Akko PC75B Plus Mechanical Keyboard Profile

Overview

The Akko PC75B Plus is a 75% layout mechanical keyboard, positioning itself as a solution for users who require a compact footprint without sacrificing essential functionality like dedicated arrow keys and a function row. Introduced by Akko, a brand established in 2016, the PC75B Plus integrates features often found in higher-end custom keyboard kits into a pre-built or barebones package. Its design emphasizes customization and typing experience, making it a suitable option for both new entrants to the mechanical keyboard hobby and experienced enthusiasts.

Key design elements include a gasket-mounted structure, which utilizes elastic materials between the plate and the PCB to provide a more flexible and less resonant typing feel compared to traditional tray-mount designs. This mounting style is intended to reduce harsh bottom-out impacts and improve acoustic properties as described by RTINGS' keyboard mount type analysis. The PC75B Plus also features hot-swappable switch sockets, allowing users to change mechanical switches without soldering. This facilitates experimentation with different switch types, such as linear, tactile, or clicky, to match individual typing preferences or gaming requirements.

For gamers, the PC75B Plus offers N-key rollover (NKRO) and anti-ghosting capabilities, ensuring that all simultaneous key presses are registered accurately during gameplay. The inclusion of customizable RGB backlighting provides aesthetic personalization, with various effects and color options controllable via software. The keyboard supports both wired (USB-C) and wireless connectivity options, typically including Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless, offering flexibility for different setup configurations. This multi-mode connectivity is beneficial for users who transition between gaming at a desk and using the keyboard with other devices.

The Akko PC75B Plus is often recommended for users who prioritize a durable build and a customizable typing experience within a specific budget. It competes in a segment that balances cost-effectiveness with features typically associated with more expensive custom builds, such as a gasket mount and hot-swappable sockets. Its compact 75% layout is particularly appealing to users with limited desk space or those who prefer a more ergonomic hand position during extended use. The availability of various Akko-branded switches and keycap sets also allows for further aesthetic and tactile customization directly from the manufacturer, streamlining the modification process for users who prefer to stay within a single ecosystem.

Key features

• 75% Layout: A compact form factor that includes a function row, arrow keys, and some navigation keys, reducing desk footprint while retaining essential functionality.
• Gasket-Mounted Design: Utilizes gaskets between the plate and the case, providing a softer, more flexible typing feel and improved acoustics.
• Hot-Swappable Sockets: Allows users to change mechanical switches without soldering, supporting 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches for customization.
• Multi-Mode Connectivity: Offers wired (USB-C), Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity options for versatile usage across different devices and setups.
• RGB Backlighting: Per-key customizable RGB lighting with various effects and brightness levels, controllable via onboard shortcuts or proprietary software.
• PBT Keycaps: Often ships with durable PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) keycaps, which are resistant to shine and wear over time compared to ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) keycaps.
• Akko CS Switches: Frequently bundled with Akko's proprietary CS (Custom Series) mechanical switches, available in various linear, tactile, and clicky options.
• N-Key Rollover (NKRO): Ensures every key press is registered accurately, even when multiple keys are pressed simultaneously, critical for gaming.

Pricing

Pricing for the Akko PC75B Plus varies depending on the specific configuration (e.g., barebones kit vs. pre-built with switches and keycaps), regional retailers, and ongoing promotions. As of May 2026, typical pricing ranges are as follows:

Common integrations

The Akko PC75B Plus, as a hardware peripheral, primarily integrates through standard connectivity protocols and physical compatibility with components. There are no exposed APIs or SDKs for software-level integrations as typically found in developer tools.

• Operating Systems: Connects via USB-C, Bluetooth, or 2.4 GHz wireless to Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.
• Mechanical Switches: Compatible with 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches from various manufacturers, allowing users to integrate switches from brands like Gateron, Kailh, or Cherry as described in Glorious Gaming's guide on hot-swappable keyboards.
• Keycaps: Compatible with standard MX-stem keycap sets, enabling integration with aftermarket keycaps from various vendors to customize aesthetics and feel.
• Software Customization: Utilizes Akko's proprietary Cloud Driver software for macro programming, RGB lighting customization, and key remapping.

Alternatives

• Keychron: Offers a wide range of mechanical keyboards, including 75% layouts, often with multi-mode connectivity and hot-swappable options, known for macOS compatibility.
• Glorious: Provides the GMMK series, which are modular mechanical keyboards with hot-swappable sockets, catering to custom builders and gamers.
• Pulsar: Known for lightweight gaming mice and keyboards, offering models with high-performance switches and competitive gaming features.
• Lamzu: Specializes in high-performance, lightweight gaming mice, but also offers keyboards designed for competitive play.

Getting started

Getting started with the Akko PC75B Plus typically involves physical setup and optional software configuration. The following assumes a pre-built model or a barebones kit where switches and keycaps are already installed.

1.  **Unpack the Keyboard:** Remove the Akko PC75B Plus from its packaging.

2.  **Connect via USB-C (Wired Mode):**
    *   Locate the USB-C port on the keyboard.
    *   Connect the provided USB-C to USB-A cable (or USB-C to USB-C) from the keyboard to an available USB port on your computer.
    *   The keyboard should be recognized automatically by your operating system.

3.  **Connect via 2.4 GHz Wireless (if applicable):**
    *   Locate the 2.4 GHz wireless dongle, often stored in a dedicated slot on the keyboard's underside.
    *   Plug the dongle into an available USB port on your computer.
    *   Toggle the keyboard's mode switch (usually on the back or side) to the 2.4G position.
    *   The keyboard should establish a connection.

4.  **Connect via Bluetooth (if applicable):**
    *   Toggle the keyboard's mode switch to the Bluetooth position.
    *   On your computer, navigate to Bluetooth settings.
    *   Put the keyboard into pairing mode (often Fn + a specific key, like Fn + 1, 2, or 3 for different profiles – refer to the keyboard's manual).
    *   Select the Akko PC75B Plus from the list of available Bluetooth devices on your computer to pair.

5.  **Optional: Install Akko Cloud Driver Software:**
    *   Download the Akko Cloud Driver from the official Akko website Akko Downloads Page.
    *   Install the software.
    *   Use the software to customize RGB lighting, remap keys, and set up macros.

6.  **Test Functionality:** Open a text editor or a web browser and type to ensure all keys are functioning correctly.