Ajazz AK820 Max HE Review
The Ajazz AK820 Max HE is a 75% mechanical keyboard that offers some unique features and improvements over its predecessors. Most importantly it has Hall Effect switches, 8000Hz polling rate and the wired edition is only $69.99 which is a great price for a gaming keyboard with Rapid Trigger features.
First Impressions
When you unbox the AK820 Max, you’ll find a USB-A to USB-C cable, a couple of tools for removing keycaps and switches, and a dust cover for the keyboard. The design immediately stands out, especially if you choose a vibrant color option like the “Orange Cheese” version reviewed here. The keyboard has a round knob and a small screen, which adds a bit of flair and functionality.
Build Quality and Design
The keyboard feels solid and well-built, with a good weight that gives it a premium feel. It’s made from ABS plastic, which is standard but durable. The keycaps are thick (1.5mm) and made from double-shot PBT, which means they’re resistant to wear and feel nice to the touch. The keyboard uses a gasket-mounted FR4 plate, providing a decent amount of flex without feeling too soft or mushy.
Switches and Stabilizers
This model comes with Ajazz-branded magnetic switches that have a satisfying pop and sound. The stabilizers are plate-mounted, which usually isn’t as desirable as screw-in stabilizers, but these are surprisingly good. There’s minimal wobble, and they’re well-lubed, though maybe a bit too much. Over time, excess lube can attract dust, so you might want to clean them up a bit.
Functionality
The small screen on the keyboard is a cool feature, allowing you to see information like the time, battery life, and the connection mode (wired, Bluetooth, or 2.4GHz wireless). You can also customize the screen with your own animations or images. The knob controls volume by default but can be customized through the software.
The Rapid Trigger (RT) feature adjusts actuation points dynamically for faster inputs, especially in gaming. The DKS function allows up to four actions per keypress depth, while the Mod-Tap (MT) assigns dual functionalities to a single key, and the Toggle Key (TGL) enables dual operation modes.
Connectivity options include an 8000Hz polling rate in the wired version and a 1000Hz rate in the Tri-mode version, supporting wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz wireless connections. The hot-swappable PCB allows users to switch between magnetic switches like Kailh and Gateron.
Typing Experience
Typing on the AK820 Max is enjoyable. The keycaps feel good, and the keyboard has a pleasant, balanced sound right out of the box—no need for extra modifications. The key layout is well thought out, especially the four-key navigation column. However, it would be nice if the keyboard came with extra keycaps, especially for people who might want to swap out switches or keycaps later.
Software
The software for the AK820 Max is better than previous Ajazz offerings. It’s easy to use and allows for a good amount of customization, including per-key RGB lighting and the ability to upload your own animations for the screen. It’s not as polished as software from bigger brands, but it’s a step in the right direction.
Overall Thoughts
The Ajazz AK820 Max is one of the best keyboards Ajazz has released so far. It’s fun, functional, and offers a good typing experience right out of the box. The addition of the screen and knob gives it a unique edge, and the vibrant color options make it stand out from the usual black or white keyboards on the market. While there are a few minor nitpicks, like the lack of extra keycaps or support for screw-in stabilizers, these don’t detract much from the overall experience.
If you’re in the market for a 75% keyboard that’s a bit different from the norm, the Ajazz AK820 Max is definitely worth considering. Plus, it’s reasonably priced, making it a solid choice for both beginners and seasoned keyboard enthusiasts alike.
