Compare Epomaker Cypher96 Keyboard vs ASUS ROG Azoth X

Reviewers describe the Cypher96 as pleasingly clacky or thocky, with strong overall sound quality, though one review notes pinging can spoil the profile.

Reviewers mostly liked the Azoth X's acoustics, describing good, crisp or creamy sound, though some noted the spacebar or overall tuning was not quite sublime.

Actuation is supported by one review that describes keypresses as consistent and smooth, helped by the gasket-mounted design.

Supported reviews describe the switches as consistent across presses or switch-to-switch, with even keystrokes and responsive action.

Reviewers consistently treated analog input as a missing feature because the Azoth X uses mechanical switches rather than Hall effect or analog switches.

Lighting brightness is generally viewed positively, with several reviewers calling it vibrant or bright, while one found the side underglow weak.

Backlight brightness was split: some reviewers found the lighting exceptional and bright, while another felt the effect was underwhelming.

Battery life is a strength thanks to the dual 4,000mAh packs, with reviewers repeatedly noting the large 8,000mAh total capacity.

Battery life drew strong praise, with reviewers citing 1,600-hour claims, multi-week use, and long runtime even with lighting enabled.

Build quality is mostly solid for a plastic budget board, though opinions differ because some reviewers report flex while others found no creaks or wobble.

Build quality was generally solid, sturdy, or robust, though some reviewers felt the plastic-heavy construction weakened the premium impression.

Cable feedback is mixed: one review praises the braided USB-C cable, while another calls the included cable generic but usable.

The included cable was described as braided, sleeved, robust, and useful for charging or wired use, though one reviewer wished it matched the white keyboard.

Compatibility is good for Windows and Mac users, though one review notes the lack of dedicated Mac-specific keycaps or hotkeys.

Compatibility evidence is strong for Mac support, PC/Mac switching, MX-style or aftermarket keycap compatibility, and the south-facing PCB.

Connectivity is a major strength, with reviewers consistently pointing to wired, 2.4GHz, and Bluetooth modes, plus multi-device pairing.

Connectivity was a clear strength, with repeated support for wired USB-C, Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and dongle or Omni receiver use.

Customization options are strong, covering key remapping, RGB adjustments, macros, programmable inputs, and shared configurations.

Customization is broad, covering key remapping, OLED adjustments, RGB changes, hot-swapping, disassembly, and Gear Link or Armoury Crate configuration.

The 96-key layout keeps a numpad while saving desk space, making it more compact than a typical full-size keyboard.

The compact case was credited with saving desk space and avoiding excessive footprint while still keeping useful keys.

Durability evidence centers on double-shot PBT keycaps, which reviewers say resist shine and should last well over time.

Durability evidence is mixed: one review praised PBT wear resistance, while another found the white finish easy to scratch.

Switch replacement is easy because the board is hot-swappable and supports common 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.

Switch replacement appears easy, with reviewers citing included pullers, hot-swap sockets, and quick swap experiences.

Ergonomics are helped by adjustable feet and multiple resting positions, though the evidence is limited to setup angle rather than wrist support.

Ergonomics benefit from adjustable feet and the silicone wrist rest, with reviewers calling the wrist support useful for comfort.

Gaming extras are present but basic, with reviews citing anti-ghosting, N-key rollover, and a 1,000Hz polling rate rather than advanced analog features.

Speed Tap was the recurring extra gaming feature, but reviewers framed it as situational, controversial, or a workaround rather than a full Hall effect substitute.

Frame rigidity is mixed: some reviewers report flex and twisting, while another found no flex when pressing down.

Frame rigidity scored well overall, with reviewers citing no deck flex, no rattle, torsional rigidity, and a solid top plate.

Gaming performance is solid for conventional play thanks to responsive switches, anti-ghosting, N-key rollover, and 1,000Hz polling.

Gaming performance was considered responsive and capable for most users, but not the most advanced choice for esports or Hall effect-focused gaming.

Hot-swappable switch support is consistently praised, with reviewers noting easy replacement and broad 3-pin or 5-pin compatibility.

Hot-swap support was repeatedly confirmed through hot-swappable PCBs or sockets that allow switch changes without soldering.

Keycap quality is mostly strong because of double-shot PBT caps, although one reviewer disliked inconsistent thin legends.

Keycap quality drew broad attention: reviewers liked the PBT, dye-sub, sharp legends, and RGB diffusion, but some disliked the texture or gamer styling.

Key responsiveness is rated highly, with reviewers calling the switches responsive, fast enough, and light to actuate.

Key responsiveness was praised across reviews, with switches described as snappy, responsive, quick, and registering commands without delay.

Key spacing is a weakness for one reviewer, who found the 96% layout harder to navigate without looking.

Key spacing evidence is limited and mixed: one reviewer found movement between keys slightly less accurate, while another noticed smaller-feeling keys.

Key stability is mostly good on large keys, but stabilizer looseness appears as a caveat for rattle-sensitive users.

Key stability was supported by minimal stem wobble, stable large keys, and little wobble or echo during typing.

Latency is strong in 2.4GHz and wired modes, with low-latency wireless and minimal-latency wired performance cited; Bluetooth is a slight caveat.

Latency evidence was positive, especially for SpeedNova and 2.4GHz wireless, with reviewers noting no lag or ultra-low-latency behavior.

Layout options are somewhat mixed: the board supports Mac/Windows layout modes, but one reviewer preferred a true full-size layout.

The 75% layout was described as sensible, compact, and not cramped, with one reviewer calling it the perfect size.

Legend visibility is mixed, with one review praising sharp visible legends while another criticizes inconsistent thin lettering.

Legend visibility was mostly positive due to clear labels, front legends, and high contrast, though small OLED icons could be hard to read.

Macro customization is a clear software strength, with reviews citing macro recording, mouse-click detection, and easy setup.

Macro support is present through Armoury Crate, Gear Link, and FN or software customization according to multiple reviewers.

Materials quality is acceptable rather than premium: reviewers repeatedly identify an ABS plastic build that feels sturdy but not aluminum-like.

Materials quality is mixed: reviewers note aluminum or metal top parts and high-quality materials, but also plastic bases that reduce the premium feel.

Media controls are a major recurring feature, usually handled through the OLED screen and three-way knob for playback, brightness, and other controls.

Noise level is generally well controlled by dampening, with reviewers saying it avoids obnoxious noise and keeps rattles down.

Noise level is generally well controlled with little ping or rattle, though some reviewers found the keyboard loud or the spacebar thunky.

Onboard memory has limited but direct support, with one reviewer noting that profiles or settings can be saved after setup.

Per-key lighting evidence is limited but positive, with references to per-key RGB underglow and zone-based effects.

Per-key lighting control has limited direct evidence, with one review explicitly listing per-key RGB among the gaming essentials.

Polling rate is strong, with multiple reviewers citing a 1,000Hz rate in wired and wireless modes.

The base polling rate is 1,000Hz, with several reviewers noting optional 8,000Hz support through a separate booster; most considered 1,000Hz adequate.

Portability is decent for a 96-key board because reviewers cite a lightweight portable form and use while commuting, though it is not tiny.

Portability evidence is limited, but one review connected the long battery life to LAN parties and working on the go.

Profile management has limited but positive evidence through shareable configurations for keymaps, macros, and lighting profiles.

Profile management evidence is limited to saved profiles or settings through onboard memory after software setup.

Rapid trigger support is a clear weakness: multiple reviewers note there is no rapid trigger or Hall effect-style hardware feature.

Reliability is mixed: some evidence praises reliable switches and daily dependability, but one review warns PCB bending may be a long-term risk.

Reliability evidence is limited but positive for the wireless connection, with one review reporting no connection interruptions during testing.

RGB customization is consistently strong, with software controls for effects, colors, brightness, zones, and multiple lighting modes.

RGB customization is supported through software or OLED controls, but direct evidence is thinner than evidence for lighting quality.

RGB lighting quality is generally praised as vibrant, bright, and attractive, though the lack of shine-through legends limits visibility through keycaps.

RGB lighting quality was widely praised for strong diffusion, bright output, soft glow, and visually distinctive translucent keycaps, though one reviewer found it muted.

The compact 96%/96-key form factor is widely recognized as useful because it retains a numpad in a smaller footprint.

The form factor is consistently described as compact 75%, giving function-row and arrow-key access without a full-size footprint.

Software quality is generally good and easy to use, though one review says it is less customizable than deeper enthusiast platforms.

Software quality is mixed: Gear Link drew praise for being lightweight and web-based, while Armoury Crate was criticized for updates, weight, crashes, or bloat.

Sound dampening is one of the clearest strengths, with reviews repeatedly citing foam, silicone pads, gasket mounting, and reduced vibration.

Sound dampening is a strength, with reviewers repeatedly citing multiple foam or damping layers, gasket mounting, and reduced ping or vibration.

Stabilizer quality is mixed: several reviews say large keys are rattle-free or solid, while others recommend tuning or relubing.

Stabilizers were mostly praised as lubed, tuned, rattle-free, or stable, though one reviewer disliked the spacebar's clunkier feel.

Switch feel is mostly positive, with smooth pre-lubed linear switches praised, though some reviewers found them generic or too light.

Switch feel was widely praised for smooth, pre-lubed linear action, consistent travel, and minimal scratchiness, though one reviewer found the board clunkier than other Asus models.

Switch options are limited because stock choices are basically Wisteria or Flamingo, though hot-swap support lets users change them later.

Switch options include Asus linear Snow V2 and clicky or Storm V2 choices, plus hot-swap support for trying other mechanical switches.

Typing comfort is a highlight, with reviewers describing long sessions as comfortable, cushioned, and easy on the fingers.

Typing comfort was strong where mentioned, with reviewers calling it comfortable, pleasant, and suitable for long sessions.

Typing feel is one of the strongest attributes, repeatedly described as smooth, cushioned, pleasant, and premium for the price.

Typing feel was one of the best-supported strengths, with most reviewers calling it smooth, pleasant, satisfying, or fantastic despite a few texture and noise caveats.

Value for money is strong, with reviewers repeatedly framing the Cypher96 as affordable or well priced for its features.

Value for money was the most repeated concern, as reviewers repeatedly pointed to the high price and cheaper or more advanced alternatives.

Volume control is supported through the OLED/knob interface, though one reviewer wanted more straightforward dedicated multimedia controls.

Wireless performance is strong overall, with low-latency 2.4GHz, multi-device Bluetooth, and usable range, though Bluetooth response rates can dip slightly.

Wireless performance was repeatedly praised as strong, stable, low latency, and drop-free over 2.4GHz or SpeedNova.

The silicone wrist rest was generally welcomed as comfortable, sturdy, and helpful, though several reviewers noted it is not magnetic.