TTC Bluish White vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference and typing style. The TTC Bluish White switch is a tactile option that offers a distinct and satisfying pop during use, characterized by a snappy sound profile that combines qualities such as buttery smoothness and a mild, polished feel. Ideal for those who appreciate a tactile feedback while typing, this switch is perfect for users who enjoy a more pronounced sensation with each keystroke. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch presents a linear experience, delivering a deep, thocky sound straight out of the box, thanks to a factory-applied lubricant. This switch is great for gamers or typists who prefer smooth, uninterrupted key presses without the tactile bump, allowing for quicker response times. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Bluish White focusing on tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction, while the Rosewood emphasizes smoothness and a rich acoustic experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Bluish White Tactile

Akko Rosewood Linear

$6.60

$4.63 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

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Housing materials

The TTC Bluish White and Akko Rosewood switches both exemplify distinct approaches to the construction of keyboard switch housings, leading to different auditory experiences during typing. The Bluish White's top housing is made from polycarbonate, known for its stiffer composition, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting applications due to its excellent translucency, enabling vibrant illumination effects. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood employs nylon for its top housing, a material celebrated for its ability to absorb sound. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, lending the typing experience a warmer and rounder character. Here, the joy of typing is enhanced by the softer plastic, which contrasts markedly with the sharper audibility of the Bluish White.

As for the bottom housings, both the TTC Bluish White and Akko Rosewood switches utilize nylon, which harmonizes their auditory characteristics. The use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a pronounced impact on the overall sound and tactile feel when bottoming out the switch. Since nylon is known for its sound-absorbing qualities, it contributes to a deeper and fuller sound regardless of the top housing material, making both switches feel cohesive in this regard. This similarity suggests that while the top housings create significantly different sound profiles—crisp versus warm—the bottom housings help unify the experience, ensuring that the deeper sounds resonate consistently throughout both switches during use.

When comparing the overall materials and their contributions to sound profiles, it becomes evident that the combination of the polycarbonate top housing in the TTC Bluish White and the nylon bottom housing provides a unique typing experience. The polycarbonate's sharper sound contrasts with the nylon's absorption qualities, thus delivering a more dynamic auditory experience. Meanwhile, the Akko Rosewood's exclusively nylon construction leads to a rounder tonal depth. In combining these elements, one can achieve a versatile typing feel and sound signature depending on the preference towards either a crisper or mellower auditory response while maintaining the fuller depths provided by the nylon bottoms in both. This interplay between materials highlights how different plastics can alter the user’s experience while still allowing for the enjoyment of a cohesive sound profile derived from shared components.

Weight

The TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch both offer a light typing experience, with the Bluish White requiring an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Rosewood has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams but matches the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while the Bluish White provides a slightly heavier actuation feel, both switches require the same effort when bottoming out, leading to a similar typing experience in that regard. Users who favor lighter switches for extended typing sessions or gaming might prefer the Rosewood due to its lower actuation force. However, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Bluish White for its marginally firmer actuation. Overall, the choice ultimately depends on individual preference for actuation feel versus the consistent bottom out experience of both switches.

Travel distance

The TTC Bluish White tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko Rosewood linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Rosewood switch provides a more pronounced key travel experience, appealing to those who prefer a deeper feel when typing. The Bluish White, with its shorter travel distance, aligns with the increasing trend toward quicker response times, making it an ideal choice for gamers seeking faster actuation. Ultimately, if you value responsiveness and a less abrupt key press, the Bluish White may be the better option; however, if you enjoy a more traditional typing experience with greater travel depth, the Rosewood would be preferable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch offers a low-pitched, snappy sound profile that can be described as poppy and satisfying. This sound is largely characterized by a bass-heavy tone that provides a pleasant auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood linear switch produces a deep ‘thocky’ sound that is complemented by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, enhancing its acoustic performance straight out of the box. Both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, making them appealing to different types of users who may prefer either a sharper tactile response or a deeper, richer sound.

In terms of feel, the TTC Bluish White switches are known for their buttery, mild qualities, which deliver a smooth and refined typing experience. The tactile nature is stepped, offering a gentle resistance that is approachable and comfortable for most typists. This makes them suitable for long typing sessions where both feedback and comfort are key. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switches, being linear in design, offer a different tactile experience, focusing on smooth keystrokes without the tactile bump associated with other switch types. This linear action provides a consistent feel from top to bottom, making it ideal for those who prefer uninterrupted key travel.

In conclusion, both the TTC Bluish White tactile and the Akko Rosewood linear switches present unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Bluish White stands out with its low-pitched, tactile feedback and comfortable typing sensation, while the Rosewood excels with its deep sound profile and smooth actuation. Selecting between the two will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize the satisfying pop of tactile feedback or the uninterrupted linear experience, as both switches can deliver enjoyable results tailored to your typing style.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile and engaging typing experience, the Bluish White, with its snappy sound profile and buttery feel, is a great option. This switch is particularly well-suited if you're looking for a satisfying auditory feedback combined with a mild tactile bump that provides just the right amount of resistance during each keystroke. The relatively low bottom-out force makes it ideal for extended typing sessions or casual gaming, as it requires less effort to actuate. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother and quieter experience without any tactile feedback, the Rosewood switch may be your go-to choice. With its deep, thocky sound right out of the box and polished operation thanks to factory lubrication, it provides a more refined and plush typing experience. This makes it especially appealing for those who often find themselves in shared spaces and prefer to minimize noise while still enjoying satisfying key presses. Ultimately, both switches cater to different types of users, so consider your environment and typing habits to make the best choice that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Bluish White Tactile

$6.60

$4.63 per 10

Learn more

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more