Asus aura backlight control. ASUS ROG Claymore Core gaming keyboard review

ASUS Aura- official program, with which you can control the LED backlight on various computer components. For greater effect, all components (video card, keyboard, etc.) can be connected to one network.

With ASUS Aura, you can change the color, style and effects of the LED lighting yourself. The program includes several modes of operation.
1. Static (Static). Diodes always light up in the color you choose.
2. Breathing (Ripple). The backlight turns on and off slowly.
3. Color cycle (Cyclic). Slow color change.
4. Rainbow (Rainbow). The backlight shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow.
5. Comet (Comet). The backlight "pulls" the tail behind it, like a comet. You can adjust the direction and speed of the light output.
6. Flash and Dash. Each element has a stepped backlight.
7. Strobing (Strobe). Elements are highlighted with short flashes.
8.Temperature. The color changes depending on the temperature of the processor or video card.
9.Music. The backlight shimmers rhythmically to the beat of the music.

For almost every mode, you can choose the color gamut and individual components (for example, you can turn off the backlight on the video card).

Program features

Controlling the illumination of various computer components.
You can change the color, style and lighting effects yourself.
Several modes of operation (strobe effect, pulsation to the beat of music, etc.).
Windows support XP and up.

ASUS Aura software can be downloaded absolutely free.

ASUS Aura is an official program from ASUSTeK Computer that offers a complete set of tools to control the LED backlighting of PC components. Yes, using it you can configure the operation of not only equipment manufactured by a Taiwanese manufacturer. The utility is compatible with a huge number of models of "third-party" video cards, cases, coolers, water cooling systems, brackets random access memory, SSD drives, power supplies and other components that have RGB diodes. The main condition for using this utility is the use of a compatible motherboard ASUS and connecting additional components to it using a standard 6-pin cable.

Capabilities

So, using the ASUS Aura utility, you can choose the color scheme of the backlight, set its "flickering" mode and turn on stylish overflows. It is also allowed to use one of the "preset" modes. Moreover, the functionality of the program implies the possibility of "synchronizing" the operation of the illumination of different components system block. It is because of this that it is often called ASUS Aura Sync.

The program interface consists of a single panel. There is an interactive palette and mode selector. In general, the graphical shell is quite minimalistic and does not contain unnecessary controls. As a result, anyone can understand it. But as for the Russian localization, then in current version program is not provided.

Installation

ASUS Aura is free to download and install. While the installer is running, it will automatically detect the presence of compatible devices and add them to the selector displayed when the utility is first launched. Also, one of the advantages of the program is the fact that it does not require the installation of additional drivers for its operation.

Key Features

• allows you to configure the operating modes of the LED-backlight;
• compatible with a wide variety of accessories;
• has a very simple and intuitive interface;
• automatically "pulls" the necessary drivers during the installation process;
• is the official software from the manufacturer.

ASUS continues its march on the gaming peripherals market. This time they decided to surprise us with a gaming keyboard for a “modest” 12,000 rubles. It is equipped with Orthodox mechanics, works with macros and supports ASUS AURA. In other words, it contains all the latest developments of the giant.

Specifications

• Switches: Cherry MX Brown
• Backlight: Customizable, ASUS AURA
• Interfaces: Micro USB 2.0
• Compatibility: Windows 7 and above
• Additionally: Support for macros and software switching of keys, assistance with overclocking the PC, optionally - a digital block module
• Body materials: plastic
• Dimensions: 360x145x45 mm
• Weight: 770 grams (with cable)
• Estimated price: 12 000 rubles
• Number of keys: 87

Packaging and equipment

The ASUS ROG Claymore Core box is made in the classic style of ASUS ROG. The front side shows the keyboard and its main features: Cherry MX Brown switches and ASUS AURA backlight.

Rest specifications indicated on the reverse side. The ASUS ROG Claymore Core has a large set of features: key remapping and macro recording, flexible ASUS AURA backlighting, no hosting effect, and a polling rate of 1000 Hz.

The package bundle of the keyboard is not rich, but everything you need is in place. This list includes: a carrying bag, a removable USB cable 1.8 meters long, as well as two ASUS ROG stickers: red and silver.

The black bag is useful for transporting the ASUS ROG Claymore Core. The keyboard itself and the cable will fit in it without any problems. Away players will appreciate this accessory.

Appearance

It's not easy to recognize the ASUS ROG Claymore Core as a gaming keyboard at first glance - it's all about the size that matters. Due to the fact that the Claymore Core (unlike the regular Claymore) doesn't come with a numeric keypad, the keyboard feels small.

If you study the Claymore Core more closely, it becomes clear that its keys are not like those found in office solutions. ASUS ROG Claymore Core has Cherry MX Brown switches with per-key RGB backlighting. In addition, the size of the buttons is full-fledged and they are located exactly the same as on a regular, full-sized keyboard.

We have already mentioned the digital block, which is purchased separately (in the case of ASUS ROG Claymore Core) and connected to the keyboard. To connect it, there are two proprietary connectors, on the left and right panels, respectively. It can be left in its usual place on the right, or it can be connected on the left - thereby turning it into a panel with additional keys, which can be used for macros.

There is nothing remarkable on the back of the keyboard, except for four legs and a connector for micro cable USB. By the way, this is the only connector on the ASUS ROG Claymore Core - you won't be able to connect flash drives or headphones to it.

Hotkeys

Since ASUS ROG Claymore Core does not have separate multimedia keys, all additional functions are distributed between ordinary keys that must be pressed in conjunction with the button.
The combination ... activates the repeater mode. In this mode, when you long press any button, the frequency of pressing it will increase by 2, 4 or 8 times. The repeater mode proved to be useful in arcades and action games, where it was required to frequently press one or another key.

Keys ... is responsible for the Windows media player. Commands are commonplace and can be found on any multimedia keyboard.

The last group, ... controls the sound. It can be increased, decreased, or completely disabled. These are also standard features. operating system.

The backlight of ASUS AURA is regulated both with the help of software and arrow buttons. These keys can be used to change the brightness and modes of the backlight. To synchronize ASUS AURA with the keyboard and ASUS peripherals, a separate key combination is used.

The keys also have other meanings. With their help, you can control the overclocking of the processor and RAM. Of course, this will require a compatible motherboard ASUS board and installed proprietary software. The and keys are responsible for changing the fan speed. Also a very useful feature.

With ASUS ROG Claymore Core, you can reset the BIOS (combination [C] + [L] + [R]), turn on the PC (combination), and record a macro on the fly. To start recording, you need to hold down the keys, type a macro, repeat pressing and press any key to which the macro will be attached. Simple and convenient.

ASUS AURA backlight

Recently, ASUS has been adding ASUS AURA backlighting to its top products. The fact that peripherals, video cards and motherboards get the same illumination is not at all an accident. You can set up ASUS AURA in such a way that all devices glow synchronously. A good approach that hints that ASUS is building its own ecosystem.

At the backlight ASUS keyboards ROG Claymore Core has seven modes of operation, in addition to classic and custom. In the latter mode, you can manually adjust the color of an individual button or block of keys.

Software

To configure the keyboard, ASUS made the ROG Armory utility. Using the program, you can reassign the ASUS ROG Claymore Core keys, bind standard Windows actions, record macros and collect statistics on key presses game keys. The ROG Armory utility is easy to use - even a novice PC user can handle it.

Exploitation

The lack of a wrist rest, as well as the non-standard dimensions of the ASUS ROG Claymore Core, did not affect the gameplay. On the contrary, due to the missing number pad, you can move the keyboard closer to the mouse. Of course, each gamer independently determines for himself the optimal location of the peripherals, but in general, I liked the opportunity to place the keyboard and mouse closer to each other.

Recall that the ASUS ROG Claymore Core is equipped with Cherry MX Brown switches (the keyboard version with red, blue and black switches may also be on sale). Consequently, the key travel, as well as their size, were full-sized. move ASUS switches ROG Claymore Core was 2 mm, and the required actuation force was 55 grams. As a result, the pressure felt good. In a word, it was convenient for ASUS ROG Claymore Core both to play and to type texts.

The ASUS ROG Claymore Core keyboard has been tested in several games. In the fighting game Mortal Kombat X, the action-packed shooter Unreal Tournament 2004, and the more modern Titanfall. Nowhere did we encounter any problems. The hosting effect was eliminated by the manufacturer, so if you accidentally pressed three or more keys at the same time, ASUS ROG Claymore Core did not go into a stupor. In MMORPGs, we also had no problems, and the on-the-fly macro recording function helped out several times.

Summing up

ASUS ROG Claymore Core is a great gaming keyboard that will suit any gamer. At its heart are Cherry MX Brown switches, one of the most practical and user-friendly options you can find on the market. In addition, despite its atypical dimensions, ASUS ROG Claymore Core received regular-sized keys with a standard long travel of 2 mm.
Other features of the ASUS ROG Claymore Core include the fully customizable ASUS AURA backlight, which can be synchronized with the rest of the manufacturer's products that support this technology. The keyboard also has support for macros, key remapping and other gaming functions. In a word, for ASUS ROG Claymore Core it will be equally convenient to play and work. If you are looking for a compact gaming keyboard, then we recommend that you take a closer look at the novelty. But before that, you should look at its price tag ...

Pros:
ASUS AURA backlight with fine tuning
Cherry MX Black Switches
Macro support

Minuses:
Only the supplied cable can be connected
immodest price

May not suit:
No wrist rest
No dedicated multimedia keys

#Aura_RGB_Lighting #Aura_Sync #Aura_RGB

Many gaming computers besides high performance have an aggressive appearance, underlined by decorative lighting inside the case. Many manufacturers of components to help users implement various backlight technologies on motherboards and video cards. These include all options from simple screen selection to built-in sound card motherboard to a complex backlight system with the ability to customize the color and display scheme. Asus, as one of the leaders in the gaming components market, could not ignore such an extensive topic. Older models of motherboards and video cards have multi-color backlighting with the brand name Aura RGB Lighting.

This is a single name that can be found in many ASUS products - video cards, motherboards, mice and keyboards. They have more than just the name in common. The point is that through a special software Aura Sync can give the entire gaming system a unified look, that is, all devices will glow according to the same schemes. On motherboards supporting this technology, in addition to the diodes soldered directly on the surface of the motherboard, the ASUS logo on the chipset heatsink is highlighted. In addition, they have connectors for connecting external RGB LED strips, which are also controlled using ASUS Aura Sync.

The backlight of Aura Sync-enabled devices is fully customizable. It is possible to choose any color, or even several colors. It is also possible to choose the lighting scheme. The choice is quite extensive. By default, there are up to 9 schemes. You can choose from the usual constant glow in one color, to changing the colors of the backlight depending on the temperature of the CPU.

static backlight always on	Ripple gradual on and off	Strobe effect backlight turns on with short flashes	Cycle gradual switching between different colors	Rainbow multi-colored, iridescent radiance
Comet luminous flux with a "tail" like a comet	Flashes step illumination of each element

ASUS has been producing computer equipment for gamers that has LED backlight for a long time. Now gamers can customize the visual component of their devices (keyboards, graphics cards, motherboards) at work, which will look unique and spectacular.

You can do this with special utility- ASUS AURA. User using this application, can customize LED backlight as he pleases: change colors, select lighting modes, control effects.

Aura Sync

But the ability to synchronize devices to configure RGB lighting for all components at once is a more interesting thing. The ASUS Aura Sync platform allows lighting systems to work in unison for impressive visual effects.

The user can use the control center to set up a light symphony. The application provides 9 backlight modes:

• static- light composition is always active.
• Ripple- gradual transition of the backlight from off to on.
• Strobe effect- the color composition is activated by small flashes.
• Cycle- Consistent color change over time.
• Rainbow- transfusion of flowers
• Comet- the luminous flux has an additional "tail".
• Flashes- elements are highlighted in steps.
• Music- lighting design adjusts to the rhythm of the music being played.
• Temperature- color changes with CPU/GPU temperature.

The developers have provided some advantages when combining components in single system. At the same time, the application opens up additional lighting modes for the user. So - experiment and create suitable lighting effects for yourself.