Asus just made its pricey Falcata gaming keyboard a lot more tempting. The split ergonomic keyboard that launched at $420 is now $140 off at Best Buy, dropping to $279.99 through Cyber Monday. That puts it within striking distance of cheaper ergonomic alternatives while keeping its unique Hall effect switches that gamers are craving.
Black Friday just shifted the gaming keyboard landscape in a big way. Asus slashed $140 off its Falcata gaming keyboard, bringing the split ergonomic model down to $279.99 at Best Buy through Cyber Monday.
This isn't just another peripheral discount. The Falcata represents something fairly unique in the gaming space - a 75-percent Hall effect keyboard that splits in half for ergonomic positioning. When it launched at $420, that price tag was tough to swallow for most gamers, especially given some design compromises.
"My takeaway is that $420 is way too much money for an ergonomic keyboard that doesn't do the ergonomic part as well as some cheaper models," The Verge's Cameron Faulkner noted in his review. The main issue? The inside edges closest to your thumbs don't tent as much as they should for premium ergonomic positioning.
But at $279.99, the math changes dramatically. That puts the Falcata just $80 above the Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Plus, which has been the go-to recommendation for split gaming keyboards. The difference is that extra $80 gets you Hall effect switches - magnetic switches that offer precise actuation control and theoretically unlimited lifespan.
Hall effect switches have become the hot new thing in gaming keyboards this year. Unlike traditional mechanical switches that rely on physical contact, these magnetic switches can detect key presses without metal-on-metal contact. That means you can adjust actuation points on the fly, set different sensitivities for different keys, and never worry about switch degradation from wear.
The timing couldn't be better for keyboard enthusiasts on a budget. Gaming peripheral prices have been climbing steadily, with premium mechanical keyboards regularly hitting $300-400. Finding Hall effect technology at under $280 is genuinely noteworthy, even if the ergonomics aren't perfect.
Asus has been pushing hard into the premium gaming peripheral space lately, competing directly with brands like Logitech and Razer. The Falcata's magnetic switches are part of their ROG HFX V2 lineup, which the company claims offers "unparalleled precision and durability."
The wireless connectivity adds another layer of appeal at this price point. Most split keyboards force you to deal with cables between the two halves, but the Falcata connects wirelessly and can run for weeks on a single charge.
For shoppers torn between ergonomics and gaming features, this deal creates an interesting middle ground. "You may prefer a different ergo model if you need a keyboard that tents higher than the Falcata," Faulkner noted. "But, if it's the deep customization of Hall effect switches that you're after, I suggest hopping on this very good sale price."
The sale runs through December 1st, giving shoppers time to decide if they want to jump on what might be the best Hall effect keyboard deal we'll see this year.
This $140 discount transforms the Asus Falcata from an overpriced curiosity into a genuinely compelling option for gamers who want both ergonomic benefits and cutting-edge switch technology. While it won't replace dedicated ergonomic keyboards for serious RSI prevention, it offers a solid middle ground between gaming performance and comfort. At $279.99, the Hall effect switches and wireless convenience make it worth considering, especially if you've been curious about magnetic switch technology but didn't want to spend $400 to try it.
