The board is comfortable to type on, but the ROG RX Blue Optical Mechanical switches require some force to activate, making them feel a little heavy. However, linear ROG RX Red Optical Mechanical Switches are also available. While the board can be used wirelessly, it can only be used with its USB receiver, so it cannot be connected to any Bluetooth-only devices. Asus introduced the modular gamepad concept in the original Claymore in 2016, but it still feels new and exciting in 2021. This could be due to the Claymore II being a more exciting keyboard overall. Asus threw everything but the kitchen sink into this model, including new proprietary optical switches, a set of dedicated macro buttons in the traditional media key corner, and wireless connectivity to your PC. The Claymore II is technically divided into three parts: the 87-key TKL keyboard, a 17-key number pad with four customizable buttons and a volume roller, and a thin but well-padded detachable wrist rest. The power is supplied by the keyboard; the number pad does not function on its own. The wrist rest is compatible with other keyboards, but its magnetic top edge is intended to be used with the Claymore II. The keyboard and number pad are designed to complement one another, with gleaming aluminum top plates and glossy black keycaps that let in glowing RGB light. You wouldn’t know they were separate pieces unless there was a small gap and cut-off corners at the bottom. A detachable number pad provides two obvious advantages. For starters, it allows left-handed typists to use the number pad with their dominant hands. Giving more people access to the best gaming equipment possible is a huge win in my book. The removal of the number pad also converts the full-size keyboard to a TKL, which is more portable and takes up less desk space. With the number pad attached, the Claymore measures 1.69 by 18.13 by 6.06 inches (HWD), but only 1.69 by 14.69 by 6.06 without it. You can choose between the functionality of a number pad and the smaller footprint at your leisure.
