Akko keycaps
Founded in Shenzhen, China in August 2016, Akko revolutionized mechanical keyboards with their concept of "lifestyle gaming peripherals." The company was established by industry veterans with the mission to "make peripheral more than just a tool" by integrating pop-cultural imagery, anime collaborations, and lifestyle elements into high-quality keyboards. Operating from a 6,000 square meter factory in Dongguan, Akko has grown into one of the world's most diverse keyboard manufacturers, offering layouts spanning 60% to full-size across more than 60 countries while maintaining their reputation for accessible enthusiast-grade features.
Original keycaps from Akko
Akko ships their keyboards with premium keycap options that vary significantly across their product lines, showcasing their expertise as one of the world's leading keycap manufacturers. Most Akko keyboards feature ASA profile keycaps - their proprietary design that matches OEM height while maintaining the spherical top aesthetics of SA profile, creating a familiar yet refined typing experience.
Their standard keycaps are manufactured using PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) material through advanced dye-sublimation processes, including their pioneering five-sided dye-sublimation technology that prints legends on all keycap surfaces for maximum durability. Premium models like the MOD007 series feature doubleshot PBT keycaps, while some budget-friendly options include ABS doubleshot variants for enhanced RGB compatibility.
Akko's keycap profile selection spans multiple options: ASA (their signature profile), OSA (a variation optimized for specific layouts), Cherry profile for traditionalists, OEM profile on entry-level models, DSA for uniform typing, MOA/MOG profiles with unique rounded edges, and SAL profile variants. Most sets include 158+ keycaps covering layouts from 60% through full-size, with additional Mac modifiers, novelty keys, and both ANSI and ISO layout support.
The company's themed collaborations result in some of the most distinctive keycap designs in the industry. From World Tour series featuring city-inspired colorways to licensed collaborations with Sailor Moon, Doraemon, Hello Kitty, One Piece, and Dragon Ball Z, Akko's keycap artistry extends far beyond standard offerings. Their keycaps use 1.3-1.6mm wall thickness for optimal sound dampening and feature MX-compatible stems for universal switch compatibility.
For replacement purposes, Akko sells standalone keycap sets through their website and authorized retailers, with full sets typically ranging from budget-friendly themed options to premium doubleshot PBT collections. Their extensive keycap catalog makes finding matching replacements or upgrade sets straightforward for any Akko keyboard owner.
Custom Akko keycaps from Yuzu
Akko keyboards use standard MX-compatible switches and accept any MX-stem keycaps, making them perfect for full customization with Yuzu. Whether you own a MOD007B series gaming keyboard, a 5108B full-size board, or any of their 60%-96% models, our customization tools precisely match Akko's diverse layout options. Design custom dye-sublimated PBT keycaps in any color scheme, create personalized legends, and choose your preferred profile to perfectly complement your Akko keyboard's premium build quality and wireless capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Rise of Lifestyle Gaming Peripherals
Akko's founding story began on August 15, 2016, when a group of computer peripheral industry veterans recognized a gap in the mechanical keyboard market. Their vision was radical for its time: transform keyboards from mere tools into expressions of personal identity and pop culture passion. The concept of "lifestyle gaming peripherals" emerged from this philosophy, emphasizing that peripherals should embody "licensed IP imagery, trends, interests, attitudes, and cultural elements."
The company's early success came through themed keyboard releases on four-to-six month rotations, establishing their reputation for coherent design aesthetics and cultural relevance. Their breakthrough World Tour series, particularly the Tokyo variant with Sakura and Mount Fuji themes, demonstrated how mechanical keyboards could celebrate specific cultures and locations while maintaining enthusiast-grade specifications.
IP collaborations became Akko's signature strength, securing partnerships with major anime franchises including Sailor Moon Crystal (2021), One Piece, Dragon Ball Z, Hello Kitty, Doraemon, and Honkai Impact 3. These weren't superficial branding exercises - each collaboration involved custom keycap sculpting, unique colorways, novelty keys, and themed packaging that resonated deeply with respective fan communities.
The technical evolution accelerated in 2021 when Akko released their first custom switch offerings - the CS Matcha Green, Rose Red, and Ocean Blue switches - marking their transition from keyboard assembler to full peripheral ecosystem manufacturer. This vertical integration proved crucial as they developed relationships with TTC and Gateron for co-developed proprietary switches while simultaneously building their own switch production capabilities.
MonsGeek sub-brand launch in 2022 represented Akko's strategic expansion into budget-friendly enthusiast keyboards, with the M1 being the "most budget-friendly 75% aluminum keyboard" available at launch. This move democratized premium features like hot-swappable switches, aluminum construction, and gasket mounting for mainstream budgets.
Recent innovations include the MOD007 V5 HE (2024) with 32K scan rates and TMR magnetic technology, the SPR67 spring-mounted keyboard with patented US and China designs, and expansion into mouse and headset categories. Their 6,000 square meter Dongguan factory and integrated supply chain enable rapid innovation cycles while maintaining quality control across their diverse product lines.
Today, Akko stands as one of the few keyboard manufacturers offering complete vertical integration - from switch design and keycap manufacturing to final assembly - while maintaining their original vision of making premium mechanical keyboards accessible, customizable, and culturally relevant to enthusiast communities worldwide.
