我们最近审查了ASUS Strix Claw 游戏(ASUS Strix Claw gaming)鼠标，这是一款我们喜欢使用的设备，它成功地为Strix 系列(Strix line-up)中的其他外围设备设定了一些很高的期望。在这篇评测中，我们将看看Strix 家族(Strix family)的另一成员：ASUS Strix Tactic Pro机械游戏键盘(gaming keyboard)。这是一款黑色游戏键盘(gaming keyboard)，带有橙色背光和 Cherry MX Brown 开关(orange backlight and Cherry MX Brown switches)。让我们看看这款新型号提供什么以及是否值得购买。
华硕 Strix Tactic Pro 拆箱
华硕(ASUS)在整个系列中保持Strix 品牌(Strix brand)颜色的一致性，因此Strix Tactic Pro包装在一个带有橙色装饰的大黑盒子中，就像我们最近评测的Strix Claw 游戏鼠标一样。(Strix Claw gaming)
在包装盒上，您可以看到有关此键盘的许多详细信息和规格以及键盘的大图。在盒子里你会发现……嗯，另一个盒子。
第二个盒子包含了所有荣耀的键盘，以及一组四个橙色键帽，您可以将它们放在想要突出的键上。为了让您的工作更轻松，包装中还包含一个键帽拉拔器。
您还可以在黑色信封中找到驱动程序光盘(driver disc)、快速入门指南(start guide)和保修通知。(warranty notice)
硬件规格
Strix Tactic Pro使用Cherry MX Brown机械轴，每个轴可保持高达 5000 万次击键，同时还采用NKRO（N-Key Rollover）技术来消除重影。此功能允许您同时按任意数量的键，所有键都将被注册。请记住，这样做可能会阻止旧系统启动，并且在Mac OS(Mac OS)上不受支持。还有一个专用开关，可让您选择 6 键翻转操作(Rollover operating)模式，这将使您的键盘表现得更像传统键盘。这意味着您一次最多可以按六个键，并且所有六个键都将被注册。快的入门指南(start guide)提到了 1000 Hz 的轮询速率和 1ms 的响应时间(response time)。
键盘有一根 1.8 米（5.9 英尺）长的编织电缆，末端带有镀金USB 连接器(USB connector)。按键分别带有橙色LED(LEDs)背光，您可以选择四种照明级别。
华硕(ASUS)还包括 21 个宏键，您可以将它们分配给各种功能。Strix Tactic Pro允许您配置存储在键盘的 4 MB 闪存中的三个硬件配置文件和您可以通过专用软件管理的无限软件配置文件。
多媒体(Multimedia)键也存在：有一个音量控制旋钮(volume control knob)，一个play/pause button以及键盘右上方的上一首和下一首曲目按钮，就在小键盘上方。
您可以在此处找到此键盘的完整规格：Strix Tactic Pro - 规格(Strix Tactic Pro - Specifications)。
使用华硕 Strix Tactic Pro
选择适合您需求的机械游戏键盘(gaming keyboard)既是一项艰巨的个人体验。您需要根据您的噪声容限(noise tolerance)和打字风格正确研究您应该获得的机械开关类型。
Cherry MX Brown开关更像是一种适合游戏玩家和打字员的中间选择，无需太多时间来适应。这种类型的开关也出现在我们测试过的模型上，我们对整体体验非常满意。
虽然宏键可能需要一些时间来适应，尤其是如果您以前没有使用过宏，但我们的判断是它们足以满足普通MMORPG（大型多人在线角色(Massive Multiplayer Online Role)扮演游戏：魔兽(World)世界(Warcraft)，激战(Guild Wars)等）或MOBA（多人在线战斗竞技场(Multiplayer Online Battle Arena)：英雄联盟、(Legends) DotA等(DotA)）玩家。有 21 个可编程键，有足够的空间来分配您最喜欢的咒语和技能。
我们赞赏华硕(ASUS)选择功能键兼作宏命令，因为这节省了整个键盘的大量空间。
按键很容易按下，而且感觉很坚固。如果您以前从未使用过机械键盘，那么您需要知道，由于所使用的技术，它们通常比任何橡胶圆顶型号都更嘈杂。我们不能将Strix Tactic Pro称为静音键盘，但打字是愉快而自然的。
我们特别喜欢游戏模式(Gaming Mode)选项，它会禁用Windows键，这样您在玩游戏时就不会意外退出到Windows 。
多媒体控件非常有用，但音量滚轮(volume scroll wheel)确实感觉有点廉价和吱吱作响。我们希望华硕(ASUS)更加关注这个细节。
另一个缺点是位于空格(space bar)键下方的三个宏键的质量水平与键盘外壳不同。它们基本上从外壳中伸出，如果您想添加第三方腕垫(wrist pad)，这可能会造成困难。说到这一点，腕托(wrist pad)本来是Strix Tactic Pro的绝佳配件。不幸的是，华硕(ASUS)没有做出来。
不同功能的指示灯位于(LEDs)功能键上方，这意味着功能键可以隐藏它们。根据您的身高和位置(height and position)，如果不向前倾，您可能很难看到它们。
总体而言，键盘手感坚固，值得一提的是它是一款相当厚实的设备。如果您还使用背面的翻转脚，则键盘非常高。如果您正在寻找新键盘，请记住这一点，因为这并不是一款低调的型号。
在测试Strix Tactic Pro(Strix Tactic Pro)时，我们玩过不同类型的游戏，例如反恐精英：全球攻势(Counter-Strike: Global Offensive)、暗黑破坏神 3(Diablo 3)、魔兽世界(World of Warcraft)、蝙蝠侠：阿卡姆起源(Batman: Arkham Origins)或孤岛危机(Crysis)。当您需要根据您玩的游戏快速访问不同的操作时，宏配置文件非常有用。
该设备具有良好的制造质量(build quality)，哑光黑色饰面不会为指纹留下太多空间。发光的Strix标志也很漂亮，尤其是在激活呼吸效果的情况下。
驱动程序和 Strix 软件
(ASUS Strix Tactic Pro)Windows 8.1自动检测到ASUS Strix Tactic Pro，开箱即用。
但是，要完全控制这款键盘带来的功能，您需要安装华硕(ASUS)提供的Strix Tactic Pro 驱动程序和软件(driver and software)。我们安装了软件，我们面临的界面与Strix Claw(Strix Claw)鼠标所用的界面相同。如果您使用整个Strix(Strix lineup)外设系列，这非常棒，因为您只需要使用一个软件产品(software product)来配置所有设备。
键盘有两种功能模式：
- 硬件模式(Hardware mode)- 此模式允许您在移动时使用键盘的内部闪存存储配置文件和宏，因此您无需在连接键盘的每台计算机上安装软件。
- 软件模式(Software mode)- 此模式允许您在连接键盘的计算机上配置和存储无限的配置文件。
Strix Software应用程序的界面分为两个主要部分：
Keyboard
Macro
判决
ASUS Strix Tactic Pro是一款坚固的机械游戏键盘，具有许多自定义选项。它很大而且有点吵，如果你正在寻找一个低调、静音的键盘，你打算用它来写字，以及玩一些游戏，那么这个型号可能不是你想要的. ASUS Strix Tactic Pro拥有相当多的宏键(macro keys)，非常适合需要很多快捷键的铁杆游戏玩家。另一方面，如果您不是游戏玩家，那么宏键(macro keys)将需要一些时间来适应。如果您习惯了没有宏键(macro keys)的传统键盘，您会经常发现自己在按下宏键(macro keys)而不是您实际需要击中的那些，这很可能会导致一定程度的挫败感。ASUS Strix Tactic Pro专为玩多种游戏且需要大量可用宏键的游戏玩家而设计。(macro keys)对于更多混合类型的用途，您应该寻找其他地方。
Reviewing The ASUS Strix Tactic Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
We have recently reviewed the ASUS Strіx Clаw gaming mouse, a device that wе еnjoyed using and which managеd to set somе high expectations for thе other peripherals in the Strix line-up. In this review we're taking a look at another member of the Strix family: the ASUS Strix Tactic Pro mechanical gaming keyboard. Thiѕ is a black gaming keyboard with orange bаcklight and Cherry MX Brown switches. Let'ѕ see what this new model has to offer and whether it's worth buying.
Unboxing The ASUS Strix Tactic Pro
ASUS kept the Strix brand colors consistent across the series, so the Strix Tactic Pro comes packaged in a big black box with orange accents, much like the Strix Claw gaming mouse that we reviewed recently.
On the box you can see a lot of details and specifications about this keyboard along with a big picture of the keyboard. Inside the box you will find… well, another box.
This second box contains the keyboard in all its glory, along with a set of four orange key-caps that you can place over the keys that you want to stand out. To make your job easier, there's also a key-cap puller included in the package.
You'll also find a driver disc, a quick start guide and the warranty notice enclosed in a black envelope.
Hardware Specifications
The Strix Tactic Pro uses mechanical Cherry MX Brown switches rated to keep up with your gameplay up to 50 million keystrokes each and it also features the NKRO (N-Key Rollover) technology to eliminate ghosting. This feature allows you to press as many keys as you want at the same time and all of them will be registered. Keep in mind that doing this might prevent older systems from booting and is not supported on Mac OS. There is also a dedicated switch that will let you choose a 6-key Rollover operating mode, which will set your keyboard to behave more like a traditional one. This means that you can press up to six keys at once and all six of them will be registered. The quick start guide mentions a 1000 Hz polling rate with a 1ms response time.
The keyboard has a 1.8 meter (5.9 feet) long braided cable that ends with a gold-plated USB connector. The keys are individually backlit with orange LEDs and there are four lighting levels you can choose from.
ASUS also included 21 macro keys that you can assign to various functions. The Strix Tactic Pro allows you to configure three hardware profiles that are stored in the keyboard's 4 MB flash memory and unlimited software profiles that you can manage through the dedicated software.
Multimedia keys are also present: there's a volume control knob, a play/pause button and previous and next track buttons on the upper right side of the keyboard, just above the numpad.
You can find the full set of specifications of this keyboard here: Strix Tactic Pro - Specifications.
Using The ASUS Strix Tactic Pro
Choosing a mechanical gaming keyboard that fits your needs is both a daunting and personal experience. You need to properly research the type of mechanical switches that you should get, based on your noise tolerance and typing style.
The Cherry MX Brown switches are more of a middle-of-the-road kind of choice that can suit gamers and typists alike, without needing too much time to acclimate. This type of switch is also found on the model that we have tested and we were quite pleased with the overall experience.
While the macro keys might need some time to get used to, especially if you haven't used macros before, our verdict is that they're more than enough to satisfy the average MMORPG (Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games: World of Warcraft, Guild Wars, etc) or MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena: League of Legends, DotA, etc) player. With 21 programmable keys, there's plenty of room to assign your favorite spells and skills.
We appreciated that ASUS chose the functional keys to double as macro commands, as this saves a lot of real estate across the keyboard.
The keys are quite easy to press and they feel sturdy. If you've never used a mechanical keyboard before, you need to know that they are generally noisier than any rubber dome model, due to the technology used. We can't call the Strix Tactic Pro a silent keyboard, but typing was pleasant and natural.
We especially liked the Gaming Mode option, which disables the Windows key so that you don't accidentally exit to Windows while playing games.
The multimedia controls are very useful, but the volume scroll wheel does feel a bit cheap and squeaky. We'd have liked ASUS paying a bit more attention to this detail.
Another downside is the fact that the three macro keys located just underneath the space bar are not built at the same level of quality as the case of the keyboard. They basically protrude through the case, which might cause difficulties if you want to add a third-party wrist pad. Speaking of which, a wrist pad would have been an excellent accessory for the Strix Tactic Pro. Unfortunately, ASUS did not make one.
The indicator LEDs for different functions are located above the function keys, which means the functions keys can hide them. Depending on your height and position, you might have difficulties seeing them without leaning forward.
Overall, the keyboard feels sturdy and it's worth mentioning that it's quite a thick device. If you also use the flip-out feet on the back, the keyboard is very tall. Keep this in mind if you're on the lookout for a new keyboard, since this is not exactly a low-profile model.
We've played different types of games while testing the Strix Tactic Pro, such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Diablo 3, World of Warcraft, Batman: Arkham Origins or Crysis. The macro profiles are very useful for when you need quick access to different actions according to the game you play.
The device has a good build quality and the matte black finish doesn't leave too much room for fingerprints. The illuminated Strix logo is a nice touch too, especially with the breathing effect active.
Drivers & Strix Software
ASUS Strix Tactic Pro was automatically detected by Windows 8.1 and it worked well right out of the box.
However, to gain full control over what this keyboard brings to the table, you'll need to install the Strix Tactic Pro driver and software provided by ASUS. We installed the software and we were faced with the same interface as the one used for the Strix Claw mouse. This is great if you are using the whole Strix lineup of peripherals since you will have to use only one software product to configure all devices.
The keyboard has two functioning modes:
- Hardware mode - this mode allows you to use the internal flash memory of the keyboard to store profiles and macros for when you're on the move so you don't need to install the software on every computer you connect the keyboard to.
- Software mode - this mode allows you to configure and store unlimited profiles on the computer the keyboard is connected to.
The interface of the Strix Software application is divided into two main sections:
Keyboard
Macro
Verdict
ASUS Strix Tactic Pro is a solid mechanical gaming keyboard with lots of customization options. It is massive and somewhat noisy and, if you're on the lookout for a low profile, silent keyboard that you plan to use for writing, as well as a bit of gaming, then this model might not be exactly what you are looking for. ASUS Strix Tactic Pro has its fair share of macro keys, which is great for hardcore gamers who need many shortcut keys. On the flipside, if you're not a gamer then the macro keys will take some time to get used to. If you're used to a traditional keyboard with no macro keys, you will often find yourself hitting macro keys instead of the ones that you actually need to hit and this will most probably cause a certain degree of frustration. ASUS Strix Tactic Pro is meant for gamers who play very diverse games and who will need the many macro keys that are available. For more hybrid types of uses, you should look elsewhere.
