ASUS always has a large selection of gaming peripherals. Both quite unique models, such as the ASUS ROG Falcata keyboard, which is divided into two. And more familiar models. Like the new ASUS ROG Keris II Origin mouse, which came to us for review. At one time, we had the ASUS ROG Keris II Ace for review. The new product has similar dimensions and shape, the same flagship optical sensor, updated switches, design and a little more weight. Today we will talk about it in more detail.
ASUS ROG Keris II Origin specifications
| Dimensions and weight | 121 x 67 x 42 mm 65 g |
| Sensor | ROG AimPoint Pro |
| Resolution | 42,000DPI |
| Maximum speed | 750 IPS |
| Maximum acceleration | 50G |
| Connection | USB, Bluetooth 5.1, RF 2.4 GHz |
| Switches | ROG Micro Switch II, 100 million clicks |
| Form | for the right hand |
| Cable | removable, ROG Paracord 2 m |
| Battery life | 107 hours (radio channel, without backlight) |
| Survey frequency | 1000 Hz 2.4 GHz and cable, 125 Hz Bluetooth; up to 8000 Hz 2.4 GHz and cable with ROG Polling Rate Booster (sold separately) |
| Connector | USB Type-C |
| Number of programmable buttons | 5 |
| Price in Ukraine | Pre-order: 4999 UAH |
Package contents
The ASUS ROG Keris II Origin is packaged exactly like the rest of the ROG lineup. A bright black and red box with a bunch of beautiful typography and all the main specifications.
The package turned out to be quite interesting. In addition to the mouse, the kit includes the ROG Omni USB receiver, ROG Paracord cable, USB Type-C to Type-A adapter, four stickers for the sides of the case and the main keys, replaceable wide Teflon slides, additional switches for the main buttons, a tool for replacing them, a set of ROG stickers, and documentation.
Design and construction
The ASUS ROG Keris II Origin has a medium size and an asymmetrical shape for right-handed use. The dimensions and shape are almost identical to the ROG Keris II Ace, but the weight is slightly higher: 65 g versus 54 g. For lovers of lightweight models, this difference can be decisive when choosing.
The mouse is made entirely of matte plastic of two different types: the main part of the body is smoother, while the main buttons have a rough coating. It would be appropriate to make the entire body with such a coating, because some people may find the mouse a little slippery. In addition to the white version, a classic black version is also available. This time ASUS decided to add more RGB and three lighting zones.
The main buttons are separated from the rest of the ASUS ROG Keris II Origin case. They are very well fixed, there is not even a hint of shaking or wobbling. By feel, they are fitted close to the switches. Between the buttons is a scroll wheel with the usual rubber coating, diagonal notches and RGB backlighting.
The sides of the mouse have ergonomic curves for a comfortable position of the fingers. On the left is a concave area for the thumb, two additional large gray buttons. A little lower is another area with backlighting in the form of the ROG inscription and four diagonal stripes.
There is a fairly wide ridge on the right side, which is a great place for the ring finger and little finger to rest on. Thanks to this, they do not slide on the surface and do not interfere with the index and middle fingers.
The Type-C connector is located in a small recess in the middle of the front of the mouse. The included ROG Paracord cable is light gray, 2 m long. It is light and soft and does not interfere with use at all. Although in the case of wireless mice, the cable is mainly used only for charging.
On the bottom of the ASUS ROG Keris II Origin there are four triangular Teflon feet, an ROG AimPoint Pro optical sensor with a round Teflon insert, a connection mode switch, a "pocket" for storing the USB transmitter, as well as buttons for switching DPI and connection modes.
We've seen the included USB Type-C to USB Type-A adapter with other ROG gaming peripherals to place the USB transmitter closer to the mouse. It looks like a small plastic block with a USB connector and a clip for attaching to the gaming surface.
Ergonomics, shape and weight
ASUS ROG Keris II Origin is an asymmetric ergonomic mouse for right-handed use, which is great for a "palm" or "finger" grip, depending on the size of the hand and your own preferences. The mouse is also suitable for a "Claw" grip due to the shape of the upper part. But in this case, convenience depends more critically on the size of the hand, so "Claw" lovers should try it before buying. The matte plastic of the case provides good grip even without additional relief or rubber inserts. But, if someone still finds the surface slippery, there are appropriate stickers included.
The weight distribution is excellent: the mouse does not fall anywhere when lifted from the surface. The mouse is not the lightest: 65 g has long been a record, but there is no problem with this. According to this parameter, the ASUS ROG Keris II Origin will not satisfy except the most demanding connoisseurs of lightweight models. But it is worth noting that the novelty has a larger capacity battery (based on the declared battery life), so the increase in weight is quite justified.
The main buttons use updated ROG Micro Switch II switches with a claimed lifespan of 100 clicks. The buttons are located almost directly next to the switches, with minimal travel. The click is clear and informative. The mouse uses proprietary ROG Push-Fit Switch Socket II connectors for switches, which allow you to quickly replace them with other 3-pin ones. But, of course, for this you need to unscrew the case.
Additional buttons are quite convenient. False presses are practically eliminated due to their large size and clear spacing between them. The scroll wheel has a good rubber surface. It has fairly clear cutoffs, and it works very quietly even at high rotation speed.
Functionality and capabilities
The ASUS ROG Keris II Origin uses the manufacturer's flagship optical sensor ROG AimPoint Pro, which is already familiar from other models, which is actually a custom version of the top PixArt PAW3950. The maximum resolution is 42,000 DPI, deviation <1%, maximum tracking speed is 750 inches per second, and maximum acceleration is 50g. And another useful feature of the sensor is that it works on glass.
This sensor has already proven itself perfectly. It has excellent tracking accuracy, it is almost impossible to disrupt. And the performance margin is enough with a large margin. During testing, no problems with the sensor arose.
Like almost all current models of keyboards and mice in the ROG line, the ASUS ROG Keris II Origin supports three types of connections: via cable, Bluetooth (up to three devices) and via a 2.4 GHz radio channel with a complete Omni USB transmitter. You can connect both a mouse and a compatible keyboard to one transmitter. During testing, the mouse was connected to the keyboard via one Omni. There were no problems with signal stability. The polling frequency via cable and 2.4 GHz radio channel is 1000 Hz. Bluetooth is 125 Hz, which is enough for work. The mouse supports work with ROG Polling Rate Booster, with which you can get a polling frequency of up to 8000 Hz in 2.4 GHz mode and via cable. But you will have to purchase it separately.
The battery capacity is not specified. But they promise that the mouse can work in 2.4 GHz mode for up to 127 hours with the backlight off and 87 hours with it on. Over Bluetooth, these figures are 192 and 91 hours, respectively. The mouse was used exclusively on the 2.4 GHz radio channel with the backlight on. The mouse lasted 8 days on a single battery charge, so everything is great with autonomy.
ASUS has implemented the ability to perform some basic mouse settings without software. Using the DPI button on the bottom of the mouse, you can switch between four previously set resolution levels. There is a smooth resolution adjustment. To do this, you need to press the DPI button for three seconds, then increase or decrease the DPI level using the scroll wheel. The polling rate and tear-off height settings are adjusted by a combination of the Pair button with additional buttons. To select a profile, you need to press the DPI button and the scroll wheel. To reset all settings to default, you need to simultaneously hold down the three top buttons (right, left and wheel) together with the DPI button for three seconds.
Of course, the proprietary Armoury Crate application has not disappeared, which even after updates has certain problems. The capabilities are standard: setting actions for buttons and scroll wheel, four resolution levels, polling rate, angular snapping, backlighting (including AURA synchronization), lift-off height from the surface, calibrate the mouse depending on the surface used. There are ready-made settings for ASUS surfaces, as well as calibration for your own. It is possible to configure up to 5 profiles that are stored in the mouse's internal memory.
A new feature is Gear Link, which is still in beta. Previously, for configuring some gaming peripherals, ASUS offered a lightweight version of Armoury Crate with the Gear prefix, which differed from the usual one in that it was not common for all ROG gadgets, but only for a specific individual model. The option turned out to be not much more convenient and now the company offers Gear Link - settings directly in the browser. The functionality roughly coincides with Armoury Crate, but it works really faster and does not require installing anything on the PC.
