The original Alice layout keyboards came out nearly five years ago and it somehow took until 2021-22 for the design to get popular enough for multiple brands to get on board. Akko's take on the Alice layout is one of the better such implementations I've used to date, but even this will be hard to become accustomed to if you are used to a more standard layout. Indeed, the ACR Pro Alice Plus goes for not only a 60% keyboard form factor but also splits up the keys and adds in varying angles to have a steep learning curve which can take days, if not weeks, to become proficient with the layout. Even then you need to go through the frustration of typing errors and not finding keys because of previously set muscle memory to where your typing efficiency won't be great for a while. This is a limitation of all such keyboards for the first time, however then comes the benefit of lesser finger travel and a more natural typing angle to where you will be less likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome, for example, while also now overtaking your previous typing speed and accuracy via touch typing.

Akko's Alice Plus also aims to differentiate itself from other such Alice layouts by offering a pre-built keyboard on top of the usual kit-only versions, which you also get here. Please note thus that this review is of the pre-built keyboard which also means I have to point out there are only linear switches to choose from, of which both are quite similar except for one being a speed switch version of the other. The switches and keycaps are first-party products allowing Akko to release this at a reasonable price. I also appreciated that you get the remaining, unused keycaps from the 190+ keycap set chosen here in addition to spare gaskets and even a set of add-on feet. The keyboard case is also quite nice to look and use thanks to the paint on the acrylic making it look chic while doubling up as a diffuser for the side lighting on the PCB itself. You also get foam sheets on top of the silicone gaskets and hot-swappable sockets mean you can have per-key customization. Add in support for screw-in stabilizers and now you end up with a keyboard that will appeal to the modding community too. The Akko ACR Pro Alice Plus isn't a keyboard for everyone but if you happen to be in the market for an Alice layout keyboard or are simply curious about trying out a split small form factor keyboard with ergonomic typing in mind then this is certainly worth considering.