Finding the perfect gaming mouse for esports or competitive matches can be challenging due to the need for precision, responsiveness, and comfort during extended gameplay sessions. The ASUS ROG Keris II Ace, an ultra-lightweight wireless gaming mouse, is designed to meet these demands, offering an advanced yet simple ergonomic solution for pro FPS players.
At first glance, it may seem very basic, but its features are worth a closer look. The Keris II Ace distinguishes itself with a high polling rate of up to 8,000 Hz when wired and 4,000 Hz wirelessly, along with the impressive 42,000 DPI ROG AimPoint optical sensor.
Priced at PHP 7,500 in the Philippines, the ASUS ROG Keris II Ace is a serious investment for serious gamers.
Given those specs and price tags, does it live up to its promise of delivering a top-notch gaming experience? Let’s find out.
Unboxing the ASUS ROG Keris II Ace
The packaging of the ASUS ROG Keris II Ace follows the signature ROG design, featuring the familiar black and red color scheme. The front cover displays an image of the mouse, highlighting key features such as the AimPoint Pro optical sensor, the ROG Omni Receiver, and the 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth connectivity options.
Turning to the back, you’ll find detailed specifications and features of the mouse. This includes information about the ROG Polling Rate Booster, the optical sensor, the micro switches, and other important details that showcase the capabilities of the Keris II Ace.
At the bottom, you’ll find the manufacturer’s sticker and other minor details. The peel sticker on the side indicates where to open the package.
On the right side, you’ll find the product label logo and the ROG branding.
The other side contains descriptions of the mouse in various languages.
Upon opening the package, you’ll find the mouse inside a recyclable-looking black pouch along with a thank-you card from ROG.
Inside, you’ll find other items:
- The ASUS ROG Keris II Ace gaming mouse
- A USB adapter (Female USB Type-C to Female USB-A)
- The ROG Polling Rate Booster USB
- A ROG Paracord (a 2-meter cable)
- A quick start guide
- A warranty booklet
- Two sets of mouse feet (standard and wider)
- A thank-you card
- A set of ROG anti-slip grip tapes
- ROG stickers
The ASUS ROG Keris II Ace Mouse
The ASUS ROG Keris II Ace comes in two color options: black and moonlight white. Our review unit is the black version, which exudes a sleek and stealthy aesthetic. The mouse has a minimalist design with a slight curve in the middle, providing a comfortable feel for right-handed gamers. Weighing in at just 1.9 ounces (54g), it fits well within the ultra-lightweight category.
The USB-C port for wired connection and charging is located at the front of the mouse, making it easily detachable.
The mouse measures 121mm in length, 67mm in width, and 42mm in height, making it one of the larger yet lightweight mice on the market. Its size is well-suited for the average Filipino male hand.
It features groove lines on both the left and right sides, enhancing grip and preventing slippage.
The rounded shape of the body is designed to fit comfortably in the hand, allowing the palm to rest naturally.
The additional slanting curve on the right side makes it particularly suitable for right-handed gamers.
The left bottom side of the mouse provides a comfortable resting place for the thumb, ensuring a secure grip and thumb to mouse movement.
The left side corner houses a programmable button, strategically placed to prevent accidental presses that are common with other mice.
Underside of the mouse. it has the product logo and some technical details about the mouse. It also features four small PTFE Teflon feet, one at each corner, allowing for smooth and effortless gliding across various surfaces. The two buttons on the left are for pre-defined DPI switch in which it rotates to 4 different DPI settings, the bottom is for pairing. The right switch button is for connection options (Bluetooth, Wired and Wireless).
The USB for wireless connection is housed at the bottom.
Here is a closer look at the Polling Rate Booster USB. You can attach the wired cable or the wireless USB here for boosting the polling rate beyond 1,000 Hz. The only disadvantage of this dongle is it is too big and might consume USB port space.
There is also an optional USB extender, featuring female USB Type-C and USB-A connections.
Software Features
To change the mouse’s pre-defined configuration, you can install the Armoury Crate Gear software, which is downloadable from the ASUS website. This program can be closed after configuring your mouse, which is beneficial for players who want to conserve extra RAM memory.
The first option is changing the mouse buttons. The mouse supports up to five profiles that you can switch between directly by pressing the DPI button at the bottom of the mouse and the scroll button. The six configurable buttons can be assigned to the following functions:
- Mouse Function
- Keyboard Function
- Multimedia
- Windows shortcut
- Preset input text
- Stealth
- Disable
Note that once you’ve set the button function, it will automatically disable its default function.
Next is the Performance settings, where you can adjust the DPI, Polling rate, Angle Snapping, and Angle Tuning. By default, and without the USB booster, the polling rate is maxed out at 1,000Hz. However, once you attach the USB booster, it unlocks 8,000Hz for wired and 4,000Hz for wireless connections. The DPI can be set up to 42,000. You can also assign an RGB lighting for different DPI profile.
The next option is lighting. Although the mouse has minimal RGB lighting, you can configure the RGB settings here. Note that the RGB lighting will turn off once the mouse is switched to wireless mode.
There is also a Calibration where you can preset pre-defined mouse pad surfaces or manually calibrate your mouse movement.
Then there’s Power Management, where you can set an RGB alert or configure the sleep mode for when the mouse is idle.
Lastly, the firmware update option can be found here as well.
Performance
One of the standout features of the ASUS ROG Keris II Ace is its monstrous DPI, which goes up to 42,000. This high DPI allows for smoother and more precise mouse movement. There is a common belief that a DPI higher than 10,000 is not really useful for video games, as the sensitivity becomes too high and most esports players use a low DPI. The truth is, you must use eDPI (DPI * in-game sensitivity) to find the optimal sensitivity, as higher DPI gives more accuracy and precision.
In terms of lightweight functionality, the ASUS ROG Keris II Ace is exceptionally light, allowing for effortless movement. It feels as if you’re moving a balloon with your thumb and two fingers—there’s almost no drag or resistance.
Aside from the higher DPI, the Keris II Ace also performs exceptionally well on glass surfaces, offering the same precision as on a mouse pad.
Another selling point of the ASUS ROG Keris II Ace is the Polling Rate Booster USB. We tested it using the Razer Polling Rate Tester App, and here are the results:
As you can see, when using the Polling Rate booster in a wired connection, it easily reaches 7,915Hz at 8,000Hz settings.
For Wireless with the Polling Rate Booster, it has no problem reaching at 3,991Hz at 4,000Hz settings.
Input Lag Test
We tested the ASUS ROG Keris II Ace’s wired connection in Counter-Strike 2 to measure the input lag—the time it takes for a mouse click to register on the computer and fire in the game. We used a slow-motion camera at 1,920fps to capture this process accurately. For the test, we utilized the UFO Test’s Frame Skipping test on a 144Hz monitor where a box moves every 6.94ms. By measuring the time between when the mouse is clicked and the box moves, we can calculate the input lag in milliseconds.
As shown in the video, the ASUS ROG Keris II Ace, located at the bottom, registered the input after 2 boxes, translating to 13.88ms. In contrast, the regular mouse at the top registered the input after 6 boxes, translating to 83.28ms. This demonstrates the significantly lower input lag of the ASUS ROG Keris II Ace, making it a superior choice for competitive gaming.
Battery Life
On a single full charge, we were able to use the mouse wirelessly on a 2.4GHz connection, and it still had 48% battery life remaining after 7 days of typical use, averaging 8 hours of usage per day.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Precision and Responsiveness: High-end optical sensor and polling rate deliver exceptional tracking accuracy. Lightweight Design: Weighs just 54 grams for agility and comfort during long gaming sessions. High Polling Rate: Achieves 4,000Hz wireless and 8,000Hz wired with the Polling Rate Booster for smoother cursor movements. Ergonomic Design: Comfortable shape with groove lines, designed for right-handed gamers. Dual Wireless Connectivity: Supports both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth for flexible device connections. Long Battery Life: Up to 107 hours on 2.4GHz wireless without RGB lighting. Tri-Mode Connectivity: Options for wireless and wired USB connectivity. Accurate Tracking: ROG AimPoint Pro sensor ensures precise tracking up to 750 IPS and 50g acceleration. | No Left-Handed Option: Designed solely for right-handed users. DPI Switch Placement: Located on the underside, making adjustments less convenient. Large Dongle and Booster: The size may be cumbersome for compact setups. |
Conclusion
The ASUS ROG Keris II Ace is a well-rounded wireless gaming mouse that delivers impressive performance, particularly for FPS and esports gamers. Its high-end specifications, ergonomic design, and lightweight construction make it a compelling option for gamers seeking precision, responsiveness, and comfort.
The mouse’s standout features include its high-precision 42,000 DPI sensor, the ROG Polling Rate Booster for a high polling rate, and its ultra-lightweight nature at just 54 grams. The Keris II Ace provides a seamless blend of accuracy and agility, ensuring an enjoyable gaming experience.
In our input lag test, the Keris II Ace performed exceptionally well, registering clicks at 13.88ms compared to 83.28ms on a regular mouse. This low latency is crucial for competitive gaming, providing a noticeable edge in fast-paced scenarios.
However, it’s important to consider that the mouse is designed solely for right-handed gamers, excluding left-handed users. Additionally, the placement of the DPI switch on the underside of the mouse may be less convenient for on-the-fly adjustments.
Overall, the ASUS ROG Keris II Ace is a strong contender in the wireless gaming mouse market, offering a comprehensive package that justifies its price tag. It is a reliable choice for serious gamers seeking a blend of performance, comfort, and precision.