| Switch Type: Linear | Mount: PCB Mount (5-pin) | Spring: Single Stage | Price: $12.99 (45 pcs) on Akko |
| Top Housing: PC | Bottom Housing: PA66 | Stem: POM | Factory Lubed: Yes |
| Actuation Point: | 1.8 ± 0.4mm | Actuation Point: | 2.17mm |
| Actuation Force: | 45gf | Actuation Force: | 44.3gf |
| Total Travel: | 3.4mm | Total Travel: | 3.40mm |
| Peak Tactile Point: | N/A | Peak Tactile Point: | N/A |
| Peak Tactile Force: | N/A | Peak Tactile Force: | N/A |
| Reset Point: | 1.7mm | Reset Point: | 2.13mm |
| Bottom-out Force: | 50gf | Bottom-out Force: | 49.0gf |
| Stem Length: | 13.85mm | ||
The Akko Starlit is a light linear switch with featuring a “glitter-infused PC top housing”.
Although, Akko has made the switches in pictures glitterier than the actual physical switch. At a glance, the switches in person almost look normal until you look closer.
DISCLAIMER | Please Read:
These switches were sent by Akko for review and testing purposes. I was NOT PAID in any way to write this review. Impartiality will always be a top priority here at KeebWorks; this one included.
TL;DR
They’re pretty good switches, but I don’t see the reason as to why Akko featured these with a glittery top housing – they basically look like normal switches. And no, they don’t seem to have effect on RGB lights either. It’s a bizarre aesthetic choice for an otherwise typical Akko switch.
Smoothness: 9/10
On-centre keypresses are extremely smooth with no noticeable inconsistencies even at very slow keypresses.
Off-centre keypresses have very slight scratchiness at very slow keypresses, but this isn’t felt during normal typing.
Overall, these are amongst the smoothest switches you can buy and it’s an easy recommendation from me purely for this reason and especially for if you’re a fan of light linear switches.
Akko Starlit switch disassembled.
Weighting: 4/10
According to Akko, these switches have an actuation force of 45g at 1.8mm and a bottom-out distance of 3.4mm.
Akko Starlit force curve.
As you can see from the force curve above, the Akko Starlit were within spec when tested which was nice to see.
Akko Starlit vs Gateron Yellow force curve.
The above force curve shows a comparison between the Akko Starlit and the Gateron Yellow. They’re quite similar in weighting, but the Yellows are a touch heavier. This is especially evident after the 2mm mark.
In the real world, they’re lightly weighted which I’m not a fan of, but if you’re looking to replace your scratchy linear switches, then these are a solid pick. Although, they performed very consistently throughout my testing as well.
Overall, while these aren’t for me, it’s another cheap and easy upgrade for those seeking a light linear switch.
Sound: 7/10
If you’re looking for clacky sounding switches, then you can consider these.
As a side note, one of the switches had noticeable spring crunch, but this can be rectified with lube if required.
Overall, they’re good sounding, but they’re nothing remarkable to my ears.
The Akko Starlit stem length is 13.85mm.
Typing Performance: 4/10
Firstly, just in case you missed reading the specs, these switches have a reduced travel of 3.4mm which is noticeable in normal use especially if you’re coming from a 4mm travel switch. I think you’d notice it even if you’re used to a 3.8 – 3.6mm travel switch. It’s a very short travel distance which is uncommon, so bear this in mind before purchasing as it may take some getting used to.
Secondly, as you may know these switches have a light weighting which I’m not a fan of. Like many of them, they’ve caused plenty of typos and accidental keypresses over the course of my testing. Needless to say, they were quite annoying to use at times.
Finally, these are super consistent as with many of Akko’s switches. So, despite the light weighting, I do very much appreciate it when a switch performs as consistently as this one.
Overall, its light weighting brings it down for me, but its consistency is top-notch. This is a switch I’d recommend to those still using a scratchy and inconsistent linear switch.
Gaming Performance: 6/10
Firstly, unlike typing, the shorter travel wasn’t as noticeable to me when gaming. I could never figure out why, but at least this wasn’t a concern for me.
Secondly, its light weighting did cause accidental keypresses as I tend to lean on my keys when gaming. Although, they were relatively easy to get used to given how consistently they performed.
Overall, even though these aren’t for me, they proved to be very smooth and very consistent for gaming.
Final Score = 30/50 (60%)