Value and Conclusion
- The Ajazz AC064 pre-assembled keyboard comes in a single switch option and keycap set at this time, for $115 from the Epomaker web shop.
- There is a DIY kit version of the AC064, which comes with no switches or keycaps, for $90 from the Epomaker web shop.
- Thick, high-profile CNC-machined aluminium case
- Available as DIY kits in different colors
- Pre-assembled keyboard is less expensive than equivalent offerings
- Relatively unique layout bringing arrow keys to the 60% keyboard form factor
- Sound dampening foam between plate and PCB
- USB, 2.4 GHz, and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity options
- Long battery life, at least with LEDs off, with 3000 mAh battery
- 16.8 M RGB LEDs with per-key lighting
- Pre-programmed lighting effects
- Good quality keycaps as far as longevity is concerned
- Steep learning curve for the layout
- No key-remapping option or extra pre-programmed functions
- Only a single switch option for the keyboard
- Poor keycap compatibility for the DIY kit option
- Lighting is more for accentuation than functionality owing to opaque keycaps
- Small alignment issues on the keycaps in the assembled version
The Ajazz AC064 is weird, with the design seemingly taking a few challenges to heart but being let down by that budget it perhaps had to adhere to. There are so many things which almost hit the mark, including programmed lighting effects and a good battery, but we then see there is no key-mapping option, and the time it takes for the LEDs to turn off in wireless mode is a whopping 10 minutes of no activity. There's also the part where this is a small form factor keyboard that offers nothing on top of the base layer, making it impossible to get functions such as Pg Up, Print Screen, etc., without using a third-party tool, such as AutoHotkey. There are no layers or software support, making this an extremely difficult proposition for keyboard enthusiasts, who are the type to like the build quality.
Or is it? It's easier to convince the average layperson that this thick aluminium keyboard is a high-quality one, and the shortcomings lie in the details, which may not be caught as easily. Modding the keyboard is quite an intensive process, and keycap compatibility is low. As an assembled keyboard or otherwise, this kit is perhaps best-suited to those who are happy with the relatively unique layout and do not wish to change anything about it. At that point, you might as well get the assembled keyboard since it no doubt saves on the cost of individual items, and the aesthetics are on point. There is a lot to like here, but things irk me about the shortcuts taken, or just the lack of attention to detail, so much so that only a very specific crowd should get it.