Ajazz AK820 Pro 75% Keyboard Review: Side Screen Innovation

The Ajazz AK820 Pro brings a unique side-mounted LCD screen, gasket mount, and tri-mode wireless to the 75% form factor for just ¥169 (~$23.47). ✅ Worth Buying — it’s one of the most feature-rich budget keyboards available, though the gimmicky screen won’t appeal to everyone.

Introduction

Ajazz has carved out a reputation for packing maximum features into budget keyboards, and the AK820 Pro is their most ambitious release yet. The headline feature is a small LCD screen on the left side of the case that displays system information (time, battery level, connection status) and supports custom GIF animations. It’s a feature normally reserved for ¥500+ flagship boards.

Under the screen, the AK820 Pro is a well-spec’d 75% keyboard with gasket mount, tri-mode wireless (2.4GHz/Bluetooth/USB-C), hotswap sockets, and PBT keycaps. At ¥169, it offers exceptional value that challenges the VGN N75 and MCHOSE GX87 on features while being ¥30 cheaper than the N75 Pro.

Specifications

Spec	Ajazz AK820 Pro	VGN N75	Keychron V1 Max	MCHOSE GX87
Layout	75% (82-key)	75% (82-key)	75% (82-key)	TKL (87-key)
Case Material	ABS plastic	ABS plastic	Plastic + aluminum plate	Aluminum alloy
Mount Style	Gasket mount	Gasket mount	Tray mount	Gasket mount
Connectivity	2.4GHz / BT / USB-C	2.4GHz / BT / USB-C	BT / USB-C	2.4GHz / BT / USB-C
Hotswap	Yes (5-pin)	Yes (5-pin)	Yes (5-pin)	Yes (5-pin)
Keycaps	PBT Double-shot	ABS	PBT Double-shot	PBT Double-shot
Screen	Side LCD (custom GIF)	None	None	None
Battery	3000mAh	3000mAh	4000mAh	4000mAh
Price	¥169 (~$23.47)	¥149 (~$20.69)	¥499 (~$69.31)	¥279 (~$38.75)

Design and Build Quality

The AK820 Pro features a distinctive design with the LCD screen prominently placed on the left side. The screen is crisp enough for the two-tone GIF animations it displays and shows useful information like time, battery percentage, and connection mode. You can upload custom animations using Ajazz’s companion software.

The case is ABS plastic with a textured finish that provides good grip and resists fingerprints. While it doesn’t feel as premium as the metal-cased MCHOSE GX87, the build quality is solid with minimal case flex. The gasket mount implementation uses silicone gaskets that provide a moderate bounce — not as flexy as the VGN S99 but more comfortable than tray-mounted alternatives.

The PBT double-shot keycaps feature a two-tone color scheme with good legend quality. The stock keycap profile is OEM, which is comfortable for both typing and gaming. The stabilizers are plate-mounted and come with factory lubrication — they’re functional but could benefit from additional lubing for perfection.

“The side screen was the main reason I bought this keyboard. I uploaded a custom animated cat GIF and it looks great. Beyond the gimmick, the typing feel is surprisingly good for the price. Very satisfied with my ¥169 purchase.” — JD Verified Buyer, rated 4.7/5

Performance

The AK820 Pro supports tri-mode connectivity with reliable 2.4GHz wireless for lag-free gaming. The 3000mAh battery provides approximately 2-3 weeks of use with moderate RGB use — adequate but not class-leading. Bluetooth 5.0 allows pairing with up to 3 devices and switching between them easily.

The hotswap PCB supports 3-pin and 5-pin switches. The stock switches vary by version — the most popular configuration uses Ajazz’s pre-lubed linear switches (similar to Gateron Yellows). They’re smooth and responsive, suitable for both gaming and typing. The sound profile is decent but slightly hollow compared to aluminum-cased alternatives.

One notable feature is the south-facing RGB LEDs, which provide better compatibility with shine-through keycaps and look great through the PBT double-shot caps. The gasket mount helps produce a consistent sound across the board, with a pleasant thock on the alphas and moderate clack on the spacebar.

“Gaming performance is solid — no noticeable lag on 2.4GHz. The 75% layout is perfect for FPS games. My only complaint is the battery could be bigger. I charge every 10-12 days with heavy use.” — JD Gaming Buyer, rated 4.5/5

What Chinese Users Say

LCD Screen (侧边屏幕): “The screen is surprisingly useful. I check the time and battery status without moving my hand from the keyboard. The custom GIF upload works well — I made a pixel art animation that looks great.” — JD review, 4.8/5

Typing Experience (手感): “Gasket mount makes a noticeable difference. The typing feel is softer and more uniform than my old tray-mount keyboard. The Akko linear switches are smooth stock.” — JD review, 4.6/5

Value for Money (性价比): “¥169 for a tri-mode gasket keyboard WITH a screen is insane. This would be ¥400+ from any international brand. Ajazz is killing it with value.” — JD review, 5/5

Software Issues (软件): “The companion software needs improvement. GIF upload sometimes fails on the first try. The interface is clearly a machine translation from Chinese. Works eventually but not polished.” — JD review, 4.0/5

Purchase Recommendations

• ✅ Worth Buying — If you want the coolest-looking budget keyboard with a functional side screen and don’t need an aluminum case. Best feature-per-yuan ratio under ¥200.
• 💰 Premium Pick — For serious typing enthusiasts, the VGN S99 offers better sound and gasket implementation, though without the screen and at ¥130 more.
• ⚠️ Budget Warning — If the screen is just a gimmick to you, the VGN N75 at ¥149 offers similar specs without the screen for ¥20 less.

Pros and Cons

Pros ✅	Cons ❌
Unique side LCD screen with GIF support	Screen is novelty, not essential
Gasket mount with good typing feel	Plastic case, not premium material
Tri-mode wireless (2.4G/BT/USB-C)	Software for GIF upload needs polish
Hotswap 5-pin support	Battery only 3000mAh (average)
PBT double-shot keycaps	Stabilizers need extra lubing
South-facing RGB LEDs	Sound profile slightly hollow
Excellent value at ¥169	No VIA/QMK support

FAQ

Q: What does the side screen on the AK820 Pro display? A: The screen shows time, battery level, connection status (wired/2.4GHz/BT), and custom GIF animations uploaded via the Ajazz companion software.

Q: Can I create custom GIFs for the screen? A: Yes. You can upload custom 128×32 pixel monochrome GIFs using the Ajazz software. The screen supports two-tone (black/white) display.

Q: Is the Ajazz AK820 Pro good for gaming? A: Yes. The 2.4GHz wireless provides near-zero latency, the 75% layout is ideal for gamers, and the gasket mount provides comfortable typing for long sessions.

Q: How does the AK820 Pro compare to the VGN N75? A: The AK820 Pro adds a screen and PBT keycaps over the N75 for ¥20 more. The N75 has slightly better gasket implementation. Both are excellent at their price points.

Q: Does the AK820 Pro support QMK or VIA? A: No. Customization is limited to Ajazz’s proprietary software, which handles key remapping, lighting effects, and screen content but does not support QMK/VIA.

Verdict and Rating

Score: 4.5/5

Category	Score	Notes
Build Quality	4.0/5	Good plastic, not premium
Typing Feel	4.5/5	Gasket mount delivers well
Features	5.0/5	Screen + tri-mode + hotswap
Software	3.5/5	Functional but rough edges
Connectivity	4.5/5	Solid tri-mode implementation
Value	5.0/5	Exceptional feature-per-yuan

The Ajazz AK820 Pro is a feature-packed keyboard that offers incredible value at ¥169. The side LCD screen is a genuine differentiator that adds both function and fun, while the gasket mount and tri-mode wireless ensure it’s not just a gimmick product. The plastic case and software quirks are reasonable compromises at this price point. If you want the most feature-rich keyboard under ¥200, the AK820 Pro is your answer.