Want a super heavy, dense, and smooth linear switch that doesn’t break the bank?
This is my complete Akko Jelly Black Review and sound test!
Here’s the takeaway: The Akko Jelly Blacks are insanely good for the price! The extended spring makes them “thicker and heavier” for a linear switch, but with a more “pronounced” sound (a little higher pitch). The only negative I could find was a tiny amount of wobble (just barely noticeable, and not a deal-breaker). For the price, they’re solid!
I’ve tried over 30 linear switches, and the Akko Jelly Blacks are in my top 5 overall!
Table of Contents:
Akko Jelly Black Switch Details:
| Type: | Linear (meaning there’s no tactile bump in the keystroke. It’s smooth all the way down and back up). |
| Operating Force: | 50g (medium-heavy resistance, more than a red switch, i.e. Cherry MX Red) |
| Travel Distance: | 1.9mm pre-travel (long!) and 4mm total travel (medium). The extended spring is what sets the Jelly Black switches apart! |
| Price: | Under $0.40 each on Amazon |
| Sound: | Smooth, but slightly higher pitched that other “buttery” linear switches (like the Gateron Milky Yellows or Gateron Ink Blacks). |
| Feel: | In a word? Pronounced. The extended spring definitely makes them thick, with a lot of resistance, but you can feel each part of the keystroke more than any other linear switch I’ve tried (not a bad thing!) |
The Jelly Blacks have the usual materials:
- Stem: POM
- Top Housing: Transparent PA
- Bottom Housing: black-colored polycarbonate
If you don’t want to lube them (i.e. “stock), you can expect them to be a bit on the loud and sharp side–but it’s not annoying or anything.
(and honestly? You could totally use these stock (unlubed). A little Krytox 205g would certainly help, but they’re better than most stock linears!
Click here to read our full guide on lubing mechanical switches.
RGB shines through just fine btw–since they have semi-transparent upper housing.
Akko Jelly Black Sound Test
Silver: Pros and Cons
PROS: ✅
- Excellent price for what you get.’
- They genuinely do NOT need lubing. The stock sound and feel is incredible
- Feels smooth. Sounds Pronounced.
- Dustproof and waterproof “box” stem
CONS: ❌
- Some people may not like the higher-pitched linear sound
- Tiny amount of switch wobble
Honestly, the wobble wasn’t a deal-breaker though. I’ve typed on much worse 😎
Akko Jelly Black Pricing:
They’re definitely budget-friendly at roughly $0.40 each!
You can get a 45-piece package for $18ish on Amazon, or for $16ish on AliExpress.
(or also from the Akko website for around $17ish, but they’re out of stock at the time of this writing).
Compare that with…
- Boba U4: $0.65 per switch
- Gateron Brown: $0.45 per switch
- Glorious Pandas: $0.70 per switch
A “budget switch” doesn’t mean it ain’t good.
Akko Jelly Black Sound & Feel
They’re budget, but are they worth it? YES! You can’t beat the Jelly Blacks value if you’re into thicker linear switches.
Sound
I’m going to use the word “pronounced” again.
They’re right in the middle of…
- Really deep “low-end” butter sound (like the Gateron Milky Yellows, etc.)
- High-end “tappy” sounds (like the Akko Silvers, Matcha Green, Vintage White, and Rose Reds)
It’s a medium butter 🧈
There wasn’t an issue with spring ping on the Jelly Blacks (woot!), though I did experience a tiny amount of switch wobble (you can watch my sound test video above to see this in action).
It’s not a terrible amount of wobble, and barely affected the sound and feel!
Feel
“Smooth, yet pronounced.”
I know “pronounced” is an odd word that isn’t very descriptive, but when you type on the Akko Jelly Blacks, you’ll understand what I mean.
You can feel the keystroke all the way through (down and back up). Most heavier linear switches are just RESISTANCE, RESISTANCE, RESISTANCE, but not so with this one.
I’m guessing it’s the extended spring that gives it this feel
But for $0.40 a switch, they feel nice and smooth. Honestly, all you’d want from a deep linear!
Don’t forget about the waterproof and dustproof stem!
The Jelly Blacks have a dustproof (and slightly water resistant) “box” around the stem (much like the Kailh Box switches).
I wouldn’t suggest spilling your coffee on them, but this should help with the durability of the switches, AND provide a tighter fit into your keycaps!
Alternatives to Akko Jelly Black Switches
Here are some similar linear switches that I have tested and can recommend!
Akko Vintage Whites
Ok I know we’ve already mentioned this, and these are a LINEAR switch, but that’s about the only difference.
They’re still very smooth, but much higher in pitch (tappy), and with more resistance. I do like them though!
Click here to read our review & sound test of the Akko Vintage Whites.
Akko Matcha Green
I enjoy the Matcha Green switches as well, though they definitely need lubing!
Right out of the box, these will sound really pingy. But put some Krytox 205g on them, and they have a pleasant high-pitched tappy sound!
Click here to read our review & sound test of the Akko Matcha greens!
We also have a specific post comparing those two switches: Akko Matcha Green vs Jelly Black.
Gateron Ink Black V2
The Ink Blacks might be my favorite linear switch, period (but honestly, the Akko Jelly Blacks are a solid 2nd place).
They’re a bit more expensive (and equally hard to find), but they are SILKY smooth and buttery. A niche low-end, muted sound and the perfect resistance for a linear switch.
If you have two keyboards and want two linear switches? Grab the Ink Blacks and Akko Jelly Blacks 😎
Akko Silver
This might be the only Akko linear switch I like MORE than the Akko Jelly Blacks. They’re definitely higher in pitch, and more “tappy” sounding.
Some folks might prefer to stay on the “low-end buttery” sound, and those folks would likely prefer the Jelly Blacks (or Gateron Ink Blacks).
The silvers are A+++ in my book though.
Click here to read our review & sound test of the Akko Silvers.
They don’t sound or feel quite as good as the Akko Jelly Blacks, but for the price they’re great. If you’re on a super low budget, give them a try.
Bottom Line: Should you purchase the Akko Jelly Blacks?
The Akko Jelly Blacks are a wonderfully smooth and pronounced linear switch. They’re low, but not too low, with the perfect amount of resistance for gaming (or typing alike).
You don’t really need to lube and film them, and at around $0.40 per switch, they’re a great value!
Click here to grab the Jelly Blacks off Amazon!
Jelly Black F.A.Q.s
Are Akko Jelly Black switches good?
It all depends on what you’re looking for–but, in general, the Akko Jelly Black switches are a fantastic budget linear switch that is heavy and smooth. They have a “pronounced” sound, which is slightly higher pitched than other heavy linear switches. They also have a “box” stem, which is slightly dustproof and water resistant. For the price, they’re amazing!.
How long do Akko switches last?
All of Akko’s switches are rated for up to 60 Million keystrokes, and they’re also built with the highest standards of quality (and they ship in very protective packaging as well).
Is Akko a good brand?
Out of all the budget mechanical keyboard manufacturers, Akko is definitely one of the best. It’s clear they take great care in their switch and keycap production (and they’re packaging is the best I’ve seen). I’ve been very impressed with everything I’ve received from them.
Are Akko switches 3 pin?
Yes, all Akko switches are 3-pin, “plate-mounted” switches. You can obviously still install them straight into 5-pin PCB slots, but there could be a slight wobble, depending on your keyboard
Which Akko CS switch is the best?
While it really comes down to preference, we recommend either the Akko Jelly Black switches (if you want a good balance of light, smooth, and fast), or the Akko Vintage White switches if you want a lower-pitched and high-resistance linear switch. If you’d prefer tactile, we recommend the Akko CS Lavender.