Akko 5075B Plus

Overview

The Akko 5075B Plus is a 75% layout mechanical keyboard designed for users who prioritize customization and value. Introduced by Akko, a brand established in 2016, this model caters to a market segment interested in mechanical keyboards beyond entry-level options without entering the high-end custom build space. Its 75% form factor integrates a function row and arrow keys, offering more functionality than a 60% or 65% keyboard while maintaining a relatively compact footprint.

A primary feature of the 5075B Plus is its hot-swappable switch sockets, which allow users to change mechanical switches without soldering. This facilitates experimentation with different switch types, such as linear, tactile, or clicky, to achieve a preferred typing or gaming experience. The keyboard typically ships with Akko's proprietary switches, such as Akko Jelly Pink, Jelly Purple, or Cream Yellow, which are often cited for their smoothness and consistency in their respective categories. The inclusion of 5-pin hot-swap sockets ensures compatibility with a broad range of aftermarket MX-style switches.

The 5075B Plus incorporates a gasket-mounted design. This mounting style uses elastomeric gaskets between the plate and the PCB, and the keyboard's top and bottom cases, rather than screwing the plate directly to the case. This construction is intended to provide a softer, more flexible typing feel and improved acoustics by isolating the plate from direct contact with the case. This design is increasingly common in custom keyboard builds and is a notable feature for a pre-built keyboard in this price segment.

Connectivity options include USB-C for wired use, Bluetooth 5.0, and a 2.4GHz wireless dongle. This tri-mode connectivity enables the keyboard to be used across multiple devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it suitable for both gaming and productivity environments. The 2.4GHz wireless connection is generally preferred by gamers for its lower latency compared to Bluetooth.

Aesthetically, Akko often provides the 5075B Plus in various colorways and themed keycap sets, using durable PBT plastic for keycaps with dye-sublimated legends to resist wear. RGB backlighting is also standard, offering per-key customization through Akko's proprietary software. The combination of hot-swappability, gasket mount, tri-mode connectivity, and diverse aesthetic options positions the Akko 5075B Plus as a compelling choice for users seeking a versatile and customizable mechanical keyboard.

Key features

• 75% Layout (82-key): A compact form factor that retains essential keys such as the function row, arrow cluster, and a few navigation keys, balancing desk space efficiency with functionality.
• Hot-swappable Sockets: Equipped with 5-pin hot-swappable sockets, allowing users to replace mechanical switches without soldering. This supports customization with most MX-style switches such as those from Gateron, Kailh, and Durock.
• Gasket-Mounted Design: Utilizes elastomeric gaskets to mount the plate, providing a softer typing feel and reducing harsh impacts, which contributes to improved acoustics and a more comfortable user experience.
• Tri-Mode Connectivity: Supports wired USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0, and 2.4GHz wireless connections. The 2.4GHz wireless offers low-latency performance suitable for gaming, while Bluetooth enables multi-device pairing.
• RGB Backlighting: Per-key RGB lighting with various effects and brightness levels, customizable via Akko's software.
• PBT Keycaps with Dye-Sublimated Legends: Features durable PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) keycaps, which are resistant to shine and wear over time, with legends that are sublimated into the plastic for longevity.
• Akko Proprietary Switches: Commonly bundled with Akko's own line of mechanical switches (e.g., Akko Jelly Pink, Jelly Purple, Cream Yellow), which are pre-lubed and designed for smoothness and consistency.
• Sound Dampening Foams: Includes multiple layers of foam (e.g., PORON plate foam, case foam) to absorb unwanted resonance and improve overall typing acoustics.

Pricing

The Akko 5075B Plus is offered at various price points depending on the configuration (barebones or pre-built with switches and keycaps) and regional retailers.

For current pricing and available configurations, please refer to the official Akko store page.

Common integrations

As a hardware product, the Akko 5075B Plus primarily integrates at the operating system level and with its dedicated customization software. There are no public APIs or SDKs for developers.

• Akko Cloud Driver Software: Used for customizing keybinds, macros, RGB lighting effects, and managing firmware updates. This software is available for Windows operating systems.
• Operating System Compatibility: Functions with Windows (XP/7/8/10/11), macOS, and Linux without requiring specific drivers for basic functionality. Advanced features require the Akko Cloud Driver on Windows.
• Other MX-style Switches: Compatible with a wide range of 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches from manufacturers like Gateron, Kailh, and JWK due to its hot-swappable sockets. For example, users can install Glorious Panda mechanical switches for a distinct tactile experience.
• Aftermarket Keycap Sets: Supports standard keycap profiles (e.g., Cherry, OEM) due to its standard MX stems, allowing for extensive aesthetic customization.

Alternatives

• Keychron: Offers a wide range of hot-swappable mechanical keyboards, including 75% layouts, often with QMK/VIA support for advanced customization.
• GMMK (Glorious): Known for its modular mechanical keyboards, such as the GMMK Pro, which is a popular 75% barebones kit with a similar focus on customization and premium build quality.
• Ducky: Provides high-quality pre-built mechanical keyboards, often recognized for their robust construction, PBT keycaps, and various switch options, though typically not hot-swappable.
• Epomaker: Another brand offering feature-rich mechanical keyboards with hot-swappable designs and tri-mode connectivity, often at competitive price points.
• NuPhy: Known for its aesthetically distinct and slim mechanical keyboards, including 75% layouts with wireless connectivity and unique switch options.

Getting started

To set up the Akko 5075B Plus for basic functionality, follow these steps. For advanced customization, install the Akko Cloud Driver software from the official Akko website.

1.  Unbox the Keyboard: Remove the Akko 5075B Plus, USB-C cable, and any included accessories (e.g., 2.4GHz dongle, keycap/switch puller).

2.  Choose Connection Method:
    *   Wired (USB-C): Connect the included USB-C cable from the keyboard to an available USB port on your computer.
    *   2.4GHz Wireless: Plug the 2.4GHz USB dongle into an available USB port on your computer. Ensure the switch on the back of the keyboard is set to "2.4G".
    *   Bluetooth: Ensure the switch on the back of the keyboard is set to "BT". On your computer or device, search for Bluetooth devices and pair with "Akko 5075B Plus".

3.  Power On: If using wireless, ensure the keyboard's battery is charged or charging via USB-C. The keyboard typically powers on automatically when connected or detected via wireless.

4.  Test Functionality: Open a text editor or browser and type to confirm all keys are functioning. Test special keys like function row keys by pressing Fn + desired key.

5.  Install Akko Cloud Driver (Optional for Windows): Download the latest Akko Cloud Driver from the Akko official driver page. Install the software to customize RGB lighting, remap keys, and create macros.