Computer giant ASUS has been exceptionally busy of late, expanding its highly regarded ProArt ecosystem. The sub-brand has long been a favorite among content creators, graphic designers and photographers who appreciate its color-accurate monitors and powerhouse laptops. ASUS has also developed a range of desktop peripherals, including a ProArt keyboard and mouse.
The centerpiece of this new push is the ASUS ProArt Keyboard KD300, a low-profile, 65% mechanical keyboard designed for use with the companion ProArt MD301 wireless mouse. Both devices are aimed at reducing clutter on people’s desks with minimalist and high-performance designs.
The ProArt KD300 has a compact 65% form factor that does away with the traditional numeric keypad and a dedicated row of function keys. The idea is to claw back valuable desk real estate. Measuring just 26.8mm thick and topped with a premium aluminum plate, the keyboard has a sleek “Black Aerolite” finish that looks at home next to high-end graphics tablets or studio monitors.
Tri-Mode Connectivity
Despite its diminutive footprint, ASUS hasn’t scrimped on connectivity because the KD300 has robust tri-mode connectivity, enabling it to pair with up to five devices simultaneously using a combination of a low-latency 2.4GHz wireless USB dongle, Bluetooth and traditional USB-C cable.
For professionals moving between a studio desktop and a mobile laptop, the switching process is seamless. Crucially, ASUS has included a physical PC/Mac toggle switch on the rear of the keyboard, alongside a clever magnetic garage for storing the 2.4GHz wireless dongle when on the move.
Another standout feature of the KD300 is the integrated active touch panel and multi-function switch, which is positioned at the top left of the keyboard. The customizable strip lets users adjust volume levels, control media playback and tweak backlight configurations on the fly.
Low-Profile Optical Switches
Under the keycaps, ASUS has used its proprietary RX Red Low-Profile optical switches. With a super-fast 1.0mm actuation point and a feather-light initial force of 40–55g, the switches provide a smooth and linear travel with real precision.
To satisfy anyone working in quiet communal studios, the keyboard has been fitted with dual layers of integrated silicone dampening foam, which effectively eliminates any hollow pinging noises and dampens echoes
To configure the hardware, ASUS has taken a refreshing approach of using its web-based Gear Link interface for customization, instead of forcing users to download a bloated software package,
Custom Settings
The Gear Link platform runs entirely in a HID-compatible web browser like Google Chrome or Brave. Gear Link allows deep customization of key mappings, custom macro recordings and the programming of up to 10 preset “showcards” configured with shortcuts for third-party software packages like Adobe’s Creative Suite.
Battery life on the KD300 is impressive. With the backlighting turned off, the internal 4,000mAh lithium-ion battery can last up to 16 months on a single charge. Even with the backlights blazing at maximum brightness, users can still expect to achieve an impressive 100 days of continuous use.
In a clever piece of UI design, ASUS has turned the numerical top row of keys — from Esc to 9 — into a real-time battery gauge. Press the status function and the keys glow a crisp white, with each key representing 10% of juice. When power dips below the 20% mark, the Esc to 1 keys glow red, signaling it’s time to plug in the supplied 180cm USB-C cable and recharge the battery.
A Mouse To Match
To complement the KD300 keyboard, ASUS has developed the ProArt Mouse MD301, a lightweight and ergonomically sculpted mouse that weighs less than 100g. The mouse has a high-performance 8,000 DPI optical sensor capable of tracking flawlessly on glass studio desks.
Like the KD300, the MD301 supports tri-mode connectivity and offers a 1,000Hz polling rate over a 2.4GHz wireless dongle and USB, making it sufficiently responsive for elite-level gaming during any downtime, yet there’s enough precision for intricate pen-tool work using packages like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.
The wireless mouse boasts six fully programmable buttons, including forward and backward buttons, a horizontal thumb wheel and left/right buttons. All the controls can be programmed using the Gear Link browser tool and feature a fast-spinning scroll wheel for racing through lengthy code or spreadsheets.
In a nod to sustainability and long-term durability, the primary switches are rated for up to 80 million clicks and they are completely hot-swappable, enabling users to easily swap out micro or optical switches down the line.
Pricing and Availability:
The ASUS ProArt Keyboard KD300 and ProArt Mouse MD301 are available now via the ASUS website. The KD300 is priced at $164.99 and the mouse sells for $99.99.
Tech Specs
ProArt Keyboard KD300.
- Color: Black Aerolite.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth / RF 2.4GHz / USB.
- RF distance: 10m.
- Form factor: 65%.
- Battery: Li-ion 4000mAh.
- Battery life: Up to 16 months on one charge in 2.4GHz mode with LEDs off.
- Polling rate: USB 1000Hz / RF 2.4GHz 1000Hz / Bluetooth 133Hz.
- Key style: Low-profile mechanical.
- Switch: ASUS Low-Profile Optical.
- Backlight: RGB.
- Gasket mount: Yes.
- Software: Gear Link browser based.
- Charging power: 0.5W / 5.0W.
- Cable length: 180cm.
- Dimensions: 305.6 x 109.0 x 26.8mm.
- Weight: 600.4g.
- OS Support: macOS 15.0.1 or above / Windows 11.
ProArt Mouse MD301
- Color: Black Aerolite.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth / RF 2.4GHz / USB.
- Sensor: Optical.
- Track on glass: Yes.
- Max resolution: 8000dpi.
- Switch lifecycle: 80 million clicks.
- Polling rate: 1000Hz with 2.4GHz and USB / 133Hz with Bluetooth.
- 6 programmable buttons for personalized control.
- Hot-swappable buttons compatible with micro and optical switches.
- Battery life: 180 days (8 hours from a 1-minute burst charge).
- Weight: 99.7g.
