We all love a good gaming keyboard, here at Overclockers UK. They are the unsung hero of your gaming set-up, interfacing with your games reliably, illuminating your desk, and providing that iconic click-clack of keys. So, when a new brand joins the line-up, it’s only too right we get excited.
Who Are Akko?
You’d be forgiven for not knowing who Akko are having only formed in 2016. This Chinese keyboard manufacturers have been around for only six years, but they are definitely making waves in the peripheral industry. Their ethos is “diversifying the industry”, creating keyboards and other peripherals that are more than just a tool.
Each product embodies colour trends and pop-culture influences as well as cultural elements, interests, and attitudes. The rest? Some damn fine-looking keyboards paired with smooth functionality.
In addition to perfecting keyboards, Akko is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of keycaps, producing models in both PBT and ABS plastic. More uniquely, they create them in a range of profiles, including industry standards like OEM and Cherry or their own ASA and ASA-Low profiles.
Every facet of an Akko keyboard has been carefully designed and crafted to provide you with the best typing experience. As well as a work of art to keep on your desk!
Meet the Family
Joining the ranks at Overclockers UK, we have the 3068B Plus mechanical keyboard – available in two colours and with two switch models. (But more on those later.)
The 3068B Plus is a 65% compact keyboard with 68 keys arranged in the UK ISO layout. The keycaps are manufactured from PBT and utilise the double-shot printing method for forming the legends. PBT is a highly durable material, able to retain structure in extreme temperatures. Whilst you’re not likely to yeet your keyboard into the sun, another benefit of this material is it’s resistant to wear and tear. These keys won’t get shiny with extensive use, keeping their fresh and colourful look.
The 3068B Plus utilises Akko’s own ASA profile. This profile utilises the rounded shape seen in the SA profile whilst having a similar height to the OEM profile. As a result, these keys are both stylish and ergonomic. Like some more good keycap news? You get twenty extra keycaps, as standard, including novelty and alternate-coloured caps.
Hot Swapping and Connectivity
Hot swapping is the feature to have on a keyboard. It allows you to customise every keypress to suit your own design. The 3068B Plus utilises 5-pin hot swapping technology on all the keys but the “1” and “2”. These two keys use 3-pin technology due to the USB positioning and the bezel’s angle as a result. Regardless, these two keys can still be hot-swapped along with the rest of the keyboard. Keycaps and switches can be exchanged for compatible models.
Fancy fast, linear switches for your WASD keys, whilst the space and enter keys feature something a little chronchier? Prefer quiet, all-rounder switches with bright pink keycaps? You do you.
In addition to this ability to customise, the 3068B Plus can be connected in three ways. It’s all about that flexibility with Akko. For those who can’t decide between wired and wireless keyboards, this is the dream. For wired connectivity, enjoy fast and reliable performance from the USB-C cable. Alternatively, you can choose between two wireless methods, either Bluetooth 5.0 or 2.4GHz. Whichever suits you best!
Available Colours
The colours coming to OcUK are Black and Gold and Blue on White.
The Black and Gold utilises black and grey keycaps with yellow accents. The additional keycaps are also yellow, if you want to splash more colour across your keyboard. Blue on White mostly features white keycaps, with just a handful of blue caps for stark contrast. Not enough blue? The additional keycaps are the same rich colour.
Both keyboards are illuminated by vivid RGB lighting which can be configured in using software. Make your 3068B Plus positively glow.
Jelly Switches
Another key feature of the 3068B Plus is the switches. Rather than using traditional Cherry MX cross-stem switches, these keyboards feature Akko’s own take on switches. Equipped with a cross-stem as well, these proprietary switches come from Akko’s Jelly range. The housing is translucent, whilst the stem and PC bottom are dustproof.
The 3068B Plus comes with either Jelly Purple or Jelly Pink switches. Check out the table below to see how each of these switches perform.
| Akko CS Jelly Pink | Akko CS Jelly Purple |
|---|---|
| Linear | Tactile |
| 45gf actuation force | 40gf actuation force |
| 4.0mm total travel | 4.0mm total travel |
| 1.9mm pre-travel | 2.0mm pre-travel |
| N/A | 0.5m tactile position |
| N/A | 56gf tactile force |
The Jelly Purples are great for those who prefer heavier switches armed with a tactile bump. Nothing like a satisfying thonk while you’re completing that report or coursework. The Jelly Pinks, with their lighter actuation force and linear feedback, will be superb for fast-paced gaming.
Akko Cloud Driver
For programming macros, setting RGB effects, and keeping up to date with firmware, Akko has created the Akko Cloud Driver. From here, you can customise your keyboard further, setting shortcuts for your favourite games or to optimise your workflow. Macros can also be assigned utilising Akko Macro V1.0.
Available Now
These amazing Akko keyboards are now all available to pre-order at Overclockers UK. Which one will you pick? Black and Gold with Jelly Purple switches, perhaps? Or Blue on White with Jelly Pinks? Drop a comment below!
Akko 30868B Plus Black and Gold Keyboard
- Mechanical 60% keyboard
- Choice of linear or tactile switches
- Hot-swapping technology
- RGB lighting
- Bold black and gold colour scheme
Akko 30868B Plus Blue on White Keyboard
- Mechanical 60% keyboard
- Choice of linear or tactile switches
- Hot-swapping technology
- RGB lighting
- Bold blue and white colour scheme
We are big Spongebob Squarepants fans, so you can be sure we’ll be dropping hints to the purchasing team to get the Spongebob and Patrick Star Editions in stock!
- 6 min read
Emily Haylock
Author
Emily is a board and cosy gamer, keyboard obsessive, and content copywriter for Overclockers UK. She has been with Overclockers UK for two years, writing about everything from noblechairs to 8Pack PCs. She writes from within her desk nest with a foster pup at her feet. (What, a desk duvet is a totally normal thing!) In her downtime, she likes to play board games, farming sims, and old-school Final Fantasy. IX to be specific. It is the best, and that is a hill she will die on.
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