An Unexpected Project

Some Backstory and Context

I’m a bit of a keyboard nerd.

It all started many years ago when I got sick of hitting my mouse on that useless part of the keyboard that is a remnant of old, 80s keyboards. Yes, I’m talking about the numpad. And you either work in accounting or you got no business having a numpad nowadays.

Oof, ok. That was a bit of a rant. Aaaany way… Back on topic.

I know it is usefull and, honestly, I do like to use it if I’m typing some bigger numbers. But for a programmer and gamer, this extra room the numpad takes in the desk becomes very annoying, very fast.

So I decided to try out some smaller keyboards. Finally decided on a TenKeyLess (TKL) keyboard. Which, as the name implies, it has ten keys less than the “classic” keyboard . The numpad, essentially. There are some other, even smaller variants, but you lose the arrows and the F numbers row. I’ve tried and it’s as some one who programs, those are essential.

I ended up going with a Ducky One 2 TKL. It was small, relativelly cheap and very good for what I wanted. Which was gaming at the time. It came with CherryMX Speed Silver switches (relevant later on), a kind of switch that activate a lot faster - basically you need to press the key less than usual for them to activate - which is a plus in fast paced gaming where reaction time makes a difference.

They are also very nice if you type fast. And I do. Specially while coding or even writting these blog posts.

My Journey

Throughout the years I’ve tested several different keyboards and switches. Most keyboards TKL and most switches a variant of the Silver switch.

After the Ducky keyboard I started buying Akko keyboards and switches. They are good and they are not very expensive. This led to the opportunity to review some switches

The Oportunity that Presented Itself

In early June I got a somewhat peculiar e-mail. It came from a Keyboard manufacturer company I’ve been using for the past 3 or 4 years: Akko.

It was an invite to test out some new switches they were releasing in about a month. Having bought quite some switch sets from them, I know I want to try out these new switches. And for free? Absolutely!

The Deal

Of course, there’s no free meal. The free switches came with a small (I would say) catch. I need to review them!

That’s it, actually! I need to do a video review of the switches they send me. No other strings attached. No guidelines, no corporate phrase to say about them, nothing else.

I filled up a google form and a few weeks later I had two packages of 45 Akko CS Crystal Silver U1 switches in my hands.

Current Status

Right now I’m in the process of editing the video. Recording is 90% done. I’m only missing some voice-over for the end of the video and re-record some footage if needed.

I’ll make another blogpost later. Probably when I’m done.