The $420 Split Keyboard Designed for Gamers—and Why Your Hands Might Not Care

Asus tries to solve the split keyboard paradox: Can ergonomic design and gaming performance coexist without breaking the bank?

The ROG Falcata’s split 75% layout promises desk space efficiency for streamers juggling chat commands and gameplay. Its 8,000-Hz polling rate and adjustable Hall effect switches cater to competitive gamers, but the missing right-side B key in split mode forces awkward hand repositioning during high-stakes moments.

At $420 (often discounted to $280), the keyboard’s premium price raises questions about whether its ergonomic benefits—tenting and angled layouts—justify the cost for users who prioritize speed over comfort.

Gear Link software, replacing Armoury Crate, offers customization in beta but lacks firmware update capabilities, leaving users reliant on Asus for stability fixes.

Reports of sticky foam adhesive residue and plastic internal wear during disassembly further complicate its appeal. Meanwhile, TTC Gold magnetic switches are now available as an aftermarket upgrade, hinting at unresolved design compromises.