Huano Acacia vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and the Akko Rosewood both offer unique features that cater to different preferences in the typing experience. The Acacia switches are celebrated for their medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, which ensures an exceptional typing experience right from the start, accompanied by minimal stem wobble. This makes them an attractive choice for those who prioritize a smooth and responsive feel during both gaming and typing sessions. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switches are distinguished by their deep, satisfying "thocky" sound profile; this auditory feedback is enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, making these switches ideal for users who enjoy a more tactile and sonorous experience with every keystroke. While both switches fall under the linear category, targeting smooth actuation without tactile bumps, their distinct characteristics may sway your decision depending on whether you value a quieter and smoother operation or an engaging sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Acacia Linear

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.39 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

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Housing materials

The Huano Acacia and Akko Rosewood switches utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their auditory profiles. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and clarity. This leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound that stands out, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to the material’s translucency. In contrast, the Rosewood relies on nylon for its top housing, which is soft and dampens sound, resulting in a duller, rounder sound profile. Therefore, the choice of material is critical; while the Acacia prioritizes a crisp auditory experience, the Rosewood emphasizes a more subdued and mellow tone.

Both switches, however, showcase nylon as the material for their bottom housings, contributing to a fuller sound across both models. The properties of nylon lend themselves to a deeper, more resonant typing experience, absorbing more sound and providing a rounded auditory quality. This shared characteristic in the bottom housing means that, regardless of differences in the top materials, both the Acacia and the Rosewood will deliver a satisfying depth of sound when bottoming out. Thus, while the Acacia may produce a brighter sound on key release due to its polycarbonate top, the comparable nylon bottom ensures a consistent foundation of fullness in sound profile and touch feedback.

In summary, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials in both switch types showcases distinct auditory characteristics. The Huano Acacia’s polycarbonate top allows for a higher, crisper sound, juxtaposed with the rounder and deeper sound from its nylon bottom. Conversely, the Akko Rosewood presents a softer, more muted experience with its nylon top while maintaining the same rich sound from the nylon bottom. Ultimately, while their top housing materials diverge, the similar use of nylon in the bottom housing leads to common auditory experiences that enhance the user’s typing experience, illustrating how material choices are pivotal in determining the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, distinct differences emerge in their weight characteristics. The Acacia switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Rosewood switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Rosewood switch requires less force to both register a keystroke and to bottom out, offering a softer typing experience. Consequently, users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming may find the Akko Rosewood more appealing. In comparison, those who favor a more substantial feel provided by a slightly heavier force may gravitate towards the Huano Acacia, which offers a firmer push. Thus, while both switches deliver a linear feel, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Rosewood make it the preferable choice for those seeking ease and comfort, whereas the Acacia provides a bit more resistance, catering to a different typing preference.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, it's clear that they differ, with the Acacia measuring 3.5 mm and the Rosewood measuring 4 mm. The Acacia's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, as it allows for quicker key presses, while the Rosewood’s longer distance provides a richer tactile experience for those who favor a more substantial feel when typing. With 4 mm being the more traditional travel distance, the Rosewood allows for a deeper pressing experience, which might be preferable for users who enjoy a more tactile engagement with their keys. Therefore, the Acacia is the shorter option, while the Rosewood is the longer one, catering to different preferences based on travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch delivers a relatively subdued acoustic profile, prioritizing a gentle typing experience. It allows for an understated typing sound, making it suitable for those who prefer a quieter environment without distractions. Conversely, the Akko Rosewood linear switch is known for its pronounced, deeper thocky sound, producing a richer tonal quality that enhances the auditory feedback during typing. This makes the Rosewood particularly appealing for users who enjoy a more dynamic auditory experience while typing. However, it's essential to remember that the overall sound produced can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard case and keycap material used.

Regarding feel, the Huano Acacia switch has a medium-light weight that many users find comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. Its generous factory lubrication contributes to a smooth keystroke with minimal stem wobble, making for an enjoyable typing experience straight out of the box. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switch, while also a linear switch, introduces a different tactile sensation. The smoothness is enhanced by its thocky sound and well-balanced weight, though specific descriptors for its feel are not provided. Both switches offer a satisfying linear experience, but the Acacia may edge out in terms of an effortlessly smooth action due to its lubrication and design.

In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and Akko Rosewood linear switches provide unique auditory and tactile experiences. The Acacia offers a quieter, smooth typing experience with minimal stem wobble, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more subtle keyboard feel. In contrast, the Rosewood excels in delivering a deep, thock-like sound that may appeal to users looking for enhanced acoustic feedback during their typing. Ultimately, choosing between them will depend on personal preference, especially concerning sound and tactile feedback, though both will provide a satisfying linear switch experience with their respective characteristics.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the Huano Acacia and Akko Rosewood linear switches will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier touch and appreciate medium-light actuation, the Acacia switches with their 55 grams of bottom-out force may provide a more satisfying tactile experience. They are also notable for their exceptional factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, resulting in a smooth, consistent typing experience straight out of the box. This makes them an excellent choice if you’re looking for a reliable switch with an overall balanced performance for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you find yourself gravitating towards a lighter feel and a more pronounced acoustic experience, the Rosewood switches are likely to appeal to you. With a bottom-out force of only 50 grams, these switches deliver a lighter touch while producing a deep thocky sound, thanks to their factory-applied lubricant. If sound quality is a priority for your typing environment, or if you simply enjoy the auditory feedback during your keystrokes, the Rosewood may be your best bet. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what aspects of switch performance—such as weight, sound, and feel—are most important to you in your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

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Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more