Aella
The FOMO One
The Aella
…by AKB is a visually appealing yet controversial mechanical keyboard that I purchased during a moment of FOMO (fear of missing out). Priced at nearly $500, it sparked in me a mix of emotions and reflections on spending wisely within the mechanical keyboard hobby.
Curves, curves, curves.
Upon unboxing the Aella, I was struck by its elegant design, particularly its distinctive curvy side profile, a feature also seen in newer and more affordable models like the Sonnet and Lily 60%. Another notable aspect is its screwless design, which, although intricate, can be achieved more elegantly in cheaper models like the QK65.
A unique design choice of the Aella is the joined F row and Alphas, creating a symmetrical and pleasing aesthetic uncommon in typical 75% keyboards. However, from a value and practicality perspective, this alone did not justify its high price tag.
The Build
The build process highlighted that the Aella comes with a default aluminum plate and no included foams. Despite the high-grade aluminum used, which feels premium and substantial, the keyboard's acoustics were disappointing. The top-burger mount design resulted in a stiff and loud typing experience, with a surprisingly hollow sound that even additional polyfill could not mitigate. This hollow resonance suggested a need for plate foam to improve the acoustic profile, a disappointing discovery given the keyboard's price.
Conclusion
Ultimately, while the Aella's visual appeal is undeniable, its acoustic performance fell short, and it required more modding than expected for its price range. For me, the Aella represents an expensive lesson in impulse buying within the mechanical keyboard community. Although some enthusiasts may appreciate its subtle design features and engineering thought, I personally found it hard to justify the $500 price tag, or even $300 in today's market. The Aella will remain a reminder to approach future purchases with more discernment and avoid succumbing to FOMO.