Asus has made waves in the gaming peripheral market with the announcement of its first rapid trigger gaming keyboard, the Falchion Ace HFX. This keyboard introduces a unique feature: a rapid trigger toggle that instantly resets key presses upon release. This functionality is particularly beneficial for speed tapping, allowing for rapid actions in games like Counter-Strike 2, where players can quickly strafe and react to opponents. However, the timing of this release is somewhat awkward. Valve, the developers of Counter-Strike 2, recently implemented a ban on rapid triggering, effectively rendering this feature unusable in the popular game. While the Falchion Ace HFX’s rapid trigger function remains valuable in other games, there is a possibility that other titles may follow suit and adopt similar bans, potentially limiting its usefulness.
Despite this potential drawback, the Falchion Ace HFX stands out as an exciting keyboard in its own right. It is the first keyboard from Asus to utilize Hall Effect, or magnetic, switches. This technology offers advantages such as responsiveness and durability. Even without using the speed tapping feature, the keyboard’s instant reset capability can still be beneficial in Counter-Strike 2 and other games.
The keyboard boasts a 60% frame but manages to fit in the keys for a 65% layout, echoing the design of the Falchion RX LP released earlier this year. This layout is particularly popular among gamers due to its compact size and efficiency. The Falchion Ace HFX uses full-sized keycaps, making it more suitable for competitive play, unlike some smaller keyboards that may require specialized keycap sets.
Adding to its competitive edge, the Falchion Ace HFX features an impressive 8,000Hz polling rate, a feature previously seen on the ROG Azoth Extreme. This high polling rate ensures rapid communication between the keyboard and the PC, translating to smoother and more responsive gameplay. Connectivity is handled via USB-C, but the keyboard offers two USB-C ports. This allows gamers to position the cable comfortably based on their setup or even connect the keyboard to multiple PCs for seamless switching.
While designed for competitive gaming, Asus has not compromised on the Falchion Ace HFX’s internal build quality. The keyboard is equipped with a gasket mount and five layers of internal sound dampening. This robust construction ensures durability and a more comfortable typing experience during long gaming sessions.
While Asus has not yet revealed the pricing or release date for the Falchion Ace HFX, it has confirmed that the keyboard will be available in the last few months of the year. Given the keyboard’s advanced features, including the rapid trigger function and its robust internal design, a price tag above $150 is expected, potentially reaching even $200. This keyboard is sure to garner interest among serious gamers seeking a high-performance and feature-rich keyboard, despite the current uncertainty surrounding its rapid trigger functionality.
