AKKO 5075B Plus Review
I got my hands on the AKKO 5075B PLUS RGB TKL keyboard. The keyboard is sold w/ a variety of color configurations. What I have is the Blue on White 5075B Plus model. This would be my first time using a keyboard from AKKO. I must admit I'm impressed and did not expect all the goodies that comes free with the keyboard.
Specification:
Akko Haze Pink Silent/CS Crystal/CS Wine White Switches
Interface
Akko Macro V1.0
N-Key Rollover Support
Disable Winlock Support
RGB Backlit
3000mah Battery capacity
USB Type-C/2.4G/Bluetooth wireless
PROS
✅ Tons of RGB customization
✅ Cushioned typing experience
✅ Solid build quality
✅ 3 levels of incline position
✅ Inclusion of extra key caps and switches
CONS
⛔ Battery life could be better
Packaging and Build Quality
Cick on the images to zoom
Click on the images to zoom
The AKKO 5075 has a nice-looking box with the image of the keyboard embossed. Removing the outer box sleeve there is a black box with the keyboard and accessories. I appreciate that AKKO included some novelty key caps and extra CS crystal switches plus all the tools needed to remove and replace them. Also included is the USB receiver for the 2.4Ghz wireless connection and type C to USB- A for wired connection and charging.
The 5075B is solidly built but is not that heavy, weighing at 880g. The base material is made from high quality ABS plastic and according to the AKKO website the key cap material is known as PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate). Doing some further reading about key caps materials, it does appear that PBT is the best material due to it being more robust and durable. Key caps of mechanical keyboard should be durable as we tend to hit the keys with more force compared to a membrane keyboard plus the switch themselves exert some force.
Typing on the 5075B is comfortable with just the right amount of clicking sound. My MX brown keys equipped gaming keyboard uses the MX brown switch having an actuation force of 55gf compared to 43gf CS Crystal Switch for the 5075B. The CS Crystal Switch has a lighter actuation force and comparable to Cherry MX Red Switch. After typing on the AKKO 5075B I can say that the build quality and comfort is superior due to the gasket mount design. AKKO use a gasket material such as silicone or neoprene sandwich between the plate and the PCB which AKKO calls as floating mount.
The incline is adjustable with the built in angle adjustment feet. On my usage of the AKKO 5075B, typing on the flat position is equally comfortable compared to when typing on an incline. I guess this is more to user preference on what feels more ergonomically ok. My table has a keyboard tray so typing in flat position is not really a big issue. However, positioning my keyboard on the table would require me to be much closer to the table with the keyboard in the incline position. I would also probably need a wrist rest for comfort and ergonomics.
Talking about RGB, the different light effects on the AKKO 5075B looks awesome. There are a bunch of pre-programmed RGB lighting effects that can be set on the fly by using keyboard commands or short cuts. For me this is convenient and practical as I find most RGB keyboard software to by clunky and difficult to use. I have not tried the AKKO RGB software, it's available for download at AKKO website - AKKO Cloud.
Image courtesy of AKKO
CS Crystal Switch on the AKKO 5075B Plus
Looking at the bottom side of the keyboard, there is a 3-way switch position for MAC, USB and Windows. If a wired connection is preferred, just hook up using the included type-C to USB-A cable and set the switch to USB. Connecting the USB cable when in MAC or Windows mode should also start to charge the keyboard battery.
The side of the keyboard has a transparent strip that is meant for RGB lighting that works in sync with the RGB on the keyboard keys.
Connectivity
One of the key features of the AKKO 5075B Plus Keyboard is its versatile connectivity from Beken Plus chip for its tri-modes solution - 2.4Ghz wireless, Bluetooth and type-C. Using Bluetooth connectivity, it's possible to connect to 3 different devices (one at a time). I tried this with both my laptop and my iPhone. Switching between devices is seamless by using key commands such as Fn+E/Fn+R/Fn+T and can be used to toggle from connected device to the next. The 2.4Ghz wireless needs the USB dongle and the keyboard shortcut is Fn+Y to connect.
