With today’s review of the AJAZZ/NACODEX AK966 96 Key Hot Swappable Gasket Mount Mechanical Keyboard, today marks my first major review for a Gasket Mounted keyboard. In addition, this review also marks the first mechanical keyboard over $135 keyboard from AJAZZ/NACODEX (a.k.a. EPOMAKER).
TO be truthful, while I have boasted about the quality of EPOMAKER/AJAZZ/NACODEX mechanical keyboards for their price, ease of modifications, but I’ve also wrote about their inexpensive price.
So, suffice to say, I was surprised to see a keyboard being sold for under $140 and the company also has the upcoming TH96 to be sold for under $150.
But let’s take a look at what makes the AJAZZ/NACODEX AK966 96 Key Hot Swappable Gasket Mount Mechanical Keyboard worth the purchase!
For one, it’s gasket mount hot swappable. What this means is that the gasket mount prevents the plate from having to be in direct contact with the case of the keyboard. So, the keyboard has less sound and softer feel.
In addition, a gasket mount uses gasket material between the plate and keyboard housing on both the top and bottom sides. For those who are wanting something even better than red switch keyboards, will want to opt for this gasket mounted keyboard because it’s very quiet. In fact this alone has three layers of Poron foam (Poron Sandwich Cotton) in the keyboard.
And in addition to the gasket mounting material, this keyboard uses the Kailh Cream sWitch which are factory lubed with a smooth type of feeling and are made of high quality POM material and metal contacts. The hot swappable Kailh MX Cream switches offer PCB support for 3-pin and 5-pin MX Switches (98% Mechanical Switches are replaceable). So, for those who want to do extensive modifications, can do so!
According to the company, the 55gf switch provides faster responses, efficient operation and enduring lifespan.
I am noticing it already as I type on this mechanical keyboard. I am very impressed!
On the right side of the keyboard is a switch, so you can choose 2.4GHz wireless (Receiver is housed on the right side of the keyboard), USB-C wired or Bluetooth 5.0.
The keyboard comes with a 10,000mAH large capacity rechargeable batter and MDA keycaps. You get about 1,200 hours of standby time with lights off and 50 hours worktime with lights on.
As for lighting, you get 18 types of default RGB modes. Aside from the receiver and USB-C to USB A cable, you also get a CNC knob and also they threw in a metal knob, a puller, 4 Mac Keycaps and 4 Kailh Switch Tester!
And last, the keyboard is offered in Starry Night (Dark Gray keyboard withe key caps in dark gray, light gray and yellow), Senyu Green (White keyboard with light greeen, white and yellow keycaps) and Dream Summer (white keyboard with white, light blue and pink keycaps).
Now, I know that many people may say “No way!” to this keyboard based on its $140 price tag, but if you are looking for the most quiet keyboard in the market, this is very good! I am comparing it to a bigger American brand that sells for $200, and the fact that this is Bluetooth, 2.4Ghz Wifi and allows for it to be wired (the big brand version doesn’t allow for that), this is actually a very awesome keyboard.
I’ve been using this for a week now, and I’m just impressed with how quiet this keyboard is and how smooth and fluid my typing and gaming is with this keyboard. No problems whatsoever in pairing or having it detect via wireless and no problem via USB-C wired.
Now some may be wondering what is the difference of the $150 TH96 Gasket Mount Mechanical Keyboard and primarily they have the same functions, but you can choose switches such as EPOMAKER Flamingo (Linear) or EPOMAKER Budgerigar (Tactile). But for under $180, you can opt for the TH66 wired with QMK/VIA which allows people to easily master any keyboard keys or macro commands through VIA (using QMK firmware) and strictly for those who really want to configure and map their keys. Ie. programmers or those who do a lot of video editing/audio editing, etc.
So, definitely choose wisely if you want the AK966 or want to control your key mapping via the TH96 through configuration software.
This is a premium EPOMAKER/AJAZZ/NACODEX mechanical keyboard, no doubt about it. Quiet, smooth and really is much better than the $200 mechanical keyboard from a major brand that I am currently using.
Sure, It’s pricey but for those who want a premium gasket mount keyboard with Kailh MX Cream Switches, quiet, and just worth it it! The AJAZZ/NACODEX AK966 96 Key Hot Swappable Gasket Mount Mechanical Keyboard is deserving of five stars!
