Gateron Aliaz vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a crucial role, especially when considering options like the Gateron Aliaz and the Akko Rosewood. The Aliaz switches are designed for quiet environments, making them a top choice for office setups. With a medium-heavy weight, they provide a substantial feel with each keystroke, offering pronounced typing feedback while maintaining a subdued sound profile that is categorized as 'Silky,' 'Muted,' and 'Polished.' In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches offer a more auditory experience, producing a deep, satisfying thocky sound that is enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. While the Rosewood switches are ideal for users who enjoy the acoustic feedback of their keystrokes, the Aliaz switches cater to those who prioritize a quieter, yet tactile experience. Ultimately, both switches have their merits: the Aliaz excels in discreetness, while the Rosewood shines in sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.

By the numbers

Gateron Aliaz Tactile

Akko Rosewood Linear

$8.00

$5.50 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Akko Rosewood switches, the primary distinction lies in the types of plastics used for the top and bottom housings. The Aliaz utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, a material known for its rigidity and translucency. This combination results in a sound profile that is sharper and more resonant, making it particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups. The polycarbonate's stiffer nature contributes to a clear, high-pitched auditory experience, which can enhance the overall typing feel while allowing the RGB effects to shine through.

In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches feature nylon for both their top and bottom housings, lending a different character to the typing experience. Nylon's softer composition leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, designed to absorb vibrations rather than amplify them. This choice results in a more muted auditory experience compared to the Aliaz switches, making the Rosewood's output duller and rounder. The nylon housing allows for sound absorption that can create a sense of warmth in the typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a subdued auditory feedback compared to the crisper sounds of polycarbonate.

Despite the different materials, both switches will offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences based on their constructions. The Gateron Aliaz, with its dual polycarbonate housing, will provide a sharper sound on release and a more resonant bottom-out feel, while the Akko Rosewood, with its nylon makeup, will deliver a softer, warmer tone throughout the typing experience. For users seeking to combine the benefits of both sound profiles, one could achieve a somewhat balanced output by experimenting with custom builds that incorporate different materials, thereby mixing these characteristics to suit personal preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, a distinct difference in actuation and bottom out forces becomes evident. The Aliaz features a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it the heavier option. In contrast, the Rosewood switch has a notably lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference means that the Aliaz may provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a firmer feel while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Rosewood’s lower forces can make it preferable for those who type for extended periods, as it reduces the strain on the fingers. Overall, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference for weight and tactile feedback.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch exhibit a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they share an identical travel distance when pressed. As a result, users can expect a similar tactile experience in terms of keypress depth, leading to comparable feedback during typing or gaming. This uniformity in travel distance ensures that both switches are likely to deliver a similar responsiveness, making them suitable choices for those who prefer consistent key feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is designed for a muted experience, producing a softer and quieter sound that makes it ideal for environments where noise control is essential, such as offices. Its silent operation minimizes the typical clacking associated with mechanical keyboards, allowing for discreet typing sessions. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood linear switch generates a deep, thocky sound that is inherently more resonant and satisfying. This auditory characteristic is enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, contributing to a richer acoustic profile. While both switches cater to different environments, the Aliaz excels in silence, whereas the Rosewood offers a more pronounced auditory feedback.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Aliaz provides a silky and polished typing experience. These qualities lead to exceptionally smooth key travel and reduced friction, making typing feel effortless and refined. The medium-heavy weight of the Aliaz gives it a substantial presence without being overly strenuous on the fingers. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switch, being a linear switch, typically offers a smooth press without the tactile bump characteristic of the Aliaz. While the Aliaz emphasizes tactile feedback, the Rosewood is likely to deliver a consistent, uninterrupted smoothness during typing. The difference in feel comes down to the tactile nature of the Aliaz versus the linear characteristic of the Rosewood.

In summary, choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately comes down to individual preferences in sound and feel. The Aliaz is perfect for those who need quiet operation without sacrificing tactile feedback, while the Rosewood appeals to users who enjoy a deep sound and linear smoothness. While both switches have distinct characteristics, they cater to different typing experiences, allowing users to select based on their environment and personal feel for a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you find yourself in a quiet workspace and you prioritize a switch that offers a muted sound profile, then the Gateron Aliaz is an excellent choice. Its heavier actuation force of 75 grams will give you a substantial feel and pronounced feedback on each keystroke, making it suitable for those who appreciate a more tactile experience without disturbing those around them. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a lighter touch with a delightful thocky sound, the Akko Rosewood is the way to go. Its 50-gram actuation force provides ease of typing, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. The factory-applied lubricant enhances the smoothness and produces a satisfying auditory experience that many enthusiasts enjoy. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether you prefer a heavier, muted tactile feel or a lighter, more resonant typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Aliaz Tactile

$8.00

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more