Akko enters the 40g weight class with new Dash mouse lineup

Akko has announced the launch of the Dash, a gaming mouse that follows the increasingly common strategy of offering a single shell across multiple internal configurations.

Positioned to compete in the ultra-lightweight segment, the Dash (via Cowcotland) features an ambidextrous chassis with an open bottom design, achieving remarkably low weights of 40 grams for the black variant and 41 grams for the white variant. The dimensions are supposedly tailored for smaller to medium hands, measuring 175.6 x 90.9 x 37.1 mm, which allows for a variety of grip styles, including claw and fingertip.

The lineup is divided into three distinct versions, starting with the Dash Max, the entry-level offering. This model features the PixArt PAW3395 sensor paired with a Realtek 8762 controller. While it is limited to a standard 1000 Hz polling rate, it supposedly makes up for this with impressive battery life, claiming up to 86 days of use via Bluetooth thanks to its 300 mAh internal cell. This version is equipped with Akko’s proprietary optical switches and a TTC Gold scroll wheel encoder and retails for £34.95/$45.99/€39.55 (VAT not included).

For enthusiasts seeking a higher-end alternative, the Dash Ultra comes with the PAW3950 sensor and a Nordic 54L15 controller. This hardware combination is claimed to support polling rates up to 8000 Hz in wired mode. Interestingly, Akko has supposedly released two variants of the Ultra: one utilising the standard Akko optical switches and a second version featuring Omron optical switches. The Omron-equipped model is claimed to offer a slight boost in maximum sensitivity, reaching 42,000 DPI, compared to the 30,000 DPI of the standard Ultra and Max models. Pricing for the Ultra tier ranges from £45.59/$59.99/€51.59 to £53.19/$69.99/€60.19 (VAT not included).

While the hardware specifications are competitive, some might find the software approach a bit dated. Unlike some of its competitors, which are transitioning to web-based, driverless configuration tools, Akko still requires a traditional Windows-only driver for customisation. This could be a minor hurdle for those who frequently switch between different operating systems or machines. Moreover, the inclusion of multiple sets of skates is a nice touch.

KitGuru says: While the reliance on a traditional software driver is a slight step back in an era of web-based utilities, the aggressive pricing of the Dash Ultra makes it a very tempting alternative.

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