Introduction

At home, when I want to shut myself off for a while, I use Noice Canceling headphones. I don’t like this on the road. Like many other people, I prefer to have a box of earbuds in my pants or jacket pocket that I can take out when I need them. Read on to find out how I ended up with the Jabra Elite 10 earbuds.

Because I have a mild form of autism, it is important for me to be able to disconnect myself from external stimuli every now and then. I specifically want to have the option of having a good noise canceling option in my earbuds.

I also have another problem that I always encounter when I try a set of earbuds; fit. To date, I have not found in-ear earbuds to be comfortable. My right ear in particular quickly feels clogged, my ears physically hurt or I always have the feeling that my earplugs are falling out.

I have tried quite a few earplugs and have always been disappointed.

Open-ear?

After many disappointments, I finally found a set of earbuds where I was less bothered by the disadvantages I experienced in terms of comfort. I settled on so-called open-ear buds, specifically the Galaxy Buds Live from Samsung. Finally I could wear something in my ears for a longer period of time. The big difference with regular earplugs is that they rest on the ear instead of in the ear canal. Unfortunately, I recently dropped these in a puddle of water and one of the earbuds stopped working properly. There was also another disadvantage, due to the lack of passive isolation that you get with plug-ins, the available noise canceling was actually only interesting on paper.

I started reading and looking and looking everywhere again and considered various open-ear alternatives (if there are any). Still, I kept reading about compromises such as poor sound quality and lack of ANC.

Note: open ear is not the same as open back.

Jabra Elite 10

Some time ago I tried a set from Jabra, the elite 4 active. I really liked these for in-ear standards. The shape was slightly different. However, the ANC was not great and there was no multipoint, something that I also find important.

I noticed Jabra released two new models in their upper segment of earbuds and this Elite 10 in came to my attention. In particular, the focus on even better ANC, improved comfort and good sound quality appealed to me. Reason enough to give them a chance.

Technical specs provided by Jabra for the Elite 10

Jabra elite 10 Packaging

The earbuds come in a compact box with some branding and a picture of the earbuds on the front. The earbuds, the various eartips and the case are shown on the back. Here you can also see that the Elite 10 supports both Google and Apple. There is Fast Pair for Google and Spotify tap. Dolby Atmos support is included as well.

Using the Jabra Elite 10 earbuds

Comfort

After the unboxing it is time to try on the earbuds. I immediately notice that these are earphones that do not have to go too far into my ear. They rest with the flat side against my ear and slope towards my ear canal. This ensures that the pressure is well distributed. It probably also helps that the silicone eartips are more oval shaped. Furthermore, a small amount of a soft, rubbery coating has been applied to the earbuds that seems to improve comfort. Jabra claims to have examined more than 62,000 different ears to achieve the perfect fit.

After a day I noticed that the bud in my right ear in particular was prone to falling out (but this did not happen). Ears are of course never the same and upon closer inspection I also saw that the earpiece cannot rest perfectly on my ear. To be on the safe side, I installed a smaller size of the silicone tips and since then the earbuds have an almost perfect fit for me.

Sound

The Jabra Elite 10 has large 10mm drivers and you can hear that.
The sound is fantastic in my opinion. There is sufficient soundstage and sufficient bass. By sufficient I mean not too much bass. If you are looking for a bass-heavy set, you better look further. I personally think the standard setting sounds fine.

I listened to different types of music. Quiet jazz, the C&C soundtrack, classical, 80’s pop, some lo-fi beats, the Blade Runner soundtrack, podcasts, basically everything. Nothing has bothered me. No treble too high, no exaggerated bass, nice soundstage, just enjoy.

The earbuds currently support AAC and SBC, with LC3 and LC3+ lossless audio in the future.

ANC and Hearthrough

The ANC is really, really good on these earbuds. Irritating sounds in the house such as mechanical ventilation or the ticking clock van no longer be heard. But I was also able to relax while waiting in the busy canteen of the swimming pool until my daughter had finished her lesson. The screaming baby, the tapping spoons and screaming children were wonderfully filtered away. Certainly not yet at the level of the Bose QC45 here, but on par with the Sennheiser Momentum 4.

The Heartrough function can be useful while on the road to let your surroundings in. This works fine. While the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro2 sometimes let through a very shrill high tone, this does not happen with these earbuds.

Wind Noise reduction quality of the Jabra Elite 10

The earbuds also offer an option to automatically apply wind noise reduction. This works very well. I was able to enjoy both music and podcasts while cycling without any difficulty. Something that is not pleasant with the Galaxy Buds live, but also with the Bose QC45.

Atmos/Spatial audio

The earbuds also offer an option to automatically apply wind noise reduction. This works very well. I was able to enjoy both music and podcasts while cycling without any difficulty. Something that is not pleasant with the Galaxy Buds live or the Bose QC45.

Jabra Elite 10 Call quality

Call quality has generally been good, but not always. Sometimes I had people complain to me about hearing wind noise when I was having a call outside. Apparantly the wind noise reduction isn’t working so well for others as it is for me. When making calls inside there didn’t seem to be any problems.

Controls

The Jabra Elite 10 earbuds use physical buttons. I was a bit hesitant about this, but in practice it works very well. The buttons are easy to press and the earbuds are not pressed hard into my ear. The big advantage is that the earbuds can also be operated with gloves.
You can choose to receive feedback while pressing by means of an acoustic signal or a voice that confirms the input. I personally like the latter, it uses a calm feminine voice. Don’t want to hear any feedback at all? That is also possible.

Software

The Jabra app is one of the better ones I have experienced so far with wireless audio products. There are clear uncluttered segments in the menu without poor translation. There is a 5-point equalizer, the ANC and hearthrough settings can be tweaked here and the functions of the buttons on the earbuds can be adjusted.

Soundscapes in the Jabra Elite 10 app

One of the options in the menu are the soundscapes. These are sounds to help you shut down completely. There is the sound of a babbling brook, a fan, songbirds, the sea, pink noise and many others. I have come to really appreciate this feature and have fallen asleep a few times with one of these sounds on.

Software updates

Jabra recently released a software update that further improved the ANC. In the near future the intention is to add LC3 and LC3+. As far as I have read on various forums, Jabra usually supports the earbuds with a number of software updates.

Batterylife of the Jabra elite 10

Jabra claims a talk time of 8 hours on a single charge without ANC on. I have noticed that I can usually squeeze out just a little more. Without ANC, Jabra promises 6 hours. The case holds approximately 3 charges. Fully charging the case takes 3 hours via a USB-C connection. It is also possible to charge the case wirelessly.

Conclusion

With the Elite 10, Jabra has really put a very good set of earbuds on the market. The sound is very good and the earbuds offer an ergonomic design. There is less pressure on the ear and a total of 4 pairs of oval-shaped eargels are supplied. It is nice to know that if purchased from Jarba itself, you can return the earbuds within 30 days if they do not fit properly. Many other web shops also offer this option. There is plenty to adjust in the app and the battery life is excellent.

They are not cheap, with a suggested retail price of €249, I don’t think they are good enough for this price. I recommend that you shop around carefully because if you are patient they sometimes drop towards €170 and in my opinion they are certainly wort it at that price.

disclaimer

I purchased these earbuds with my own money. This review was first published in Dutch on tweakers.net and can be found here.

Introduction

I have been able to test a number of keyboards from Akko and sister company Monsgeek. This time I get to try out a model with a technique that is new for the company. Akko has introduced two keyboards with magnetic switches. They gave me the MOD007B HE PC Santorini version and I would like to share my experiences about it with you.

Santorini

In recent years, Akko has released several keyboards that were based on a special place in the world. For example, the London, Tokyo and Beijing keyboards have been released. These keyboards are distinguished by implementing various details and colors of the cities they are inspired by. This is of course wonderful if you have a special connection with such a city or are a keyboard collector. This time Akko has chosen an island in the Aegean Sea, in this case the picturesque Santorini, the southernmost island of the Cyclades that belongs to Greece. Santorini is a beautiful island that is mainly characterized by world-famous white churches and buildings with blue roofs and beautiful beaches.

Specifications

Structure: 
Gasket Mount 
Connection: 
Wireless/Bluetooth/USB Type C 
Backlight: 
South-facing RGB 
Hot Swappable: 
3-Pin 
N-Key Rollover: 
Support 
Rapid Trigger (RT): 
Yes 
Dynamic Keystrokes (DKS): 
Yes 
Macro: 
Akko Macro V1.0 
Battery: 
3600mAh 
Magnetic Switch: 
Akko Cream Yellow Magnetic Switch 
Kaih Sakura Pink Magnetic Switch 
Materials: 
PBT Keycaps + PC Case 
Legends Printing: 
Dye-Sublimation 
Keycap Profile: 
Cherry 
Product Weight: 
Approximately 1KG 
Dimensions: 
333*147*32mm 

Unboxing the MOD007 HE PC Santorini

The unboxing experience is quite similar to previous Akko Keyboards I have tested. The keyboard comes in a black cardboard box with the typical Akko branding. It is wrapped in a sleeve with some very nice looking box-art of the Santorini coastline on one side, on the other side the layout of the keyboard can be seen. By using the same packaging for most keyboards Akko can shave some costs which helps keep pricing affordable.

Inside we find the keyboard protected by a plastic cover. It comes with a keycap puller, switch puller, USB receiver for the wireless 2.4ghz mode, and a manual. While most keyboards I have had from Akko came with extra keycaps to mix things up, this time however there are no extra key caps.

Build

The case of the MOD007B HE PC Santorini is made of poly-carbonate. While I personally prefer an aluminum made keyboard, it is not to say this board isn’t sturdy. There are no cracks and the board feels solid all around. The layout is typical for a 75% keyboard we have come to expect. There is a knob included to easily adjust volume or brightness of the optional backlight. On top is a USB C output and a pair of adjustable feet can be find at the back of the board.

Autopsy of the MOD007B HE PC Santorini

Keycaps and switches included with the MOD007B Santorini

The included keycaps are in the so called Cherry layout. This is a classic layout which is preferred by the majority of keyboard enthusiasts. The font used isn’t typical for cherry style keyboards though. It’s a font with the Greek style complements the Santorini theme very well.

The feel nice to type on and are made with dye-sublimated legends. While not as resistant as Double-shot legends, these come pretty close in durability. The included RGB effects of the keyboard will not shine through them but will illuminate the south side of the keycaps. The switches that come with the keyboard are either the Akko Cream Yellow Magnetic or Kailh Sakura Pink Magnetic switch. My review unit came with the latter. These feel really smooth to type on and having less friction by design, I don’t think lubing them will make a real difference, hence I didn’t bother. The specs of both switches seem to be more or less identical. The keyboard is compatible with other magnetic switches however, you will need to make sure these have a horizontal magnet layout. Additionally the MOD007B Santorini is also compatible with 3 pin mechanical switches.

Magnetic switches

Here we come to the star of the show, the thing setting this keyboard apart from previous models. Mechanical keyboards have many fans, and rightfully so. A mechanical keyboard has many benefits compared to a membrane model. There is the feedback of the switches, the durability, the sound profile and of course the variety in switches. Since more and more keyboards offer the convenience of hot-swappable sockets it is very easy to customize your keyboard with switches that provide the feedback you want. Gamers might like faster switches that respond immediately, while people that work on their PC will want to have a bit less sensitivity to avoid making mistakes.

What are Magnetic switches?

Magnetic Hall Effect (HE) keyboard switches represent a cutting-edge innovation in the realm of mechanical keyboards, offering a unique and advanced typing experience. Unlike traditional mechanical switches that rely on physical contacts to register key presses, magnetic HE switches leverage the principles of the Hall Effect to detect key actuation.

At the heart of these switches is a tiny semiconductor known as a Hall Effect sensor. This sensor is sensitive to changes in the surrounding magnetic field. Pressing a key makes sure a magnet, embedded within the switch moves closer to the Hall Effect sensor, causing a change in the magnetic field. The sensor detects this change and sends a signal to register the key press.

Benefits of HE switches

One of the primary advantages of magnetic HE switches is their durability. Since there are no physical contacts that rub against each other during key presses, there is minimal wear and tear, resulting in a longer lifespan for the switches. This can be particularly appealing to users who demand a reliable and long-lasting keyboard for both gaming and professional use.

Furthermore, the lack of physical contact in magnetic HE switches translates to a smoother and more consistent keystroke feel. Users can enjoy a tactile response without the worry of switches degrading over time. The absence of mechanical friction also contributes to a quieter typing experience, making these switches an attractive option for those who prefer a more discreet keyboard in shared environments.

Customization is another area where magnetic HE switches shine. Manufacturers can fine-tune the actuation force and travel distance of each switch, catering to a wide range of user preferences. This level of customization allows for a personalized typing experience that enhances comfort and performance.

Gaming with magnetic HE switches

In terms of gaming, magnetic HE switches offer fast and precise actuation, making them well-suited for rapid key presses often required in gaming scenarios. The absence of de-bounce delay, a common issue in some mechanical switches, ensures that every key press is registered with accuracy, providing a competitive edge to gamers.

Important: Calibrating the switches on the MOD007B HE PC Santorini

One thing to keep in mind that it is important to calibrate the keyboard in the software before use. This is because the magnetic field of the keyboard can be influenced during shipment. Hall sensors are sensitive to temperature changes. Akko recommends updating their Akko Cloud software to its latest version and calibrate the keyboard in the software. Inside the software navigate to ‘About – Maximum Key Travel Calibration – Start Calibration’ by gently pressing every key. You can download the software here.

Software

Speaking of the software and the magnetic switches; lets dive a bit deeper. Previous Akko Keyboards came with the optional Akko Cloud software. With these keyboards the software’s primary goal was to set macro’s, change layouts, add layers and customize the RGB effect. With the MOD007B HE PC Santorini things are a bit different. While you can still use the software for the other stuff, there is a lot more to adjust with this keyboard.

Rapid Trigger (RT)

One of the benefits of Magnetic Switches is the ability to change actuation on the fly and even per switch. This can be really beneficial for FPS fanatics and give them that extra edge on the virtual battlefield. Casual gamers or people with general usage can disable the rapid trigger function of course and instead customize their own preference in actuation point or choose one of the presets; Comfort, sensitive or game.

Dynamic Keystrokes (DKS)

Dynamic Keystrokes or DKS let’s you bind different operations to keys depending on how you activate them. You can set different actions to be triggered by the amount of force you use, this can be both be set for pressing and releasing keys.

While magnetic HE keyboard switches are relatively new to the market, their potential for transforming the typing and gaming experience is evident. So as technology continues to evolve, we can expect further refinements and innovations in keyboard switch design, with magnetic Hall Effect switches poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of mechanical keyboards.

Using the keyboard and thoughts about it

Having used the keyboards over a week I can say the HALL effect is pretty cool. I tried some different settings. The Rapid Trigger option really is instant, I can see this being beneficial for gamers, but that’s not me. Still was happy to be able to adjust the actuation to my preference and even being able to differentiate this per key. In the past I used Akko Black switches alongside their Jelly Purple ones for example to get a heavier feeling on my F-keys for example.

It is cool to experience these kind of differences with one type of switch. The sound of the keyboard while typing was also very satisfactory, I felt no need for mods, but this can be different from person to person of course. I did encounter some issues with the software shutting down initially. However after resetting the board It didn’t occur anymore. Altogether the keyboard is great to type on and I personally can’t wait for more options within the magnetic switch line-up. Maybe something with a more tactile kind of style of silent switches?

Final thoughts

I think the Santorini is a very nice board from a technical standpoint. The magnetic switches feel very nice to type on. Users should take care to calibrate them first though. Overall being able to set actuation points on a per switch level is really cool and something that will definitely become more and more popular as the technique around it evolves. It is great the keyboard is backwards compatible with mechanical switches as well.

The layout is like we have seen a lot lately. It’s a bold move for Akko to bring their first magnetic boards with such a love it or hate it theme though. For such a standout feature I would have personally liked if Akko would have gone with a “safer” design with just a single color and a more common font on the keycaps. I think the Santorini style is a “love it or Hate it” thing. Unfortunately I will keep using my black Monsgeek M1 (review) for now with the MARRS keycaps. However I am really looking forward to an aluminum board with options like black with HE switches though. I think that would be on my desk permanently!

The Akko MOD007B HE PC Santorini can be bought directly on Akkogear.eu using this link or on Amazon. If you purchase on Akkogear.eu you can use the coupon HELLOAKKO to get 10% your first purchase. We might get a commission by doing so.