Ajazz AKS068 Review: Ergonomic Alice Layout Gaming Keyboard

Quick Verdict

The Ajazz AKS068 is a gasket-mounted, hot-swappable 65% mechanical keyboard built around the Alice layout — an ergonomic split-key design that genuinely eases wrist and shoulder tension during marathon typing or gaming sessions. It scored a 4.3 out of 5 in our hands-on testing. Buy it if you want a comfortable compact layout with deep customization; skip it if you need something that works straight out of the box or can't tolerate a 3-7 day learning curve for the Alice arrangement.

What Is the Ajazz AKS068?

I first encountered the Alice layout about a year ago on a much pricier board, and I was immediately curious whether a budget-friendly option could deliver the same ergonomic benefits. When the Ajazz AKS068 landed on my desk — disassembled in a kit box, switches and keycaps in separate bags — I admit I hesitated. I'm not particularly handy, and the idea of soldering (thankfully unnecessary here) made me nervous. Within twenty minutes of unboxing, though, I had switches pressed into the hot-swap sockets and keycaps slapped on. No tools beyond a switch puller. That ease of entry surprised me.

The AKS068 is a 65% form factor keyboard that ditches the function row, navigation cluster, and number pad in favour of a compact 68-key layout. What makes it unusual is the Alice layout: instead of straight horizontal rows, the keys are split and angled inward, forming a subtle inverted-V shape that cradles your hands naturally. Think of it as a split mechanical keyboard merged into a single chassis. The wrist relief is real — not marketing exaggeration. By day three of using it for my regular eight-hour workdays, I noticed I wasn't constantly adjusting my arm positions or cracking my wrists like I usually do.

Key Features

• Alice ergonomic split layout — angled keys reduce wrist pronation and shoulder tension
• Hot-swappable PCB — supports MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin switches without soldering
• Gasket mount + flex-cut PC plate — isolates typing plate for softer, consistent feedback
• 4-layer sound dampening — silicone and foam layers reduce ping and hollowness
• VIA/QMK programmable — full key remapping and macro support, knob included
• Pre-lubed tactile brown switches — smooth stroke with noticeable bump, quieter than blues
• South-facing RGB LEDs — 18 top modes + 5 side modes, adjustable via FN combos
• Coiled aviator USB-C cable — premium aesthetic, stable data transmission

Hands-On Review

Let's talk about what actually matters: the typing feel. The gasket mount on this board is no gimmick. On my first evening with it, I typed a 1,200-word draft and kept pausing because the sound profile kept surprising me — a deep, muted thock rather than the clacky ping I expected from a budget board. The gasket mount absorbs much of the impact before it travels into the desk. Combined with the silicone dampening layers, the AKS068 sounds and feels noticeably more expensive than its price tag suggests.

The pre-lubed brown switches shipped with the combo package are a solid starting point. They're tactile without being clicky, which means you get feedback without annoying a roommate or distracting coworkers. I did swap in a set of linear switches after the first week just to compare — the hot-swap sockets made this a 30-second process. If you hate brown switches, you're not locked in. That's the real appeal of the AKS068: it's a platform.

VIA configuration was straightforward once I downloaded the JSON from the AKS068 GitHub repository (linked in the product manual). Remapping the rotary knob to control volume was intuitive, and I programmed a layer for creative software where FN+Esc becomes my most-used shortcut. The knob itself has a satisfying anodized-metal texture — not plasticky, not loose. It clicks between modes cleanly.

RGB isRGB — functional rather than revolutionary. The south-facing LEDs illuminate keycap legends well, and the side-facing strips add a nice ambient glow on a dark desk. I cycled through a few modes but settled on a slow breathing blue, which doesn't distract during late work sessions. Support for full-key anti-ghosting handled simultaneous inputs without issue during gaming tests.

One thing nobody mentions in the listings: the adjustable feet are double-layered, which means you get three tilt angles instead of the usual two. I settled on the mid-height setting and found it better suited my desk height than most keyboards allow.

Who Should Buy It?

• Remote workers and writers who spend 6+ hours daily at a keyboard and want real ergonomic relief without buying a split board
• Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who enjoy building, swapping switches, and customising layouts — this board rewards tinkering
• Gamers with RSI or wrist discomfort who need a compact desk footprint but can't sacrifice comfort during long sessions
• Mac/Windows dual users who need seamless OS switching without rebuying keyboards

Skip this if: you want a keyboard that works immediately out of the box — the AKS068 requires assembly. Also skip it if you rely heavily on a numpad or function row; there's no getting around the 65% form factor's trade-offs.

Alternatives Worth Considering

• NuPhy Air75 V2 — wireless, low-profile, excellent build quality, but lacks hot-swap and Alice layout. Better for plug-and-play buyers who want something slim.
• Keychron Q1 Pro — premium gasket mount, QMK/VIA support, wireless, but significantly more expensive and standard 75% layout. Choose this if budget isn't a constraint and you want a polished experience out of the box.
• Ajazz AKS075 — same brand, 75% layout with Alice design, slightly more keys, same gasket mount philosophy. Worth considering if you occasionally need a few more keys but still want the ergonomic split feel.

FAQ

Final Verdict

The Ajazz AKS068 delivers genuine ergonomic value through its Alice layout at a price that won't make you flinch — provided you're willing to do 20 minutes of light assembly. The gasket-mounted typing feel, hot-swap flexibility, and VIA programmability make it one of the most adaptable budget boards I've tested. My main gripes are the DIY requirement and the learning curve for the Alice layout, but both are intentional design choices rather than flaws. If you've been eyeing split keyboards but want something cohesive and compact, the AKS068 is a credible on-ramp. Will I keep using it? Honestly, yes — my wrists have stopped aching by mid-afternoon, and that's not a small thing.