The XPPen ACK08 is a smart keyboard that pairs seamlessly with your drawing pad.
You’ll appreciate the plug-and-play functionality that eliminates tangled wires and the 14 function keys to streamline your tasks.
Its ergonomic design guarantees comfort during those long creative sessions, while the large touchpad offers a PC-like experience.
If you liked the Magic Drawing Pad… you’ll LOVE this smart keyboard.
But let’s go over the details!
Review unit sent by XPPen, but they did not influence our review.
Table Of Contents
- 1 Quick Overview Of The ACK08
- 2 What Is The XPPen ACK08 Smart Keyboard?
- 3 Instant Connectivity: Plug-and-Play Technology
- 4 More Productivity with PC-like Experience
- 5 Ergonomic Design for Artist Comfort
- 6 Portability and Convenience
- 7 Technical Specifications of the ACK08 Keyboard
- 8 Benefits for Digital Artists and Designers
- 9 Comparison with Traditional Drawing Pad Setups
- 10 Conclusion
Quick Overview Of The ACK08
XPPEN ACK08 Overview
The ACK08 for the Magic Drawing Pad is an amazing smart keyboard. Simple to plug and play, very robust to add extra protection to your Pad and fantastic to type on.
PROS
- Great Tactile Feel
- Super Easy To Connect
- Robust Case (Extra Protection!)
CONS
- Makes Your Magic Drawing Pad Heavier (+615g)
What Is The XPPen ACK08 Smart Keyboard?
The XPPen ACK08 Smart Keyboard is a lightweight, full-size keyboard for the Magic Drawing Pad.
Key ACK08 features include its 79-key layout with 14 function keys, providing rapid access to tools.
The advantage of the Smart Keyboard lies in its ability to streamline creative workflow, reducing the need to switch between devices.
The XPPEN ACK08 keyboard for the Magic Drawing Pad is also compatible with most drawing software; it’s just a regular keyboard add-on for your device!
Also, the large touchpad and amazing feel of the keys further boost your productivity.
Instant Connectivity: Plug-and-Play Technology
The XPPen ACK08 Smart Keyboard offers instant connectivity without the need for Bluetooth pairing.
You need to plug it into your Magic Drawing Pad to connect it, and you’re good to go!
It uses a POGO pin connection that is very easy to use.
Plug and Play, or in this case, Plug and Draw!
This means you have a cable-free design that guarantees a clutter-free workspace.
This is great news for artists looking to keep their art space clean!
More Productivity with PC-like Experience
You’ll find that the XPPen ACK08 Smart Keyboard greatly enhances your productivity by offering a full-sized keyboard layout that mimics a PC experience.
The responsive key feedback guarantees each keystroke is accurate and satisfying.
It replicates the tactile sensation of a traditional PC keyboard
This is one of the best keyboards I’ve used in a while (except full-sized mechanical keyboards).
The large trackpad provides precise control for your creative tasks.
It’s simple to use, but that’s what we love about these products!
This combination seamlessly integrates typing and drawing, making your workflow more efficient and intuitive.
Ergonomic Design for Artist Comfort
You’ll appreciate the XPPen ACK08 Smart Keyboard’s adjustable angles, which range from 0° to 175°. These offer ideal positioning for various drawing styles.
The ergonomic angles guarantee you maintain an ideal posture, reducing strain during prolonged use.
This especially helps when combined with hand stretches for artists.
The careful design guarantees that your wrists and arms are positioned comfortably, minimizing strain during long drawing sessions.
Portability and Convenience
The XPPen ACK08 Smart Keyboard has a very lightweight construction!
Weighing just 615g, making it incredibly easy to carry around.
You can work with it in a café, at a client’s location, or even in your living room.
Not only that, but the keyboard itself serves as a Protective Case for your screen!
And it’s very robust.
You can change the angle of the screen when using the XPPEN smart keyboard, and it will stay in place!
No need for an additional stand.
Technical Specifications of the ACK08 Keyboard
This smart keyboard offers an easy and instant connection to your magic drawing pad.
But let’s go over some technical specifications you might be interested in.
Key features and measurements
The ACK08 smart Keyboard for the Magic Drawing Pad has some amazing key features.
- Weight: Lightweight at 615g, perfect for portability.
- Keyboard Layout: Full-size with 79 keys, including 14 function keys for efficient workflows.
- Touchpad Size: A generous 41.5 cm² touchpad for smooth navigation and drawing.
This keyboard’s features make it a superior choice for creative professionals seeking efficiency and comfort.
Power supply method
One notable aspect of the ACK08 Smart Keyboard’s power supply method is its reliance on the connected tablet.
You don’t need additional batteries or charging your keyboard!
This design enhances power efficiency and user convenience, reducing the overall energy consumption.
By drawing power directly from the tablet, the keyboard guarantees seamless device compatibility without the hassle of dealing with charging alternatives.
This also means that you don’t have to carry extra cables around to charge your keyboard.
Benefits for Digital Artists and Designers
Digital artists and designers will find the XPPen ACK08 Smart Keyboard improves their workflow quite a bit.
At least it has for me!
Now, I can switch between typing text, headlines, or even sharing a social post and then get back to drawing immediately.
You can even write whole blog posts with this tool!
It’s helpful for many reasons, but most artists will know that we have to type quite a bit and can’t just keep drawing the whole day away.
Comparison with Traditional Drawing Pad Setups
Compared to traditional drawing pad setups, the XPPen ACK08 Smart Keyboard offers a more integrated and efficient workflow by combining typing and sketching capabilities in one device.
With traditional setups, you often juggle multiple devices.
You’ll need a separate keyboard connecting wirelessly (which introduces its own problems and delays).
On the other hand, you can move the Magic Drawing Pad further away while using a wireless keyboard.
If you need to do that, you won’t be able to with this Smart Keyboard.
I was going to write a Pros and Cons section, but I think it only has Pros.
The only Con is not being able to use it wirelessly (which is quite understandable!).
Another thing to take into account is that the Magic Drawing Pad becomes a bit heavier with the keyboard.
This keyboard add-on modernizes traditional setups while giving you an extra cover for your tablet.
Conclusion
👉 Grab the Smart Keyboard ACK08 here!
You’ve seen how the XPPen ACK08 smart keyboard can improve your workflow.
Its plug-and-play technology guarantees instant connectivity, while the ergonomic design provides comfort during long sessions.
It’s a clear upgrade from traditional drawing pad setups with better productivity features and portable convenience.
For digital artists and designers, the ACK08 is a wonderful upgrade to their setup.
Consider integrating it into your workspace to work faster and transform your device into (almost) a Computer!
Looking to get an external mechanical keyboard instead?
Check out the Ducky Zero 6108 here!
Or, if you’re looking to change it up and go into iOS instead:
👉 Click for the Best iPad For Procreate!
And as always:
Keep on drawing!
Patricia Caldeira is the main writer here at Don Corgi. She's an art teacher with over 20.000 happy students across many platforms and courses!
Enjoy your stay and as always:
Keep on drawing!