Sailor Moon RGB Keyboards by Akko - Comparing Switches!
I wanted to feature a series of keyboards from Akko on the channel because they’ve become a favorite for licensed collab tech with popular IPs like anime and video games. Today I’m featuring the Akko Sailor Moon Series: The 5108B Plus, the 3108v2, and the 5108S. We're diving into the specs, the design, and my personal thoughts on these, plus a comparison of the switches that Akko offers, and the optional software for custom controls.
Even if you aren’t a fan of Sailor Moon, this video will give you a good idea of what Akko offers in terms of reliability, quality, and options. And if you are a fan, I’m doing this video in collaboration with my hobby channel called Sailor Snubs, where I talk nothing but Sailor Moon and anime merch reviews and news.
So make sure to hit subscribe on my channel (it’s free!) if you want to see more keyboards and other peripherals on the channel! I love doing reviews of keyboards, mice, monitors, and microphones, so I’m always personally shopping around for the best ones for my own rig. And check out Sailor Snubs for your weeb anime fix. That channel is a wee lil one but I’d love to hit 15,000 subscribers, so help me grow my anime page!
(Akko Sailor Moon Crystal 5108B Plus)
First up, we have the Akko Sailor Moon Crystal 5108B Plus. This keyboard has a white theme, and it is priced between $109.99 and $119.99, depending on the switch. The design on this thing is just chef’s kiss. It features a new Sailor Moon design, which is absolutely gorgeous. And it comes with an additional set of key in case you want to customize the aesthetics.
Under the hood, it's packing the Beken Plus Multi-modes Chip, which supports Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB Type-C connections. Plus, it has a 3000 mAh battery, so it'll last through those long gaming sessions or late-night typing sprees.
The keyboard is 5-pin hot-swappable, meaning you can easily change out the switches if you ever feel like switching things up but I do like these. Speaking of switches, this version comes with Akko Crystal switches, which are linear and have an operating force of 43 grams ± 5. That means it’ll take about 43 grams of force to actuate the switch and register a keystroke, which is relatively light. They have a total travel distance of 4.0 – 0.5mm which is pretty standard for mechanical keyboards, and a pre-travel of 1.6 ± 0.3mm, which is the distance the key has to travel before it registers a keystroke.
The 5108B Plus also includes both plate foam and case foam, adding a nice touch of sound dampening. And let's not forget about that sweet RGB backlighting, which is programmable and comes with dye-sub PBT JDA profile keycaps and the novelty keycaps.
In terms of build and size, the 5108B Plus measures 440 x 132 x 41 mm and weighs approximately 1.2KG. The material used here is PBT, known for its durability and resistance to shine. And with Akko Macro V1.0, N-Key rollover, and a disable Winlock function, this keyboard is ready for most challenges. For my general purpose gaming and day to day editing and script writing, this thing works like a champ and it let’s me write my videos really quickly. I also appreciate that even though the Crystal switches are mechanical, it’s pretty quiet due to the foam, so if I’m recording a podcast you can’t hear my keystrokes.
Since this keyboard also comes with a wireless dongle, I tried setting this up on my Windows PC. When I plugged in the dongle, it automatically paired with the keyboard, so I simply switched the keyboard to Win (you can also switch it to Mac), let it pair on the wireless 2.4G radio, and immediately went back into typing on it. The battery life lasts about XXX for me. (running from 1pm on tuesday 7/9 to XXX)
Of the 3 I’ll show you today, this one is my favorite. It is full RGB. This one has a softer feel to it than the 5108S but still plenty of actuation force to make it feel consistent. I really like typing on this one, even with my longer nails. Here’s a sound test.
(Sailor Moon Crystal 5108S)
Now, let's take a look at the Sailor Moon Crystal 5108S, priced between $99.99 and $119.99, depending on your choice of switches. This keyboard is another gem in the Sailor Moon lineup, featuring stunning RGB backlighting that can be programmed with the Akko Wired Manager.
The 5108S is full size and includes built-in plate foam to reduce noise pings, giving you a quieter typing experience. It's also hot-swappable, so you can easily switch out your switches whenever you feel like it.
My unit comes with the Akko CS Sakura switches, which are linear with an operating force of 39 ± 5gf, a total travel of 4.0 ± 0.3mm, and a pre-travel of 1.9 ± 0.3mm. Other available switches include Akko CS Jelly Pink, Akko Crystal, Gateron Orange (lubed), and Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro.
This keyboard features a USB Type-C interface, Akko Macro V1.0, N-Key rollover, and a disable Winlock function. The RGB backlighting is a real treat if ya like the lighting vibes, but there is not wireless option on this one.
The 5108S measures 440x132x41mm and weighs approximately 1.2KG. It's made with durable PBT material and uses dye-sublimation printing technology.
The keys give me lots of tactile response and sound loud - but are linear so there’s no additional tactile resistance. The lowest height is still pretty angled. So I have no need for the rubber feet to change the height. Feels great and really easy to type on with long nails. Plenty of space between the keys to not feel claustrophobic or too cluttered.
This is a good all around keyboard, especially if you don’t want one with wireless built in! Here’s a sound test.
(Sailor Moon Crystal 3108v2)
Next up, let's check out the Sailor Moon Crystal 3108v2. This keyboard is priced at $89.99 and brings the Sailor Moon magic to your fingertips with a limited edition design with a pink base.
This keyboard includes the PBT dye-sub OEM profile keycaps. It's wired with a USB Type-C connection, making it a reliable choice, but it does not include any sort of wireless connection.
Now, let's talk switches. My unit is rocking an older style mechanical switch which closely resembles the current Akko 2nd Gen Blue switches that replaced them, which are clicky and have an operating actuation force of 50 grams force ± 5. They have a total travel of 4.0 – 0.5mm, pre-travel of 1.9 ± 0.3mm, and a tactile force of 60 ± 5gf at a tactile position of 1.5 ± 0.3mm. The Blue switches in this one specifically have that tactile resistance that you feel as you press the key and before it actuates and some people really prefer having that resistance, while some prefer a smoother actuation. It really depends on your preference, but for review sake, I chose the blues for that stronger force. You can also opt for the Akko 2nd Gen Orange, Akko 2nd Gen Pink, and they also have Cherry MX Blue, or Cherry MX Brown switches if that's more your style.
The 3108v2 features N-key rollover, Akko Macro V1.0, and a disable Winlock function. Although it doesn’t come with backlighting, it supports LED mods if you want to add some custom flair.
Just like the previous one this keyboard also has adjustable heights+. The tilting stand offers three levels of height adjustment, so you can find the perfect angle for your typing comfort. Plus, like the 5108, it has efficient cable routing with a Type-C connector and 3-way cable routing to keep your desk looking neat and tidy.
This model measures 440 x 140 x 40mm and weighs approximately 1.2KG. Like the 5108B Plus, it's built with durable PBT material using dye-sublimation printing technology, ensuring the art won’t fade easily over time.
In my opinion, the 3108v2 with Blue switches has really great clicky keys - stronger feedback and force needed than the 5108B Plus, and a lot more than the 5108S. This keyboard isn’t as comfortable for me to use because it requires more pressure, and it does not have full RGB or wireless modes. So not my fav!
Here’s a sound test.
Just a mention for the pink jelly switches - not a full review as this keyboard is not available anymore. I also have the 5108 RGB with pink jelly switches in my collection. This one is much lighter and feels similar to the Crystal keys on the white keyboard at an operating force of 45 grams. Its really soft to the touch and fairly quiet as well. Here’s a sound test.
Their software app is definitely not required in order to use these keyboards - they’re plug n play - but if you want to change the color scheme, setup macros, and do custom settings, you’ll want to download the Akko Cloud Driver from their website. It’s easy to use and automatically detects your keyboard so you can start making changes. I also like how they have a community tab for other folks who want to upload macros or lighting setups to share!
So what are the cons? The Akko Sailor Moon Crystal 5108B Plus, 3108v2, and 5108S are all fantastic keyboards with their own unique features but it’s really the switches that make them differ. Whether you’re a gamer, a typist, or a Sailor Moon fan, these keyboards have all the basics that I would need for general use. I love the versatility of wireless and the backlighting, but all 3 are missing a nice little media dial or additional USB inputs for other peripherals. They’re also missing any additional physical macro keys for custom controls.
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