ASUS TUF Gaming K7 IP56 Gaming Keyboard Review

Performance

The main focus for this keyboard has to be these rather interesting switches. They’re Optical-Mechanical switches that still feel like a mechanical, but use an optical trigger rather than an electrical contact. The model we have are the clicky ones, and they feel like a lighter version of MX Blue and have an actuation of just 1.5mm, rather than the 2mm of most MX switches. If you’ve used MX Speed/Silver switches, imagine a clicky Cherry Blue version of those. Honestly, they feel fantastic, their response is sharp and pleasantly tactile. However, they’re bloody loud. The “click” sounds a little harsher on the high-end vs the more mechanical “THUNK” you get from the Cherry switches. I like the noise, but those around you may think otherwise.

Wrist Rest

The keyboard does look and feel fantastic though. The magnetically attaching wrist rest really helps complete the look and further enhances the typing experience. I can’t work or game without one these days, albeit because I used a PC for so long without one that my hands are completely ruined in my mid 30’s; Take note of that one kids!

Like a few of their rivals flagship keyboards, this one is padded, which is awesome. Nothing wrong with a solid rest either, but this is very comfortable on the old hand bones.

It promises a good hand position overall, and that’s a great thing for both working and gaming on this keyboard.

RGB, Because Why Not!

ASUS have their fantastic AURA Sync software to fall back on which pairs up with all your other ASUS hardware and many other brands actually. From there, you can customise the effects and colours of this keyboard to match everything else. It’s a deep rabbit hole that I’ve never cared for. However, there are plenty of built-in effects on the keyboard, and you can tweak those on-the-fly from the keyboard, which is brilliant. What does impress me is just how bright the keyboard actually is. The rest of the keyboard is quite dark and muted, so it’s quite the contrast with 100% RGB lighting on the go.

The aluminium top plate is quite dull and lightly textured, albeit by design. This does help diffuse the under-lighting, and gives it a really warm glow under the keys that looks properly stunning.

The reaction effects aren’t to my taste, but you can dial in any colour, fades, rainbows and all that using the FN Shift and arrow keys. Nice and easy, and you can just as easily turn the lights off too.

Gaming… Maybe Some Work Too

This doesn’t leap out as a gaming keyboard to me, but it’s quite a sleeper in that regard. It looks grown up, at least when the RGB isn’t flashing away. You could stick this into an office and no one would look twice at it really. However, those short travel switches with their ultra-fast actuation are going to be a hit with gamers. They feel extremely snappy and fast to type on, and don’t need as much force to use either. It just feels more dialled in and responsive… because it is.

Working

The same is true for working on this keyboard. I mean, I’m using it right now and it’s by far one of the easiest keyboards to type on I’ve used in a long time. Just a shame it’s so damn loud, I may be tempted to ask ASUS for the non-clicky model and compare, as not everyone has the ear tolerance for clicky keyboards. My SO, for example, is finding this way more distracting that I am. But I digress, as the typing action is sublime, and it’s a joy on the fingertips.

…Back to Gaming

Overall, ASUS has built a really competent keyboard here. With great switches, stylish and durable build quality, and waterproofing, it’s sure to outlast even the most brutal all night and day gaming marathons.