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Asus ROG Strix Hero Edition looks surprisingly low-key
With a good keyboard and a relatively subtle design, this midrange gaming system can pass as a work notebook. As long as no one recognizes the logo.
QWER
The one obvious MOBA-customized feature of the Hero Edition are the highlighted QWER keys rather than WASD. That only really matters if you look down at your keyboard when you're supposed to be using them.
Keyboard
Overall, the keyboard is comfortable to use, laid out well for touch typing and gaming, and responsive.
A full set o' connections
On one side there's an SD card slot, USB-C connector (not Thunderbolt/fast data) and two USB Type-A.
Asus ROG Strix Hero Edition GL503V
Arranged for VR
The other side has a Mini DisplayPort connector, HDMI and two USB Type-A ports -- the Type-A next to the HDMI is convenient for a headset, and that leaves connections on either side for the sensor.
Asus ROG Strix Hero Edition GL503V
Screen
The display is a 120Hz, TN-WVA (wide viewing angle) which is good for gaming.
Asus ROG Strix Hero Edition GL503V
Touchpad
The touchpad is unusually good for a gaming laptop.
Lap feel
It's a bit unweildy to use in your lap, unless you've got a really big lap.
Asus ROG Strix Hero Edition GL503V
I really wanted the logo to light up
But it doesn't. It's a metallic red, though, which does look like it's glowing under certain lighting conditions.