Hall effect gaming keyboards have become increasingly common in the enthusiast market, celebrated for their analog precision and remarkable configurability. Yet among this growing family of high-end peripherals, Asus’ ROG Falcata distinguishes itself as the sole device that merges this advanced switch technology with a split ergonomic layout specifically engineered to mitigate strain in the wrists, hands, and forearms. This combination of engineering sophistication and user comfort comes at a premium: $419.99—a sum that could easily buy both a quality Hall effect keyboard and a well-made split ergonomic keyboard separately. The price invites a fundamental question: does the Falcata truly unify the best aspects of these two worlds, or does it fall short of fully realizing their potential?
As a Hall effect keyboard, the Falcata unquestionably excels. Its magnetic switches offer an unparalleled level of customization, enabling users to fine-tune the actuation point of each individual key with astonishing accuracy—down to hundredths of a millimeter. Such precision allows gamers to optimize key responsiveness for their personal preferences and gameplay style. However, its ergonomic credentials are more debatable. Those seeking relief from repetitive strain or discomfort may find themselves disappointed, as the keyboard’s tenting angles—the degree to which the two halves can be inclined to form a more natural hand position—are notably limited. This constraint makes the $420 price tag difficult to justify, particularly since tenting is essential to what defines and differentiates a split ergonomic board.
Tenting, in the realm of ergonomic keyboard design, isn’t a superficial aesthetic flourish but a crucial health-oriented feature. By raising the inner edges of both keyboard halves, users can maintain a neutral wrist posture, reducing pronation and the cumulative stress associated with extended typing sessions. Unfortunately, the ROG Falcata’s maximum tent angle reaches only seven degrees—or six if the wrist rests are attached. For comparison, many users report comfort at angles approaching or exceeding fifteen degrees. My personal reference point, the Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB, supports exactly that degree of incline, and even higher settings exist for those needing greater elevation. Although some individuals may feel entirely comfortable with the Falcata’s modest incline, a premium keyboard at this cost should have offered a broader range of adjustability and longer interconnecting cables. The short USB-C link—allowing just ten inches between halves—reduces flexibility for users who prefer more arm separation to alleviate shoulder or upper arm tension. Substituting one’s own cable is possible, but the need to do so at this price remains a notable oversight.
Leaving aside the shortcomings in tenting, the Falcata impresses in nearly all other respects. It maintains the familiar 75-percent key layout, omitting only the dedicated macro column found on the Freestyle Edge, which means transitioning from another similar board is effortless. The two halves can lock together magnetically, forming a cohesive unit akin to a conventional keyboard—practical for transport or compact setups. Its minimalist aesthetic contributes to a cleaner workspace, and its operation is remarkably quiet, especially when compared with the sharp auditory feedback of mechanical switches like Cherry MX Blues.
Asus clearly positions the ROG Falcata for the performance-driven segment of gamers, loading it with an array of advanced features. Among these are Rapid Trigger and Speed Tap—Asus’ own take on simultaneous opposing directional input (SOCD)—both of which are controversial yet undeniably powerful tools for competitive play. The Falcata supports wired connectivity, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz wireless transmission, ensuring versatility for multiple use scenarios. When connected via wire or 2.4GHz, it offers an 8,000Hz polling rate, which translates to extraordinarily low input latency. In wireless mode, the two halves must still be tethered by USB-C, an elegant if slightly restrictive compromise.
The hallmark of its Hall effect switches lies in their analog nature. Unlike standard mechanical switches that function in a binary fashion—either on or off—these sensors register position along a continuous gradient. This distinction gives users the ability to set actuation and reset points independently, allowing near-instantaneous keystroke repetition and appreciating even the subtlest motion of a finger. In gaming, the effect is transformative, granting frictionless speed and precision. Typists, however, may need to invest time in calibration: applying even slight resting force to home keys can inadvertently cause strings of repeated letters. Fortunately, Asus’ Gear Link web-based software lets you adjust individual dead zones and actuation thresholds to curb such misfires. Although the multi-function scroll wheel on the keyboard can also modify sensitivity, using the browser tool proves to be far more intuitive for detailed configurations.
Gear Link turns the Falcata into a playground for power users. Every key can be remapped as a macro, and each can adopt several layers of functions, from simple input replacements to complex command combinations. For instance, you could configure a key to not only register a letter but simultaneously emulate a mouse click—streamlining certain workflows or in-game actions. Its Dynamic Keystroke feature provides extraordinary depth: up to four distinct commands can be tied to specific depths of a single keypress. Imagine assigning a light touch of the W key to simply move forward, a deeper push to activate sprint and reload simultaneously—transforming each keystroke into a multifaceted input sequence appropriate for competitive-level play. While such programmability has become common in high-end Hall effect devices, it has seldom appeared in an ergonomic, split configuration until now.
Rapid Trigger, activated via a dedicated switch near the Falcata’s control dial, stands out as a particularly impressive feature. This function resets the actuation point instantly as a key is released, without requiring the full upward travel of a conventional switch. That microscopic responsiveness enables keystrokes to register faster than traditional mechanical switches possibly can—a clear advantage in high-intensity gaming where milliseconds matter. Meanwhile, Speed Tap modifies directional input behavior. Pressing opposing keys—such as A and D—no longer cancels motion but prioritizes the most recent command, producing smoother transitions during movement. While such behavior can confer a competitive edge, not all developers embrace it. Valve, for instance, prohibits Speed Tap in Counter-Strike 2, considering it a form of automated input assistance. Nevertheless, its inclusion showcases Asus’ willingness to explore boundaries in gaming innovation.
Ultimately, the Asus ROG Falcata appeals to a very particular demographic: users equally concerned with ergonomic posture and elite input performance. Yet for potential buyers, the limited tenting capability demands consideration. At this level of investment, one would hope to experience both extraordinary comfort and top-tier engineering precision, but the reality may depend on individual anatomy and preferences. Complicating matters, it’s not widely available for hands-on testing in retail settings—meaning the only way to assess its ergonomics may be to commit to a purchase first, ideally one that allows returns.
Those who prioritize comfort over cutting-edge technology may find greater satisfaction in alternatives like the Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Plus. Costing less than half the Falcata’s price, it supports hot-swappable mechanical switches, offers users their choice of linear or tactile feel, and features a lift kit for tenting angles up to fifteen degrees. It lacks analog Hall effect sensors, is wired-only, and occupies more desk space, but it remains an excellent ergonomic instrument—arguably more faithful to the mission of reducing strain. The Falcata, by contrast, is a statement piece, an ambitious convergence of comfort and performance engineering that comes tantalizingly close to perfection but doesn’t entirely reach it.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/tech/821355/asus-falcata-review-hall-effect-switches-split-ergo-gaming-keyboard
