AJAZZ AK820/Pro Wireless Mechanical Keyboard Review: Is This Budget King Actually Good?
You’re sitting at your desk, typing away on a standard membrane keyboard that came with your computer. It feels mushy, your fingers get tired after an hour, and it sounds like a bag of plastic blocks being shaken. You’ve seen those beautiful, custom-sounding mechanical keyboards on social media, but then you look at the price tags—$300, $400, or more. It’s enough to make you give up on the hobby entirely.
That’s where the AJAZZ AK820/Pro Wireless Mechanical Keyboard Bluetooth 5.1 2.4G USB-C Wired Hot Swappable RGB Gaming Keyboard Gasket Mount with comes in. I’ve spent the last two weeks putting this board through its paces, and I’m ready to give you the honest truth. Is it possible to get that premium "thocky" sound and buttery smooth feel without breaking the bank? Let’s find out.
What Exactly Is the AJAZZ AK820/Pro?
The AJAZZ AK820/Pro is a compact, 75% layout mechanical keyboard. If you aren't familiar with keyboard sizes, 75% means it keeps the arrow keys and the function row (the F1-F12 keys) but cuts out the bulky number pad on the right. This saves you a ton of desk space for your mouse.
The biggest selling point here is the value. It’s a budget-friendly option that includes features usually reserved for high-end custom boards: a gasket-mounted plate, hot-swappable switches, and triple-mode connectivity. Plus, if you hunt around the right marketplaces, you can often find these with free shipping, which makes the deal even sweeter for your wallet.
Why the Features Actually Matter
It’s easy to get lost in the tech specs, but let’s talk about how this keyboard actually feels under your fingertips during a workday or a gaming session.
The Gasket Mount Difference Most cheap keyboards are "tray mounted," which means the board is screwed directly into the case. This makes them feel stiff and harsh. The AK820/Pro uses a gasket mount, where the internal plate is held in place by soft foam strips. When you type, the board has a slight "flex" to it. It’s much more comfortable for long typing sessions because it absorbs some of the impact.
Hot-Swappable Sockets Have you ever bought a keyboard only to realize you hate the feel of the switches? With this board, you aren't stuck. If you decide you want a different sound or a lighter click, you can simply pull the switches out and plug in new ones. No soldering iron required. It’s the perfect way to learn about the hobby without needing an engineering degree.
Triple-Mode Connectivity Having the choice between Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4G wireless (using a USB dongle), and a wired USB-C connection is a massive quality-of-life upgrade. I keep mine on 2.4G for gaming to avoid lag, and I switch to Bluetooth when I’m using my tablet. It’s seamless and saves your desk from a mess of cables.
The Honest Pros and Cons
I promised you an honest AJAZZ AK820/Pro Wireless Mechanical Keyboard Bluetooth 5.1 2.4G USB-C Wired Hot Swappable RGB Gaming Keyboard Gasket Mount with review, so let’s get into the nitty-gritty.
The Pros
- The Sound: Right out of the box, it sounds much deeper and more "premium" than any office keyboard.
- Customization: The hot-swap sockets mean this keyboard can grow with your tastes.
- Space-Saving: The 75% layout is the "sweet spot" for most users—you get all the essential keys without the wasted space.
- Connectivity: Switching between devices is fast and reliable.
The Cons
- The Software: The proprietary software is, to put it mildly, a bit clunky. It works, but it’s not the most intuitive or pretty interface.
- Plastic Build: To keep the price down, the case is entirely plastic. It doesn't feel "cheap," but it definitely doesn't have the heavy, premium weight of an aluminum board.
- Keycap Quality: The stock keycaps are decent, but they are a bit thin. You might want to upgrade them in the future for a better aesthetic or sound profile.
Who Is This Keyboard For?
If you are a student, a remote worker, or a casual gamer who wants a better typing experience without spending hundreds of dollars, this is a fantastic entry point. It’s for someone who wants to dip their toes into the mechanical keyboard world but isn't quite ready to build a custom board from scratch.
Who Should Skip It?
- The "Weight" Snobs: If you love the feeling of a heavy, solid block of metal on your desk, this plastic case will feel disappointing.
- Power Users of Macros: If you rely heavily on complex software-based shortcuts, the AJAZZ software might frustrate you compared to more polished options from bigger brands.
- The Full-Size Fanatic: If you work in accounting and live in your number pad, this 75% layout will feel like a downgrade.
What Real Users Are Saying
To give you a better idea of what to expect, I’ve gathered some common sentiments from fellow keyboard enthusiasts:
- "I bought this because I wanted something that sounded good for my YouTube videos. For the price, I’m shocked. I swapped in some 'gateron yellow' switches, and now it sounds like a keyboard that cost me $200." — Alex, Graphic Designer.
- "The wireless connection is solid. I’ve had issues with Bluetooth lag on other cheap boards, but the 2.4G dongle on this one has been perfect for my casual gaming sessions." — Sarah, Student.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth Your Money?
Doing an AJAZZ AK820/Pro Wireless Mechanical Keyboard Bluetooth 5.1 2.4G USB-C Wired Hot Swappable RGB Gaming Keyboard Gasket Mount with review really highlights how far budget tech has come. Five years ago, a keyboard with these features would have cost you a small fortune.
Is it perfect? No. The software could be better, and the plastic build won't win any "premium feel" awards. However, when you consider the price, the gasket mount, and the flexibility of the hot-swap sockets, it is incredibly hard to beat.
If you are tired of your mushy membrane keyboard and want a substantial upgrade that actually makes typing fun, the AK820/Pro is a smart buy. It’s a budget-friendly way to get a high-end experience, and if you can find a retailer offering free shipping, it’s a no-brainer. It won't replace a custom-built $500 board, but for 95% of people, it’s more than enough.