Gateron Beer vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly influence your typing experience, with options like the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch standing out for different reasons. The Gateron Beer switch captures attention with its captivating translucent green design and offers a lightweight feel with distinct stepped tactility, providing a unique typing sensation that is both clacky and easy to press. This makes it an excellent choice for users who enjoy tactile feedback without being overwhelmed by resistance. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch is celebrated for its deep, satisfying thocky sound and smooth linear action, enhanced by a thin layer of factory lubrication. This seamless experience appeals to those who prefer a quiet and fluid typing motion, making it ideal for both writing and gaming. Each switch caters to different preferences, highlighting the diverse landscape of mechanical keyboards; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer switch and the Akko Rosewood switch, a notable difference in sound and feel arises from their respective materials. The Gateron Beer features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. This choice of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffer nature. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon's relatively softer composition results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and delivering a rounder auditory experience. Thus, while the Gateron Beer offers clarity and brightness, the Akko Rosewood emphasizes warmth and richness in sound, showcasing how housing material directly influences acoustic performance.
Although the two switches differ in materials, the impact of each material's properties can still lead to similar typing experiences under certain conditions. For example, if one were to blend the two materials strategically, one could create a switch that retains some crispness from the polycarbonate while also benefiting from the warmth of nylon. However, during typical usage of the Gateron Beer, the simultaneous presence of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings ensures that the user experiences a consistent sharpness throughout, making it ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced sound. The Akko Rosewood, on the other hand, will provide a continuous, cohesive sound signature that prioritizes depth, allowing for a well-rounded typing experience, particularly for those who enjoy a quieter environment.
Ultimately, the choice between Gateron Beer and Akko Rosewood switches boils down to personal preference regarding sound profiles and tactile feedback. If a user is looking for an exhilarating typing experience with a bright and resonant sound, the polycarbonate construction of the Gateron Beer will serve well. Conversely, if one prefers a more subdued feedback with a fuller sound that emphasizes cushioning, the nylon housing of the Akko Rosewood would be more fitting. By understanding how each material uniquely shapes the acoustic and tactile outputs of keyboard switches, users can make an informed choice to align with their typing preferences and aesthetic desires.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, though they have slight differences. The Gateron Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Akko Rosewood requires a marginally heavier actuation force of 40 grams, with both switches sharing the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that, although both switches are classified as light, the Beer switch is slightly easier to press with a lower actuation force, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions. Conversely, the Akko Rosewood's slightly higher actuation force may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel to their keystrokes. Overall, both switches offer a similar bottom out experience, but the Gateron Beer provides a lighter actuation, catering to those who favor less resistance in their typing or gaming activities.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, we see a distinct difference that may influence user preference. The Beer switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it a shorter option, while the Rosewood switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This 0.6 mm difference means that the Beer can offer quicker response times, which is often appealing to gamers who favor speed over depth. In contrast, the Rosewood's 4 mm travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for users who prefer a deeper feel when pressing keys. Ultimately, a shorter travel distance like that of the Beer switch can benefit those seeking rapid actuation, while the Rosewood is better suited for individuals who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
The Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch provides a vibrant, clacky audio profile that evokes a sharp and snappy response with each keystroke. This percussive characteristic allows for an invigorating typing experience, especially appealing for those who enjoy the auditory feedback from their switches. Conversely, the Akko Rosewood linear switch is known for its deep, satisfying thocky sound. This sound is enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant, which contributes to a more muted yet rich auditory experience that many enthusiasts find pleasurable. While both switches produce distinct auditory signatures—one being bright and percussive and the other deep and subdued—your overall sound experience may vary based on your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer switches shine with their lightweight design, requiring minimal force to activate, which results in a typing experience that feels effortless and comfortable. They feature a stepped tactility that presents a more nuanced feedback, creating an engaging typing sensation without overwhelming resistance. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood linear switches do not have a specified tactile feedback but focus more on a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke typical of linear switches. This smoothness can provide a different yet appealing typing experience, but it lacks the distinct tactile event that the Beer switch offers.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and Akko Rosewood linear switch cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Beer switch’s clacky sound and easier-to-press, stepped feel can enliven your typing with both auditory and tactile feedback. In contrast, the Rosewood switch offers a deeper sound profile with a smooth actuation that favors linear typing. Ultimately, your choice between the two will boil down to personal preference, as each switch provides a unique engagement tailored to different styles of typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for sound and typing feel. If you favor a lightweight feel with a distinctive clacky sound, the Gateron Beer switch would likely be a better option for you. Its stepped tactility provides more nuanced feedback, making each keypress a playful and engaging experience, especially if you're into a keyboard that not only feels good to type on but also produces an attention-grabbing sound. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and deep thocky sound with a satisfying keypress, the Akko Rosewood linear switch is an excellent choice. Its factory-applied lubricant enhances the overall typing experience by providing a silky, consistent feel throughout your keystrokes. Choosing between these options boils down to whether you want that tactile feedback and pronounced sound of the Beer switch or the elegance and smoothness of the Rosewood. Ultimately, both switches offer unique experiences, and your selection will cater to your personal preferences in typing style and sound.
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