that uses magnetic switches. The switches use magnetic field changes as a sensing mechanism, allowing users to freely adjust the triggering conditions according to the pressing depth, and can also set multiple settings with one click. Group function, combined with a polling rate of 8000 Hz, achieves high-speed, sensitive and diverse operations.
Appearance design
ROG Falchion Ace HFX is packaged in the familiar black + red color box. The appearance of the keyboard itself is printed on the front. In theory, it will directly echo the color of the purchased style. However, the current product is only black, and the magnetic axis also has only one full feel. , so when purchasing, just confirm the model number to avoid confusion with other Flachion family products.
Open the outer box, and all the contents are stored in the inner black carton. The keyboard will be wrapped in black velvet. The accessories include instructions, faith stickers, key pullers, USB-A To C transmission cables, and Replaces the right-select single keycap of the Copilot key and the necessary protective cover for the Falchion series.
Falchion Ace HFX adopts the consistent 65% ratio of the series, removing the independent number keys, F1 – F12, and retaining only four grid keys: Insert, Delete, PageUp, and Page Down. In addition, in order to avoid accidental touches, the Fn key is moved from the common left key. Change the side to the right, and follow the AI PC trend to change the default function of the right-select single key to the Copilot key, but it can be modified by yourself through the synchronization program.
Of course, the signature striped RGB light at the top of the keyboard is also retained. The sides of the light bar also integrate a variety of functions, including a set of USB-C ports on the left and right sides, which is considerate of the host placement. Different placement positions not only improve the convenience of wiring, but also support dual device connection. You can select the device to be operated through the switch in the center.
In addition, the leftmost side of the keyboard has shortcut keys and a touch bar, which can quickly adjust the volume, songs, and even the depth of the key travel. When using touch to modify the trigger key travel, the RGB light bar also has an indication function. The current trigger point is informed in 0.5 mm increments, making it easy to adjust at any time during gameplay, eliminating the trouble of repeatedly entering and exiting games and synchronization programs.
On the right side is a Rapid Trigger switch lever prepared for the magnetic axis. Its function is achieved by using the triggering mechanism of the magnetic axis to rely on changes in the magnetic field. After Rapid Trigger is turned on, the keyboard will capture the moment when the key shaft rebounds and immediately reset the signal receiving status of the keyboard. Even if the key shaft has not fully returned to its position, it can immediately accept the next signal trigger, allowing repeated input and continuous typing operations. More immediate and accurate.
In comparison, the traditional mechanical switch connects the internal metal spring piece to the circuit by pressing. When you let go, the metal piece will rebound, but during the window period when the circuit is not disconnected, the keyboard will continue to output the press signal. If you click again before the window period is lifted, the new command will not be accepted, and the operation will be “eaten”.
Speaking of key shafts, ROG also made careful adjustments to the entire keyboard for the key tapping experience. For example, the height of the oil-proof PBT two-color molded keycaps was deliberately shortened to reduce the shaking of the keys. For large keys such as the space key and Shift, key shaft stabilizers are also added. The left and right satellite shafts responsible for support are connected with steel wires, and foam is stuffed into the key caps to form a more stable support effect.
Under the keys, the keyboard adopts a 5-layer sound-absorbing design. The front and back of the PCB are covered with PORON cushioning pads to absorb the impact of knocking. Then, a silicone pad is used on the outer layer to absorb the cavity noise generated by the keys. , and finally a silicone pad strip is laid on the bottom of the keyboard to eliminate the resonance noise of the shell and provide a comfortable and pleasant using experience.
Hands-on experience
Falchion Ace HFX uses the ROG HFX magnetic axis developed by ASUS. The initial resistance is 40 g, the maximum resistance is 55 g, and the total key travel is 4.0 mm. After all, with the characteristics of the magnetic axis, the trigger point can be adjusted arbitrarily, and the feel is straight up and down. Linear feedback, the rebound force is quite strong, somewhat similar to the ROG RX optical red axis.
In order to reduce the transmission delay as much as possible, the keyboard has a polling rate of 8000 Hz, allowing the command input delay to be only 0.125 ms. Moreover, Falchion Ace HFX can only be connected through a wired connection, so there is no need to consider battery life at all, so ROG simply uses the polling rate. The query rate adjustment function is removed from the synchronization program to ensure that the highest transmission performance is achieved the moment it is plugged into the computer.
However, if you want to take full advantage of the full characteristics of the magnetic axis, you still have to set the buttons through Armory Crate or Aromoury Gear synchronization program. The difference is that Armory Crate can synchronize with other peripherals, save and import macros. The disadvantage is that the program is relatively fat. ; Aromoury Gear is relatively compact, but each program only manages a single device and cannot be linked to other devices.
In the program, the keyboard can set the trigger point of the key in 0.1 mm increments. At the same time, the Rappid Trigger can be set independently, including changing the trigger point position after it is turned on, and whether to enable rapid continuous triggering. With the continuous trigger function, the key shaft does not need to wait for complete rebound, and the next signal input is immediately detected the moment the hand is released, improving the efficiency of rapid continuous typing.
However, it should be noted that Rappid Trigger is only valid for WASD keys by default. If the player’s game needs to use other keys, remember to click “Edit” below to make additional adjustments. The keyboard itself does not limit the binding limit of Rappid Trigger, so I would like to It’s no problem if every button is enabled.
In addition, the keyboard also supports the setting of “single-key multiple sets of trigger points”, which allows a key to perform different operations at a specific key depth. For example, a light press can lead to slow walking, and a full press can lead to running, achieving something similar to a handlebar. The mushroom head is similar to the effect of a joystick. Of course, users can also use their creativity to freely adjust it according to the needs of each game.
The setting method is to select to customize a single key in the key page, and then select “Dynamic Key DKS” or “Dual Mode Knock MT” from the function list. The former can correspond to up to four groups of functions, while the latter can Two-stage design, but no matter which one, you can freely select the function and trigger key range.
Falchion Ace HFX also adds an additional function called “Speed Tap” for fine operations. The concept is the same as Razer’s Snap Tap or Wooting’s Snapping Tap. By setting two buttons that will be pressed in turn, when one of the buttons When another button is pressed before you let go, the input command will be automatically overwritten, significantly shortening the operation delay.
This function is suitable for situations such as shooting games where two parties shoot at each other. Some games will offset the reaction force of the gun to a certain extent when the character turns. Therefore, some players use rapid left and right movement to to improve shooting accuracy.
In addition, some shooting games do not introduce movement inertia, which means that the moment you release the keyboard, the character will stop immediately without slowing down, so this is often applied to shooting behind a cover. If it can reduce the alternation The difference in movement time allows you to quickly move in and out of the bunker. During the attack, you also reduce the time you are exposed outside the bunker and reduce the chance of being hit by the enemy.
However, there is a delay in traditional keyboards due to the key axis reaching the trigger point. In addition, during the process of alternating left and right movements, if the keys on both sides happen to be triggered, it will cause a command conflict and the character will be stuck in place, which will easily cause loopholes. .
Therefore, functions such as Speed Tap and Snap Tap can force new commands to overwrite old commands to avoid operational conflicts. In addition, the ultra-short trigger key stroke further shortens the time difference between repeated traverse movements, making it easier to master. When emerging from the bunker, the enemy can better grasp the timing of shooting.
However, it should be noted that due to fairness issues, quick coverage operations and one-click multi-function are prohibited in some games such as “Absolute Force 2” (CS 2), at least in official competitions.
As for the general situation, after the editorial department asked the ASUS team, the reply they received stated that in theory, the anti-cheating software will not specifically capture keyboard signals and drivers, so there is no need to worry about being banned and you can use it with confidence. It’s just that the way you move left and right is too fast, and you may be reported by other players as using illegal programs.
Summarize
ROG Falchion Ace HFX is a product that responds to the market’s demand for magnetic switches and analog key switches. From the 65% pure wired connection, it can be seen that it is specially built for e-sports enthusiasts, but it also retains the design of the Falchion family. Traditionally, within the limited keyboard space, the touch bar and USB-C switch lever are used to provide convenient operations outside of gaming.
In the game, ROG makes full use of the various characteristics of the magnetic axis to provide trigger point adjustment and one-button multi-function. It also has Rapid Trigger to help with combos, and Speed Tap to improve the immediacy of operations to help players compete in games. , you can adjust the sensitive operation that best suits you and accurately grasp every moment of movement.
ROG Falchion Ace HFX Taiwan has a recommended retail price of NT$ 6,490 and is now on sale at major channels.