Gateron CM vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often explore various options to match their typing preferences and aesthetic desires. The Gateron CM and Akko Rosewood, both linear switches, offer unique experiences that cater to different tastes. The Gateron CM stands out with its full nylon housing, breaking away from traditional polycarbonate designs to deliver a richer sound signature and an impressively smooth typing experience due to its impeccable factory lube job and lengthened, dual-staged spring. This results in a buttery, bouncy feel with a notably deep sound profile that many users find pleasing. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood captures attention with its satisfying thocky sound, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. While both switches offer a linear feel and emphasize smoothness, the CM provides a low-pitched and creamy sensation, whereas the Rosewood leans more towards a pronounced acoustic depth. As you weigh these options, consider what resonates with your typing style, but let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CM and Akko Rosewood switches, it becomes evident that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This shared choice of material leads to several similarities in performance characteristics. For instance, both the Gateron CM and Akko Rosewood switches offer a typing experience that is characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile, primarily due to the nylon's softer plastic properties. The absorption qualities of nylon contribute to a duller and rounder sound when typing, making each switch feel satisfying and smooth to the user. As a result, users can expect a similar aural experience when engaging with either switch, highlighting the effectiveness and popularity of nylon in mechanical switch design.
While both switches share the same material for both the top and bottom housing—nylon—it's essential to understand how this impacts the overall typing feel. The characteristics of the top and bottom housings are interdependent; the softness of the nylon contributes to the sound signature experienced during the key release, while also affecting the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. Thus, the consistent use of nylon in both the Gateron CM and Akko Rosewood ensures that the user will experience a balanced blend of auditory feedback across both the pressing and releasing of the keys, reinforced by the properties of the material itself.
In summary, the Gateron CM and Akko Rosewood switches, despite their different branding, converge on a key similarity in their housing materials, utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This choice reinforces a unified typing experience defined by a fuller sound profile and an overall satisfying tactile feedback. As contemplated, while the materials are the same, the qualities each housing imparts work harmoniously together, reflecting how the consistent application of nylon can yield similar results in performance and sound ergonomics, enhancing the appeal of both switches to mechanical keyboard users.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CM linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, a clear distinction in their actuation and bottom out forces emerges. The Gateron CM requires an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood is lighter, with an actuation force of just 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference means that the Akko Rosewood is more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue, making it an excellent choice for work or extended gaming. Conversely, the Gateron CM's heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial and tactile typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer push feel. Therefore, while both switches fulfill the basic functionality of keystrokes, their weight characteristics cater to different preferences in typing pressure and experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron CM linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko Rosewood linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Gateron CM offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Akko Rosewood, making it potentially more suitable for gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Rosewood's 4 mm travel distance aligns with the more traditional range and may feel more substantial for those who appreciate deeper key presses. Therefore, if you prefer a snappier, more responsive feel, the Gateron CM might be the better choice for you; however, if you desire a more pronounced keystroke, the Akko Rosewood would likely meet your needs better.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron CM linear switch is known for its deep, bassy tone that offers a rich sound profile with a low-pitched, thocky resonance during key presses. This uniquely deeper auditory experience is enhanced by the switch's nylon housing, further contributing to its satisfying acoustics. The CM delivers a fulfilling auditory feedback that can be compared to the comforting thud of a softer knock. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switch is also recognized for producing a deep, satisfying sound straight out of the box. While the descriptions lack detailed qualifiers, the inherent characteristics imply a similarly rich auditory experience, albeit without the extensive breakdown.
When considering tactile feel, the Gateron CM switch shines with descriptors like buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless. It promises a seamless and smooth keystroke experience that allows fingers to glide effortlessly from one key to another, courtesy of its factory lubrication and refined design. In contrast, there's limited information available about the feel of the Rosewood switch, so its unique textural characteristics remain unknown. However, given that both switches are designed to provide a smooth typing experience, users may find they achieve similar results in terms of key presses.
To sum up, both the Gateron CM and Akko Rosewood linear switches are crafted to deliver deep, satisfying sounds, with the CM providing a more detailed auditory experience. The CM's superior feel is characterized by a smooth, polished typing experience, while the Rosewood's feel remains unspecified. Ultimately, while both switches cater to those seeking enjoyable typing experiences, the CM may offer an edge in overall tactile feedback and auditory richness.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy feel with a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams and appreciate a richer sound profile, the Gateron CM switch is an excellent choice. Its unique full nylon housing and factory-lubricated design provide a smooth, buttery typing experience that glides seamlessly, along with a deep, bassy sound signature that many typists find satisfying. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a bit of resistance while typing, which can enhance tactile feedback and reduce accidental key presses. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of only 50 grams and enjoy a deeper thocky sound, then the Akko Rosewood switch might be more suitable for you. Its lightness lends itself well to rapid typing and prolonged usage without causing fatigue, while still delivering that appealing sound quality right out of the box, thanks to its light factory lubrication. Ultimately, your choice will reflect how you like your keyboard to feel and sound, so consider trying both if possible to find your perfect match.
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