Akko Cloud Driver vs be quiet! IO Center
Akko Cloud Driver
en.akkogear.combe quiet! IO Center
bequiet.comSide by side
| Figure | Akko Cloud Driver | be quiet! IO Center |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · Gaming Peripheral Software | 8.9 (#1) | 8.9 (#2) |
| Spec score · Keyboard and Mouse Customization Software | 8.8 (#5) | 8.9 (#3) |
| Founded | 2016 | 2001 |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Macro support | Yes | Yes |
| Polling rate control | Yes | Yes |
| Purpose | The driver supports custom RGB and macro programming and online firmware upgrades for listed compatible models. | IO Center lets users adjust RGB lighting, fine-tune device settings, and configure keybindings. |
| Sensitivity controls | Yes | Yes |
| Support | Akko provides driver compatibility guidance in its FAQ and directs users to its download page for model specific software lists. | The manufacturer’s contact page provides a dedicated topic for software issues and directs users to FAQs or direct contact. |
| Supported operating systems | cross-platform | cross-platform |
Plans
In their own words
Akko Cloud Driver
Akko Cloud Driver is free software for configuring selected Akko keyboards and the AG ONE 8K mouse. It supports custom RGB settings, macro programming, online firmware upgrades, polling rate control, and sensitivity controls. Akko offers version 4 downloads for Windows and Mac, plus browser-based keyboard and mouse drivers for selected models. Which devices work depends on the driver version, so users need to check the model-specific software list. The driver is not compatible with all VIA/QMK models, and Akko says VIA/QMK keyboards do not support Akko Cloud Drivers. Connection limits vary: the web driver uses HID and does not support wireless connections, while the Mac app driver does not support Bluetooth. On Mac, customization over Bluetooth is unavailable and some functions, including Audio Visualizer, are not offered. The Mac browser driver requires Chrome; Safari and Firefox are unsupported. Akko provides compatibility guidance in its FAQ and directs users to the download page for model-specific software. Akko says it was founded in Shenzhen, China, in 2016.
be quiet! IO Center
be quiet! IO Center configures supported be quiet! keyboards, mice, and coolers. It lets users customize individual LEDs or select preset RGB effects, set keybindings, record macros, and manage profiles. Keys can be assigned functions such as media controls, mouse buttons, Windows tools, files, and applications; macros can include editable delays and action order. Profiles can be switched manually, launched when an application runs, or imported and exported as files. For supported cooler screens, users can select preset or uploaded images and videos, or browse GIPHY for animations and memes. Cooling controls include presets and PID control, which continues working after IO Center closes. Custom keyboard lighting effects require the software to remain running in the background. The Windows desktop app is compatible with Windows 11 Dynamic Lighting. IO Center Web works on Windows, macOS, and Linux in a Chromium-based browser without an account. Settings can be saved to keyboard onboard memory. The software is free.