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Akko introduces U1 series mechanical keyboard switches for 10th anniversary

✇KitGuru
João Silva

Akko has announced the U1 series, a new lineup of mechanical keyboard switches developed to celebrate the brand's 10th anniversary. These next-generation switches focus on providing enhanced smoothness and refined typing acoustics out of the box.

According to Akko, the entire U1 series uses a newly formulated POM blend that retains POM's self-lubricating properties while enhancing overall consistency. The switches incorporate a redesigned cylindrical stem and an optimized rail structure to deliver a lower-pitched, thocky sound profile. To further reduce spring ping and unwanted resonance, Akko pairs this assembly with an upgraded POM top housing.

The brand's highlighted switch in this ecosystem is the Creamy Yellow U1. This linear variant bridges the tactile feedback gap between the company's older V3 and V5 iterations, delivering stable performance across different keyboard form factors. For aesthetic appeal, it features an integrated light-guiding column that evenly diffuses PCB lighting. To simplify bulk keyboard assembly, Akko now packages the Creamy Yellow U1 in larger 100-switch boxes.

Other entries in the new lineup include the tactile Creamy Purple U1, which enhances stem stability and noise suppression. Linear users can also choose the Piano U1, an upgraded take on the V3 Pro Piano switch, or the speed-focused Crystal Silver U1. According to the product team, Akko intends to expand the U1 ecosystem with silent-oriented variations and pre-install them in upcoming keyboards, such as the 5075 V5.

The U1 series is now available, starting at £9.00/€11.89 for a 45-pack of Cream Purple U1 switches. The Piano U1 and Crystal Silver U1, both also in a 45-switch pack, are available for £13.00/€16.65. As for the 100-switch pack of Cream Yellow U1, these cost £18.00/€19.99.

KitGuru says: Have you used Akko's mechanical keyboard switches before? Do you prefer them to Kailh or CherryMX? 

The post Akko introduces U1 series mechanical keyboard switches for 10th anniversary first appeared on KitGuru.

One of our favorite budget gaming keyboards drops back down to its lowest-ever price of $45 at Amazon — RK R65 packs lubed switches, metallic knob, and gasket mount for excellent sound and feel

✇Tom's Hardware

The Royal Kludge RK R65 is one of our picks for best budget mechanical keyboards thanks to its stand-out feature set and excellent sound and feel for the price, which normally ranges from $50-$60. But today at Amazon, you can pick up this compact 60% clacker for just $44.99 if you clip the $10 digital coupon.

The RK R65's feature set reads like something that costs at least twice as much. The wired keyboard boasts RGB backlighting, factory-lubed switches (RK Cream in this variant), a gasket mount, two silicone pads to absorb stound, and (somewhat) metal volume knob. The result is the best-sounding budget keyboard I've ever used — so much so that I've been using it as my daily driver in the office for over a year, despite the lack of a Function row and other handy keys.

The RK R65 is an excellent budget 60% wired keybaord, with RGB, swappable factory-lubed linear switches, a gasket mount and silicone pads, QMK/VIA support for customizing keys, and a metal volume knob. This is by far one of the nicest-sounding and nicest-looking keyboards I've used in this price range.View Deal

Of course, the 60% layout is best-suited to gaming, and it works quite well for that. But with its dedicated arrow keys, I can also get by using it for productivity. And if you don't like the bronze-and-brown color scheme of this model, there are four other color and switch options that are currently priced between $48 and $50.

Keep in mind, as much as this keyboard delivers excellent features for the price, Royal Kludge had to cut corners somewhere. The chassis is basically all plastic save for the knob, which is also partially plastic. So don't expect a weighty, premium-feeling shell. Still, if you consider the price — especially when it's on sale, as it is today — this is a whole lot of keyboard for something that falls decidedly into the budget range.

It is also probably the best-sounding keyboard I've ever used that didn't cost well more than $100. So much so that, while I have several other keyboard options, I plan to keep using the RK R65 at work for the foreseeable future.

If you're looking for more savings, check out our Best PC Hardware deals for a range of products, or dive deeper into our specialized SSD and Storage Deals, Hard Drive Deals, Gaming Monitor Deals, Graphics Card Deals, gaming chair, or CPU Deals pages.

Razer unveils$500 flagship gaming keyboard — Huntsman Signature Edition built from CNC-machined aluminum, featuring 8,000 Hz polling and Snap Tap

✇Tom's Hardware
editors@tomshardware.com (Hassam Nasir)
Razer has a new flagship gaming keyboard, the Huntsman Signature Edition, that embraces a fully CNC aluminum construction and PVD mirror finish on the back. The $500 keyboard is basically a spruced-up Huntsman V3 Pro aimed at gamers that wanted a more aesthetically pleasing keyboard.

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