First time I have been there was in 2005, last in 2019, and in my opinion it has steadily declined over the years. These huge otaku and tourist stores are boring. And if you have set your hopes too high, then yes, you will be disappointed, but you didn't so you may not be.
All is not lost however. The "electric town" market is still there (or at least it was in 2019). Smaller than it once was, but you are still going to see a mess of electronic components, radios, etc... You will also find small computer hardware shops, including those selling keyboards, which is great since keyboards are something worth trying before you buy.
"Creepy" Akihabara (the 18+ stuff) is also worth seeing, just for the WTF aspect (or more, I won't judge). Go to the upper or underground floors for maximum effect. They usually don't show you this in mainstream video games, for obvious reasons. Maid cafes however are probably exactly like they they are depicted in video games and anime, and personally, I don't find them that exciting, not even that creepy.
Another thing that is lesser known is that there is a nice little shrine right next to the Akibahara we are all familiar with.
As to keyboards: Yusha Kobo in north Akihabara has only existed for a few years and is famous among DIY mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
There is no physical shop like that anywhere else, AFAIK.
All is not lost however. The "electric town" market is still there (or at least it was in 2019). Smaller than it once was, but you are still going to see a mess of electronic components, radios, etc... You will also find small computer hardware shops, including those selling keyboards, which is great since keyboards are something worth trying before you buy.
"Creepy" Akihabara (the 18+ stuff) is also worth seeing, just for the WTF aspect (or more, I won't judge). Go to the upper or underground floors for maximum effect. They usually don't show you this in mainstream video games, for obvious reasons. Maid cafes however are probably exactly like they they are depicted in video games and anime, and personally, I don't find them that exciting, not even that creepy.
Another thing that is lesser known is that there is a nice little shrine right next to the Akibahara we are all familiar with.