ASUS Cerberus MECH RGB Review
Category : Keyboards
Published by Luca Rocchi on 05.04.18
With the Cerberus MECH RGB, ASUS offers a gaming keyboard with mechanical switches and standard layout. As with all other high-end gaming keyboards these days also this one features a backlight and there are different macro modes. Apart from that ASUS chose to use very solid plastic for this keyboard, which adds a lot to the stability and the overall feel.
Today we are going to have a close look at the Cerberus MECH RGB keyboard from ASUS. Our sample is equipped with Kailh Red switches but is also available with other switches as well. On the following pages we will analyze the main features as well as look for any drawbacks of ASUS' new gaming keyboard.
| Page 1 - Introduction |
| Page 2 - Photo Gallery / Delivery |
| Page 3 - Features |
| Page 4 - Closer Look |
| Page 5 - Software |
| Page 6 - Conclusion |
Preview
Delivery
The exterior of the ASUS Cerberus MECH RGB features a huge picture of the keyboard itself. The box also highlights the fact, that the Cerberus MECH RGB has been equipped with Kailh Red switches. On the back we find additional information about the specifications of this keyboard. Inside the box there is apparently the keyboard itself as well as the warranty statement and a small manual. In addition there are few spare orange keycaps. In order to gain access to all the customization features you need to browse ASUS's website to download the software, since there is no disk or pen-drive included in the delivery.
| Page 1 - Introduction |
| Page 2 - Photo Gallery / Delivery |
| Page 3 - Features |
| Page 4 - Closer Look |
| Page 5 - Software |
| Page 6 - Conclusion |
Features
| Model number | Cerberus MECH RGB |
| Keys: | Kailh Red |
| Keycaps: | ABS, grip coated |
| Materials: | ABS |
| Interface: | USB 2.0 |
| Cable : | 1.5 m |
| Backlight: | RGB |
| Dimensions: | 448 mm x 150 mm x 35 mm |
| Weight: | 1250 g |
| Page 1 - Introduction |
| Page 2 - Photo Gallery / Delivery |
| Page 3 - Features |
| Page 4 - Closer Look |
| Page 5 - Software |
| Page 6 - Conclusion |
Closer Look
As soon as you lift the Cerberus MECH RGB, you realize how sturdy and solid it actually is. ASUS has created a keyboard that gives a sense of maximum quality to the user at any time, and it did a pretty good job. The whole keyboard is made of plastic with different finishing. The advantage of this standard layout is that the keyboard features normal size without additional macro or multimedia keys eating up a lot of space. This is quite an advantage and especially during LAN parties you'll appreciate the compact form factor. The Cerberus MECH RGB is a mechanical keyboard and it is available with Kailh switches. Our sample is based on Kailh Red switches which provide good feedback. The key travel is smooth and this switches are great for hardcore gamers. In order to program macros you can use the software, which you download from the manufacturers website.
Back
The back of this particular keyboard isn't special. There is the usual label showing the serial of the product and there are four rubber feet, on in each corner. Obviously there are two small feet, also with rubber ends, which allow for tilting the keyboard to a certain angle.
| Page 1 - Introduction |
| Page 2 - Photo Gallery / Delivery |
| Page 3 - Features |
| Page 4 - Closer Look |
| Page 5 - Software |
| Page 6 - Conclusion |
Software
As soon as you installed the software, which you'll have to download from the manufacturers website first, you can start to program macros as well as change the lighting. When it comes to macros you can assign them to any key you like, which means you're not limited to different keys on this device. Therefore you can configure pulse, ripple as well as wave effects. Basically it's only your imagination that could set limits to what lighting effect can be set.
| Page 1 - Introduction |
| Page 2 - Photo Gallery / Delivery |
| Page 3 - Features |
| Page 4 - Closer Look |
| Page 5 - Software |
| Page 6 - Conclusion |
Conclusion
| General | + | - | |
| Our global verdict about this keyboard is generally positive as ASUS managed to create a solid product. We like the fact that this keyboard is heavy, features simple, standard design and therefore also a standard layout. Apart from that there is a RGB backlight, which is clear and precise and definitely bright enough. |
- Weight
- Lightning effects |
||
| Manufacturing quality / Ergonomics | + | - | |
| The Cerberus MECH RGB is the first gaming keyboard that we receive from ASUS. This keyboard looks comfortable to use and all the keys are well placed and easy to reach so you will not find yourself pressing the wrong key by accident. The Cerberus MECH RGB comes with a rather standard layout and there aren't any additional macro buttons. There are programmable F-buttons, through which you can access macros by pressing FN and the corresponding F-key. In addition there are also multimedia functions already programmed.
The entire chassis sports a matte finish which looks and feels great, however it's a dust magnet. If you have oily fingers, you will leave an impression for sure. The material looks rather similar to the soft touch but it's more velvety. Regarding the Kailh Red switches we can say, they're precise and linear while providing good feedback. Last but not least, the RGB backlight is very good and it offers several lighting effects pre-programmed. If you want change the color or other details, you have to install the ASUS software. |
- Build quality
- Backlight - Switches |
- Rubberised finish | |
| Software | + | - | |
| The software is one of downsides of this product, since the graphic user interface is simply not up-to-date in terms of layout and design. We would like to see a clear structure where it's a simple as possible to find all the different settings. | - Not always easy to use | ||
| Recommendation / Price | + | - | |
| The starting price of the Cerberus MECH RGB on Geizhals is 109 euro excluding shipping costs. In terms of value, the keyboard is certainly a good product with attractive features and MECH mechanical switches. Furthermore it comes with RGB backlight that is rather pleasant to see. We hope to see a better software from ASUS during next months. | + Price | ||
| Rating | |||
| We gave the Cerberus MECH RGB from ASUS 4 out of 5 stars. | |||
| Page 1 - Introduction |
| Page 2 - Photo Gallery / Delivery |
| Page 3 - Features |
| Page 4 - Closer Look |
| Page 5 - Software |
| Page 6 - Conclusion |