Software

There is no dedicated software driver support for the Akko 3098 Black & Pink ASA—all functionality is hardware based. As such, I have chosen to combine the Software and Performance pages into one.

Performance

The keyboard supports the typical NKRO in USB wired mode, which tested successfully using Aqua's test. Switch Hitter confirmed no chatter with these keys either, and we see above all the functions that get dedicated keys on the base layer. Six keys are "lost" from the 104-key US ANSI full-size form factor thus, with 98 keys remaining, which the name indicates. As per usual these days, the R. Win key is replaced by an Fn key, which is why there are seven grayed-out keys in the image above.


The included manual does a decent job of going over the functionality programmed into the keyboard, of which there is actually more than you would think. It does talk about backlighting as well, but that only means this manual is shared across a few different Akko keyboards since that is clearly not a feature here. As seen before, the Akko 3098 does not have the real estate for dedicated media keys. Instead, volume control and media playback, in addition to a few other functionality shortcuts, are tied into the Fn row. Additionally, holding Fn + Win for three seconds toggles Win lock, and you can do a factory reset by holding down both Win keys for the same period of time. Oh, and you can get back the Menu function if you want it too, with R. Ctrl being a re-mappable key as seen above.


The means to key map other functions is missing, but there is on-the-fly macro recording. Holding down Fn + L. Win for 3 seconds initiates macro mode, although there is no visual indication of this. Fn + Esc then starts the recording process, which means Fn, Esc, and both Win keys can't be assigned macros. The manual again goes over the process, but pressing Fn + the desired key next clears the previously assigned function, and the recording is then written over. Repeating the steps in reverse closes it, and you can of course clear macros and go back to the default programming. I wish there were onboard profiles to make this process more practical, and I am still struggling to understand why replacement keycaps for Print Screen, Scroll Lock, and Pause/Break are included.

Using the keyboard is otherwise straightforward; you just need to practice for a couple of days to get used to the spacing (or lack thereof) between the alphanumeric section, arrow keys, and numpad. The truncated R. Shift, R. Alt, Fn, R. Ctrl, and numpad 0 are trade-offs for this smaller form factor that does make sense ergonomically for those who absolutely need the numpad. The typical 95% (often referred to as 96% as well) keyboard has a single bank of keys, which is harder to get used to, and Akko has chosen a middle ground with this more accurate 96% layout that has some spacing and a vertical offset of the arrow keys, which does help trim down the learning curve.


As we saw before, the Akko 3098 Black & Pink ASA uses three first-party switch offerings from the company's popular CS (Custom Series) switches. For their custom look and design, these are favorably looked upon in the custom keyboard market for the going cost when purchased separately ($10 for a pack of 45, 22c/switch). The springs and stems are also worth talking about, which we did in more detail on the previous page if you missed it. I have the CS Ocean Blue tactile switches on my sample, which are also quite different in feel because the tactile bump comes in so much earlier than usual. Notice the force-travel curve above, with the pressure point from the bump basically coming in right as you press the switch (0.5 +/-0.3 mm), followed by two linear segments. Once past the bump that makes little practical sense in telling you where the feedback is, you will get consistent feedback until actuation at 1.9 mm with a total travel of 4 mm. As expected, tactile force is rated at 45 gf (+/-10 gf), with a peak bottoming-out force of ~55 +/-10 gf. This makes for a relatively light switch, and I am still confused about whether I like it or not. I suspect I will like the other two linear CS switches more, though.


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 Akko 3098 Black & Pink ASA keyboard sample at ~105 WPM as it comes out of the box with the Akko CS Ocean Blue switches. For context, you can find sound clips from other keyboards here, including those with tactile switches. I did bottom out given the relatively light weight and weird pre-travel characteristics, but this helps show how there isn't much pinging. Also, the sound signature is quieter and lower in pitch courtesy the keycaps, switches, springs, and definitely foam between the plate and PCB. I really like how the keyboard sounds, and there is not much reverb either, which I was worried about with the hollow case.