Review Akko 3098 gaming keyboard

Mechanical keyboards can give a big advantage during hot gaming sessions, but sometimes the best keyboards are simply too big. Those looking for a smaller but similarly efficient keyboard can find what they’re looking for with the Akko 3098N, the latest offering from Chinese accessory maker Akko. The Black and Gold 3098N is an incredible keyboard when it’s up and running, but getting there is a surprisingly difficult task.

Specifications

Keyboard

• Switch: TTC . silent red switch
• Interface: Wireless / Bluetooth / USB Type
• Macros: Akko Macro V1.0
• N-Key Rollover: Supported
• Disable Winlock: Supported
• Backlight: RGB
• Hot-Swappable: Yes

overview

• Model: 3098
• Size: 382 * 134 * 40mm
• Weight: About 1.1kg
• Material: PBT . Material
• Profile: ASA
• Printing technology: Double Shot
• Print side: N / A

Right out of the box, I ran into one of the weirdest situations I’ve come across when reviewing gaming accessories: Akko 3098N won’t turn on. The USB to USB-C cord was plugged in properly on both sides, but the blinking white light under the 4 key was the only sign of life in the device. Nowhere in the manual is there an explanation for this situation, only details on how to set macros, enable Bluetooth for wireless use, or change the RGB patterns. None of these are usable if I can’t turn on the dang keyboard, so I think I’m out of luck or I sent a faulty device.

Turns out it wasn’t, when a bit of Internet browsing showed that while key 4 was blinking, all I had to do was press the Fn key and the 6 key simultaneously to activate wired mode. I hit two keys and poof! The device is fully operational. Now I have no problem with using the keys themselves to power on, set the correct functions, etc., but there should be much clearer instructions somewhere on the device or in the manual that this is how make the keyboard work. Otherwise it will simply confuse people to where they also think their keyboard is broken and switch to another model

With that dilemma in mind, it’s time to test the keyboard in earnest, and luckily, it’s awesome. Whether you’re typing a lengthy report or sitting deep in some recently released multiplayer shooter, the 3098N gets the job done. It’s comfortable to use with a stand or flat surface on a table, and the smaller size compared to other mechanical keyboards makes it easy to reach keys that newer PC players might have trouble with. That said, those of us with large hands may have difficulty with the more condensed keys on the 3098N. Personally, I did see a slight increase in errors and typos when I first started using the 3098, but it didn’t take long to get over the error and use the keyboard correctly.

The 3098N’s most impressive feature, however, is the mechanical keys; This is the quietest mechanical keyboard I have ever used. The TTC Silent Red switches inside the keyboard are much quieter than standard mechanical keyboards, producing very little sound during each typing. That doesn’t mean it’s silent, there’s still a sound to let you know you’ve pressed a key, but comparing it to other keyboards really makes a clear difference.

The keys are so quiet you can barely hear me typing “MMORPG.com” on the Akko 3098N, while the Razer keyboard makes more noise. If you are looking for a keyboard that allows you to work and play without creating a racket, then this Akko 3098N is a solid choice.

The other key feature of the 3098N is its ability to be programmed, both in RGB and in macros. RGB programming is super simple, pressing Fn and DEL, INS, PGUP or PGDN will get you new RGB settings, each with up to five different patterns. My personal favorite is under the INS key and sends a shock wave of RGB light from every key you touch. It makes writing articles like this more fun and colorful, and I can appreciate when my devices try to stay interesting.

Programming macros into the device is a bit more complicated, one that can be overlooked or forgotten by a novice PC gamer when the User Manual is lost. The first thing to note is that the keyboard must be plugged in with a cord in order to program it; Macros cannot be programmed in wireless mode, only used. Macro programming requires you to press Fn and the left Windows button for three seconds to enter Macro mode, press Fn + Esc to enter the Macro editor, and then follow seven steps to program your keyboard to anything what you need.

It’s a cool enough feature, and it can lead to some cool keyboard or shortcut configurations, but I don’t know that the feature is as obvious as it should be for the non-tech-savvy. The ability to enter a full word with a simple press of a key, or the keys to move the program anywhere but W, A, S, and D is nice, but it’s not put to good enough use to be what I consider is the selling point for the person looking. New PC keyboard.

Epilogue

The Akko 3098N mechanical keyboard is a sturdy and versatile accessory. Between its ability to switch from wired to wireless, its programmable features, and its smaller than normal form factor, this keyboard is sure to please a lot of people. That said, getting the device working out of the box for the first time is a surprise, while some of the deeper features aren’t used as much as a newbie might hope. If you’re willing to take the time to dig into the device’s details, the Akko 3098N will pay off your efforts. If you’re just looking for something to press your fingers into while using your computer, you might be better served elsewhere.