Beginner Guide: How to Choose Your First Custom Mechanical Keyboard?

When it comes to finding the perfect mechanical keyboard, Akko stands out as a brand that offers a wide range of options tailored to suit various preferences and needs. Whether you're a gamer, programmer, or typist, Akko’s mechanical keyboards combine innovative design with high-quality materials, providing an exceptional typing experience.

With the aid of this article, you can easily browse through Akko's wide range of products, from case materials and layout possibilities to keycap profiles and switch kinds, and discover the perfect keyboard that fits both your needs and your style.

1. Choose Keyboard Size & Layout

You must have found the sizes of keyboard we provide are not same, yes, we provide common keyboard sizes, including full-size (100%), TKL (80%), 75% and 60% for different needs. The percentage of the layout represents the approximate area of the standard keyboard occupied by the layout.

Different layouts have varying key quantities. To determine which keys are missing, it's crucial to understand the keyboard's key composition.

Keyboard Key Composition

• Typing & Control Keys: Includes letters, numbers, punctuation, and modifiers (Shift, Ctrl, Alt), forming the main area for text operations.
• Function Keys: The twelve function keys, F1–F12.
• Number Keys (Row): The row of number keys.
• Arrow Keys: The four directional keys (up, down, left, and right).
• Editing Keys: Include Insert, Delete, Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down.
• Number Pad: A dedicated section for number entry and calculations, typically on the right side of full-size keyboards.

Full-Size (100%): Includes all keys—typing, control, function, arrow keys, editing keys, and a number pad. Choose a 100% keyboard here.

1800 Compact: Combines a full-size layout with a more compact design by reducing space between keys and repositioning the number pad.

Tenkeyless (TKL, 87%): Excludes the number pad; ideal for those who don’t need frequent number entry.

75% Layout: Compact with function keys, arrows, and essential editing keys, but no number pad.

65% Layout: Omits the function row, focusing on arrows and essential typing keys.

60% Layout: Most compact; includes only typing and essential control keys, no arrows or function rows.

ANSI VS ISO

You may have noticed differences in the size and shape of certain keys, particularly the Enter key. These distinct layouts affect not only the Enter key but also the Shift, Backslash, and other keys, influencing typing comfort and regional compatibility. Let's explore the key distinctions between the ANSI and ISO layouts to help you determine which is better suited to your needs.

ANSI keyboard - You can easily find the horizon Enter key on the ANSI keyboard. ANSI keyboard is widely used in the United States, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, and many Asian and Middle Eastern countries. If you are English input, ANSI is more suitable.

ISO keyboard - If the Enter key is the upside-down L, the keyboard is ISO layout. European countries and South America usually use the ISO keyboard. If you because allows users to access more symbols and characters on the keyboard, such as á or ñ, without changing the visual layout or using additional software.

Difference	ANSI	ISO
Enter key shape	Wide horizontal key	Turn-down L shape. Occupies two rows
The backspace key	Above the Enter key	Left of the Enter key
The left Shift key	Same size and dimension as the Right shift key	50% of the size of the right shift key. Have the same dimension as the Ctrl key
Correct Alt key	Same with the left Alt key	Replaced with an Alt Gr key
Custom keycap availability	Wide	Replaced with an Alt Gr key
Regional Use	US, Canada, etc.	Europe, other international regions

Choose an ANSI keyboard

• If you prefer a wider selection of keycaps, live in a region where ANSI is the standard, or prioritize typing speed and comfort. The ANSI layout is the most common in the United States and many other regions, making it easier to find compatible keycaps and accessories.
• Additionally, the ANSI layout is often favored by those who prefer a more streamlined and efficient typing experience, as it features a single-row Enter key and a larger left Shift key, which can enhance comfort and reduce finger movement during typing.

Opt for an ISO keyboard 

• If you’re in Europe, type in multiple languages, or prefer the specific key arrangement of the ISO layout. The ISO layout is widely used across Europe and features a vertical Enter key and an additional key next to the left Shift, which can be helpful for typing special characters or symbols common in various languages.
• This layout is ideal for users who need to type in multiple languages or who are accustomed to the key arrangement of the ISO standard, as it provides a more familiar and comfortable typing experience for those in ISO-standard regions. 

2. Choose Keyboard Switch

The core difference between mechanical and standard keyboards lies in the keyboard switches. Switches are under the keycaps and significantly affect the typing feel.

Mechanical keyboard switches can be divided into three types based on their typing feeling: linear switches, tactile switches, and clicky switches.

Linear switch

Provides smooth keystrokes and a consistent typing experience without any bumps.

Who are linear switches suitable for?

• For gamers, beginners, and those involved in extensive text input, linear switches are the optimal choice due to their smooth and swift keystrokes.
• Linear switches allow for quick keystrokes with little resistance. This is especially helpful for players who need to make accurate, fast movements when playing intensely.
• Beginners will also find that linear switches are easy to operate and perform consistently, which will facilitate a seamless and pleasurable transition to mechanical keyboards.
• The fatigue-reducing properties of linear switches are advantageous for people who input a lot of text, such programmers or writers, as they enable extended typing sessions without effort.

Tactile switch

Provides a noticeable bump when a key is pressed, offering tactile feedback without the loud clicking sound.

Who are tactile switches suitable for?

• If you desire a balance between tactile feedback and noise, tactile switch keyboards are highly recommended.
• Clicky switches make a loud clicking sound when a key is pressed, whereas tactile switches give a distinct bump upon key activation, offering physical feedback that improves typing accuracy.In this way, for users who prefer to feel the actuation point without being distracted by sounds, tactile switches are also excellent.

Clicky Switch

A clicky switch stands out for its unique sound and tactile feedback.

• This combination allows typists to know exactly when a key press is registered, making it a popular choice for those who appreciate clear auditory and tactile confirmation.
• Clicky switches are ideal for typing enthusiasts who enjoy a typewriter-like experience. However, due to their noise, they may not be suitable for shared or quiet spaces.

Hot-swappable Switch Keyboards

A hot-swappable keyboard comes equipped with hot-swap sockets on the PCB, allowing you to effortlessly remove and reinstall switches without the need for soldering. This feature lets users experiment with various types of switches to find the perfect fit.

With a hot-swappable keyboard, you can easily customize your typing and gaming experience. Whether you prefer the quiet operation of linear switches or the tactile feedback of mechanical switches, you can quickly swap them to match your preferences. Most Akko keyboards are hot-swappable, enabling you to easily change switches and enjoy a fresh, personalized experience.

Hall Effect Switch Keyboard

Hall effect switch keyboard is also called HE switch keyboard or magnetic keyboard. These switches made up of a stem, magnet, Hall sensor, and spring. When the key is pressed, the magnet is close to the Hall sensor, altering the magnetic field and triggering a signal to register the key press.

Akko hall effect switch keyboard offers advanced features like rapid triggers, DKS, mod-tap, and toggle key functions.

Rapid triggers allow for extremely fast response times, making them perfect for gamers who need to make quick and accurate keystrokes during intensive gameplay.

A single key can have up to four distinct actions assigned to it thanks to the DKS function, which enables complicated key combinations and commands. 

The gameplay is greatly improved by these additions. If you’re looking for a mechanical keyboard to boost your gaming performance, consider trying a Hall effect keyboard.

3. Choose keycaps

Keycaps also play a significant role in your typing experience. Once you've decided on the right layout and switch, the next step is to consider the keycaps. The material, printing method, and profile of the keycaps are the main factors to keep in mind. These elements can greatly impact the feel, durability, and aesthetics of your keyboard. Choosing the right keycaps can enhance both the comfort and style of your setup, making your keyboard truly your own.

Keycap Profiles

There are many different keycap profiles, each offering a unique typing experience. Each profile has its own characteristics, influencing both the sound and feel of the keyboard. Some of the most common keycap profiles include:

• Cherry Profile: Known for its lower height and angular design, Cherry profile is favored by many for its ergonomic feel and precise keypresses. It's a popular choice in the custom keyboard community.
• OEM Profile: The standard profile for most keyboards, OEM keycaps are slightly taller than Cherry and have a more rounded shape. They’re versatile and easy to get used to, making them widely used.
• ASA Profile: ASA keycaps are a blend of Cherry and SA profiles, offering a taller height like SA but with a more rounded top. This profile provides a comfortable typing experience with a retro look.
• JDA Profile: JDA keycaps are similar in height to SA, but with a slightly different shape that offers a unique feel. They provide a taller, sculpted typing experience, appealing to users who enjoy a pronounced curve in their keycaps.

Also, if you seeking a unique look for your keyboard, you can choose our MOA profile keycaps.

Keycap Materials

Keycaps are the direct point of contact with your fingers, so the material plays a crucial role in your typing experience. The material affects not only the texture and feel of the keycaps but also their durability, sound, and overall comfort during use. The main materials are ABS and PBT.

ABS keycaps

The distinguishing characteristics of ABS keycaps are their smooth surface and delicate feel. One of ABS's most important characteristics is how simple it is to dye keycaps; this allows for the creation of vibrant, multicolored keycaps that can be tailored to satisfy a range of needs.

ABS keycaps can exhibit brighter and more brilliant colors from the backlighting because they have superior light transmittance. This enhances both utility and aesthetics by making the legends more apparent in dimly lit areas.

Nevertheless, ABS keycaps have a relatively shorter lifespan, and with repeated usage, they can take on a shiny, worn appearance known as "keycap shine." Additionally, users who enjoy this kind of aural input may find ABS keycaps appealing because keystrokes make a crisp and incisive sound.

PBT keycaps

PBT Keycaps, on the other hand, are known for their matte surface and dry feel, offering a rougher texture compared to ABS.

PBT material is harder and more durable, providing high wear resistance and making the keycaps less likely to develop shine over time.

PBT keycaps also have strong UV resistance, ensuring that their colors remain vibrant and do not fade easily with prolonged use. Keystrokes on PBT keycaps produce a deeper, more muted sound, suitable for users who prefer a quieter or more subdued typing experience.

Manufacturing processes

Double-shot and dye-sublimation are the two main printing styles for the the legend on the keycaps. Double shot are both suitable for ABS and PBT keycaps, however, dye-sublimation is more suitable for PBT keycaps, that means the keycaps can be richer and more beautiful.

Double-shot

It is made by injection molding two different colors of plastic. The color difference produced by the different colors of plastic forms the letters on the keycaps. The keycap fonts made in this way are difficult to erase and are very durable. In addition, the combination of transparent and opaque materials can also make light-transmitting keycaps.

Dye-sublimation

High temperature is used to allow the pigment to penetrate into the keycap regularly and blend with the keycap, thus creating various letters. Dye-sublimation keycaps are also very durable and wear-resistant.

In addition, Dye-sublimation can also customize various patterns on the keycaps, such as two-dimensional characters, small animals, main series keyboards, etc.

However, Dye-sublimation is not suitable for light transmission, so you can see that thermal sublimation keycaps are not light-transmissive.

Laser Etching

The characters are engraved using laser, which is a low-cost process. The surface of the keycaps feels uneven, and the characters will be worn off after long-term use.

4. Choose the Case Material

Just as keycaps are crucial for your typing experience, the keyboard case plays a significant role in defining the overall look and feel of your keyboard. The case is the most visually striking component, determining the keyboard’s aesthetic and first impression.

ABS case

Most keyboard cases are made from ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic, which is a popular choice due to its lightweight nature and durability. ABS is easy to carry and move, making it ideal for daily use. Its impact resistance and wear resistance ensure that your keyboard can withstand regular handling and minor accidents without showing significant wear.

Polycarbonate case

On the other hand, polycarbonate is another material commonly used for keyboard cases, especially when a unique visual effect is desired. Polycarbonate cases are known for their high transparency, allowing for the creation of transparent or translucent keyboard covers. This material can produce stunning visual effects, especially when combined with RGB lighting, giving your keyboard a distinctive and modern appearance.

Aluminum case

Akko also offers keyboards with aluminum cases, catering to those who seek a premium feel and enhanced durability. Aluminum cases provide a more robust and solid structure, significantly increasing the keyboard's weight, which can contribute to a more stable typing experience. The metallic finish of aluminum cases adds a touch of elegance and professionalism, making them a popular choice among enthusiasts who value both aesthetics and performance.

Wooden Case

Akko also offers wooden case keyboards, providing a unique and natural aesthetic that stands out from traditional materials. Wooden cases bring warmth and a tactile richness that other materials can't match, making each keyboard feel like a handcrafted piece of art. The natural grain patterns in the wood give every keyboard a distinctive look, ensuring that no two wooden case keyboards are exactly alike. In addition to their visual appeal, wooden cases offer a different acoustic experience. The wood's natural properties can create a softer, more muted typing sound, which some users find more pleasing and less harsh compared to plastic or metal cases.

5. Choose the Mounting Style

Keyboard mounting style is the method used to fix the plate or PCB to the keyboard case. Proper mounting ensures that every component stays in place, eliminates unnecessary chatter and noise, and creates a stable platform for the keys.

Gasket mounting and tray mounting are the most popular mounting style nowadays, you can find a lot of gasket and tray mounting keyboards from AKKO.

• Gasket mounting is an innovation mounting style, and now it is the most popular mounting style for the custom keyboards.There are no stiff structural components or screw supports inside the gasket mount; the screws only join the upper and bottom casing. The plate and PCB are pressed into position by soft rubber gaskets or casings. Because of the rubber gaskets' cushioning effect, it offers a smooth touch and constant typing sensation. Additionally, it can successfully lessen the hollow and bottoming sounds made by tapping the keyboard; in other words, it has a good mute effect and extremely high sound constancy.
• Tray mounting is the traditional mounting style and widely used. There are screw holes on the bottom of the keyboard case, and the screws pass through the plate and PCB to fix the entire keyboard. In order to assemble together, the PCB, plate, and shell share the same screw position.

6. RGB

When selecting a keyboard, RGB lighting is a feature that shouldn't be overlooked.

The RGB lights not only enhance the keyboard's aesthetic appeal but also provide practical benefits.

In low-light environments, RGB lighting helps with key positioning, allowing you to accurately locate and press keys without straining your eyes.

Additionally, RGB lighting transforms your keyboard into a stunning desktop centerpiece, adding a vibrant, personalized touch to your workspace. After all, who wouldn't want a beautiful keyboard that glows with a spectrum of colors, creating both functionality and flair?

Nearly all of Akko’s keyboards come equipped with RGB backlighting, offering users the ability to customize their keyboard’s appearance to match their personal style.

Whether you prefer a subtle glow or a dynamic, multi-color display, Akko’s RGB backlighting can be adjusted to suit your mood and environment. With various lighting modes and effects to choose from, you can create a truly unique setup that not only enhances your typing experience but also adds a touch of individuality to your desk. Akko’s RGB keyboards are designed to cater to both aesthetic preferences and practical needs, making them a versatile choice for any user.

7. USB Type C, Bluetooth, 2.4G

Lastly, you should consider the keyboard connectivity.

If you need to move frequently or switch between multiple devices frequently, a wireless mechanical keyboard can bring you a lot of convenience. Generally speaking, the smaller the keyboard, the greater the need for wireless connection.

If you want to keep the experience stable, wired is rather recommended for avoiding delays or interruptions. Of course, the multi-hosting keyboard is a great choice, you can transfer the methods based on your needs.

Akko keyboards provide multi-mode connectivity, including 2.4G, bluetooth and Type C. giving you the flexibility to choose the connection type that best suits your needs.

Final

Choosing the right Akko mechanical keyboard involves considering several factors, from switch types and layouts to connectivity options and aesthetic preferences. Whether you're a gamer seeking precise control, a typist looking for comfort, or a professional aiming for a sleek workspace, Akko offers a wide range of keyboards to meet your needs. By understanding your own usage patterns and preferences, you can select the perfect Akko keyboard that enhances your productivity and elevates your overall typing experience. With their combination of performance, design, and versatility, Akko keyboards are an investment that brings satisfaction with every keystroke.