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ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 vs Monsgeek M1W: Comparison
ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 vs Monsgeek M1W layout compared
They are built to different briefs, and layout shows it, ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 96% against Monsgeek M1W 75%. Switch type is not the same on both, ROG NX Snow on the ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 versus Gateron / TTC Hot-Swap Mechanical on the Monsgeek M1W. Connectivity is not the same on both, Wired USB-C on the ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 versus Bluetooth 5.0 / 2.4GHz RF / USB-C Wired on the Monsgeek M1W. They differ on backlighting too, Per-Key Aura Sync RGB on the ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 versus South-Facing RGB on the Monsgeek M1W.
Which should you buy, ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 or Monsgeek M1W?
Buy the ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 for numpad-dependent users wanting a compact 96% and hot-swap experimenters, though it is the wrong buy for wireless-only buyers and minimalist 60%/65% preference. The Monsgeek M1W is the one to take for enthusiasts wanting boutique feel affordably and QMK/VIA wireless custom builders, though it is not built for mainstream-brand-only buyers and full-size layout users. Our rating of the ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 (8/10): A well-damped, hot-swappable 96% board that proves numpad layouts can still sound and feel premium. Our rating of the Monsgeek M1W (8/10): A boutique-feeling CNC aluminum custom keyboard at a price that undercuts most group buys.
Where the two are identical
Where they agree, they agree completely, polling rate and keycap material included, so the decision does not turn on any of those.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- ASUS
- Monsgeek M1W
- MonsGeek
Layout
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- 96%
- Monsgeek M1W
- 75%
Model
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- ROG Strix Scope II 96
- Monsgeek M1W
- M1W
Switch Type
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- ROG NX Snow (Linear, Pre-Lubed)
- Monsgeek M1W
- Gateron / TTC Hot-Swap Mechanical
Connectivity
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- Wired USB-C (detachable)
- Monsgeek M1W
- Bluetooth 5.0 / 2.4GHz RF / USB-C Wired
Keycap Material
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- PBT Double-Shot
- Monsgeek M1W
- PBT Double-Shot
Backlighting
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- Per-Key Aura Sync RGB
- Monsgeek M1W
- South-Facing RGB
Polling Rate
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
- 1000 Hz
- Monsgeek M1W
- 1000 Hz
Which one should you pick?
Choose ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 if you want the higher polling rate (1000 Hz vs 1000 Hz).
Choose Monsgeek M1W if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 | Monsgeek M1W |
|---|---|---|
| ASUS Store | View on ASUS Store | |
| Monsgeek | View on Monsgeek |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A well-damped, hot-swappable 96% board that proves numpad layouts can still sound and feel premium.
Monsgeek M1W
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A boutique-feeling CNC aluminum custom keyboard at a price that undercuts most group buys.