Akko Macaw PBT Keycaps

Logically, this is where I would be talking about the switches used in this build. However, Epomaker sent me five different switch options, so first talking about the keycaps made more sense to me. As mentioned before, we get another Akko keycap set. Akko is quickly becoming a brand I really like for the keycaps more than anything else, but I do need to address the elephant in the room: The Akko Neon set from last time took its inspiration from the GMK Laser keycap set, and this time, we get the Akko Macaw PBT keycap set that draws comparisons to the GMK Nautilus keycap set. Similarly to how Cherry MX switches were cloned first and we now have completely unique designs, I will say that we are somewhere between those states with these keycaps, where the Akko set uses PBT instead of ABS, adds plenty of other keycaps as a single set rather than customizable with group buys, uses the Cherry profile, though there is also an Akko-specific ASA profile option, and, more importantly, is available for purchase right now and for way less. It won't stop complaints, and I get it, but I also get why these are made and sold.

Packaging is excellent, with a plastic wrap over a thick cardboard wrapper that does a great job showcasing the keycaps inside. Indeed, the entire packaging is color-coordinated to match the colors of the keycaps, with the logo, product name, and a close-up print of the keycaps on front. Akko, as with Epomaker, is a Chinese brand, and their contact information has been put on the back in Mandarin. On the side, we also see that the wrapper is placed over a sturdy plastic case that needs to be slid out for access. The plastic case, again in the dark blue color to match the keycaps, has the Akko logo in the accompanying yellow color in the middle. Two substantial hinges are on one side, and a cutout notch on the other helps open the box. This is otherwise quite impressive and adds a lot of protection to what is a bunch of plastic bought purely with aesthetics, customization, and build quality in mind. So any chips or damages during shipping are bad, and now the packaging makes a lot of sense.


Opening the box, we are greeted by the entire keycap array of this set. I will also again draw your attention to the nature of the box, which folds into itself and is a substantial offering to store everything. Indeed, additionally to supporting all relatively standard form factors from 60% to full-size, Akko provides additional keycaps to support different sizes for the bottom row of the alphanumeric section, as well as different sizes for the Ins-Del cluster and such intermediate form factors as 68% and 75%. As such, this set came in handy with the GK96S default key map that requires small bottom-row keycaps on the right of the space bar, for example. Magnets keep the box closed as well, and there is a nice metal wire keycap puller, held tightly in place inside molded plastic notches I was glad to use over simply throwing the plastic keycap puller into the case.


As per the company, the Akko Macaw PBT keycap set draws inspiration from the bird of the same name with the colors based on the indigo blue fur and yellow accents. Akko also likes to use three colors in its keycap sets, so here we end up with two shades of blue in addition to the yellow. The three colors are used for either the base or the legends, with PBT used for the keycap itself. The keycaps are in the uncommon Cherry profile, which is shorter than average and with less aggressive contouring. There is the slight possibility of thick PBT Cherry profile keycaps not playing nice with north-facing LEDs and switches, but I have not had that issue before and do not expect it here, either.


I had to use the keycap puller even earlier than I thought since Akko has cross-stem molds similar to dummy switches in the case to hold all the keycaps securely. There may be some trial and error to determine which switches to use, especially for the modifier keys and some of the vanity keycaps of the set. Take your time, although you really should have done your research on the keycap set before purchasing it.

The keycap legends are doubleshot injected in a loop-less manner similar to Ducky, with the bars on the underside where the loop breaks would otherwise be. There is basically no backlighting support because the colors and plastics are too dark and thick. These are thus very thick PBT keycaps with an average wall thickness of 1.45 mm compared to the usual ~1.3–1.35 mm, and in total, we have 157 keycaps, 108 for the full-size keyboard layout with media control keys and an additional 49 for different options and colors. The legends themselves are very clean and well applied, and the contrasting colors compensate for the lack of backlighting. The PBT keycaps are also smooth to the touch, which negates one of the issues with PBT keycaps in that they are too grippy or rough. These are fantastic keycaps in terms of build quality.