Software

There is no dedicated software driver support for the Ajazz AC064 at this time—all functionality is hardware based. As such, I have chosen to combine the Software and Performance pages into one.

Performance

The Ajazz AC064 supports full N-key rollover USB and 2.4 GHz wireless mode, and switches to the expected 6KRO in Bluetooth 5.0 mode. Both tested successfully using Aqua's test. Switch Hitter confirmed no chatter with these keys either, and you can see above what functions get dedicated keys on the base layer.


I know I said base layer, but I should have said the only layer when it comes to keystrokes. There are no other pre-programmed functions at all, making this a "what you see is what you get" keyboard. I was wondering why there weren't any other keycap legends except for those always associated with those keys, and now I know the reason. Unfortunately, in the absence of any programming options, this means you do not have any of the missing functions from, say, a TKL layout. You best be sure this layout has everything you need then. This can absolutely be a dealbreaker for many. Then there's where getting used to this layout can take extremely long for some, and I will admit that my typing accuracy took a dive the first few days. I forced myself to only use this keyboard, and things got better over time, but it has yet to hit the level of accuracy I get with more typical 60% or 65% keyboards. The dedicated arrow keys are nice for navigation though, so I certainly appreciate Ajazz trying to get this layout going as an option for those who want it.


Again in a clear case of form over function, there is programming for the RGB LEDs, with 18+ pre-programmed static, dynamic, and reactive lighting effects to choose from. Fn + I/O/P goes through six effects each between the three combinations, some of which are seen above, and there are some game-genre specific modes which only light up certain keys to cater to the likes of FPS and MOBA games. I did like the so-called "Office Mode," which lights up 36 keys that are more commonly used for typing alone. Light recording is possible for a per-key static light option, in addition to changing the brightness, direction, and speed of associated effects. If you get the DIY kit version, pairing it with backlighting-compatible keycaps will make for a more impressive light show that is also functional, as opposed to the accent lighting we see here.

Wireless connectivity is another feature worthy of discussion, especially since it's the only other place of customization, at least to an extent. Sure, you can swap between Windows and macOS modes, but that's not going to change anyone's minds on whether this keyboard is for them. In fact, there is even a Win Lock option that feels hilarious in the absence of more relevant programming options. This is where the AC064 works out quite well, with Fn + R switching between the three connectivity modes on offer. You need to switch the keyboard at the back to get the battery juice flowing, which in turn allows for the 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.0 modes to run. The USB dongle comes pre-paired, so using it in 2.4 GHz wireless mode is a breeze; it worked beautifully in all the typical use cases I tried, including some gaming on the side, which felt weird with this small and dense thing on my lap as I sat on the couch. In Bluetooth mode, the AC064 can be paired with up to three devices simultaneously, and the keyboard in fact lights up in different colors to indicate connectivity changes even when going from Bluetooth to 2.4 GHz. Fn + Q/W/E switches between Bluetooth-paired devices, allowing for up to five of these, albeit for exclusive use, of course.

There is the usual sleep mode to save battery life, which in this case happens to be 10 minutes of no activity turning off the backlighting first. This is a lot longer than I would like, especially knowing RGB LEDs are the killer for wireless keyboard battery life. It takes 30 minutes for the keyboard to then enter sleep mode in Bluetooth, which isn't even a thing with 2.4 GHz mode. I once again see signs of good ideas but poor execution from Ajazz, with battery life taking a hit if you have static or dynamic backlighting effects on. The 3000 mAh battery isn't bad, but about average for such devices these days. There is certainly room in the case to go with a bigger battery, especially after having seen the 4000–6000 mAh batteries in similar form factors from the likes of Shurikey Gear and AZIO. I had the keyboard die in under a day with lights on, and charging took ~2.5 hours with the USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB 3.0) 1 A limit. This is faster than usual with these keyboards as most are restricted to 500 mA over the USB 2.0 standards, so I suppose that's something. Battery life will be more in the weeks with LEDs off, which you might as well do with the opaque keycaps here.


The Gateron Yellow is a linear switch rated to be slightly heavier than the Cherry MX Red, but with the same actuation and total travel distances of 2.0/4.0 mm respectively. Actuation force is thus expected to be near the rated 50 gf with a bottoming-out force of ~60 gf. These are among the most consistent switches I have tried in terms of the rated numbers from the factory. Even using the switches was a pleasure because of the smoother travel, and this is coming from a guy who prefers tactile switches but is quickly growing to appreciate good linear switches. The spring near-perfectly appeals to all Cherry MX Red gamers without feeling too different, while having enough resistance to keep general typists happy as well. Keeping to 2.0/4.0 mm travel is also good overall, so while this is not going to be a fast gaming switch, it will be a very good general switch, and these switches are selling well, too.


As always, the sound of a keyboard is based on more than just the switch type. So when comparing sound clips, consider the keyboard as a whole. In this case, I have provided above an example sound clip of me typing on the assembled Ajazz AC064 keyboard sample at ~85 WPM as it comes out of the box with the Gateron Yellow switches and these PBT dye sub keycaps. For context, you can find sound clips from other keyboards here, including those with linear switches. The foam layer between the plate and PCB does help mitigate the downstroke ping, but I would have liked to see what lubed stabilizers would do to the typing feel as well, which still felt mushy. So while the typing itself isn't the best I have had, even among keyboards with these switches and PBT dye sub keycaps, this remains a good keyboard to listen to by itself, and it has the potential to be made even more appealing to your tastes with different switches.