The idea of a keyboard with an LCD screen is… romantic.”
The AJAZZ AKP846 is a keyboard that was very much a part of the discussion.
At first glance, the keyboard may look like an “Iroko” keyboard, but it is a full-fledged mechanical keyboard that also pays attention to the keystroke feel.
This article reviews the AJAZZ AKP846.
Representative of GreenEchoes Studio
He launched his own media as a site operator and web writer, and now plans and manages multiple corporate media. He often types heavily in his work, and in his search for greater efficiency, he became addicted to the keyboard swamp and established “GreenKeys”.
- 10インチ液晶の可能性が無限大
- カスタムキースイッチを採用した打鍵感が気持ちいい
- 液晶がついているのにそこまで高額ではない
- QMK/VIAに対応しているためキーマップ変更が可能
- 使用するケーブルには注意
- 代理店サイトでの対応OSはWindowsのみとなっている
- 本体が大きい
- 筐体はアルミではなく樹脂製
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AJAZZ AKP846 in photos
Let’s take a look at the photos of the actual equipment.
First of all, the box of the main unit has a pop design that is typical of AJAZZ.
You have a well-drawn keyboard with LCD.
The contents are quite simple.
The main unit, user’s manual, touch pen, key switch puller and keycap puller, Type-A to Type-C cable, and Type-A female to Type-A x 2 two-way cable.
The size of the unit is quite large.
It is like a regular 75% keyboard with a 10.1″ size LCD screen attached to it with a “bang”.
The model offered this time is a black base with green legend.
The keycap material is probably made of ABS resin, and the half-skeleton look and the green printing give it a nice cyber feel.
Of course, the keycap is shine-through and completely transparent to light.
I couldn’t tell what type of legend it was, but the stepped look gave me the impression that it was a UV print.
Note that keycaps in different colors may have different printing methods.
The keyswitch is a MATCHA LATTE linear switch of the HUANO brand, which is still unfamiliar to the Japanese market.
Matcha Latte Switch
Type:Linear
Actuation point: 2.0±0.4mm Stroke: 3.6±0.2mm
Total push pressure: 45±8gf
The key switches have just the right amount of pressing pressure for short strokes.
The keystroke sound is also quite nice.
As I said, the 5-layer sound-absorbing material and gasket-mounted construction does a good job.
Of course, keyswitches are hot-swappable.
The keyswitch plate is probably made of polycarbonate.
Let’s look at the reverse side.
As can be clearly seen on the reverse side, the body is made of ABS plastic.
The black casing shows a little manufacturing scuffing, but I personally find it acceptable.
Tilting can be adjusted in three levels, including the default.
There are only Type-C connection holes around the body.
As this is a keyboard with LCD, the only connection method is wired.
The recommended cable is a dedicated Type-A to Type-C cable, but both the LCD and keyboard functioned without problems when connected via C to C with a hub engaged.
The LCD is 10.1″ wide and glare LCD, so there is some reflection of the surrounding environment.
However, the reflection is hardly noticeable from the viewpoint when typing.
Next to the LCD is a metal dial (volume knob), an OS switch, and an on/off switch for the LCD.
The LCD screen looks like this.
The maximum resolution is 1920 x 440px, which is relatively detailed.
Of course, touch operation is also supported.
Placed below the main display, it can be operated without discomfort even when moving the mouse.
Since it is firmly recognized as a “separate display,” individual wallpapers can also be set.
The touch panel setting is a bit of a deep refurbishment, but it is available by enabling touch operation from the “Tablet and PC Settings” section of the control panel.
KawamuraAJAZZ公式に問い合わせたところ、ドライバーをインストールすることでMacでもサブティスプレイとして利用できるような印象を受けました。
（Mac用のドライバがある）
ただし、当方では未検証ですのでご了承ください。おそらくMacはタッチ操作に対応していません。
Download the AJAZZ ATK846 driver here (including the .json file)
Advantages of AJAZZ AKP846
The advantages of the AJAZZ AKP846 that I have found in actual use are as follows
- The possibilities for the 10″ LCD are endless.
- Pleasant keystroke feel with custom key switches
- Not that expensive for an LCD.
- QMK/VIA support allows keymap changes
The possibilities for the 10″ LCD are endless.
The key feature of this keyboard is still the 10.1″ LCD.
A Windows PC can be used as a second display with a simple setup.
The LCD is also a touch panel, so it may be used for applications such as clicking on icons to launch applications.
It can also be used as a refuge for unnecessary windows when multitasking, and its usage is unlimited.
Pleasant keystroke feel with custom key switches
One of the advantages of AKP846 is that it has a good typing feel.
The gasket-mounted structure on the polycarbonate switch plate allows the user to enjoy a relatively soft keystroke feel.
In addition, multiple layers of sound-absorbing materials are used, so thocy sound can be expected to be more pronounced.
The linear switches used are probably pre-lubricated and produce a nice typing sound.
Not that expensive for an LCD.
One would think that a mechanical keyboard with a gasket-mounted structure and an LCD would have to be prepared for a reasonably high price, but the AKP846’s advantage is that it is not that expensive.
It is surprising that these specifications can be purchased for less than 30,000 yen.
It is just like AJAZZ.
QMK/VIA support allows keymap changes
AKP846 is QMK/VIA compliant, allowing keymap changes.
However, for early lot models, the firmware is faulty and must be manually rewritten.
procedure
https://drivers.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/AS84-20241012(update).zip
Download and unzip the required file package from above.
Read the update instructions and perform the firmware update.
Please install the included QMK Toolbox beforehand and follow the instructions to update the software.
The update file to be specified is the .bin file contained in the downloaded folder.
Access VIA and check the “Show Design Tab” item in the SETTING section.
Open the Design tab that appears and point to the .json file in the unzipped folder.
Return to the CONFIGURE tab to change the keymap.
Disadvantages of AJAZZ AKP846
The disadvantages would still be the ones you want to check before purchasing.
The disadvantages of the AJAZZ AKP846 as I perceive them are as follows
- Be careful with the cables you use.
- The supported OS on the distributor’s website is Windows only.
- Large body
- Housing made of resin, not aluminum
Be careful with the cables you use.
Due to the fact that AKP846 has an LCD, it is recommended to use the attached cable.
Although it is difficult to judge the planning and conditions of the cable from the outside, it is important to note that the LCD may not come on unless the cable is capable of video processing.
In addition, since the included cable is Type-A to Type-C, it may not be used with computers that do not have a Type-A port.
KawamuraAs a test, I used my Type-C to Type-C cable via a USB hub without any problems.
So it may work with other cables.
The supported OS on the distributor’s website is Windows only.
KIBU Corporation’s sales website lists only Windows as the supported OS, so it may not be available for Mac.
However, please keep in mind that it may be possible to use the software on Macs by using the drivers distributed on the official website.
Download the AJAZZ ATK846 driver here (including the .json file)
Large body
After all, it is vertically large because of the LCD.
It may be a little oppressive for use by those with shorter desk size depths.
This may be the fate of the LCD.
KawamuraIt would be a different story if the LCD were variable, but that seems difficult to achieve.
Housing made of resin, not aluminum
The body of AKP846 is made of resin, not metal.
It is black in color and is made of almost the same material as the resin parts used on the exterior of the car, so it may turn white over time.
Also, ABS resin may turn white due to a chemical reaction when exposed to alcohol, so care should be taken when using chemicals, such as when cleaning.
KawamuraI didn’t mind it so much, but some people may be bothered by the “uneven color” during injection molding.
If you are concerned about this, choose a cream color.
summary
This is a review of the AJAZZ ATK846 keyboard with LCD.
Although there were a few points of concern, such as the uneven coloring caused by the black body, the fact that it can be purchased for less than 30,000 yen with an LCD and no compromise in key feel makes it a very affordable product.
This LCD screen is still full of “romance”.
We invite you to experience this romance as well.
