Akko TAC 75 HE Review A Comprehensive Look With Internal Pictures
Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Akko TAC 75 HE keyboard. This isn't just a quick look; we're going to dissect it, analyze its performance, and even peek inside to see what makes it tick. So, buckle up and get ready for a comprehensive review that'll help you decide if this keyboard deserves a spot on your desk. The Akko TAC 75 HE has been generating a lot of buzz in the mechanical keyboard community, and for good reason. It boasts a unique design, high-quality components, and a host of features that appeal to both gamers and typists alike. But does it live up to the hype? Let's find out.
Unboxing and First Impressions
First things first, let's talk about the unboxing experience. Akko is known for its attention to detail, and the TAC 75 HE's packaging doesn't disappoint. The keyboard comes in a sturdy box with eye-catching graphics and a clear indication of the model and layout. Inside, you'll find the keyboard itself, a keycap puller, a USB-C cable, and some extra keycaps. Akko also includes a detailed user manual that walks you through the keyboard's features and customization options. The initial impression of the Akko TAC 75 HE is one of quality and craftsmanship. The keyboard feels solid and well-built, with a hefty weight that suggests premium materials. The keycaps are made of high-quality PBT plastic, which is known for its durability and resistance to shine. The overall design is clean and modern, with a compact 75% layout that saves space on your desk without sacrificing functionality. The color scheme is tasteful and understated, with a combination of neutral tones that should blend well with most setups. But aesthetics are only skin deep, so let's move on to the more important aspects of the keyboard, such as its performance and features.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the Akko TAC 75 HE is one of its standout features. The 75% layout strikes a good balance between compactness and functionality, providing all the essential keys while minimizing the overall footprint. This makes it a great option for those with limited desk space or who prefer a more minimalist setup. The keyboard features a sturdy aluminum case that feels incredibly solid and durable. There's no flex or wobble whatsoever, which is a testament to the quality of the construction. The case also adds a premium feel to the keyboard, making it feel like a high-end product. The keycaps are made of doubleshot PBT plastic, which is a significant upgrade over the ABS plastic used in many other keyboards. PBT plastic is more resistant to wear and tear, and it doesn't develop the same shine as ABS plastic over time. This means that your keycaps will look and feel great for years to come. The legends on the keycaps are also crisp and clear, thanks to the doubleshot molding process. The keyboard features a detachable USB-C cable, which is a welcome addition. This makes it easy to replace the cable if it gets damaged, and it also allows you to use a custom cable if you prefer. The keyboard also has adjustable feet, which allow you to change the typing angle to suit your preferences. Overall, the design and build quality of the Akko TAC 75 HE are top-notch. It's a keyboard that feels like it's built to last, and it looks great while doing it.
Switches and Keycaps
Now, let's talk about the heart of any mechanical keyboard: the switches. The Akko TAC 75 HE uses Gateron Pro switches, which are known for their smooth and consistent feel. The switches are pre-lubed from the factory, which further enhances their smoothness and reduces any scratchiness. Our review unit came with Gateron Pro Yellow switches, which are linear switches with a medium weight. They provide a satisfying typing experience with a smooth and consistent keypress. The Gateron Pro Yellow switches are a popular choice among gamers and typists alike, as they offer a good balance between speed and accuracy. However, Akko also offers the TAC 75 HE with other switch options, such as Gateron Pro Red and Gateron Pro Blue. This allows you to choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences. The keycaps on the Akko TAC 75 HE are made of doubleshot PBT plastic, as we mentioned earlier. The keycaps have a slightly textured surface, which provides a good grip and prevents your fingers from slipping. The keycaps also have a Cherry profile, which is a popular keycap profile known for its comfortable typing experience. The legends on the keycaps are clear and easy to read, and they are resistant to fading thanks to the doubleshot molding process. The keycaps also have a nice thickness, which adds to the overall premium feel of the keyboard. Akko also includes some extra keycaps in the box, which is a nice touch. These extra keycaps allow you to customize the look of your keyboard and add some personal flair. Overall, the switches and keycaps on the Akko TAC 75 HE are excellent. They provide a smooth and satisfying typing experience, and they are built to last.
Performance and Typing Experience
So, how does the Akko TAC 75 HE perform in real-world use? In short, it's a joy to type on. The Gateron Pro Yellow switches provide a smooth and consistent keypress, and the pre-lubrication ensures that there's no scratchiness or friction. The keyboard is also very responsive, with no noticeable input lag. This makes it a great option for both gaming and typing. The 75% layout takes a little getting used to if you're coming from a full-size keyboard, but it's well worth the effort. The compact layout saves space on your desk, and it also makes the keyboard more portable. The keycaps have a comfortable shape and texture, and they provide a good grip for your fingers. The doubleshot PBT plastic is also very durable, so you don't have to worry about the keycaps wearing down over time. The Akko TAC 75 HE also has excellent sound characteristics. The keyboard has a relatively deep and muted sound, which is pleasing to the ear. The sound is also consistent across all the keys, which is a sign of good build quality. The keyboard doesn't have any noticeable ping or rattle, which is a common issue with some mechanical keyboards. Overall, the performance and typing experience of the Akko TAC 75 HE are outstanding. It's a keyboard that you'll enjoy using for hours on end, whether you're typing documents, writing code, or playing games.
Features and Customization
The Akko TAC 75 HE is packed with features and customization options. The keyboard has full N-key rollover, which means that it can register all your keypresses simultaneously. This is especially important for gamers, as it ensures that your inputs are always registered accurately. The keyboard also has a Windows key lock, which prevents you from accidentally pressing the Windows key during gameplay. The Akko TAC 75 HE has customizable RGB backlighting, which allows you to choose from a wide range of colors and effects. The backlighting is bright and vibrant, and it can be customized using Akko's software. The software is easy to use and allows you to create custom lighting profiles. The keyboard also supports macros, which allow you to assign complex commands to a single keypress. This can be useful for both gaming and productivity tasks. The macros can be programmed using Akko's software, and they can be stored on the keyboard's onboard memory. One of the standout features of the Akko TAC 75 HE is its hot-swappable switch sockets. This means that you can easily replace the switches without soldering. This allows you to experiment with different switch types and find the ones that you like best. The hot-swappable sockets are compatible with both 3-pin and 5-pin switches, which gives you a wide range of options. Overall, the Akko TAC 75 HE has a great set of features and customization options. It's a keyboard that you can truly make your own.
Internal Pics and Build Quality (Let's Get Nerdy!)
Okay, guys, this is where things get really interesting! We're going to crack open the Akko TAC 75 HE and take a look at its internal components. This will give us a better understanding of the keyboard's build quality and design.
(Note: Opening your keyboard may void your warranty, so proceed with caution.)
Upon opening the keyboard, we were impressed by the clean and organized layout. The PCB (printed circuit board) is well-designed and features high-quality components. The soldering is clean and precise, which is a sign of good craftsmanship. The keyboard uses a steel plate, which adds to its overall rigidity and durability. The plate is also painted white, which helps to reflect the RGB backlighting and make it appear brighter. The switches are mounted securely to the plate, and there's no noticeable wobble. The hot-swappable switch sockets are also well-integrated into the PCB, and they feel solid and reliable. The keyboard has a good amount of sound dampening material inside, which helps to reduce noise and improve the typing experience. The sound dampening material is strategically placed to minimize vibrations and resonance. The USB-C port is securely attached to the PCB, and it doesn't feel loose or wobbly. Overall, the internal build quality of the Akko TAC 75 HE is excellent. Akko has clearly paid attention to detail and used high-quality components. This is a keyboard that's built to last, both inside and out.
Pros and Cons
To summarize, let's break down the pros and cons of the Akko TAC 75 HE:
Pros:
- Excellent build quality
- Sturdy aluminum case
- Doubleshot PBT keycaps
- Smooth Gateron Pro switches
- Hot-swappable switch sockets
- Customizable RGB backlighting
- Compact 75% layout
- Detachable USB-C cable
- Good sound characteristics
Cons:
- 75% layout may take some getting used to
- Software could be more polished
Final Verdict
So, what's the final verdict on the Akko TAC 75 HE? Guys, we're seriously impressed. This keyboard offers a fantastic combination of build quality, performance, and features. It's a joy to type on, it looks great on your desk, and it's built to last. The hot-swappable switch sockets are a huge plus, as they allow you to customize the keyboard to your exact preferences. The 75% layout is also a great choice for those who want a compact keyboard without sacrificing functionality. The only minor downsides are the 75% layout might not suit everyone and the software could use a bit of polish, but these are small quibbles in an otherwise excellent keyboard. If you're looking for a high-quality mechanical keyboard that offers a great typing experience and a ton of customization options, the Akko TAC 75 HE is definitely worth considering. It's a top-tier keyboard that will serve you well for years to come. We highly recommend it!
Akko TAC 75 HE FAQs
What are the different switch options available for the Akko TAC 75 HE?
The Akko TAC 75 HE is available with a variety of Gateron Pro switches, including Red, Yellow, and Blue. These switches offer different actuation forces and tactile feedback, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your typing style and preferences. It's essential to consider which switch type will enhance your typing or gaming experience the most.
Is the Akko TAC 75 HE good for gaming?
Absolutely! The Akko TAC 75 HE is an excellent choice for gaming. Its responsive Gateron Pro switches, full N-key rollover, and customizable macros make it a formidable weapon in any gamer's arsenal. The compact 75% layout also provides more desk space for mouse movements. Gamers will appreciate the precision and responsiveness this keyboard offers, ensuring every command is executed flawlessly.
How do I customize the RGB backlighting on the Akko TAC 75 HE?
You can customize the RGB backlighting on the Akko TAC 75 HE using Akko's software. The software allows you to choose from a wide range of colors and effects, and you can even create custom lighting profiles. This level of customization allows users to personalize their keyboard to match their setup or mood.
Does the Akko TAC 75 HE support macros?
Yes, the Akko TAC 75 HE supports macros. You can program macros using Akko's software and store them on the keyboard's onboard memory. This feature is particularly useful for gamers and professionals who use complex commands or sequences frequently. The ability to assign these to a single keypress can significantly improve efficiency and speed.
What is the layout of Akko TAC 75 HE?
The Akko TAC 75 HE features a 75% layout, which means it's more compact than a full-size keyboard but still includes all the essential keys. This layout is a popular choice for those who want to save desk space without sacrificing functionality. It provides a good balance between compactness and usability, making it suitable for a variety of tasks.
I hope this in-depth review has been helpful, guys! If you have any more questions about the Akko TAC 75 HE, feel free to ask in the comments below. Happy typing!