Tag Linear switches

Monsgeek is a sub-brand of Akko that focuses on high quality for a low price. Monsgeek’s first keyboard was the M1, a 75% aluminum model. Now there is the M1W SP where the W stands for Wireless. I will share with you my experience, the similarities and the differences between these two Monsgeek keyboards.

Complete package

Unlike the regular M1, the M1W SP comes as a complete keyboard. The keyboard comes assembled with switches, keycaps and stabilizers. Of course you can replace or adjust these parts yourself if desired. This has been made as easy as possible. For example, 5-pin sockets are used and the keyboard is easy to open with the supplied Allen key.

Specifications

Structure:
Gasket Mount

Connection:
Bluetooth5.0 / 2.4GHz / USB Type-C

Backlight:
South-facing RGB

Hot Swappable:
3-Pin / 5-Pin Support

N-Key Rollover:
Support

Battery Capacity:
6000mAh

Polling Rate:
1000Hz In wired and 2.4G mode, 125Hz in Bluetooth mode.

Macro:
MonsGeek Cloud Driver

Stabilizer:
1. Pre-installed Purple Plate Mount Stabilizer

2. Separate TPU Double-shot Stabilizers

Switches:
Akko V3 Piano Pro

Materials:
PBT Keycaps + Aluminum Case

Legends Printing:
Double-shot Side-printed Gradient Shine-through

Keycap Profile:
OEM

Product Weight:
Approx. 2.2kg

Dimensions:
33.3cm*14.6cm*3.26cm

Operating Systems:
Windows / macOS / iOS / Android

Package List:
Keyboard×1, Manual×1, Coiled Cable×1, Keycap Puller×1, Switch Puller×1, Teflon Pads (not pre-installed), Separate TPU Double-shot Stabilizers

Small changes from M1 to M1W SP

Compared to the regular M1, a number of improvements have been made. For example, the rotatable encoder has been slightly improved. It has an improved interior so that it gives even less friction and has become slightly higher. In addition, the poron case foam has become more elastic and the optional teflon stickers have recesses for the screw holes. These teflon stickers are intended for a so-called Force-break mod. As a result, there is less metal-to-metal contact, resulting in less ping. Furthermore, a dip switch has been added next to the caps lock switch. This allows you to choose Mac, Windows or wireless. Furthermore, unlike the regular M1, there are no screw-in stabilizers provided. However, plate mounted stabilizers (pre-lubed) are pre-installed and there is an extra set made with a different material to experiment with. The device still supports screw-in stabilizers however,

Opening the Monster like a Geek

Although the keyboard is basically ready for use, I still wanted to take a look at the inside of the M1W SP and immediately apply a force-break mod. The keyboard can be easily opened by means of 6 screws, which can be removed using the supplied Allen key. However, it is important to be careful when removing the mainboard because there are two cables attached to it that need to be unplugged.

The mainboard is very similar to that of the Monsgeek M1. Here too I notice that there seems to be room for RGB LEDs on the sides. I wonder if they want to release a variant with LEDs on the sides in the future. The sockets again come from Kailh.

Some small mods

I did a little bit of modding myself. For example, I used the supplied teflon stickers around the screw holes of the frame to eliminate the slight ping. I also placed the supplied tape mod on the back of the mainboard. I left out the bottom foam layer and put a layer of cotton wool in the bottom. This gives a slightly different sound.

It’s time for switches B……

The included switches are Akko’s recently released Piano Switches. These are linear switches that operate very smoothly. They have a slightly higher pitch or “clack”. They come well tuned from the factory and I have seen no need to lube them myself. This is also nice with a complete plate. I personally prefer to type with the cream yellows. these feel just a bit more smooth. So many people, so many wishes. Fortunately, there is a lot of choice when it comes to switches.

Ninja Keycaps

The keycaps that come with the M1W SP are of the so-called stealth type. The fonts are on the front instead of on top. Normally they are not visible, but if you turn on the RGB lighting, they come to life thanks to a small cut-out. There is no glow through the switches, which makes the whole look neat. The encoder does not transmit light. This feels sturdy and has a slightly different interior than the regular M1. It should be a bit more stable, although I’ve never had any problems with the regular M1. They are also interchangeable with each other. If you want to use some other keycaps you can take a look at the collection from Akko here.

Wireless connectivity

The big difference with the regular M1 is of course the wireless functionality. The past few days I have used the 2.4ghz connection through the supplied dongle. I experienced no problems and enjoyed the extra space on my desk. I was also curious if there wouldn’t be any problems with the signal between the keyboard and my wireless mouse (Logitech). I had seen a single user write about this online but I did not experience any problem with this. The connection with bluetooth also worked without problems. You connect the device by holding down the FN button in combination with the E R or T key. When it starts flashing you enter pairing mode. the next time you switch to the desired device by short pressing FN together with one of these buttons. The 2.4Ghz is the most stable connection after USB-C. Working with the wireless connection is excellent, just like casual gaming. However, if you want to play competitively in shooters, for example, the USB-C connection is of course recommended if you want the best possible connection.

Software

Unlike the regular M1, the M1W SP version does not come with QMK/VIA support. Instead, a proprietary suite is available called Monsgeek Driver. The interface is simply designed and offers various options to personalize the keyboard. For example, it is possible to move keys, create macros and FN layers and adjust the lighting. It is also possible to import custom profiles from other users. However, the encoder cannot be adjusted in terms of functionality. This controls volume or the intensity of the lighting.

Verdict of the Monsgeek M1W SP

The M1W ISO is an excellent variation on the standard M1. However, in addition to advantages, there are also potential disadvantages. This mainly depends on your own wishes / requirements. The wireless convenience is of course a big plus. The fact that both a 2.4Ghz and 3 different Bluetooth connections are possible is a big plus. In addition, the wired option will of course still be present.
Small quality of life improvements such as the improved Teflon stickers with cutouts for the screw holes, better material for the included optional sound-reducing mat and the improved encoder are welcome. The lack of VIA support can be a drawback for people who tweak their keyboard to their own liking. For many people, however, the included software will be sufficient. I do miss the integration of a key tester in the software.

The model I tested is the ISO version. I could easily get used to this layout. Although we in the Netherlands are mainly used to ANSI, this is not the case in other parts of Europe. Logitech also supplies mainly in the ISO layout in the Benelux, so there are quite a few people who prefer this layout. This kit is ideal for people who want to get started right away. The keyboard comes with good, smooth switches that don’t need work and high-quality keycaps in a stealthy look.

If all this appeals to you but you prefer an ANSI layout, this is also available and you can also choose from two other colors. They can all be viewed on the product page of the M1W series.

For this review I tested the M1W SP version which comes complete with switches and keycaps. For the DIY version you can check this link.

Coupon for first time orders

If this is your first order on Akkogear.eu and there is no current discount on the website you can use coupon HELLOAKKO to get 10% your first order!

This review was first post in Dutch on Tweakers.net link here

Akko send me this product for review, the links in this article may be affiliate links which help me maintain this website.

The Monsgeek M1 which was launched recently has been very well received and has gotten a lot of positive reviews. Offering a solid set of features like a premium build quality, south-facing switches and QMK/VIA support for a competitive price. Now the sister brand of Akko is releasing it’s second keyboard; the Monsgeek M2. The M2 is a 1800 style, or 96% keyboard.

Why choose a DIY mechanical keyboard?

Mechanical keyboards, in general, have many advantages over commonly seen “standard” keyboards which use rubber dome switches or scissor switches. Among these advantages are a longer lifespan, responsive feeling and overall a better typing and gaming experience. The downsides of a mechanical keyboard will mostly be their price and sound which is often a bit louder then you get with a traditional rubber dome keyboard.

Monsgeek is one of the brands that aims to give more people acces to highly adjustable and customizable mechanical keyboards. So if you want a mechanical keyboard without a loud sound, you can put in some extra sound dampening foam in your keyboard and choose some silent switches like the Akko Silent Pink. You cand the review of these silent switches here. If you are a person on the other hand who likes to let the world know they are typing you can get some loud, clicky switches like Cherry Blue or Box White’s from Kailh.

Luckily as mechanical keyboards are becoming more mainstream, prices are coming down as well. The goal of Monsgeek is exactly this; providing more people acces to affordable, high quality and highly customizable keyboards. They let you choose your switches and keycaps, change the sound profile by adding or removing sound dampening material without the need of soldering.

Almost Full-size

The Monsgeek M2 is a keyboard which has an almost full size layout while being a roughly as wide as a TKL keyboard. This is great for people who like to use a numpad but don’t want a keyboard to take up all the desk-space. You will have to sacrifice some keys ofcourse but being a VIA compatible keyboard this won’t be a big problem since you can always move keys and functions. With a compact form factor that eliminates unnecessary keys, a 96% keyboard can help minimize desk clutter and reduce strain on the wrists and hands during extended typing sessions. Another benefit regarding ergonomics is that the reduce width will also keep your mouse arm from over stretching.

What you get when buying the Monsgeek M2

The Monsgeek M2 comes in a similar package as the Monsgeek M1 did. The Packaging is mostly black with some branding. Inside the pre-assembled keyboard is covered by packaging foam, a plastic cover and a protective cover. Also included are a manual and an optional sheet of tape for modding the sound profile. Next to the keyboard a cutout has been made where you will find the accessories like a coiled cable, screws, sound dampening teflon stickers and screw-in stabs. The keyboard comes assembled together but you will need to open it in order to put in the screw in stabs. These come pre-clipped and can be lubed by the user to bring out the best feeling. While the Monsgeek M1 models all had golden colored side bars, only the silver edition has kept this color, all the others have silver colored sidebars now. The Monsgeek Logo has also been engraved inside the bottom casing now, a very nice touch.

Building the board

Before opening up the keyboard I lubed the housing of the screw-in stabs with Krytox 205g0 and used dielectric grease on the wires. I disassembled the keyboard, put the teflon stickers under on the pcb where the stabs go, placed and screwed them and put the keyboard back together. I chose to use all, the provided foam layers and to not include the optional sheet of painters tape. You can check out some tips for lubing here.

Switches

For my build I used the Akko Snow blue grey switches together with the Jelly Purple‘s for the Numpad. I liked the idea of having some tactile feedback when using the numpad. I lubed both the switches, the Snow Blue Grey‘s with Krytox 205g0 and the Jelly purple‘s with Trybosis 3203, which is less thick. The Jelly purples tend to have a bit less wobble thanks to the dust covers they use. Both switches are semi-loud in use.

Monsgeek M2 and keycap compatibility

The Monsgeek M2 requires two functions keys on R1 in 1.5u size. It is important to check if your keycap set includes these. If you order keycaps from the Akko website you can choose MDA or SAL keycap sets which include the needed keycaps. I used the Ocean Star keycaps for this keyboard which uses the SAL profile. The SAL profile is a bit larger then the ASA profile most Akko keycaps have and the standard rows are all flattened out apart from the F and J keys which are slightly curved to help your fingers find their way. Personally though I think a different set of keycaps would have fit the silver option better like a white on black keycap set.

Impressions and conclusion

Like the Monsgeek M1, the Monsgeek M2 makes a solid impression. Building the board was, again easy enough. There are no squeaks or rattling sounds. There is a ping when not using the teflon stickers, but adding this between the two halves removes this issue. The board is, even without the addition of foam a bit on the stiffer side. For me this is fine, I don’t care that much for the overly bouncy gasket-style. Personally I used all the foam because I like a more dampened board. What I like less is the limitation in keycap compatibility because of the need of the 1.5 function keys in R1. Ofcourse most respectable premium keycap sets from brands like GMMK come with these keys and Akko also has the SAL and MDA keycap sets which offer these. I was told though that that a successor in the future will not have this limitation.

Would I recommend this keyboard? If you are looking for a 1800 or 96% style keyboard, then yes this is a very solid option. You get a premium build keyboard, great software and lots of customizability. Just make sure you buy the international version if you want VIA/QMK. You can order this version directly from Akkogear.eu

Be sure to use coupon HELLOAKKO and get 10% off (Limited time offer).

What I liked about the Monsgeek M2

• Solid build quality
• Screw in stabs included
• QMK/VIA support
• Coiled cable included
• Engraved logo on the back is a nice premium addition

What I didn’t like

• Somewhat limited keycap compatibility
• Price difference in Europe vs US (but no import and custom fees)

Akko kicks of the 3rd series of their switches with the release of the V3 Cream Yellow and V3 Cream Blue. As those familiar with switches probadly guessed; the blue ones are tactile and the yellow of the linear kind. We are taking a look at the linear version today, provided for review by Akkogear.de.

Packaging

Just like the Snow Blue Grey switches these come with a new art style on the box wrapper. In the box it is still the same trusted and nice packaging Akko has provided with their other switches in. Every switch is individually placed in a plastic box which can easily be opened. The benefit of this packaging is that the risk of getting bend pins is reduced to almost zero. Storage and sortage of switches is also easy with these boxes as they are small and colored differently for each type of switch.

V3 Cream Yellow up close

You might have guessed the switches have a mostly yellow color to them, they remind me of these sweet banana candys. The bottom is made of PA, the housing a semi-transparant PC material and the stem is made out of POM. All of these parts have a yellow color scheme. Akko has used one of their extension springs here which is 18mm in lenght.

• Type: Linear
• Operating Force: 50 ± 5gf
• Total Travel: 3.5±0.3mm
• Pre-Travel: 1.9±0.3mm
• Tactile Position: N/A
• End Force: 58gf ± 5gf

Testing time!

I used the switches in a Monsgeek M1 keyboard, which was reviewed as well, and paired these with the MARRS keycaps from Akko. These keycaps have a cherry profile and had no compatiblity issues with these switches thanks to the extended pole used on the stem. I used the switches together with the Akko Jelly blacks which have a comparible operating force.

Typing experience

The Cream Yellow switches are pretty similair to Gateron Yellow in specs and are in the same ball park of Akko’s Jelly Blacks when it comes to the operating force of the switch. They do feel different to type on compared to the blacks though. The feeling is indeed buttery creamy mainly thanks to the different housing material. There is just a little bit amount of scratching when you listen up close but overall they are very consistent. Wobbling is minimal to none. From what I have heard from others, these are an improved Matcha Green feeling wise. I personally haven’t used the Matcha Greens though. Compared to the Gateron Yellow the Cream Yellows feel more consistant.

Sound

The Cream Yellow’s provide a nice creamy, clacky sound which appeals to me personally. Like feeling and feedback of switches this tends to be a personal thing. The material of the keyboard used is also a factor in this.

Gaming with the V3 Cream Yellow

The V3 cream yellow is a pleasant switch to use for gaming. It is a bit heavier then something like a Cherry Red which a lot of gamers use. I wouldn’t recommend these for people who want the fastest response while playing CS-GO. However If you are looking for a good overall switch with a smooth feedback and a little bit of resistance this might be a very balanced switch for you. I am not a heavy e-sports FPS gamer and I personally had a very good time using these switches while playing Hitman 3 and Atomic heart among other games.

Switch tester

Having a hard time deciding which type of switch you would like to use or compare some type of switches against one another? One option is to use a switch tester. The Akko x Monsgeek switch tester lets you try out 16 different switches from Akko, TTC and Cherry. The include the V3 creal Yellow and V3 Cream blue but also the Classic Cherry Red and the poplair Jelly Black and Purple switches. You can order the switch tester directly from Akkogear.de for €7,99 (ex.VAT). It’s a cost effective way to try out some of the most popular Akko switches without having to buy a whole package.

Value and conclusion

The price of these switches are very competitive at €8,99/$8,99 (ex. tax) for 45 switches. For this price you are getting very smooth switches straight out of the box which get even better after lubing. I can recommend these switches to people looking for a nice, smooth switch for mixed usage. These strike a nice balance between price and performance. They are not the heaviest, not the lightest switch and will probably appeal to most people sound-wise. These are perfect for people who use their keyboard for mixed usage like gaming and other everyday tasks.

Linear switches and tactile switches are two of the most common types of mechanical keyboard switches. Both offer unique typing experiences and are favored by different groups of users. In this article, we will explore the difference between linear switches and tactile switches and help you determine which one is the best choice for your needs.

Linear switches

Linear switches are known for their smooth, consistent, and silent keystroke. They are popular among gamers who prefer a fast and uninterrupted typing experience. Linear switches lack the bump that tactile switches have, which provides feedback to the user about when a key has been activated. This makes them ideal for fast-paced gaming or tasks where accuracy is key.

many options to choose from

Since linear switches are so populair among gamers there are is a lot of choice here. There are people who want a switch to respond almost instantly, so called fast switches which have a short travel time like the Akko CS Silver. Others might be looking for a good budget switch like the Gateron Milky Yellow. Cherry MX reds are a classic ofcourse but there is something for everyone out there.

Tactile switches

Tactile switches, on the other hand, offer a bump or a tactile feedback when a key is activated. This bump provides an auditory and physical cue to the user that the key has been pressed, which can be helpful for touch typists who prefer to feel their way around the keyboard. Tactile switches are also preferred by writers and programmers who need to type quickly and accurately, but still want some feedback to help ensure they are pressing the correct keys.

Lubing

A big part of getting the best out of any switch is making sure it is lubed. Many switches come out scratchy sounding or don’t feel as smooth as they could be. You can read about lubing here. Don’t feel like doing this yourself? Luckily there are options out there like Akko Linear Black pre-lubed edition.

So which is best for you?

Both linear switches and tactile switches have their own pros and cons. Linear switches are faster and more consistent, but can sometimes be less comfortable to type on for extended periods of time. Tactile switches are slower but provide a more satisfying typing experience, and are often preferred by typists who need to type for long periods of time. In conclusion, the choice between linear switches and tactile switches comes down to personal preference and what you plan to use the keyboard for. Gamers who value speed and accuracy will likely prefer linear switches, while typists and writers may prefer tactile switches for their tactile feedback and comfort. Regardless of which type of switch you choose, both offer high-quality typing experiences that are sure to make your keyboard use more enjoyable. You can check out Akkogear.eu for more switches and for your first order use coupon HELLOAKKO to get 10% off.

Once again it is time to test a linear switch from Akko. This time Akko send over their new Haze pink switches.

Haze Pink is Akko’s first silent switch

Akko keeps pouring out switches like there is no tomorrow. Lineair, tactile, light, heavy, POM, Jelly, all sorts of switches. There is one thing they still didn’t have; a silent switch. Well boys and girls, the wait is over. While most people like there keyboards make clicky, clacky, poppy, dooby, daby sounds, not everybody can appreciate this. This is especially true for co-workers and spouses. While there are options like 0-rings available these don’t always provide the best result and can significantly alter the typing experience. So Akko decided it was time to put out a silent switch.

A closer look

Opening up the Haze pink switches we can see that the top and bottom are both made out of PC whilst the stem is made of POM material. The spring is roughly 15mm in length. So far nothing unlike we have seen before. When looking closer though, there are some very small silicon cushions on the sides of the stem. These are positioned on the top and bottom of the stem’s flanks.

Specifications

Switch name: Akko Haze Pink(Silent)
Type: Linear
Operating Force: 43 ± 5gf
Bottom-Out Force: 58 ± 5gf
Pre-Travel: 2.0 ± 0.3mm
Total Travel: 4.0 ± 0.3mm
Tactile Position: N/A
Housing bottom: PC
Housing top: PC
Stem: POM

Lubing the Haze pink switches

My first impression of the switch was that they felt pretty snappy straight out of the box but I wanted to give them the lube treatment anyway. So as per usual I lubed the housing and stem with Krytox G205g0. I didn’t lube the springs as I didn’t have a thin enough solution handy. Still the end result got me satisfied.
If you wan to know how to lube your switches or wonder what you need, I have made an article about the topic, which you can find here.

Typing experience and ofcourse soundtest

Typing on the Haze pink switches was a pleasant experience. They felt snappy, smooth and light, but not too light. I still love the heavy Jelly black switches (review) but these are special in their own right. The sound, or rather lack of sound is very nice. The only thing making any sound now is my spacebar. Ofcourse you can cut some packing foam to size to fill this up if you want total silence. Since I sometimes do my typing at night and my desk in in the same room as we sleep, these switches proved to be a nice addition. I used the switches in the Monsgeek M1 keyboard (review).

Final thoughts

The Akko Haze Pink switches are nice smooth switches which are incredibly silent. I hope Akko will continue to expend the silent treatment to other switches as well. I would love to see a nice tactile switch like the Jelly Purple without the sound for example. The Haze Pink switches are perfect for people who want to use a mechanical keyboard in an office or other environment where silence is preferred. You can order the switches directly from akkogear.eu. Akkogear.eu is the official European website for Akko products and ships worldwide. By using one of the links provided you help us getting review samples.

The Alice layout has become quite popular due to its ergonomic shape. Akko launched the white acrylic version last year and recently followed up with a spray painted white version. Still there were people wanting a black version. Akko has Finally answered the call with the Alice Plus Black! Fortunately for me I got the chance to test one out myself, so allow me to share my thoughts on this keyboard with you. Its full name is: the Akko Acr Pro Alice Plus Black, but I’ll just refer to it as the Akko Plus Black in this review for the sake of simplicity.

The Alice style layout explained

The Alice layout is one that aims to give users less muscle strain by forcing the wrists outwards like normal keyboards do. It is made with a space between the left and right sides both bending a bit inwards. Both sides have a smaller space-bar instead of just one big version. There are some different variations depending on which manufacturer makes these kinds of boards. Sometimes there are no dedicated arrow keys for example. Akko has chosen to include these, which in my opinion make for a more versatile keyboard. Basically this is a 65% keyboard with a more ergonomic shape.

Unboxing the Akko Alice Plus Black

Specifications

Structure: Gasket Mount
Number of Keys: 68
Case Material: Acrylic+CNC
Keycaps: ASA PBT Keycap Set Pink on Black
Switch: Akko CS Crystal Switch
Plate: Polycarbonate plate
Gasket: Silicone Socks with Regular Silicone Gaskets
PCB Thickness: 1.2mm
Plate Foam: Poron
Switch Pad: Silicone
Case Foam: EVA (not pre-installed, for users who prefer more muted sound profile)
Stabilizers: Akko Plate Mount Lubed Stabilizer (supports screw-in stabilizer as well)
Hot-Swappable: Yes

Direct link to product: Here

Included accessories

The Akko Alice Black comes as a comprehensive package. Included in the box are:

• USB C to A cable, Coiled
• Additional keycaps from the pink on black keycap set
• Keycap puller
• Switch puller
• Extra daughterboard
• Spare silicon gaskets
• Adjustable Acrylic keyboard feet
• Hex Screwdriver

First impressions of the Alice Plus Black

The first thing that surprised me when taking out the keyboard itself was its weight. It feels a lot more solid and hefty then pictures would suggest. It made a good solid impression lifting it up and holding it in my hands. The gasket mount seems to work pretty well here too.

The finish is nice with a solid spray painted black up front and a transparent black backside which extends to the sides of the keyboard. There are 12 gold plated screws on the back which can be removed with the included hex-screwdriver. On the back is a picture with Akko’s mascot and the model name is engraved at the bottom. At first I was surprised to see a B keycap on both the left and right side of the board, but after doing some research this appears to be common with Alice style keyboards.

Akko CS Crystal Switches

The keyboard comes with Akko’s CS Crystal switches. The Crystal switches are one of the newer switches in Akko’s portfolio. They came as the name suggests in an all clear housing made of poly-carbonate. The CS Crystal switch is a relatively light linear switch. The clear housing helps to distribute RGB lights full and bright. A lot of switch housings have a bit of color on them which impacts the RGB, not with the crystal switches though.

The CS Crystal switches are a light switch with an actuation force of 43gf and just 1.6mm of pre-travel. They feel very comfortable to type on, are smooth as butter and are on the clacky side sound-wise. I didn’t feel the need to lube these switches and experienced zero spring-ping or crunchy sounds. I liked these a lot more than the CS Silver switches and could see myself using these on a daily basis.

Keycaps supplied with the Alice Plus Black

The keyboard comes with double shot pbt keycaps in the ASA profile. The theme of the included keycaps is pink on black. The keyboard doesn’t just ship with the keycaps placed on it though. A full set is included so you can re-use these keycaps on almost any board you like, even ISO builds! In my case this seems like a real possibility, as both my wife and daughter immediately fell in love with the included pink novelties all pink caps like that came with it.

No more tape-mod on the stabs needed?

A cool new feature Akko included with the board are their updated stabilizers. The come with pom housings and stems which should eliminate the need for doing band-aid mods to reduce rattling. I can confirm that I didn’t experience any rattling myself. Great job Akko!

Using the Alice Plus Black

I have used the Alice plus black for about a week before writing this review. I can honestly say I am positively surprised about this board. At first I had to get used to the shape of the keyboard. Having used a 96% board for a while now I can really get the appeal people have towards this shape and layout. The keyboard sits a bit higher than my 3098B (review here) does, so I might look for a wrist rest later on. I could use the included keyboard feet but personally I don’t like the idea of having to put these on with adhesive stickers. Meanwhile the rubber domes on the back of the board do a good job of making sure it doesn’t move away. The board also comes with extra smaller gaskets if you want more bounce.

Typing experience with the Alice Plus Black

Typing on the Alice Plus Black is a delightful experience. At first I had to retrain my muscle memory a little bit of course, but this took about a day for me. The CS Crystal switches feel VERY smooth and really combine well with the ergonomic shape of the keyboard. I can see myself using these switches more in the future! The gaskets make for a pleasant cushioned feeling and help make it more quiet as well. You can adjust the feeling, as the board also comes with extra smaller gaskets for if you want more bounce.

I later Included the optional case foam to reduce sounds even more and this really made for a totally smooth and silent board. It is nice to see the EVA foam has cut-outs in all the right places so it fits perfectly. Using this board has convinced me I can actually live with smaller sized models. Something I was always a bit hesitant to do. Typing on this board feels smooth like butter and really helps with feeling less pressure on my wrists.

RGB

As is common nowadays this board comes with optional RGB lightning as well. Thanks to the Crystal switches RGB is full and bright. The keycaps that come with the board do not shine through, but the illumination surrounding them is still pretty good thanks to the CS Crystals. The board comes with a wide variety of RGB and solid color options. From breathing to tracing your keystrokes but also screen mirroring and music mode. Screen mirroring sets the color of the board to the primary one being displayed on your monitor.

Not only is it possible to choose from a variety of colors and patterns to illuminate the switches here though. There is also a second pair of LEDS that can individually be controlled to light up the back and bottom row of the board.

These settings can all be done on the board itself, but it is even easier doing this with Akko’s software suite.

Akko Cloud software

The Akko cloud software helps you set up your keyboard the way you want it. Whether it is setting up macros or rebinding your keys. If for example you rather have Home and End instead of Del and Ins you can adjust this here. This is where all those extra keycaps come in handy! You can also make layers on your keys in the Akko Cloud software. There are people hoping Akko will make their boards compatible with VIA/QMK in the future, the Akko Cloud software isn’t the worst alternative though. It is easy to navigate and use. You can find the software at Akko’s website.

Conclusion

The Akko Alice is a keyboard that really surprised me. I was intrigued by the shape when I first saw these kinds of boards, but always thought it wouldn’t be my cup of tea. Well I teach my kids to try before you say no to food, the same goes for me with keyboards I guess! I absolutely love the typing experience the Alice keyboard gives me. The shape feels a bit alien at first but I adapted quickly and really found it to be comfortable.

Not only does the shape of the board contribute to the typing comfort though. The gasket design adds to this as well. But the biggest surprise to me was the fact I really like the Crystal switches that come with the board. These are very smooth and light, but not too light. They feel so incredibly good straight out of the gate that I didn’t feel the need to lube these. The same goes for the upgrades stabilizers that come with the board. These do not need a band-aid mod at all!

Is everything great? No, personally I wished there were some retractable feet on the board itself or made these a screw-in option or something. I don’t like to add things to my keyboard with adhesive stickers. I might look at a wrist rest in the future. Another thing I would personally love is a wireless option, but this is more a desire from a clean-desk standpoint. Minor things that don’t make this keyboard any less desirable. If you are looking for an ergonomically shaped keyboard which comes in a very complete package at a very competitive price, look no further!

The Alice Plus Black with discount

Want to get the Alice Plus Black with a nice 10% off? Use HELLOAKKO as your coupon code at akkogear.eu. You can use this for your first order. Why not get some nice keycaps while you are at it? The black and cyan looks great on this board!

Disclaimer

This product was sent to me by Akkogear.de for review. I did not get paid to write this review and my opinions are my own. This review is also posted in dutch at Tweakers.met you can check it out here

Some links here are affiliate links, when using these links to order a product you support my website by getting more products in for reviewing.

The Akko CS Silver switches came with my Akko 3098B keyboard. You can find the review of the board here.

I have used Cherry Brown and Gateron brown switches myself in the past, with the latter typing just a bit better. Then moved on to Gateron Yellows. When choosing the keyboard, as mentioned earlier in the review of the keyboard, I opted for the CS silver switches. I had the choice of CS Silver, the Pink and two other switches. The main reason for me to choose the CS silver was the fact that I wanted to try a so-called “fast” switch.

About the Akko CS Silver Switches

The CS silver switches belong to the Custom Switches from Akko. The Custom switches are manufactured as a result of feedback and market research by Akko. Often a switch is taken from the existing line-up and then improved upon. The CS Silver switches have a very short pre-travel of only 1mm and is made of high quality materials.

The stem is made of POM, also called Polyacetal. This material is very sturdy and dimensionally stable and is widely used in mechanical engineering. The top is made of poly-carbonate and the bottom of nylon.

Specs

Using the Akko CS Silver switches

The Silver switches are pleasant to use. In my opinion, they don’t need a lube to remove ping or scratch. But it never hurts. Personally, I noticed that the switches are very sensitive. For me personally, this is not great. I make a lot of typos because of this.

For playing games where speed is a factor, these will be very pleasant. There is no wobble in the switches, this is partly thanks to the dust cover where there is a wall surrounding the stem.

Akko’s switches have a so-called 3-pin system and can therefore be used for almost all hot-swap boards. The CS switches also have a higher stem, so that keycaps with the Cherry profile should not cause any problems.

RGB

The top of the switch is transparent. This allows it to easily let light through. Because the bottom is made of Nylon, it does not allow light to pass through. The difference with the Jelly series is therefore a slightly lower yield of RGB light, although this is still more than enough for most people. If you do like RGB you should check out this ACR set!

Final thoughts

The CS silver switches are perfect for the gamers who want to transfer their actions from fingers to game as quickly as possible. The switch activates itself at the lightest touch. There is hardly a pre-travel. As mentioned earlier, lubing is not a must with this switch. Due to the material used and the quality of production, it is already very smooth. This is my personal opinion, of course.

For people who mainly type, another switch from the Akko range will probably be better suited. Linear alternatives are, for example, the V3 Cream Yellow or the hand-lubed CS Piano. For lovers of Tactile, these are for example the Gateron Orange or Akko POM Brown.

Keychron is on a roll with their Q series of high quality boards for competitive prices. After their recent success with the Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 they now launched the Q5. The Keychron Q5 is a 96% or a 1800- style layout board. This layout is perfect for those who want to have a numpad without the bulk of a full-size keyboard on their desk.

The Keychron Q5 has, like all the other Q series so far, full VIA and QMK support. This is great for those who wish to be able to program their boards to their liking.

Build

Just like the other members of the Q series the Keychron Q5 is made out of a full metal CNC machined body. The Q5 comes with a double gasket design which not only uses gaskets on the plate but also between the top and bottom cases. According to Keychron this reduces the sound resonance between the metals. The board has hot-swappable sockets so its easy to change switches. Both 3 pin and 5 pin MX switches are supported. So you can use Cherry, Gateron or maybe some of those lovely Jelly Purples or Jelly Blacks from Akko! The Keychron Q5 comes with Screw-in stabilizers which is great for stability. Afterparty stabilizers from Cherry and Durock are supported as well. Enthousiasts will be happy to hear the board has a south-facing RGB layout. This makes the board compatible with Cherry-style keycaps.

Perfect size for numpad-lovers

The 96% or 1800 layout is perfect for those who love their numpad but don’t want the bulk of full-size. Basically the layout is very close to a full size. Some keys right of the spacebar are shrunken down like alt, shift and control. This and a smaller zero on the numpad make the left and right side of the board crawl closer to the arrow-island. The INS, Page UP and Page down buttons have been sacrificed on the knob version but these are still accessible through shortcuts. The version without knob only lacks an INS key. Of course with the Keychron q5 running with QMK and VIA you can re-program this to your liking. After owning both full size and TKL boards I currently use an Akko 3098B with the 96% and I find it to be the perfect middle ground.

Choices, Choices everywhere!

One of the hardest part buying the Keychron Q5 will be choosing version. There are three colors to choose from; Carbon Black, Silver Grey and Navy Blue. All three come in a fully assembled version or as a bare-bones option. When choosing the barebone version it is possible to get a ISO-layout as well, which is great for European customers! All models are Windows and Mac compatible!

To Knob or not to knob the Keychron Q5

Both the barebone kits and fully assembled options can be had with or without a knob. The knob by default controls volume but just like the rest of the board, this can be reprogrammed. Choosing a model with a knob sacrifices some dedicated keys on the board, so pick your poison here.

Keycaps and switches

Colors come in Carbon Black, Silver Grey and Navy Blue. All three have matching keycaps while choosing a fully assembled board. The keycaps are double shot PBT, OSA profile. The OSA profile are sculpted keycaps with a OEM hight with the curvature of the SA profile. For more on different profiles, read this article on mechlounge.com

When going for the complete package you get to choose from a selection of 3 switches. These are the linear Gateron Red, clicky Gateron Blue or tactile Gateron Brown. All three are the of the G Pro line-up. These switches come pre-lubed (except the Blue) and should produce less wobble then standard Gateron switches.

Pricing and availability

The Keychron Q5 is available now. Check for all models and pricing on Keychron.com

Or check out some great alternatives from Akko at the Akkogear.de store and use code RIEZ1984 to get 10% off!