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Acer Predator Aethon 550 TKL

Acer Predator Aethon 550 TKL

Manufacturer: Acer

The Acer Predator Aethon 550 TKL is a compact, tenkeyless mechanical keyboard designed for gaming enthusiasts. Featuring RGB lighting and a detachable cable, this keyboard offers both aesthetic appeal and practical design for users looking to save desk space without sacrificing performance.

Equipped with Acer Red mechanical switches, the Aethon 550 TKL delivers a linear switch feel and supports hot-swappable switches for customization. It also boasts a 1000 Hz polling rate, 150 hours of battery life, and Bluetooth 5 connectivity, making it versatile for both wireless and wired use.

Pros
  • Has RGB lighting and backlit keys for customizable and functional illumination.
  • Hot-swappable switches allow for easy customization and replacement of key switches.
  • Includes a rotary dial, adding extra functionality for users who prefer advanced controls.
  • Has adjustable feet for a more ergonomic typing angle.
  • Supports both wireless and wired connectivity options (Bluetooth 5, 2.4GHz wireless, USB).
Cons
  • Does not include a wrist rest, which could affect comfort during long typing sessions.
  • Lacks support for advanced features like analog input, rapid trigger, or adjustable actuation.
  • Does not have USB passthrough, limiting the ability to connect additional peripherals directly to the keyboard.
  • No support for customization tools like QMK, ZMK, or VIA for advanced key mapping.
Who is this for?

The Acer Predator Aethon 550 TKL is ideal for gamers and users who prioritize space-saving, responsive performance, and customization. Its hot-swappable switches allow users to personalize the typing experience, while the RGB lighting adds a touch of flair for those who enjoy visual customization. The keyboard’s adjustable feet provide added comfort during extended use, and the versatile connectivity options (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, USB) make it a good fit for both wired and wireless setups.

Who is this NOT for?

This keyboard may not be suitable for users who require advanced customization or specific features like analog input or rapid trigger functionalities, as these are not supported. Additionally, the absence of a wrist rest could lead to discomfort for users who type for long hours. Those who need USB passthrough or rely on tools like QMK, ZMK, or VIA for key remapping may find this product lacking in flexibility for their needs.

General info:
Keyboard type Gaming, Mechanical
Keyboard layout size Tenkeyless (80%)
Profile Standard
connectivity Wireless & wired
connection type Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, USB
polling rate 1000 Hz
Battery life 150 hours
designed for Mac ✕
has a detachable cable ✓
height 130 mm
width 440 mm
thickness 40 mm
weight 1760 g
Bluetooth version 5
release date September 2025
warranty period 2 years

The Acer Predator Aethon 550 TKL is a gaming-focused mechanical keyboard with a tenkeyless layout, designed to offer both wireless and wired connectivity options, including Bluetooth 5, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB. It features a 1000 Hz polling rate for rapid response times and offers up to 150 hours of battery life. The keyboard is equipped with a detachable cable for added convenience and comes with a 2-year warranty. Its dimensions are 130mm in height, 440mm in width, and 40mm in thickness, with a total weight of 1760g.

Design:
has RGB lighting ✓
Has a backlit keyboard ✓
Case material Plastic
Case colors Black
has adjustable feet ✓
includes a wrist rest ✕

The Acer Predator Aethon 550 TKL features RGB lighting and a backlit keyboard, allowing for customizable illumination. The keyboard's case is made of durable plastic in a sleek black color. It also includes adjustable feet for a more comfortable typing angle, though it does not come with a wrist rest for added support.

Switches:
Switch type Mechanical
Switch feel Linear
Hot-swappable switches ✓
Switch name Acer Red Switch

The Acer Predator Aethon 550 TKL is equipped with mechanical switches that offer a linear switch feel for smooth keystrokes. It features hot-swappable switches, allowing users to easily customize their typing experience. The keyboard comes with Acer Red Switches, known for their fast and quiet performance.

Features:
has analog input ✕
has rapid trigger ✕
has dual actuation ✕
has adjustable actuation ✕
has NKRO ✓
has USB passthrough ✕
Has a display ✕
has QMK support ✕
has ZMK support ✕
has VIA support ✕

The Acer Predator Aethon 550 TKL includes several key features aimed at enhancing performance, such as NKRO (N-Key Rollover), ensuring all key presses are registered accurately. However, it does not support features like analog input, rapid trigger, or adjustable actuation. Additionally, the keyboard lacks support for USB passthrough, display functionality, and advanced customization tools like QMK, ZMK, or VIA.

Keys & layout:
Keyboard layout ANSI (United States)
Keycap type PBT, Double-shot
Keycap profile OEM
uses a standard key layout ✓
Media keys Via Fn key
has a rotary dial ✓

The Acer Predator Aethon 550 TKL features an ANSI (United States) key layout and PBT, Double-shot keycaps for durability. It uses a standard key layout and includes a rotary dial for extra functionality. Media keys are accessed via the Fn key, providing efficient control over media functions.

Final Verdict

The Acer Predator Aethon 550 TKL is a solid choice for gamers and users who prioritize performance and customization in a compact design. With hot-swappable switches and customizable RGB lighting, it offers great flexibility and style. While it lacks certain advanced features like analog input and USB passthrough, its versatile connectivity options and adjustable feet make it a practical and comfortable option for both wired and wireless setups. This keyboard excels in delivering a responsive, ergonomic experience for users who don’t require the most advanced customization tools.