The popularity of mechanical keyboards surged from being a specialized item to becoming widely adopted during the epidemic as individuals sought to enhance their home workspaces and potentially explore a new pastime. Brands like Akko, Drop, Ducky, Epomaker, and Keychron have gained widespread recognition and are now well-known among enthusiasts. Today, these enthusiasts have a wide range of options when it comes to choosing alternative keyboard layouts and may purchase parts from numerous vendors.

Subsequently, the current situation has become somewhat uninteresting, as even the formerly exclusive capabilities have now become available on inexpensive keyboards. RGB lighting has become commonplace, as companies like Angry Miao and others consistently discover creative and novel applications for it. There is a vast array of switches to choose from, ranging from the lightest switches designed for games to the heaviest switches suitable for even the most enthusiastic typists. These switches come in linear, tactile, and clicky variations and are available in a seemingly limitless variety of colors. In the past, gasket-mounted keyboards, which provide a more cushioned and responsive typing experience, were mostly available on expensive keyboards for enthusiasts. However, nowadays, this feature has become commonplace across the board.

There are certain advantages to this situation: the overall construction quality of mechanical keyboards available on the market has reached unprecedented levels, and the prices have decreased. However, the entire situation has also grown quite monotonous. Magnetic switches are useful because they can rapidly alter the actuation point, which is the moment when the switch detects your downward keystroke.

In a typical mechanical keyboard switch, the act of pressing a key physically completes an electrical circuit, thereby registering the key press. When downward pressure is applied, the two legs on the stem, which is the movable component to which the keycap is connected, exert force on two metal leaves, resulting in the closure of the circuit.

The distinguishing factor between a linear switch, such as the Gateron Red switches commonly found on gaming keyboards, and a switch with a more tactile sensation, like the Cherry Brown switches, lies in the design of the stem and its legs. Linear switches include stems with a flat surface, whereas tactile switches contain a small bump that creates a moment of resistance when pressed down. The total configuration of the stem, including its legs, the spring, the base on which the stem rests, and the switch housing, can significantly influence the tactile and auditory feedback of a switch, as well as the precise moment at which the keyboard registers a keypress. In the case of a conventional Gateron Red switch, the keypress is officially recognized once you depress it by around 2 millimeters. The total distance the key travels before the stem reaches the bottom of the switch is 4 millimeters.

Mechanical switches exhibit significant dissimilarities. These devices are dependent on magnets and springs, and they operate by detecting changes in the magnetic field. These switches, popularized by the Dutch keyboard startup Wooting, utilize the Hall Effect and have been in existence since the 1960s. Although they retain the same fundamental construction as mechanical switches, including stems and springs, they lack the stem legs due to the absence of an electrical circuit that needs to be closed. Nonetheless, the stem has a permanent magnet, which allows the keyboard’s PCB sensor to accurately detect the switch’s position when pressure is applied. And this is where the most significant modification occurs: you have the ability to adjust the required depth for a keystroke to be registered.

During gaming, it may be desirable to capture finger movement as small as 0.1 millimeter. However, when using the same keyboard for typing, it is recommended to increase the threshold to 2.5 millimeters to prevent accidental keystrokes. Usually, this is accomplished by using a straightforward combination of keys on the keyboard or through the software tools provided by the vendor. Due to the sensitivity of these sensors to temperature fluctuations, there is usually an option available to calibrate the keyboard.

This feature also enables the implementation of more intelligent techniques, as it allows for not only modifying the location where the keypress is initiated but also where it is terminated. While typing, the responsiveness of the keyboard may not be of great significance to you. However, during gaming, it is crucial as it enables you to rapidly press a key when necessary. Magnetic keyboards often come with tools that have a rapid trigger setting, allowing you to quickly spam a key. Additionally, the extensive customization options of these keyboards allow you to experiment with different settings without the need to physically switch to a different switch.

If you desire to exceed the normal limits, you can create a macro-like function by assigning multiple actions to a single key. This allows for a different action to be registered when the key is pressed halfway down, when it is fully pressed down, and when the switch pushes the keycap back up. Additionally, you may assign another action to occur at some point in between these actions. Although I have not yet discovered a specific application for this in my own life, it is highly likely that someone else will.

However, the resistance of the switch is immutable and cannot be altered. Despite the extensive discussion of magnets, the spring inside the switch is ultimately responsible for performing the function.

An issue arises from the lack of a standardized format for these switches, resulting in the incompatibility of some switches with specific keyboards. Depending on the manufacturer, it is possible to connect traditional mechanical switches to the PCB as well. However, it is important to note that these switches do not offer the same customizable advantages as magnetic switches.

A journey to Santorini: Akko’s MOD 007B personal computer
In order to evaluate the product, Akko provided me with a review unit of their MOD007B PC Santorini keyboard. This keyboard belongs to the World Tour series and is characterized by its more understated design compared to other models in the series. The gasket-mount MOD007B PC is available at a price of approximately $150, but it is commonly sold for roughly $110 on Amazon. This keyboard comes pre-assembled and features Kailh’s linear Sakura Pink magnetic switches. The PCB is compatible with 3-pin mechanical switches.

Connectivity options include normal Bluetooth and USB-C connections, as well as a multi-host 2.4Ghz option that requires the provided dongle. The board is equipped with a 3600mAh battery to support wireless operations.

The 75-percent case is not very remarkable since it is made of simple polycarbonate. However, unlike many high-end keyboards, it has the ability to modify the typing angle using its dual-position feet.

Akko employed a sufficient quantity of foam within the case to modulate the sound of the board, resulting in a clacky auditory experience. I have a taste for a sound that is slightly more muted, although I acknowledge that this is entirely subjective. The stabilizers are finely calibrated, but there is a discernible level of case ping. A few minor modifications should address that issue. However, it is noteworthy that this board’s most apparent drawback remains unaddressed, despite the firm producing numerous generations of MOD007 boards. A few minor adjustments should resolve the issue, but purchasers should not be required to make such improvements even at this price range.

Regarding the software, Akko has developed its own exclusive software tool that is capable and user-friendly. It fulfills its intended purpose and does not interfere with your activities. One drawback of boards using magnetic switches is their tendency to prioritize proprietary software over open-source alternatives such as VIA.

The focus of this board is solely on magnetic switches. I derived considerable pleasure from doing experiments with them, and although I did not emerge victorious in obtaining a single chicken supper in PUBG throughout the testing phase, I did perceive that, at the appropriate configuration, it enabled me to respond with a slightly enhanced speed. The level of success you experience with Valorant and other shooters may differ, as the effectiveness of rapid trigger functions can play a significant role. Regardless, it is an enjoyable board game to play.

The switch is a Khailh Sakura Pink magnetic switch with a bottom-out force of 50 gf. That aligns with the characteristics of typical linear switches, but it may be slightly heavier than average.

It took me some time to discover the optimal configuration for everyday typing. After trying out several options, I ultimately settled on Akko’s default comfort setting, which establishes the actuation and release points at a precise measurement of 2mm. The default game setting is set to a speed of 0.5mm, which appears to be sufficiently quick.

Although not the most high-end board available, Akko has developed a keyboard that, when adjusted correctly and with a few small modifications, offers a satisfying typing experience (if you prefer linear switches) and also serves as a suitable gaming platform. The crucial aspect here is that this board enables both gamers and non-gamers to enter the magnetic switch market without incurring significant additional costs. Is it the most superior board available? Although it is not significantly better, considering the price, it is difficult to find a better option.