Skip to main content

Asus announces the winged GK2000 premium keyboard

asus announces gk2000 keyboard rog horus
Tactile and audible feedback is a top priority for many hardcore gamers out there, and the best of these mechanical keyboards prove very popular for those in the know. Asus, manufacturer of various computer hardware (as well as smartwatches) has released its next mechanical keyboard to its Republic of Gamers (ROG) division. The Horus GK2000 has got a stylish and aggressive design combined with the features consumers tend to crave from the mechanical spectrum.

Forged from 3mm aluminium sheets, the GK2000 features a topcoat finish and an anodized keyboard plate with a brushed finish. This means corrosion resistance, which is essential to keyboards subject to frequent soda spillage.

ROG GK2000 overview
Your phone can take it easy on the upper right resting plate.

Technology and software found within the keyboard include an embedded 32-bit MCU (microcontroller unit) and 4MB of onboard memory. The extra memory is used to process and store macro functions, built-in led lighting, and profile settings. In total there are up to 80 possible macro functions and 10 user profiles. The LED backlit keys utilize Cherry MX Red (as opposed to the Cherry MX Blue, which is louder and less apt for rapid key presses) mechanical switches with a lifespan of up to 50 million keystrokes, and the user can choose one of five preset lighting modes. If you’re picky, you can customize the lighting settings yourself. It’s possible to customize down to the individual keys, meaning you can choose to light up only the most used of your keys. Should you be concerned about unregistered keystrokes you can activate the built-in N-Key rollover technology (both activating and deactivating take one key press).

Music and video enthusiasts might also enjoy multimedia keys, a scroll wheel for volume or lighting, an audio port for gaming headsets, a removable palm rest, and a detachable stand for mobile devices that can be equipped to either side of the keyboard. A custom-fit neoprene carrying case seems like it will be available with the purchase, but this has not been confirmed.

While a verdict will have to wait until the keyboard hits the market, it does seem like a solid package. The ability to customize input and lighting will likely be well-received by the keyboard enthusiast community. Whether or not they like the purely aesthetic addition of metal wings on sides is a different question.

Editors' Recommendations

Dan Isacsson
Being a gamer since the age of three, Dan took an interest in mobile gaming back in 2009. Since then he's been digging ever…
Corsair relaunches popular gaming keyboard with optical switches
Corsair K70 RGB TKL

Corsair has just launched a new optical-mechanical keyboard, the K70 RGB TKL Champion Series. It's not an entirely new device, as it's a refresh of an existing product, but it's the first K70 with the optical-mechanical design.

The keyboard, primarily aimed at gamers, features a tenkey-free design and quick response times.

Read more
Cyberboard R3: Building the retrofuturist, cyberpunk keyboard of my dreams
An overview photo of the Cyberboard R3

Although I’ve reviewed plenty of the best gaming keyboards in my time, there’s one thing I haven’t done: Build one.

If you, like me, are new to the burgeoning hobby, you might be wondering where to start. I decided to start my journey big -- with the Angry Miao Cyberboard R3. With its retrofuturist LED Matrix and Wes Anderson-inspired color offerings, calling it unique is an understatement.

Read more
The Razer Keycap Upgrade Kit hands-on: Keyboard upgrades for the masses
Razer keycap upgrade keys come in UK layouts as well.

Customized mechanical keyboards are taking the world by storm, whether it's easy keycaps swaps or building your board from the ground-up. Razer is already a leader in the keyboard space, and today, the company has announced the Razer Keycap Upgrade kit. It's a simple way to customize and upgrade your keyboard without needing expensive tools or extensive knowledge.

I got a chance to play with the upgrade kit and keycaps myself to see how successful they are at bringing keyboard upgrades to the masses.
The Razer Keycap Upgrade kit experience

Read more