1. Introduction
The Akko RAY68 HE Magnetic Keyboard is a high-performance 65% layout mechanical keyboard designed for gaming and productivity. It features advanced magnetic switches, rapid trigger technology, customizable RGB lighting, and versatile connectivity options. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your keyboard to ensure optimal performance.
2. Safety Information
- Keep the keyboard away from liquids and excessive moisture.
- Avoid exposing the keyboard to extreme temperatures.
- Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the keyboard, as this may void the warranty and cause damage.
- Use only the provided USB-C cable for wired connection and charging.
3. Package Contents
Please check the package for the following items:
- Akko RAY68 HE Magnetic Keyboard
- USB-C Cable
- User Manual (this document)
- (Other accessories may vary by model/region)
4. Product Overview and Features
4.1. Key Features
- 65% Layout: Compact design with 68 keys, including arrow keys, Home, Delete, PgUp, and PgDn for convenience.
- Magnetic Switches: Equipped with Akko AstroAim Magnetic Switches, offering linear type with adjustable actuation.
- Rapid Trigger (RT): Dynamically changes actuation and deactivation points for ultra-responsive gameplay, with 0.005mm precision.
- Adjustable Actuation Distance: Customize each key's actuation point from 0.1mm to 3.4mm.
- Dynamic Keystrokes (DKS): Assign up to four different actions to a single key based on press force and release.
- Toggle Key (TGL): Transforms a key into a toggle switch for continuous or high-frequency actions.
- Mod-Tap: Enables dual-functional keys; hold for one function, tap for another.
- 8K Polling Rate: Wired version supports 8,000Hz polling rate. Tri-mode version supports 8,000Hz in wired and 2.4G wireless modes.
- ARM Cortex-M4 CPU: Powerful and energy-efficient CPU for enhanced performance and battery life (wireless models).
- DIY Lightbox & ARGB: Built-in customizable RGB lighting with a 500Hz refresh rate for dynamic effects.
- RT Stabilizer & Lubed Stabilizers: "RT Stabilizer" mode prevents unintended inputs from hand tremors, while lubed stabilizers reduce rattle for smoother typing.
- Connectivity: Available in Wired (USB-C) and Tri-mode (USB-C, 2.4GHz Wireless, Bluetooth 5.0) versions.
- Battery: Tri-mode version includes an 8000mAh built-in battery.
4.2. Akko AstroAim Magnetic Switch Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Linear |
| Total Travel | 3.5 ± 0.1mm |
| Initial Force | 35gf |
| End Force | 55gf |
| Initial Magnetic Flux | 95 ± 15Gs (PCB1.6mm) / 110 ± 15Gs (PCB1.2mm) |
| Bottom-out Magnetic Flux | 580 ± 40Gs (PCB1.6mm) / 720 ± 50Gs (PCB1.2mm) |
| Top/Stem/Bottom Material | PC/POM/PA66 |
| LED Diffuser | Included |
5. Setup
5.1. Initial Connection
The Akko RAY68 HE keyboard offers multiple connectivity options:
- USB-C Wired Connection:
- Connect the provided USB-C cable to the keyboard's USB-C port (Figure 4) and the other end to your computer's USB port.
- The keyboard will be automatically recognized by your operating system.
- 2.4GHz Wireless Connection (Tri-mode version only):
- Locate the 2.4GHz receiver (dongle) in the keyboard package.
- Plug the receiver into an available USB port on your computer.
- Ensure the keyboard's mode switch is set to 2.4GHz. The keyboard should connect automatically.
- Bluetooth 5.0 Connection (Tri-mode version only):
- Ensure the keyboard's mode switch is set to Bluetooth.
- On your device (computer, tablet, phone), enable Bluetooth and search for new devices.
- Select "Akko RAY68 HE" from the list of available devices to pair.
- The keyboard supports connecting up to 3 Bluetooth devices. Switch between them using the Fn+E/R/T key combination.
5.2. Driver Installation
To unlock the full customization potential of your Akko RAY68 HE keyboard, download and install the Akko Cloud Driver. The driver is available for both web-based and PC-based platforms.
- Access the Akko Cloud Driver via: https://web.akkogear.com/
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the PC-based driver if preferred.
5.3. Magnetic Switch Replacement and Calibration
The RAY68 HE supports cross-compatibility with certain third-party magnetic switches. If you replace switches:
- Carefully remove the existing magnetic switch using a switch puller.
- Insert the new compatible magnetic switch into the desired key slot.
- Open the Akko Driver software.
- Navigate to the "Switches Setting" or similar section.
- Select the corresponding switch type from the provided list.
- Perform the calibration process as prompted by the software. Unlisted switches may not work properly or achieve the advertised accuracy.
6. Operating Instructions
6.1. Basic Usage
The Akko RAY68 HE functions as a standard 65% keyboard. All standard key functions are accessible. For special functions, refer to the key combinations below or customize via the Akko Driver.
6.2. Customization via Akko Driver
The Akko Driver allows extensive customization of your keyboard's behavior and aesthetics.
- Adjustable Actuation Distance:
- In the Akko Driver, you can set the actuation point for each key from 0.1mm to 3.4mm in 0.005mm steps.
- This allows for fine-tuning sensitivity for different tasks like gaming or typing.
Figure 7: Interface for adjusting key actuation and deactivation distances. - Rapid Trigger (RT):
- Enable RT in the Akko Driver to dynamically change key actuation and deactivation points.
- Choose "All Buttons" or "Per Button" customization modes.
- Activate "Non-stop Rapid Trigger" for near-instant key response, beneficial for competitive gaming (e.g., "Counter-Strafe" in FPS games).
Figure 8: Akko Driver settings for Rapid Trigger functionality. - Dynamic Keystrokes (DKS):
- Configure DKS to assign up to four different actions to a single key.
- Actions can be triggered by light press, deeper press, or key release.
Figure 9: Visual representation of Dynamic Keystrokes (DKS) functionality. - Toggle Key (TGL):
- Use TGL to make a key act as a toggle switch.
- This allows for continuous holding of a function or repeated triggering at high frequency.
Figure 10: Illustration of Toggle Key (TGL) operation. - Mod-Tap:
- Set up Mod-Tap for dual-functional keys.
- One function activates when the key is held, another when it's tapped.
Figure 11: Explanation of Mod-Tap functionality, showing different actions for press and hold. - SOCD (Akko Snap Keys):
- Akko Snap Keys implement SOCD (Simultaneous Opposite Cardinal Directions) logic.
- This prioritizes the most recent keypress for directional changes without releasing previous inputs, crucial for precise movements in games.
Figure 12: Akko Snap Keys (SOCD) demonstrating how simultaneous opposite inputs are handled. - Polling Rate Adjustment:
- The Akko Driver allows you to adjust the polling rate up to 8,000Hz for ultra-low latency.
Figure 13: Akko Driver interface showing options for adjusting the keyboard polling rate. - RGB Lighting Customization (DIY Lightbox):
- Utilize the Akko Driver to customize the ARGB lighting effects of the DIY Lightbox.
- The 500Hz refresh rate ensures smooth and dynamic lighting.
Figure 14: Close-up view of the DIY Lightbox feature.
7. Maintenance
- Cleaning:
- Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the keyboard surface.
- For deeper cleaning, use compressed air to remove dust and debris from between keycaps.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
- Storage:
- Store the keyboard in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- If storing for an extended period, ensure the battery (for tri-mode version) is partially charged (around 50%) to prolong its lifespan.
8. Troubleshooting
- Keyboard not responding:
- Check the USB-C cable connection for wired mode.
- For 2.4GHz wireless, ensure the receiver is properly plugged in and the keyboard is in 2.4GHz mode.
- For Bluetooth, ensure the keyboard is paired and selected on your device. Try re-pairing if necessary.
- Ensure the keyboard battery (tri-mode) is charged.
- Try connecting the keyboard to a different USB port or computer to rule out port/computer issues.
- Switches not working correctly after replacement:
- Open the Akko Driver and navigate to the "Switches Setting" section.
- Ensure the correct switch type is selected for the replaced switch.
- Perform the calibration process within the driver.
- Note that unlisted third-party switches may not achieve optimal performance or accuracy.
- RGB lighting issues:
- Ensure the Akko Driver is installed and running.
- Check the RGB settings within the driver for desired effects and brightness.
- Verify that the keyboard's firmware is up to date.
- Connectivity issues (Bluetooth/2.4GHz):
- Ensure the keyboard is within range of the receiver/device.
- Minimize interference from other wireless devices.
- For Bluetooth, try forgetting the device on your computer/phone and re-pairing.
- For 2.4GHz, try plugging the receiver into a different USB port.
9. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | AKKO |
| Model | RAY68 HE Keyboard |
| Keyboard Standard | 68 keys (65% Layout) |
| Operation Style | Mechanical (Magnetic Switches) |
| Switches | Akko AstroAim Magnetic Switch |
| Switches Hot Swap | Yes (Magnetic Switch Cross-Compatibility) |
| Keycap Material | ABS plastic (Cherry Profile, PC+ABS double shot) |
| Keycup Printing | Doublshot |
| Backlight Type | Multicolor (South-facing ARGB, 500Hz Refresh Rate) |
| Interface Type | USB, Bluetooth, Bluetooth / USB (Tri-mode: USB-C Wired, Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz) |
| Polling Rate | 8,000Hz |
| Battery (Tri-mode only) | 8000mAh |
| Driver | Akko Cloud Driver (Web Driver and PC) |
| Key Features | Custom Actuation, Mod-Tap, Toggle Key, Dynamic Keystroke, Keys Remapping, Customizable RGB, SOCD |
| RT Accuracy | 0.005mm |
| Application | Desktop, Laptop, Tablet |
| Origin | Mainland China |
| Certification | CE, WEEE |
10. User Tips
- Experiment with Actuation: Take time to fine-tune the actuation distance for different games or typing styles. A shorter actuation is great for fast-paced games, while a longer one can reduce accidental presses during typing.
- Utilize DKS and Mod-Tap: These features can significantly enhance efficiency. For example, set a key to sprint when held lightly and walk when pressed deeper in games, or use Mod-Tap for quick access to common commands.
- Keep Driver Updated: Regularly check the Akko Cloud Driver for updates to ensure you have the latest features and performance improvements.
- Battery Management (Tri-mode): For optimal battery life, avoid fully discharging the keyboard frequently. Charge it when the battery indicator is low.
11. Warranty and Support
AKKO products are designed and manufactured to the highest quality standards. For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official AKKO website or contact your local distributor. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
