Asus Strix Tactic Pro Mechanical Keyboard Review

Having profiles saved in hardware is great because it means you can take your keyboard and use it on any other computer (for example at a tournament) and it will just work without installing software.  In addition with the Strix software additional profiles can be made that will autoswitch when that program is being used.  For example you could create a photoshop profile with tons of macros that will only be enabled when you’re using photoshop.  Let’s take a look at the software now:
The software is quite simple and specific for the Strix Keyboard and mouse.  So the ROG Gladius mouse has to use it’s own ROG “Armory” software.  This seems a little silly to have to have two programs for two similar Asus products.

The default mode is hardware mode where macros and settings get saved to one of 3 profiles on the keyboard.  However by changing to software mode then profiles can be linked with individual programs by clicking the link program checkbox:
Note that unlike Razer’s software only the 21 macro keys can be redefined.  Razer will let you redefine any key on the keyboard to any function – however the settings can not be saved to the keyboard and so software needs to be running.

There is also a macro recording screen which makes it easier to see exactly what your macro recorded.  The fact that you can choose to record macros through the keyboard without using the software is a nice touch though.
There are no lighting controls in the software – that is purely controlled by hardware using the function keys and the 8/2 keys on the numeric keypad.

Now let’s wrap up our verdict!