The ubiquitous wireless connection needs no introduction, you already know a device with Bluetooth will connect to virtually anything and everything these days without an extra receiver or driver to worry about. From mobile devices to smart TVs, getting started only takes a few simple steps which we'll cover in a sec, but are there other benefits apart from wider compatibility?
Yes, there are indeed other advantages. We don't use our peripherals and headsets exclusively for gaming. So, if you are doing anything which does not involve fragging enemies or holding on for dear life but still want wireless freedom, then here's a handy tip - switch to Bluetooth. Why? Because you can extend the battery life. And it’s possible to switch between up to five different devices on a tri-mode device (Wired + RF + 3 BT). Sure, an RF 2.4GHz connection has much lower latency due to higher polling rates, but that's not really necessary when you're only checking emails, correcting typos and browsing through shows to watch, is it? Give BT a try when you’re on the go and see if you can notice a difference in battery life.
The process of pairing has come a long way, now it’s just a matter of enabling Bluetooth mode on your brand-new device for the first time and you’ll receive a BT auto-connect notification on the PC asking if you’d like to pair. Simply click on Connect and you’re done!
Manual BT Pairing
Below is a quick reference guide in case you need to perform a manual pairing, perhaps you need to pair to a new device when all the saved slots are taken for example.
Pairing Mice
Up to three Bluetooth devices can be paired to an ROG mouse, cycle through the 3 paired devices by pressing the Pair button.
1. To begin pairing, push connection mode switch to Bluetooth mode.
2. Press and hold the Pair button until the scroll wheel starts flashing blue rapidly to indicate pairing mode in effect.
3. Add device from PC (see guide at bottom of page).
Note: The mouse can be paired with up to 3 devices. Press the Pair button to cycle through paired devices.
Pairing Keyboards
For keyboards with BT, you can also pair with up to 3 devices. Switching between devices using the hotkeys is more convenient than the mouse since they're not on the bottom of the device.
1. To begin pairing, slide the connection switch to Bluetooth mode.
2. Press and hold the Fn + 8 hotkey to select the first BT device slot (labeled on the key as a secondary function). For compact 65% keyboards, the hotkey for first BT device slot is Fn + K.
3. Press and hold Fn + 7 (Full-size or TKL keyboards) or Fn + J (compact keyboards) until you see a flashing blue light to indicate pairing mode.
4. Add device from PC (see guide at bottom of page).
Once you’ve configured the first BT slot, you can repeat the same steps for two more devices. When you’re done, you can switch between devices directly without cycling through all three.
Special cases: Azoth & Azoth Extreme
Helpful tip: To avoid releasing the pairing button too early, hold until all keys start flashing rapidly.
Pairing Headsets with BT
Even though RF 2.4GHz wireless generally has the advantage of offering higher audio quality, lower latency for gaming, and Aura Sync capability, Bluetooth is more than capable for some Netflix or tunes as well.
1. To begin pairing, push the connection mode switch to Bluetooth mode.
2. Press and hold the Function button for about 3 seconds until the headset LED starts flashing blue rapidly. This indicates the headset is in pairing mode.
3. Add device from PC (see guide at bottom of page).
Special cases: DualFlow & Multipoint Connection for uninterrupted gaming
ROG Delta II – since this headset offers DualFlow which lets you play audio from two sources simultaneously, there are two dedicated function buttons. Hold the Function button on the right earcup to enter BT pairing mode.
ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova - You can connect to your PC using the RF 2.4 GHz receiver (yes, TWS with RF!) for gaming while simultaneously pairing with your phone via Bluetooth. When your phone receives a call, the earbuds will switch to the call, and after the conversation, the audio will automatically revert back to your PC.
Alternatively, if you’re gaming on your phone and enjoy music on PC, you can answer a call on your phone. Post-call, the earbuds will switch back to your PC so you can pick up where you left off.
* The priority: phone calls > play game/music > sound notifications
For a visual pairing experience, add or manage paired devices easily from Armoury Crate.
Add Bluetooth device from PC
1. Right click on Bluetooth icon in the Taskbar in Windows.
2. Click on Add a Bluetooth Device.
3. Add device.
4. Bluetooth
5. Select your device.
6. Done.
